I don’t know about y’all, but if there’s one thing that I try to avoid, with everything in me, it’s getting a yeast infection. Unfortunately, because I have a fungal sensitivity, I’ve had more of them over the course of my lifetime than I would like. The upswing, though, is that as I’ve learned more about them, I’ve been able to take preventative measures to keep those bad boys at bay. And one of those things is doing research on what causes them.
For instance, I used to wonder why it seemed like I would get yeast infections in warmer weather. At first, I thought it was all in my head, yet it absolutely isn’t — and if you read this all the way through, you’ll see why I say that.
Now that we are in full-blown spring season, there’s no turning back as far as the rising temps go. And so, if you are also someone who tends to get yeast infections during this time of the year, I’m about to explain to you the reason why the weather, 1000 percent, has something to do with it.
First,
a Quick Yeast Infection Recap
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Since it’s been reported that approximately 75 percent of women have will get at least one yeast infection in her lifetime, and almost half will experience more than one, there’s a pretty good chance that you’ve had one before — and that makes you pretty familiar with, at the least the symptoms, of a yeast infection. Still, in order for it to make sense that warmer weather can lead to more yeast infections, I’m going to briefly explain what a yeast infection is truly all about.
Something that pretty much all of us have somewhere on our body is a fungi known as Candida; however, something that you may not be aware of is the fact that only around 20 percent of women have it in their actual vaginal tract. Anyway, having Candida in your system isn’t an issue — unless there is an overgrowth with it. If that happens, it can lead to what is known as a yeast infection — and although you can get a yeast infection, pretty much anywhere on your body, what I am going to focus on today is vaginal yeast infections.
Although it is actually possible to have a yeast infection that doesn’t have any symptoms, typically, if you’ve got one going on, your body will certainly let you know because you will experience things like incessant itching (have mercy!), a thick white/off-white discharge, a swollen vagina and/or vulva, a burning sensation when you urinate and perhaps even discomfort during sex.
The cause of a yeast infection is usually tied to something that causes Candida to multiply because you have more “bad bacteria” in your system than good bacteria. This could be due to things like having a weakened immunity; an imbalance of hormones; antibiotics; being pregnant; your blood sugar levels being off; wearing underwear or pants that are too tight (bookmark that one); using body washes, spermicides or other body products that are too strong for your vagina (ones that end up irritating it) and/or douching.
If any of this leads to you having a yeast infection and it isn’t your first trip to the rodeo when it comes to experiencing one, there are over-the-counter antifungal medications that you can use. Or, if the yeast infection is chronic, your doctor may prescribe you an antifungal pill like Diflucan (although these days, you can oftentimes get a prescription prepared for you online via some of the same sites that prescribe birth control; check out “Before You Get Online Birth Control, Read This.” for some references on those).
Aight, so now that you basically get what yeast infections are all about, why does it seem like many women experience them more often during the spring and summertime? Is it all in their head, or is that actually a fact?
Why
Yeast Infections Sometimes Uptick Whenever the Weather Warms Up
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Remember how I said that one of the things that can lead to a yeast infection is wearing clothes that are too tight? Well, when your vulva and vagina aren’t able to breathe and instead, moisture is trapped in that area of your body, Candida is able to thrive. And that, my friends, is why it’s pretty common for women to either be more susceptible to a yeast infection in the spring and summer seasons, or they may end up with more than one of them (if they’re not careful). That’s because the warmer it is outside, the easier it is for air to hold moisture, and that can lead to you sweating more and your clothes retaining water — which creates the perfect storm for a yeast infection.
And that is why this article has the title that it does — indeed, if one of the things that you dislike about this time of year is that you have always found yourself being vulnerable when it comes to yeast infections, now you understand why. Humidity cultivates moisture, and trapped moisture causes fungi to multiply, and that can lead to a yeast infection.
6
Things You Can Do to Help to Prevent a Yeast Infection
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So does all of this mean that you just have to lie back and let Candida have its way with you right now? Absolutely not. In fact, as the weather heats up, here are a few things that can decrease your chances of experiencing a yeast infection.
1. Wear breathable fabrics. It’s sundress season, and no one can rock those like we can, right? And listen, yeast will be pissed at you if you do (especially if you go without undies) because the lightness of a sundress’s fabric makes it easier for your body to breathe and for your vaginal area to remain dry. So, sundress or not, definitelywear lighter fabrics like cotton, linen, and silk for the next few months.
2. Take vitamin C. Something else that I said could lead to a yeast infection is a weak immune system. That said, something that can help to keep yours in great shape is vitamin C. The main reason why is because it has the ability to strengthen your white blood cells, which are the cells that help to fight off infection. So, if you’re not doing so already, take a vitamin C supplement and also consume foods that are high in C like citrus fruits, berries, cantaloupe, spinach and broccoli.
3. Leave the scented products alone. We all like to smell good and you doing so is something that I will always and fully support — just make sure to keep the fragrance stuff away from your vulva and vagina. Again, it only irritates them. As an alternative, if you want to do a lil’ somethin’ down there, spray some perfume or apply a sensual essential oil to your inner thigh; the same mission will get accomplished without you having to worry about your vulva/vagina getting mad at you in the process.
4. Massage your vulva with coconut oil. This one might surprise you. Something that has pretty strong antifungal properties in it is coconut oil. That’s why some women use it to treat a yeast infection whether it’s by soaking a tampon with coconut oil and inserting it into their vagina or using it to soothe their irritated vulva. As a semi-preventative measure to keep fungi from irritating your vulva and/or to moisturize it, you certainly can’t go wrong with applying some organic coconut oil to “her” as well.
5. Swap out ice cream for frozen yogurt. Something that yeast feeds off of is sugar; meanwhile, something that keeps yeast from getting out of control is probiotics. And since this is the time of year when a lot of us enjoy scoops of ice cream, if you want to increase your chances of avoiding a yeast infection, consider going with frozen yogurt instead. Although both have sugar in them, yogurt also contains several strains of probiotics too. It’s a delicious way to proactively fight a potential yeast infection from the inside out.
6. Ease up on the stress triggers.When you’re stressed out, it can also make you more susceptible to a yeast infection because stress can weaken your immunity. So, get outside and enjoy the sunshine. Plan a vacation. Spend time with your friends at rooftop restaurants and enjoy a mocktail on your back deck (check out “10 Spring/Summer Cocktails (& Mocktails) That Your Vagina Will Truly Enjoy”). The less stressed you are, the less tension your vagina will feel…and the less chance there will be of you having a spring or summertime yeast infection. #givethanks #enjoy
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