Preventing Vaginitis Health Article

Preventing vaginitis may be as simple as changing a few habits related to your hygiene, lifestyle, or clothing. Follow the tips below and see your health care provider if you suspect vaginitis again.

Hygiene

• Avoid using douches (unless recommended by your health care provider), vaginal sprays, scented toilet paper, or scented tampons. They contain chemicals that can irritate your vagina.

• Wash your vulva (outer vaginal area) thoroughly every day and keep it as dry as possible to guard against bacterial growth.

• Wipe from front to back after a bowel movement. This prevents spreading bacteria from your anus to your vagina.

• Change tampons frequently during your period to allow the flow of normal vaginal discharge.

Lifestyle

• Limit your number of sexual partners and use latex condoms to reduce your risk of infection.

• Get enough rest and sleep to help keep your resistance to infection high.

• Lose weight if you’re very heavy. Obesity can promote infection by preventing air circulation around your vagina.

• Exercise regularly to reduce stress and strengthen your body’s resistance to infection.

Clothing

• Don’t sit around in wet clothes, since yeast thrive in a warm, damp environment.

• Avoid wearing tight pants or pantyhose without a cotton crotch, since they trap warmth and moisture.

• Wear cotton underwear to allow good air circulation around your vagina.