What lifestyle modifications should I advise patients to prevent recurrent yeast infections?

To help prevent recurrent yeast infections, advise patients on the following lifestyle modifications:

• Avoid potential local irritants such as scented soaps, bubble baths, and vaginal douching, which can disrupt the normal vaginal flora and increase infection risk.
• Avoid wearing tight or non-breathable clothing and opt for loose-fitting, cotton underwear to reduce moisture and irritation in the genital area.
• Use simple vulval emollients to relieve symptoms and protect the vulval skin, especially if there is concurrent eczema or irritation.
• Do not use complementary therapies such as tea tree oil or other essential oils, as these may cause hypersensitivity reactions and lack sufficient evidence for prevention.
• Optimize management of underlying conditions that predispose to infection, particularly ensuring good blood sugar control in women with diabetes, as poor glycaemic control increases susceptibility to candidiasis.

These measures support symptom relief and reduce the risk of recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis.

Note that there is insufficient evidence to recommend oral or vaginal probiotics for prevention.

Routine treatment of asymptomatic male sexual partners is not advised.

For more detailed advice, provide patients with NHS information leaflets on thrush and reinforce self-management strategies.

¹