Females are more susceptible than males to yeast infections as their hormonal levels fluctuate constantly, and this creates an environment in which yeast thrive.

Estrogen and progesterone fluctuate at different times of the monthly cycle. Hormonal levels change at puberty and during pregnancy. Oral contraceptives and hormone therapy also create high levels of estrogen and/or progesterone.

This is one of the reasons why women tend to get yeast infections during pregnancy and menstruation.

Three out of four women develop a vaginal yeast infection (also commonly known as candida, monilia or thrush) also commonly known as candida, monilia or thrush Not only do fluctuating hormonal levels encourage the growth of yeast, but so do stress and being run down, times of low immunity.

The symptoms of a female yeast infection can be:

A fishy or yeasty odor

Itching

Discharge

Painful sex

Painful urination

Women need to take particular care of themselves when stressed. Women should eat healthy always to avoid yeast infections due to their bodies changing hormonally.

You may think you need products like douches and deodorant sprays to keep your vagina healthy. But you need to think again.

Most doctors today advise against douching as it can do more harm than good. Douching upsets the careful balance of bacteria and organisms inside the vagina. A balanced variety of ordinary yeasts and bacterial flora are expected to be present in any healthy vagina. Your yeast levels can quickly get out of control if friendly bacteria is wiped out by douching. When this baance is out of whack, you may experience the symptoms of a yeast infection.

Feminine and hygiene products often come with perfumes, fragrances, and dyes. You can buy scented sprays, toilet paper, tampons and pads, soap, bubble bath, lotion, laundry detergent, and fabric softeners. Chemicals that colour or scent the product can also have cause itching as a side effect in your vaginal area. It is possible that you could get a yeast infection if your skin is inflamed already.

So choose unscented products, and avoid bubble baths and strong soaps.

Fact not known by most people - vagina is a self cleaning part of woman s' body. Its natural discharges help protect you from harmful bacteria. That means it's better to leave your vagina alone.

Here are some more hygiene tips:

Wash the external part of your vagina with mild soap or even plain water. That's all you need to do to keep yourself clean.

Always dry yourself thoroughly after washing, swimming, or exercising.

On the toilet, wipe from front to back, not back to front.

Give your vagina some breathing space! Avoid tight pants. Wear underwear made of cotton rather than nylon, which can trap dampness.

Following these ideas will help prevent female yeast infections.