Vaginitis cannot always be prevented. However, adhering to the following guidelines may reduce a woman’s risk of developing vaginitis:

• Practice safe sex
  
  
• Eat a healthy diet
  
  
• Reduce stress
  
  
• Wear loose-fitting undergarments
  
  
• Wear only undergarments composed of 100 percent cotton or other natural fibers
  
  
• Avoid use of vaginal sprays/deodorants and douches
  
  
• Avoid use of deodorized tampons
  
  
• Avoid hot tubs, whirlpool spas and bubble baths
  
  
• Immediately change out of a wet bathing suit after swimming or exercise clothing
  
  
• Exercise proper toilet habits (e.g., wipe from front to rear)
  
  
• Do not insert dry objects (e.g., unlubricated penis or condoms) into the vagina
  
  
• Do not engage in sexual intercourse multiple times each day
  
  
• Eat yogurt with live lactobacillus (a “good” bacteria) cultures regularly 
  
  
• Use a vaginal moisturizer after menstruation or sexual intercourse