by Marianne Lange

Created on: July 11, 2008   Last Updated: July 16, 2008

Yeast infections are a perennial plague among most women. Without a doubt an imperative first line of defense, as with all health issues, is to be faithful to those regular checkups with your gynecologist. By doing this it will be easier to differentiate between something more serious and it will also be easier to get prescribed medication if needed.

First, be aware of the symptoms. There can be the discomfort of itching and burning in the vaginal area. Additionally, there may be a discharge and or odor. Some minor cramping or pain may be part of the process. It is important as women to be aware of our body's reactions and symptoms. Sometimes, you may have a symptom that is not on the list. If you are in contact with your doctor, this can be discussed and clarified. Communication is of the utmost importance and it is your proactive step to dealing with or avoiding these nasty infections.

There are, however, some easy things to do to lessen the likelihood that these infections will plague you and interfere with your comfort and life. There are foods and habits that can contribute to enhancing this problem. Carbonated drinks, chocolate, and caffeine are some of the major culprits that you can quickly cut out, cut down or at least avoid at certain times and that will help with dealing with yeast infections. Perhaps, limit sexual intercourse, especially if you have been using condoms. Some condoms can be an irritation. This may not be true for all but remember, we're individuals and some women do experience these issues.

Though fashion rules in our society, it is not always friendly. Tight clothing especially jeans, thongs or other constraining clothing will definitely contribute and irritate this problem. Leaving wet bathing suits on for long periods of time can also be a contributory factor. Sleeping in heavy sweatpants or like sleepwear should also be avoided. Stay with cotton underclothing or at least cotton lined underclothing. Additionally, one personal food habit that seems to help is daily doses of yogurt.

If you've been in contact with your physician and know the symptoms, if an emergency occurs and you can't get a prescription, you can try over the counter products but as with all medication of any sort, read labels and take care. If you take a proactive approach and consider these multiple and simple suggestions, which most doctors promote, there should be an improvement in handling these troublesome yeast infections.

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