HEALTH & LIFESTYLE
Common Habits That May Be Causing Your Yeast Infections
BY SARAH B. HAIDER
A person develops a yeast infection when the fungus candida undergoes excessive growth in the vagina, causing itchiness, swelling, rash, or abnormal discharge. About three-quarters of people with a vagina develop a yeast infection at least once in their lifetime, and they may not know that these habits contributed to it.
Your chances of developing a yeast infection increase when you wear very tight or damp clothing or fail to properly change out menstrual products. Other risk factors include high consumption of sugar and yeast, hormonal birth control pills and antibiotics, and products like lube, shower gel, and feminine wash.
If you have a painful yeast infection, you can increase your intake of Greek yogurt or other foods containing probiotics or apply coconut oil or oregano oil to treat it. If you feel that your condition has not improved, you can seek over-the-counter medicines, but go to a doctor if you suspect you have a different infection.