How can I prevent infections?

Proper treatment of the vulva can prevent vaginitis, while improper routines can cause itchiness and discharge. Give these procedures several days to two weeks to clear symptoms.

Rest, nutrition:

• Get plenty of rest and balanced nutrition to maintain resistance to infection.
• Eat and drink less sugar, alcohol, and acidic food.
• Use less tobacco.

• Use Nirena to avoid the bacterial imbalances that invite infections.
• Nothing that lathers should go on the vulva, a mucus membrane like the mouth.
• Do not use shampoo during a bath or allow it to contaminate the vulva during a shower.
• Avoid genital contact with bar soap, bath oil, bubble bath, detergent, shampoo, and any other product with perfume or alkaloid components.
• Avoid genital contact with lotions and creams, including moisturizer, sunscreen, depilatory, shaving gel, talcum powder, baking soda, and cornstarch.
• Avoid so-called feminine hygiene sprays, which disturb natural pH balance.
• Do not use douche or vaginal showers, which kill natural bacteria and spread infections.
• Rinse the tub thoroughly before and after a bath.
• A lukewarm shower irritates less than a bath.
• Dry the vulva with a cool blow dryer instead of a contaminated towel.
• Wash underwear with unscented soap. Avoid detergent, bleach, softener, and anti-static products.
• Wipe from front to back to keep fecal bacteria out of the vagina and urinary tract.

• Do not continue to treat recurring vaginitis with the same creams that are not working.

• Avoid tampons, napkins, and panty liners except during your period, as a slight discharge is normal and foreign products can increase it.
• Never use tampons, napkins, or panty liners with perfume or deodorant.
• Change products often, at least three times a day.
• Choose appropriate absorbency, as too much can irritate.
• Look for cotton-lined tampons, rather than plastic, as they can irritate.

• Wear loose, white, cotton underwear during the day, as dyes and synthetic fabrics can irritate.
• Wash new underwear before wearing.
• Avoid underwear while sleeping.
• Wear loose breathable clothing, rather than heavy or tight garments like jeans, pantyhose, or spandex.
• Cut open the crotch of panty hose and or wear cotton panties under them.
• Change into dry clothing soon after swimming.

• Avoid dressing too warmly.
• Beware of excess heat from electric blankets, thick comforters, water-bed heaters, plastic mattress covers, vinyl seats, etc.
• Avoid sitting cross-legged for long periods.
• Use toilet paper that does not shred.
• Beware of ingrown hairs or infected roots from shaving or depilating.
• Resist scratching, which can cause infection at the roots of hairs.

• Urinate before and after intercourse.
• Avoid sex with partners who have genital sores.
• Beware of spermicides, contraceptive gels, foams, and sponges that can cause irritation.
• Try high-quality, water-soluble, greaseless lubricants or lubricated condoms if your vagina is dry.
• Do not lubricate with Vaseline, baby oil, or soap.
• Consult your physician if child birth, oral contraceptives, or menopause affect lubrication.