10 things to know about yeast infections

Mention “yeast infections” to most women and they know you don’t mean athlete’s foot or thrush. A vaginal yeast infection has got to be one of the most uncomfortable problems a woman ever has. It’s not pain, it’s the severe itch and discomfort that can drive you around the bend.

You’d think because it’s such a common problem that we’d be more aware of it – unfortunately that’s not always the case.

Here are 10 facts about yeast infections:

1. 75% of women will have at least one vaginal yeast infection during their lifetime
2. 50% will of women will have more than one vaginal yeast infection
3. 2/3 of over-the-counter yeast infection treatments that are bought end up being used incorrectly as the women have wrongly diagnosed themselves as having a yeast infection when they had something else
4. Vaginal yeast infections are not a sexually transmitted disease or infection (STD or STI)
5. You don’t have to stop having sex if you have a yeast infection although you may not be too comfortable
6. The creams and ointments used to treat yeast infections can weaken the latex of condoms and diaphragms
7. Avoiding bubble baths and scented products can help reduce the risk of developing a yeast infection
8. Douching and using similar feminine hygiene products can raise the risk of yeast infections because they disturb the natural environment (flora) of the vagina
9. Wearing cotton panties can reduce moisture buildup in the vaginal area
10. Yeast is a normal part of the vaginal flora and should be present. It’s when the yeast grows and spreads that problems begin.

Stay tuned for the next post on how to take care of yourself if you do develop a vaginal yeast infection.

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Images: iStock and Stock.xchnge