Yeast infection (vaginal)

Connect with others who've been there. Share stories. Learn. Join Mayo Clinic's
online community.

Free

E-Newsletters

Subscribe to receive the latest updates on health topics. About our newsletters

  • Housecall
  • Alzheimer's caregiving
  • Living with cancer
View the Mayo Diet Book

Prevention

By Mayo Clinic staff

To reduce your risk of vaginal yeast infection:

  • Avoid douching.
  • Don't use scented tampons, pads, bubble baths or feminine hygiene sprays.
  • Wear cotton underwear and loosefitting pants or skirts.
  • Avoid tightfitting underwear or pantyhose.
  • Change out of wet clothes, such as swimsuits or workout attire, as soon as possible.
  • Stay out of hot tubs or very hot baths.
Lifestyle and home remedies

  • See Also

    • Hand Scheduled
    Section Focus
    Related Links
    Related Guides
    Children
    Parent
  • Vaginitis
References
  1. Frequently asked questions: Vaginal yeast infections. National Women's Health Information Center. http://womenshealth.gov/faq/vaginal-yeast-infections.cfm. Accessed April 21, 2010.
  2. Vaginitis. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. http://www.acog.org/publications/patient_education/bp028.cfm. Accessed April 21, 2010.
  3. ACOG Committee on Practice Bulletins — Gynecology. Vaginitis. Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2006;107:1195.
  4. Hemsell DL. Gynecologic infections. In: Schorge JO, et al. Williams Gynecology. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill Medical; 2008. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aid=3149718. Accessed April 21, 2010.
  5. McCormack WM. Vulvovaginitis and cervicitis. In: Mandell GL, et al. Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 7th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier; 2010. http://www.mdconsult.com/book/player/linkTo?type=bookPage&isbn=978-0-443-06839-3&eid=4-u1.0-B978-0-443-06839-3..00107-7. Accessed April 21, 2010.
  6. Sexually transmitted diseases treatment guidelines 2006. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/std/treatment/2006/vaginal-discharge.htm. Accessed April 21, 2010.
  7. Corigliano MA, et al. Candidiasis, vulvovaginal. In: Ferri FF. Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2010: Instant Diagnosis and Treatment. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby Elsevier; 2010. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/198374960-2/0/2088/112.html?tocnode=58125592&fromURL=112.html#4-u1.0-B978-0-323-05609-0..00012-5--sc0010_2218. Accessed April 21, 2010.
  8. Sobel JD. Candida vulvovaginitis. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed April 21, 2010.
  9. Nyirjesy P. Vulvovaginal candidiasis and bacterial vaginosis. Infectious Disease Clinics of North America. 2008;22:637.
  10. Falagas ME, et al. Probiotics for prevention of recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis: A review. Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy. 2006;58:266.
DS01182 May 18, 2010

© 1998-2012 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). All rights reserved. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.com," "EmbodyHealth," "Enhance your life," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research.

  • Reprints
  • Print

  • Share on:

  • Email

Advertisement


Text Size: smaller largerlarger