Candida albicans is a type of fungus that naturally lives in the vagina and usually is not a cause for concern. It can however sometimes multiply faster and cause vaginal candidiasis, often known as a vaginal yeast infection.
Itching, inflammation, Irritation, and unpleasant smell of yeast infection discharge can be typically brought on by this fungal overgrowth.
A yeast infection happens to the majority of people in the vulva and vagina at some point in their lifetime and they seek treatment for infection in the female private part.
It is important that you visit a gynecologist if you’re experiencing signs of a yeast infection for the first time so they can make sure you don’t have anything else.
However, if you know you have a yeast infection, there are a number of home remedies for a vaginal infection that could help. You might already have most of these ingredients in your pantry or home for some of these treatments. However, there is some variation in their efficacy, and the majority of their success stories are anecdotal.
Let’s read on to find out more about these time-tested home remedies for vaginal yeast infection treatments and how to cure vaginal yeast infection.
What causes a vaginal yeast infection?
Yeast overgrowth on a bodily part is the major reason for a yeast infection. You could develop a yeast infection for a variety of causes, including:
- Hormones: Changes brought on by menopause, breastfeeding, or pregnancy might alter the harmony in your vagina.
- Sex: Sexual contact can transmit yeast from one individual to another. Additionally, sexual activity can alter the bacterial composition of your vagina.
- Diabetes: An increase in sugar in your vaginal mucus membranes can provide yeast a location to flourish.
- Antibiotics: These medicines have a significant negative impact on the beneficial bacteria in your vagina.
- Douches and vaginal sprays: have the power to alter the balance in your vagina.
- Immune system weakness: The yeast may also grow out of control if you have an immune system disease or are HIV-positive.
Symptoms of Vaginal Yeast Infection
- Pain, itchiness, or burning in or around the vagina.
- Vaginal burning while urination.
- Rash
- Redness with cottage cheese-like yeast infection discharge that is thick and white.
- Painful intercourse
- Vaginal inflammation
- Soreness of skin or fissures
How to treat a yeast infection?
Yeast infection treatment includes antifungal medications called azoles, which can be acquired with a prescription or over-the-counter, and are primarily used to treat yeast infections by killing the fungi (OTC). These consist of
- Clotrimazole (Monistat) with miconazole (Gyne-Lotrimin)
- Terconazole (Terazol)
- Butoconazole (Gynazole), and tioconazole (Vagistat)
Additional Candida species are frequently treated with other antifungal medications such as amphotericin B (Fungizone), flucytosine (Ancobon), nystatin (Mycostatin), or the oral azole fluconazole (Diflucan) since topical azoles are far more effective against C. Albicans than they are against other Candida species.
11 Home remedies for vaginal yeast infections
- Greek yogurt
- Albicans may be successfully fought against by using probiotics. As a result of the live bacteria, it contains, such as Lactobacillus acidophilus, yogurt might be regarded as a probiotic. There is a need to maintain a healthy environment in your vagina, and these bacteria are necessary for that.
The healthy bacteria in probiotics can help in the management of an overgrowth due to an imbalance. According to a 2017 study, consuming yogurt may help the gut flora grow, which may reduce the body’s yeast levels. If you don’t like yogurt, you can try other probiotic meals or take a probiotic supplement.
Choose plain Greek yogurt when treating a yeast infection with yogurt. Make sure there isn’t any fruit, sugar, or flavor added to the yogurt. The Candida fungus may develop faster as a result of added sugar. Try eating the yogurt, applying it on the vulva around the vagina, or putting it in vaginally to benefit from it.
- Essential oil of oregano
You can typically get common oregano, also known as Origanum marjoram, in the spice aisle at your local supermarket. The sort of oregano oil used to treat yeast infections is different, though.
Oregano oil prepared from Origanum vulgare, or wild oregano should be taken.
According to a 2017 study, oregano essential oil can effectively stop C. Albicans from growing. Never take essential oils orally. For aromatherapy, essential oils are designed to be inhaled. While some researchers are looking into different applications for oregano essential oil, experts currently advise diluting it with a carrier oil, like sweet almond or olive oil.
Pour 3 to 5 drops of essential oil into an ounce of carrier oil before using. After that, rub it into the skin. A diffuser can also be used to inhale it. Avoid using this essential oil close to the genital area.
