Many of us had one before and some of us are the unlucky ones that experience them more than once a year. Does having a yeast infection mean we’re dirty? That we’re not taking care of ourselves well? Not at all! We’re here to bust some myths around yeast infections:
Myth #1: You only get yeast infections if you don’t clean your vagina correctly
When it comes to douching your vagina, we have one big piece of advice: DON’T!!! Not only isn’t there a need for it since your vagina is self-cleaning, but it can actually be harmful. Douching can disrupt this natural balance that we just talked about. You also might want to avoid scented soaps or products that can cause a vaginal imbalance.
Myth #2: Antibiotics will help make yeast infections go away
Antibiotics are great because they kill bacteria. Antibiotics can also suck because they kill bacteria—specifically, vaginal bacterias that curb the growth of candida (yeast infection). To counterbalance these effects, adding vaginal health probiotics to your routine can help replenish healthy bacteria and prevent yeast overgrowth.
Myth #3: Yeast infection is caused solely from poor underwear choices and sex.
It turns out that your blood-sugar levels can have some serious repercussions on the state of your underwear. Yeast grows in high sugar environments, so if you have Type 2 diabetes that isn’t well-controlled, you may be more susceptible to yeast infections. Consider that another reason to get your blood sugar and/or diabetes under control, be it through medications, exercise, or diet. You also get a yeast infection from the lack of sleep as well!
Myth #4: You can’t get a yeast infection during pregnancy
Yeast infections during pregnancy are more common than any other time in a woman’s life, especially during the second trimester of pregnancy.