According to recent statistics, up to 75 percent of women will have a yeast infection in their lifetime while 50 percent of them will get it more than once. However, if you’re a Black woman with endometriosis, you’re odds might be much higher. When you’re more prone to having yeast infections, you need to know the best ways to prevent them.
How Endometriosis is Linked to Yeast Infections
Doctors report that many women who have endometriosis also complain about having yeast infections more regularly than those who don’t have the condition. While more research needs to be done, it’s estimated that endometrial cells affect your hormonal balance in a way that influences the vaginal environment. The modified environment is then more susceptible to the growth of the microorganism that causes yeast infections. Additionally, a recent study suggests the presence of Candida albicans – the microorganism that causes yeast infections – can encourage the growth of endometrial cells. Though this has yet to be proven, yeast infections and endometriosis may have a mutually beneficial relationship.
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10 Ways to Prevent Yeast Infections
1. Choose Underwear Wisely
Your underwear should encourage the flow of air while not holding on to heat or moisture. That’s why doctors often recommend cotton instead of other materials.
2. Wear Loose Clothing
When your clothes are too tight, it can make your groin area hot and this can encourage the growth of yeast.
3. Toss the Douche
Feminine hygiene products that are touted to clean your vagina may disrupt the balance of microorganisms instead. This is especially likely if they have soaps and fragrances. You should also avoid scented products like sanitary napkins, tampons, and bubble baths.
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4. Keep Baths Cool
Taking hot baths or going into hot tubs can lead to more yeast infections. It’s a good idea to keep the water cooler when taking a bath.
5. Stay Dry
If your clothes get wet, you should always change them as quickly as possible. The excess moisture can encourage the growth of microorganisms that cause yeast infections.
6. Act Responsibly When Menstruating
If you don’t change sanitary products promptly when menstruating, you run the risk of developing a yeast infection. Most of these products will have a guide as to how long is usually safe.
7. Wipe Carefully
When you use the bathroom, it’s important to wipe from front to back so you don’t introduce harmful microorganisms from the anus to the vagina.
8. Eat Probiotics
Some studies have shown that eating yogurt that has active cultures can boost the good bacteria in your body. This will likely reduce your risk of having yeast infections.
9. Manage Your Diabetes
People with diabetes are more prone to yeast infections because the imbalance in their blood sugar levels can change their vaginal pH. If you’ve been diagnosed with diabetes, you need to ensure that it’s under control.
10. Use Antibiotics Sparingly
Antibiotics can affect the balance of microorganisms in your body. With this in mind, you should only take them if you have to.
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How This Affects Black Women
While the official numbers show that Black women tend to comprise only 11 percent of those who are diagnosed with endometriosis annually, there’s more to the story. Black American women generally get diagnosed at least five years later than other ethnicities and may not be considered for the same treatment options. These facts can significantly affect how they get yeast infections – especially since Black women are already more prone to developing those infections.
When to See Your Doctor
The first thing you should do is let your doctor know that you’re having recurring yeast infections so they can check for other conditions like diabetes, which can increase your risk. If you keep getting an infection every two to three months, this is a sure sign that something else needs to be done. While you can treat your yeast infection with over-the-counter medication, you should tell your doctor if one course of treatment doesn’t get rid of the problem.
Finally, you’re better off going to your doctor if you think you might be pregnant. Some over-the-counter medications aren’t safe for a developing fetus.
The data surrounding Black women, endometriosis, and yeast infections is sparse. However, there’s enough to show that you need to take preventive health measures to keep the infection at bay if you’re already dealing with endometriosis. If your at-home measures aren’t helping, you need to talk to your doctor about how to proceed.
