(HealthDay News) -- While yeast infections usually can be treated easily with medication, there are steps you can take to prevent them altogether.

The American Academy of Family Physicians offers these suggestions to reduce your risk of a yeast infection:

• Avoid tight-fitting pants and underwear in favor of loose-fitting clothes. Always choose natural materials, instead of synthetic.
• Use cotton underwear. And avoid wearing pantyhose or leotards every single day.
• After you shower, make sure the genitals are completely dry. Consider using a hair dryer on a low, cool setting.
• After using the toilet, always wipe from front to back.
• If you're wearing wet clothing, change as soon as possible.
• Avoid douching, feminine hygiene sprays, fragranced and colored toilet paper, or deodorant tampons and pads.

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