Yeast infections are a common health issue, particularly among women. A yeast infection occurs when there is an overgrowth of a fungus called Candida. This overgrowth can cause itching, burning, and other irritating symptoms in areas like the vagina, mouth, and skin folds. Many women wonder if their bathing habits can lead to getting a yeast infection. There are a few ways that bathing might contribute to yeast infections. However, bathing itself is usually not the direct cause of vaginal yeast infections. Understanding the connection between bathing and yeast overgrowth can help women make choices that promote vaginal health.
What is a yeast infection?
A yeast infection is an overgrowth of a fungus called Candida. Candida is a yeast that normally lives in small amounts in places like the mouth, throat, gut, and vagina. When too much Candida grows, it can cause symptoms like itching, burning, and cottage cheese-like discharge. The medical term for a vaginal yeast infection is vulvovaginal candidiasis. Yeast infections most commonly affect the vagina and vulva, but can also occur in the mouth (known as thrush) or skin folds.
Some factors that can increase the risk of getting a yeast infection include:
- Using antibiotics
- Having uncontrolled diabetes
- Having a weakened immune system
- Being pregnant
- Using hormonal birth control
- Wearing tight, non-breathable clothing and underwear
Yeast infections are not considered sexually transmitted infections (STIs). However, women can sometimes pass a yeast infection back and forth to their sexual partner. Treatment is typically an antifungal cream or suppository that can be purchased over-the-counter or prescribed. It is also important to address any underlying factors that may have allowed the yeast to overgrow in the first place.
Can bathing habits cause yeast infections?
Many women wonder if the way they bathe can lead to getting unwanted yeast infections. Here are a few ways that bathing could potentially contribute to yeast overgrowth:
Taking very hot baths
Exposing the vagina to very hot water may alter the environment and promote yeast growth. The healthy vagina maintains a temperature between 98°F and 100°F and an acidic pH around 3.8 to 4.5. Very hot water can disrupt these conditions and create an environment more favorable to yeast. Warm baths are fine, but avoiding extremely hot soaks may help prevent yeast issues.
Infrequent bathing
Not bathing regularly can allow sweat, dirt, menstrual blood, and vaginal discharge to accumulate. This lack of hygiene can change the vagina’s pH balance and allow yeast to overgrow. Most experts recommend bathing at least once a day with warm water and a mild soap. Cleaning the vulva daily is key, even when not bathing.
Using perfumed products in bath water
Heavily scented bath products like bath bombs, oils, and bubble bath can irritate vaginal tissue. The fragrances they contain can disrupt the vagina’s healthy pH and allow yeast to thrive. It’s best to stick to plain water when bathing to support vaginal health.
Not cleaning bath toys
For women who use bath toys or bubbles, properly cleaning them is a must. Bacteria and yeast can live on these toys if they are not cleaned and disinfected regularly. This can allow infections to spread from the toys into the vagina. Clean bath toys at least once a week.
Wearing damp swimwear or underwear
Sitting in a wet bathing suit or underwear after swimming or bathing creates a moist environment perfect for yeast growth. It’s best to remove swimsuits and shower after swimming. Change out of damp underwear after bathing. Wearing breathable cotton underwear can help keep the area dry.
Are baths a direct cause of yeast infections?
While the above factors link bathing habits to increased yeast infection risk, bathing itself is rarely a direct cause of vaginal yeast infections. Two thorough clinical reviews found no evidence that healthy women who bathe regularly are more prone to vaginal Candida overgrowth. Even in women prone to recurrent infections, bathing did not increase their risk when compared to women who bathed less frequently.
The vagina and vulva are self-cleaning and water alone does not disrupt the vaginal environment. In most cases, other factors like antibiotics, hormonal changes, chronic health conditions, and inadequate hygiene play a larger role. Healthy women with intact immune systems are less susceptible to disturbances from regular cleansing.
Tips for bathing to support vaginal health
While bathing itself does not directly cause yeast infections, following these tips can help minimize any risks:
- Avoid very hot baths that may alter vaginal pH. Warm bathwater is fine.
- Cleanse the vulva and labia daily with warm water, even on days not bathing.
- Change out of wet bathing suits and underwear promptly.
- Wear breathable cotton underwear.
- Limit use of fragranced products in bath water.
- Clean bath toys regularly to prevent bacterial/yeast overgrowth.
- Bathe daily and after sweating to promote hygiene.
- Pee after bathing to flush out any bacteria that may have entered.
Following healthy vaginal hygiene practices can limit the risk of yeast overgrowth while still enjoying baths.
When to see a doctor
It’s normal to get a yeast infection once in a while despite proper bathing habits. However, frequent or severe infections may indicate an underlying medical issue. See a doctor if you experience:
- More than 3-4 yeast infections in a year
- Severe symptoms like soreness, cracking, swelling, pain with sex
- Foul, gray, or yellow discharge
- Infection during pregnancy
- Symptoms that persist despite over-the-counter treatment
- A possible STI due to new sexual partner or other risk factors
A doctor can check for potential causes like diabetes, hormonal changes, or chronic illnesses. Males and post-menopausal women with yeast infections should also seek medical care.
Conclusion
While bathing itself does not directly cause yeast infections, practices like hot baths, infrequent cleansing, and wearing wet swimwear can increase risks. Sticking to proper vaginal hygiene practices can help prevent yeast overgrowth while still enjoying baths. Most yeast infections are easily treated with over-the-counter antifungals. However, frequent or severe infections may indicate an underlying medical issue that requires a doctor’s care. Paying attention to bathing habits, vulva hygiene, and any symptoms can help minimize disruption from vaginal yeast infections.