Preventing Vaginal Infection
Practicing these simple tips will significantly reduce your risk of getting a vaginal infection:
1. It is best to wear cotton panties. Cotton breathes, helping the vaginal area to stay dry. Itâs also recommended to not wear panties at night when you are sleeping.
2. Donât douche.
3. Donât use K-Y jelly for lubrication. It can be a breeding ground for bacteria.
4. When being treated for a vaginal infection, use all the medication, even if you think you are better.
5. Donât have sex during a treatment for a vaginal infection and until the symptoms are gone.
6. Avoid products that can irritate the vagina such as feminine hygiene products, perfumed or deodorant soaps, powders, lotions, and bubble baths (I assume this is only during a time of infection).
7. Avoid wearing of tight-fitting clothes such as bathing suits, exercise wear, pantyhose, or slacks over a long period of time.
8. Donât scratch the infected area (easier said than done)! Itching will only make things worse.
9. If your period starts while you are using vaginal creams or suppositories, continue your regular medication schedule during your period and donât use tampons â use pads instead (again, easier said than done).
10. When trying to take of things yourself, if it doesnât clear up, get to the doctor. Try not to use any vaginal products for 48 hours before your appointment.
11. Always use condoms during sexual intercourse unless you are in a long-term monogamous relationship.
12. Always wipe from front to back after urination or having a bowel movement (something only women can appreciate).
Source: http://womenshealth.about.com/od/vaginaldischarg1/a/preventvaginald.htm
