yeast infections

Every woman has a small number of healthy yeast cells in her vagina, but when there's an overgrowth of these, it's likely that she's experiencing a yeast infection. With symptoms like unusual discharge, pain, or irritation, a yeast infection may be a big bother, but the issue is very common, relatively easy to treat, and may be preventable if you take the right measures.

Stay dry: Wearing wet bathing suits or staying in sweaty workout clothing is not a good idea, since excess moisture causes yeast (candida) to flourish. Always have a change of underwear when possible; this is especially important if you've been in a hot tub, lake, or river, since bacteria flourishes in these environments.

Don't douche: It may seem like douching would help the cause, but it's just not the case. The process flushes out the good bacteria that keep your pH in balance.

Learn about lube: All personal lubricants are not created equally. If you're prone to yeast infections, then stay away from glycerin-based choices. Yeast thrives on sugar, and since glycerin is a sugar-based liquid, you're better off choosing a different option.

Pick up probiotics: Eating yogurt with active cultures provides excellent protection from yeast infections. If you're not a fan, then take probiotic supplements instead. Going for a diet that's low in sugar will also keep the yeast beast at bay.

Clean up your diet: Candidiasis is by far the most common type of yeast infection. While it hasn't been proven that a full-blown candida cleanse diet clears up infections, many in the holistic health community believe that cutting out sugar, white flour, yeast, and cheese can drastically clear up major candida overgrowth issues. For those suffering from consistent yeast infections, cleaning up your diet might be something to consider.

Slow down: According to the US Department of Health and Human Services Office on Women's Health, even stress and lack of sleep can cause yeast infections — just another reason to slow down, take time to relax, and get at least seven hours of sleep every night.

When you're dealing with a yeast infection, don't let it go untreated or expect it to clear up on its own. As soon as you've identified your symptoms, you'll want to treat it right away. Otherwise, you could be dealing with a far more gnarly situation later.

Find out the best ways to treat a yeast infection after the break!

If warm, sunny weather is inspiring you to get hot and heavy, you may want to skip getting it on in the pool, and save your nookie time for dry land. Although making sweet love in the water sounds sensual and natural, since you're wearing next to nothing already, it's not exactly the safest way to get it on.

Here's a mood killer for you: lake, river, ocean, and pond water contain bacteria, so getting intimate can introduce that bacteria into your vagina, which could put you at risk for infections that you don't want up there. Pool water is no better since it contains chlorine that could irritate your lady business, or disrupt the natural pH balance in your vagina, leading to a yeast infection. As for hot tubs, they're often not chlorinated enough, which means they're teeming with who knows what.

Still not convinced? Then keep reading.

As a follow-up to the great workout panty debate, I thought we should visit a similar issue — to wear or not to wear panties when in the land of nod.

There's really no right or wrong answer here, because it depends solely on your body and your preference. If you've never had a problem wearing panties to bed, then it's perfectly healthy to continue wearing them. Definitely opt for cotton undies, since this natural material is breathable. Wearing tight underwear or a pair of polyester panties can lock in moisture and lead to yeast infections. If you're uncomfortable with the idea of sleeping with nothing between you and your sheets, try slipping on some loose cotton boxers!

On the other hand, if you love to sleep without underwear, then going panty-free is OK, too. Just do what allows you to feel the most comfortable and get the most restful night of sleep. And, if you're prone to yeast infections, going commando while you snooze may help prevent this issue.