How to get rid of a yeast infection
A yeast infection is a common type of fungal infection. It usually affects the genital area, causing pain, itching, and discharge. But how do you treat a yeast infection at home?
Women are more prone to vaginal yeast infections, with 75% experiencing at least one in their lifetime. However, men can also get a genital yeast infection.
A fungus called Candida albicans is the most common cause of these infections. However, other types of fungi can also be responsible.
There are a variety of treatments to fight yeast infections, including many home remedies that you can self-administer. This article explores eight home remedies for yeast infections and helps you find the best treatment for you.
Home remedies
east infections can be treated at home with antifungal creams available in pharmacies and drug stores.
In many cases, yeast infections can be easily and successfully treated at home. This can be done with over-the-counter products or with alternative therapies.
Anecdotal reports suggest that many women find relief using these home treatments.
However, scientific evidence varies as to the effectiveness of these alternative therapies.
1. Over-the-counter treatments
Antifungal treatments in the form of creams or pessaries can be purchased without a prescription to treat yeast infections. You can buy them over the counter and online, or you can find them at:
- pharmacy
- drugstores
- supermarkets
Depending on the product, the treatment could be for external or internal use and treat the infection with:
- single app
- 3 day application
- one week app
Internally applied treatments have been shown to cure more than 80% of vaginal yeast infections. These contain powerful antifungals called azoles.
2. Boric acid
Boric acid vaginal capsules can help women who have a yeast infection. These can be especially helpful for women with recurring infections.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests a 600 mg dose of boric acid in a capsule to be inserted vaginally once a day for 14 days. Before buying any suppository, consult a doctor.
Some research reports that topically applied boric acid, along with the antifungal flucytosine, successfully treats approximately 70% of women with this problem. This study examined women with yeast infections who did not respond to azole-based antifungal treatments.
3. Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil has antifungal properties that can kill yeast and fungi.
Tea tree oil has traditionally been used for its antifungal properties. A review of studies on this essential oil confirmed its ability to kill a variety of yeasts and fungi.
In most of the studies reviewed, tea tree oil was tested to treat candida albicans , one of the most common fungi in vaginal infections.
Vaginal suppositories containing tea tree oil have been shown to treat vaginal yeast infections. Some women report relief from adding diluted tea tree oil to a tampon and inserting it into the vagina overnight.
However, many precautions must be taken when using tea tree oil, as it can irritate the skin, and the vaginal walls are particularly sensitive.
Tea tree is an essential oil and as such must be mixed with a base oil. The tampon can be soaked in a mixture of 3 to 5 drops of tea tree oil in 1 ounce of warmed coconut oil. It is important to change your tampon regularly.
Also, there may be people allergic to tea tree oil. Try using the diluted oil on a dime-sized area on your forearm, and if you don't have a reaction in 12 to 24 hours, it may be safe to use it on the genital area, which is more sensitive.
Other research indicates that a component of tea tree oil (terpinen-4-ol) improves the functioning of the common antifungal drug fluconazole. This is in cases of drug-resistant Candida albicans .
4. Probiotic supplements
Some probiotic supplements can offer a natural solution to yeast infection. You can get them at pharmacies and health stores, or online.
Some probiotic supplement brands sell products specially formulated for female reproductive health. These aim to restore the balance of bacteria and fungi in the vagina. The supplements are taken orally or inserted vaginally.
In a 2012 study, women with chronic yeast infections inserted a specially formulated probiotic pill into the vagina. About 87% reported an improvement in their symptoms. The treatment also had a long-term effect on the fungi that caused the infection.
In the study, the women used one pill every night for a week. They then inserted one every three nights for 3 weeks. After this, they used the treatment only once a week continuously as a preventive measure.
Other research suggests that the probiotic lactobacilli may increase the effectiveness of antifungal medications taken by women with vaginal yeast infection.
5. Natural yogurt
Unsweetened and unflavored plain yogurt contains beneficial bacteria called probiotics. These contribute to health and help restore the balance of bacteria and fungi in the body.
A 2006 research review found that certain types of probiotics can fight some of the fungi that cause vaginal infection. While those who reviewed the research pointed to some problems with several of the studies cited, many people reported relief from:
- eat yogurt
- applying yogurt to the vulva around the vagina
- insert yogurt vaginally
6. Coconut oil
Coconut oil has antifungal properties and has been shown to fight the fungus Candida albicans . Raw organic coconut oil can be applied internally or externally to relieve symptoms.
Warm coconut oil can also be used as a base oil for stronger antifungal essential oils, including tea tree oil or oregano oil.
You can buy coconut oil online. Some products are made specifically for cooking, and not for use on skin, so shop around for products and brands to choose the appropriate product.
7. Garlic
Garlic is known to be an antifungal and antibiotic. However, recent research suggests that eating garlic has no effect on yeast levels in the vagina.
Some women have tried using garlic internally instead of eating it. They claim that placing a clove of garlic threaded with a thread in the vagina at night relieves them of yeast infections. While there is no evidence that this works, it is a low-risk home remedy for yeast infection.
People with sensitive skin may experience burning and even skin damage. Therefore, those who have sensitive skin should not use garlic. If the burning sensation worsens, it is necessary to discontinue use.
A vaginal cream containing garlic and thyme was also found to be as effective as clotrimazole vaginal cream for treating yeast infection.
8. Oil of oregano
Wild oregano oil can slow or stop the growth of fungi.
Most oregano oil is made from common oregano, origanum marjoram , which has no special properties.
However, oregano oil made from wild oregano, origanum vulgare , contains two powerful antifungals: thymol and carvacrol.
Some research has shown that using wild oregano oil stops or inhibits the growth of Candida albicans . Capsules containing oregano oil can be inserted into the vagina at night. Alternatively, it can be applied to a tampon before inserting it. We recommend that you compare different products.
Essential oils should be mixed with base oils before use and should never be applied directly to the skin. You can mix 3-5 drops of oregano essential oil in 1 ounce of sweet almond oil, warmed coconut oil, or olive oil. Soak a tampon in this mixture for a few minutes, then insert and change it every 2 to 4 hours during the day. A medicated tampon should not be left in for more than 6 hours. It's a good idea to do a forearm allergy test before using oregano oil.
When to avoid home remedies
Many home remedies are safe for most people who have yeast infections. However, the following people should not be treated at home:
- pregnant women
- anyone who has been exposed to a sexually transmitted infection
- people with recurrent yeast infection
- people who are not sure if their symptoms are caused by a yeast infection
Prevention
Vaginal yeast infections are a common problem that can be prevented by taking simple precautions. Between them:
- wearing loose clothing and cotton underwear
- avoid skinny jeans and pantyhose, as fungi thrive in hot, humid environments
- remove wet bathing suit or gym clothes as soon as possible
- avoiding vaginal sprays, perfumes, and lotions, which can irritate the vagina and cause an imbalance of bacteria and fungi
- drying the genital area thoroughly after showering or bathing
- avoiding douching
- using a water-based lubricant during sex
- showering after intercourse and oral sex
- taking probiotics or eating foods rich in probiotics
- reduce sugar intake, since mushrooms feed on sugar
- taking antibiotics only when needed, as these upset the balance of bacteria and fungi in the body
consider using other contraceptive methods, as estrogen-based contraceptives can promote fungal growth
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