Every woman would have had vaginal yeast infection at some point of her life. Vaginal yeast infection is known as Candidiasis in medical terms since it is caused by Candida fungus. Symptoms of yeast infection are severe itching, redness of vagina, abnormal vaginal discharge of white or cottage cheese color and irritation. Hundreds of bacteria and yeast dwell on the vagina and when its natural balance gets disturbed due to any reason, it can cause yeast infection. Several factors like stress, lack of sleep, pregnancy, weakened immunity, taking antibiotics, eating lot of sugar products, and fluctuating hormones can cause yeast infection. In rare cases candidiasis spreads through sexual contact.
Candida yeast lives in your vagina and its growth is monitored by lactobacillus bacteria. But certain factors can favor excessive growth of yeast leading to yeast infection. In rare cases yeast infection can spread through sexual contact. Under normal condition yeast lives in the vagina with controlled number. But factors like stress, increased sugar intake or taking antibiotics can disturb this balance causing overgrowth of yeast. The risk of yeast infection is high during a week before your menstrual period starts due to change in hormone levels. Frequent douching can also destroy good bacteria leading to overgrowth of yeast. Often no treatment is necessary for vaginal yeast infection since it will fade away within few days or a week.
Home Remedies For Yeast Infection :
Over The Counter Probiotics :
Plenty of probiotics like Provacare vaginal care ovules, HMF candigen suppositories, probiotic florall and probiotic rephresh etc are available. Once you take this probiotics it would increase the growth of good bacteria which in turn would restore the yeast level. You can insert the suppository into the vagina before going to bed and it may take few days or a week to regain the original level of yeast and bacteria.
Baking Soda :
Add a fistful of baking soda in your bathtub and soak your body for 20-30 minutes. This simple remedy will give excellent relief from itching and irritation of the vagina.
Yogurt :
Yogurt is known for treating inflammation and restoring acidic balance. You can apply yogurt (fragrance free) in and around the vagina and leave it overnight. You can also eat yogurt (unflavored) to get the same result. Yogurt contains natural bacteria in the form of Lactobacillus acidophilus.
Antifungal Medications :
Over the counter antifungal cream and suppositories can be obtained without a prescription. Three days or seven days options are available. Follow the instructions given in the label and with the help of applicator apply antifungal cream or suppositories into the vagina.
Coconut Oil :
Coconut oil is a natural remedy for controlling itching and irritation of the skin. You can apply coconut oil liberally on the affected area several times a day which would be absorbed into the skin within few minutes.
Vinegar :
Apple cider vinegar has antifungal property to treat yeast infection. Add 2 tsp of vinegar with lukewarm water and drink this solution. Alternatively you can soak yourself in the tub containing apple cider vinegar solution. You can apply this directly on the affected vagina and allow it to dry before washing.
Garlic :
Garlic is enriched with antibacterial and antifungal contents and is an effective home remedy for several kinds of skin problems. Crush few pods of garlic to make a paste and apply it in and around the vagina. In case you don’t like the smell of garlic you can take garlic tablets (twice) daily. Alternatively you can mix garlic paste with little coconut oil for getting quick relief.
Cranberry Juice :
Cranberry juice can be taken daily to get rid of irritation and burning sensation of the vagina. It can fight and destroy excess of yeast and is an effective remedy for urinary tract infection also. You can also take cranberry tablets daily to get the same effect.
Tea Tree Oil :
Mix few drops of tea tree oil with plain water or with olive oil for diluting it. Now apply this solution directly in and around your vagina. Do this several times a day. You can also soak a tampon with tea tree oil and insert it into the vagina and leave for couple of hours.
Oregano Oil :
Oregano oil can be diluted with water and applied on the vagina or you can take it in the form of tablets two times each day.
Calendula :
This herb is a natural antifungal agent for treating yeast infection. Crush fresh leaves of calendula and apply this on the infected area. Calendula can also be obtained in the form of cream from the medical stores.
Boric Acid :
Boric acid is available in the form of cream and as suppositories. All you have to do is to insert this into the vagina and go to sleep. Boric acid is an effective remedy for treating yeast infection. Alternatively, you can dilute boric acid solution and apply it directly on the affected skin. You need to repeat this remedy for at least a week to destroy the fungus completely. Pregnant women should not use this remedy.
A Word Of Caution :
Home remedies given above are for healthy women. If you have severe yeast infection it is better to consult your GP promptly. Home remedies can be effective for some people and not for others. You can always use antifungal suppositories for treating yeast infection.
Yeast Infection Prevention Tips :
- Avoid changing brands of tampons or pads and do not use strong deodorants in private parts.
- Wear right fitting pants or tights or pantyhose made of cotton.
- Avoid staying in wet clothing for long since it can increase the risk of infection.
- Take yogurt daily for maintaining normal balance of bacteria and yeast.
- Eat nutritious diet and avoid oily and spicy foods.
- Avoid douching and sitting in hot tubs for long periods.
- Change your underwear regularly.
- Maintain good hygiene while having periods.