- Boric acid.
Many people believe that the strong antiseptic properties of boric acid can be used to treat vaginal yeast infections that may be resistant to other treatments. Along with other topical treatments, boric acid vaginal suppositories can be used to treat vaginal yeast infections.
Large doses of boric acid are toxic. Too much boric acid consumption can cause renal (kidney) harm, circulatory failure, and even death. Boric acid should be used sparingly and it is to be avoided if you have broken skin. Using boric acid in any form is strictly not advised if you are pregnant. Additionally, it may not be a good option for those with sensitive skin. If discomfort develops, stop using.
- Probiotic suppositories and supplements
Probiotics help in maintaining and re-establishing the normal bacteria-yeast balance in our body. You can restore balance to your vaginal and intestinal flora by starting a routine of oral probiotics that contain strains of the Lactobacillus acidophilus bacteria. One approach to enhance probiotics is by eating yogurt.
Some people choose to utilize probiotics as vaginal suppositories in order to experience results more rapidly because oral supplements take around 10 days to take full impact.
Suppositories containing probiotics have additionally shown success in treating vaginosis.
- Tea tree oil
Bacteria, Fungi, and viruses can all be destroyed by the application of tea tree oil, which is an essential oil. Research says, that a vaginal suppository that contains tea tree oil aids in vaginal infections treatment. Antifungal effects of tea tree oil have been identified. According to a different study, tea tree oil works well as an antibacterial to help dissolve the biofilm.
Tea tree oil is one of the most robust and strong oils. If it’s going to come in contact with your skin, make sure to dilute it with a carrier oil, like jojoba or coconut oil. The best choice is pre-made tea tree vaginal suppositories. Never consume tea tree oil and only use it sparingly. Sensitive skin and tea tree oil application is not a good combination. If you feel any pain, stop using the product. Never use tea tree oil directly on the skin without dilution.
- Apple cider vinegar
An apple cider vinegar soak is one common treatment for yeast infections. There are innumerable medicinal applications of vinegar, some of which have been significantly backed by research.
The acidic component of apple cider vinegar can get rid of harmful microorganisms, including yeast, when you add a half cup to a lukewarm bath and soak for 20 minutes.
A bath in apple cider vinegar is different from douching as the latter tries to remove all bacteria from your vagina, whether good or bad. You become more prone and open to getting infected with yeast infection again if you do this. Don’t use apple cider vinegar for a douche.
Vinegar should be diluted with water before its application to the skin. furthermore, try incorporating apple cider vinegar into your regular diet.
- Coconut oil
The flesh within the Coconut is the main source of the fatty coconut oil. Of its abundant health advantages, one includes its antifungal qualities. Studies have shown that coconut oil is efficient against C. Albicans, making this natural therapy one of the few with a strong track record of effectiveness.
Make sure to purchase pure, organic coconut oil if you plan to use it to treat a vaginal yeast infection. It is fine to apply Coconut oil directly to the afflicted area as it cause no harm.
- Garlic
Garlic is effective at killing Candida, according to numerous studies, though perhaps more so for some strains than others.
While additional research is required, a study from 2019 looked at the impact of applying a garlic solution to mouth sores and discovered that it was successful in preventing the formation of Candida. It was still less efficient than the antifungal drug nystatin (Nystop), though.
Increase your intake of garlic if you want to try using it to treat a yeast infection.
Garlic insertion into the vagina is advised against, contrary to some websites. The active components in garlic can burn and hurt when applied to skin or mucosa(mucosa-also known as the mucous membrane, is the sort of wet tissue that coats the inside of the mouth and, yes, the vaginal walls). Just Keep using garlic as a food additive.
- Hydrogen peroxide
An antiseptic that can eliminate both bacteria and yeast is hydrogen peroxide. In the vagina, Lactobacillus bacteria produce hydrogen peroxide as part of their biological defense against yeast.
Some people swear by applying hydrogen peroxide topically when they have a yeast infection, albeit it won’t work on all species of yeast.
The use of hydrogen peroxide to treat vaginal infections is not well supported by science. Avoid dousing yourself in hydrogen peroxide. It can help prevent yeast from forming on the genitalia by adding it to a bath or diluting it in water.
Before applying it to your genitals, diluting it with half water and half hydrogen peroxide is advised. Furthermore, it is not advised to use it for a longer time.
