How To Prevent Yeast Infections Before They Start This Winter—Ob-Gyn’s $3 Undies Swap, the Best Lube and More
Cold weather can trigger yeast infections. Our experts explain why and how to stop them in their tracks
Yeast infections in the dead of winter? Not only do they happen, but there’s been a recent surge in people searching the internet for help with the itchy condition in 2026. “During colder months, people tend to stay inside, often with dry heating systems, and in tighter, less breathable clothing that traps heat and moisture,” says Carly Ross, MD, an assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Rowan University and a medical advisor for Winx Health. Non-seasonal factors are also at play, including antibiotic use, hormonal shifts and even dietary changes, notes Sameena Rahman, MD, board-certified Ob-Gyn and founder of GYN & Sexual Medicine Collective in Chicago. If you’re one of those folks visiting Dr. Google to stop that itch, the experts are here to help. Keep reading for their best advice on how to prevent yeast infections this winter—and anytime.
What is a yeast infection exactly?
Every woman has what scientists call a vaginal microbiome, kind of a mini-ecosystem of bacteria, fungi and other microbes that live in the vagina and play a crucial role in keeping us healthy below the belt. “A yeast infection happens when there’s an overgrowth of Candida, a fungus that normally exists in the vagina in small amounts,” explains Dr. Ross. “It becomes problematic when it multiplies rapidly, disrupting the balance of the vaginal microbiome and causing uncomfortable symptoms like itching, burning and thick discharge.”
If you have or suspect a yeast infection, especially if it’s your first one or you’re getting them often, talk to your doctor. While the condition itself is relatively harmless, symptoms can overlap with more serious issues—and chronic infections can signal an underlying condition like type-2 diabetes. (Click here to read more about signs of a yeast infection women over age 50 should never ignore.) Your doctor can suggest the best treatment options, such as a prescription for the anti-fungal medication fluconazole.
Woman's World Answers
Of course, most of us agree that prevention is the best medicine, so keep reading for tips on stopping the itch before it starts.
4 Doctor-approved ways to prevent yeast infections
To help keep yourself healthy and itch-free, consider these strategies:
1. Switch to cotton underwear
When a University of Colorado team set out to see if there was a link between thong underwear and yeast infections, thongs were exonerated—at least the ones made of cotton. Regardless of the style of panties, women who wore options made from synthetic fabric were more prone to yeast infections. “The theory is that heat and moisture can get trapped in synthetic material, contributing to yeast overgrowth,” says Dr. Rahman. “I have patients switch, especially if they have recurrent issues.” You can find cotton panties in multi-packs for as little as $3 per pair on places like Amazon.
Worth noting: There is also research suggesting women who often wear tights and tight clothing tend to get more yeast infections—which makes sense, since tight clothes can also trap heat and moisture against the body. Go for flowier options as often as you can.
2. Consider vagina-friendly probiotics
University of Washington research has found that when probiotics were used in addition to a standard prescription anti-fungal yeast treatment, it reduced recurrence rates by 66 percent. Can probiotics help with prevention on their own? Dr. Rahman says more research is needed to say for sure, “but there is emerging data that Limosilactobacillus fermentum has promise,” she shares. You’ll find that strain in brands like Garden of Life Dr. Formulated Probiotics for Women and O-Positiv Vaginal Probiotic.
Adds Dr. Ross: “Probiotics can help repopulate the vaginal microbiome with beneficial bacteria, primarily Lactobacillus strains, that keep yeast in check. These good bacteria produce lactic acid, which maintains the vaginal pH growth at an optimal level that’s inhospitable to yeast overgrowth. They also produce antimicrobial substances that directly inhibit yeast.” She recommends Winx Health’s Vaginal Health Probiotic.
3. Go easy on sugar
While eating a cookie or candy bar won’t have a direct impact on your vaginal microbiome, yeast feeds on sugar, notes Dr. Ross. When blood sugar frequently spikes or stays chronically elevated, yeast feasts.
A simple strategy to help keep sugar lower no matter what you eat: Aim to eat several bites of veggies and protein before enjoying sweets or sugar-spiking refined carbs—and avoid eating sugar or processed carbs on an empty stomach. Oh, and if you have prediabetes or diabetes, your vagina will thank you for working with your doctor to find a diet or other treatment that gets blood sugar to healthy levels.
Want to take your dietary approach to the next level? Eat in a way that encourages a healthy microbiome throughout the body. That means eating lots of fiber from a wide variety of plants, because beneficial bacteria love fiber as much as yeast loves sugar! And try to add healthy probiotic-rich fermented food like yogurt or kimchi to your meals each day.
4. Choose the best lube
A 2013 study in Obstetrics & Gynecology “demonstrated an associated lower risk of yeast infections with water-based lubricants versus oil-based lubricants,” says Dr. Rahman. And newer research has found that not all water-based lubes are created equal. K-Y Jelly, Astroglide, Replens and many popular brands are “high osmolality”—which means the product’s fluid contains a lot more dissolved particles than normal body fluid—which has been associated with an increase in yeast infections and damage to protective tissue in the vagina. So look for “low osmolality” on labels. Dr. Rahman likes Good Clean Love Barely Naked and Desert Harvest Aloe Glide brands. Silicone lubes also tend to have low osmolality; Dr. Rahman recommends Uberlube.
The bottom line about preventing yeast infections
We have lots of options when it comes to preventing the itch and burning of yeast overgrowth. And remember: If you’re struggling with the situation often, go to your doctor. Treatment with a prescription anti-fungal (fluconazole) has been found to keep over 90 percent of women at risk for recurrence blissfully yeast-infection-free!
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