Candida albicans—yeast—is a fungus that grows naturally and harmlessly in women's vaginas and in the intestines in both men and women.

"They are natural flora. They live there just like bacteria live in the mouth," says Michael Spence, M.D., an obstetrician and gynecologist at Hahnemann University School of Medicine. "If there is an upset in the balance or ecology of the area by taking antibiotics, or if you have diabetes, for instance, then you get more yeast and a vaginal infection."

Sleep like Eve. yeast thrives in a warm, damp atmosphere, says Dr. Spence, so one of the best preventive measures you can take against this fungus is to keep your vaginal area ventilated—that is, cool and dry. Sleep naked or take your panties off underneath your nightgown when you go to bed and give your body 8 hours of unencumbered relief.

Wear loose clothing. During the day, avoid tight-fitting clothing or clothing made from fibers that don't allow good air circulation. Those include plastic, polyester, and leather fabrics, says Dr. Spence. Cut down on the layers of clothing you wear. Don't wear panties under panty hose under tight jeans. When you get home, peel off extra layers, such as panty hose, and let your body breathe. Wear skirts when you can.

Don't dust. Starch is the perfect medium for growing fungus cultures, says Dr. Spence. Since most after-bath powders have a starch base, you're encouraging an infection when you use a dusting powder. Keep powder out of your panties.

Use an over-the-counter vaginal medicine. There are some places you just can't scratch (at least in public) and this is one of them. While your prescription medicine works on eliminating the fungus, you can reduce the itch with an OTC such as Benadryl or Cortaid. Or dab an over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream around the vulva and vaginal opening to lessen the itch. Just be sure you don't use these creams before seeing a doctor because they may cover up an infection and prevent a proper diagnosis.

Use a natural lubricant. Mineral oil, petroleum jelly, egg whites, and plain yogurt are dandy substances for lubrication during intercourse, says Dr. Crandall, because they aren't chemically irritating unless you are allergic to them. (Do not use petroleum jelly with condoms, because it will cause holes to form in the rubber.) Do not use baby oil, because it contains perfume, which can irritate.

Say no to chemical potions. A sure way to aggravate an already delicate situation is to add chemicals to your smoldering yeast infection. Avoid douches, contraceptive jellies, foams and sprays, yeast-killing tablets, and feminine deodorants, says Dr. Crandall.

Mix yourself a healing bath. One alternative to douching is the sitz bath. Fill a shallow tub (just to the hip) with warm water, then do one of the following.

Now, sit in the water, knees apart, until it gets cool. The bath will do the cleansing.

Put spermicides in their place. Spermicides are another chemical to keep out of your vagina, especially if you are prone to infections. If you plan to use a spermicide during intercourse, put the spermicide inside the reservoir tip of the condom, where it can do the work it was meant to do, says Dr. Crandall.

No scents is good sense. Choose plain, unscented personal products. Perfumes and deodorants on tampons and sanitary pads can irritate or trigger another episode of vaginitis.

Wash with water. Soap, shampoo, bath salts, and oils remove the natural oils that protect your skin and may leave an irritating residue. Wash your vaginal area with plain water and friction when you shower. A hand held shower head is perfect for directing the spray.

Make cotton queen. Choose cotton panties because they wick moisture away from your skin. Nylon will retain heat and moisture, which invites yeast to grow. If you prefer the feel of nylon against your skin, choose panties with a built-in cotton crotch. If your panties don't have a cotton crotch, a panty liner or mini-pad may be a good substitute.

Always wear panty hose with a cotton crotch, so air can pass through to cool and dry the vagina. And remember, you don't have to wear panties with panty hose! The fewer layers of clothing you wear, the more ventilation you get.

Use uncolored toilet paper. Dye is another chemical with chafing potential. Dr. Crandall suggests you avoid unnecessary irritation by using plain white, unscented toilet paper.

Keep germs in their place. Wipe from front to back after a bowel movement. Wash anything that comes in contact with the anus before touching the vagina.

Wash before intercourse. If you and your partner are both squeaky clean, there's less chance of transferring yeast germs into your vagina. Wash your hands and genitals before intercourse.

Rinse with water only. The vagina is naturally self-cleaning, but some women feel they need to douche. If you douche, Dr. Crandall recommends a gentle cool-water douche used on an infrequent basis because it is the least irritating thing you can use.

Do not douche during your period when your cervix is open; the upward flow might push infection into your uterus. Also, never douche during pregnancy unless your doctor recommends it.

Douche with vinegar. Vinegar has approximately the same acidity as the vagina, which is one reason a lukewarm vinegar and water mix (4 teaspoons vinegar to 1 pint of water) is sometimes suggested as a douching liquid. Some doctors suggest that a vagina with the correct pH balance is less likely to grow excess yeast.

Also, there are premixed vinegar-and-water solutions available for women who don't want to mix their own.

Avoid sex when you have vaginitis. Intercourse can further irritate the inflammation caused by a yeast infection. Also, yeast can spread to your partner who may reinfect you later, says Dr. Crandall.

Urinate before and after. Men and women should wash and urinate before and after sex to flush germs out of the urethra and avoid bladder infections, says Dr. Crandall.

Use a condom. An unribbed, unlubricated condom will be less irritating. It will also protect partners from passing yeast back and forth.

Keep your blood sugar under control. Yeast thrives on sugar, according to a study at Mount Sinai Hospital in Hartford, Connecticut. High sugar intake contributes to yeast infections. It provides food for yeast. People with diabetes, who are more prone to yeast infections, should monitor their blood sugars. Also, excessive lactose in dairy products and artificial sweeteners increase the likelihood of yeast infections.

For maximum absorption, take supplements with meals