- Vitamin C
Along with strengthening the immune system, vitamin C is also known for its benefits to skin health. A hearty immune system allows your body brings back its equilibrium.
Vitamin C, commonly known as ascorbic acid, due to its antibacterial properties may sometimes be added to the diet to treat Candida overgrowths.
Increase your vitamin C intake to help your body fight off a yeast infection. Since the vaginal area is delicate and sensitive, the application of acidic vitamin C is not advised.
- Vitamin E
For specific forms of vaginitis, some doctors advise taking vitamin E. In fact, research has shown that vitamin E can help lower inflammation in the laboratory strain of Candida albicans.
Atrophic vaginitis, also known as vaginal atrophy, is the thinning of the vaginal walls brought on by a lack of estrogen, and vitamin E suppositories have been demonstrated to help with this condition. The acidic environment of the vagina is altered by atrophic vaginitis, which raises the possibility of bacterial and yeast infections.
To calm the vulva and vaginal mucous membranes, apply vitamin E oil or a suppository of vitamin E once or twice daily for three to fourteen days.
When to steer clear of home remedies?
Vaginal yeast infection antifungal remedies can safely be used by most people who have yeast infections. However, these individuals should refrain from trying the following home remedies:
- Expecting mothers
- Anyone who may have an STI – sexually transmitted infection
- Individuals who continually have yeast infections
- Individuals who may be uncertain whether their symptoms are due to a yeast infection or something else.
When to seek medical help?
Most of these home cures will provide relief in a few days. Some could require up to a week. During treatment, if your symptoms worsen or if any new symptoms emerge, see a doctor right away. Call a doctor if you experience continuous irritation that is unrelated to the symptoms of a yeast infection.
Ask a doctor for help if your infection clears up with treatment only for it to come back. To permanently eliminate the infection, you might require prescription-strength medication.
How to avoid vaginal yeast infections?
To help avoid future yeast infections, use these tips.
- Sugar, alcohol, and processed foods should all be used in moderation. Yeast needs sugar to grow.
- Wear breathable, loose-fitting cotton underwear that is not too tight.
- Avoid spending a lot of time in wet or sweaty training clothes or swimming suits. In warm, damp settings, yeast can flourish.
- Use antibiotics only as needed.
- Avoid the usage of scented soaps, vaginal lotions and vaginal deodorant sprays, and douches. They might change the ratio of yeast to beneficial bacteria in your vagina.
- Frequently replace tampons and pads
- Be sure to always wipe from front to back after going to the washroom.
- Limit your time in hot tubs and extremely hot baths.
FAQs
- Can antibiotics cause a yeast infection?
Antibiotic use has been linked to a risk of vaginal yeast infection. This is because antibiotic use disturbs the normal vaginal microbiota, allowing yeast to proliferate more than usual.
Do yeast infections naturally heal themselves?
It is possible sometimes. The majority of yeast infections are not dangerous and go away on their own eventually. To alleviate symptoms, you might wish to try an over-the-counter drug or a home remedy. If your symptoms persist after a few days, speak with your doctor.
- What distinguishes bacterial vaginosis from a yeast infection?
Although both these infections have different origins and subsequent treatments, both, bacterial vaginosis (BV) and vaginal yeast infections share most of the same symptoms. In both conditions, the result is vaginal vaginitis – inflammation of the vagina.
One of the key differences between BV and a yeast infection is that in bacterial vaginosis, there is a pungent, fishy odor, whereas that is not the case in vaginal yeast infections. Additionally, in bacterial vaginosis, there will not be vulva redness and irritation which are the signs of a yeast infection.
Conclusion
A yeast infection may or may not respond to home remedies. If you use essential oils, herbs, and other supplements, purchase these only from a reliable supplier to ensure that they are safe, pure, and of good quality.
Depending on the patient, the degree of the infection, and the standard of the therapy utilized, a home remedy may or may not be beneficial. Ask your doctor about how to cure yeast infections with more natural methods of prevention and treatment if you frequently get vaginal infections. If you’ve never experienced a yeast infection before, it’s also important to visit a doctor.
Remember that delicate vaginal skin may get irritated with any product, whether natural or not. In the event that you feel any irritation or pain, stop using the cure and seek medical attention.
