Vaginal yeast infections are very common in women. It’s estimated that 75% of women will have at least one yeast infection in their lifetime. Though yeast infections can happen to anyone at any time, there are certain things that make getting them more likely. Most infections can be cleared up quickly and easily.
Factors that can increase the risk of getting a yeast infection are pregnancy, stress, chronic health conditions, diabetes, use of oral contraceptives, steroids and antibiotics. Itchiness and discomfort are the main symptoms of a yeast infection, but there are others. You may also experience any or all of the following:
- Burning, redness, and swelling of the vagina and the vulva (the outer part of the female genitals)
- Pain or burning when you pee
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- Pain or discomfort when urinating
- A thick, white, odorless discharge, similar to cottage cheese
In many cases, yeast infections can be easily and successfully treated at home. This is done with either over-the-counter products or alternative therapies.
# YogurtLactobacillus acidophilus, a 'friendly' strain of bacteria present in yogurt, can control the growth of infection in the body. For treating a yeast infection, only use plain, unsweetened yogurt.
# Coconut OilCoconut oil has effective antifungal properties that can kill the fungi responsible for yeast infections.
# Apple Cider Vinegar
Both apple cider vinegar and white vinegar contain some distinctive components that can control a yeast infection and get rid of the fungi causing it.
# Garlic
Garlic is a very well-known herb that can be used to cure various ailments. The antifungal, antibacterial and natural antibiotic components present in garlic can be highly effective in treating any kind of yeast infection.
# Boric acidVaginal boric acid capsules can work for women with a yeast infection. These may be especially useful for women with recurrent infections. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)Trusted Source suggests a dosage of 600 mg of boric acid in a capsule inserted vaginally once a day for 14 days. Before purchasing any suppositories, consult with a doctor.
Some research Trusted Source reports that topically applied boric acid, along with the antifungal flucytosine, successfully treats approximately 70 percent of women. This study looked at women with yeast infections that did not respond to azole-based antifungal treatments.
# Tea tree oilTea tree oil has long been prized for its antifungal properties. A reviewTrusted Source of research on this essential oil confirmed its ability to kill a range of yeasts and fungi. Vaginal suppositories containing tea tree oil have been shownTrusted Source to treat vaginal fungal infections. Some women report relief from adding diluted tea tree oil to a tampon and inserting this into the vagina overnight. Tea tree is an essential oil and, as such, needs to be mixed with a carrier oil. People can use 3-5 drops of tea tree oil in 1 ounce of warmed coconut oil to soak a tampon. It is important to change the tampon regularly. Also, people can be allergic to tea tree oil. Test the diluted oil on an area the size of a dime on the forearm, and if there is no reaction in 12 to 24 hours, it may be safe to use on the more sensitive genital area.
# Oil of oreganoMost oregano oil is made using the common oregano, origanum marjoram, which has no special properties. oil of oregano made from the wild oregano, origanum vulgare, contains two potent antifungals: thymol and carvacrol. Capsules containing oil of oregano may be inserted into the vagina at night. Alternatively, it can be applied to a tampon before insertion. Comparing different products is recommended. Essential oils should be mixed with carrier oils before use and never applied directly to the skin. People can mix 3-5 drops of oil of oregano essential oil in 1 ounce of sweet almond oil, warmed coconut oil, or olive oil. A tampon should be soaked in this mixture for a few minutes, then insert and change every 2-4 hours during the day. People should not leave a medicated tampon in for more than 6 hours. It is a good idea to test for allergies to oil of oregano on the forearm before use.
# CranberriesCranberries contain both antibacterial and antifungal properties and can be used to fight the fungi responsible for yeast infections. It can also treat urinary tract or any other kind of bladder infections.
Many home remedies are safe for the most people with yeast infections. But pregnant women, anyone who has been exposed to a sexually transmitted infection, people with a recurrent yeast infection, people who are unsure if their symptoms are caused by a yeast infection should not try to treat themselves.
PreventionVaginal yeast infections are a common complaint preventable by taking simple precautions. These include:
- Avoiding tight jeans and pantyhose, as yeast thrives in moist and warm environments. Wearing loose-fitting clothing and cotton underwear
- Avoiding vaginal sprays, perfumes, and lotions, which can irritate the vagina and cause an imbalance of bacteria and yeast
- Reducing sugar consumption, as yeast feeds on sugar
- Drying the genital area thoroughly after showering or bathing
- Changing out of wet swimwear or gym clothing, as soon as possible
- Taking antibiotics only when necessary, as these upset the body’s balance of bacteria and yeast