Some ways to prevent vaginitis

• Have good personal hygiene, rinse well and dry the genital area properly. However, be careful not to wash too frequently or use antiseptic products that weaken the mucosa.
• Wipe from front to back after a bowel movement to prevent the spread of bacteria from the rectum to the vagina.
• Avoid the use of scented products (soaps, bubble baths, toilet paper, tampons or pantiliners).
• Avoid using vaginal douches for hygienic purposes. Douching changes the natural balance of the vaginal flora.
• Do not use vaginal deodorant.
• Regularly change tampons and sanitary napkins.
• Wear cotton underwear (avoid nylon and g-strings).
• If possible, wash underwear with a little bleach in hot water to kill microorganisms.
• Sleep without underwear to allow air to circulate around the vulva.
• Avoid wearing tight pants and nylon tights.
• Avoid keeping a wet swimsuit.
• Have safe sex, to prevent the risk of trichomoniasis and other sexually transmitted infections.

Adopt good eating habits. The vaginal environment is a reflection of the general condition of the organism. A balanced diet low in fat and processed foods is essential to prevent vaginal infections. To promote the balance of the vaginal flora and stimulate immune function, it is also recommended to consume rich foods:

-in vitamin A and beta-carotene such as organ meats, liver, sweet potatoes, carrots and spinach;

-in vitamin C such as red and green peppers, guava, kiwi and citrus fruits;

-in zinc such as oysters, meats (beef, veal, lamb), chicken, legumes and whole grains³.

Particularly for yeast vaginitis, it is recommended to avoid consuming too much sugar, including sugary fruit juices.

Consume probiotics. Consumption of probiotics, in the form of yogurt, may be beneficial (see section Complementary approaches). Moreover, since the regular consumption of kefir, tempeh and sauerkraut helps maintain the health of the intestinal flora, it could have the same effect on the vaginal flora.