Causes of recurrent yeast infections

Some women are more susceptible to yeast infections than others and will have recurring yeast infections or chronic yeast infections. There are a few possible reasons someone may face recurring yeast infections:

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• Sexual activity . Although yeast infections are not a sexually transmitted infection (STI), it is possible for partners to pass candida to each other. To avoid this, use condoms or dental dams and practice good hygiene after intercourse, such as showering. Avoid having sex when either partner has a yeast infection.
• The original yeast infection was not fully treated or the yeast infection is caused by a drug resistant strain . Symptoms may go away before the infection is fully treated. When that happens, the yeast infection will come back. There are also more drug-resistant strains of yeast, which makes it harder to get rid of others.
• It is not a yeast infection. There are other infections, such as bacterial vaginosis or STIs, which can have similar symptoms. This is one of the most important reasons to visit a doctor, such as a gynecologist or primary care physician, when a yeast infection does not clear up.
• Those with certain conditions, such as compromised immune systems , pregnancy , or uncontrolled diabetes , are more susceptible to yeast infections.
• While they can help, home remedies for yeast infections are not regulated by the United States Food and Drug Administration. The results vary. If your symptoms don't go away within a few days, be sure to see a doctor.

 How to prevent yeast infections

There are several ways to prevent a yeast infection.

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Avoid unnecessary use of antibiotics. Antibiotics can kill healthy bacteria in the vagina, causing yeast overgrowth, thus leading to a yeast infection.

Wear cotton underwear. Tight-fitting cotton underwear is more conducive to a healthy microbiome. Avoid tight, non-breathable clothing, such as leggings. These clothes can create a moist, humid area which is the perfect environment for candida overgrowth. For this reason, it is also important to quickly change wet or sweaty clothes, such as workout clothes or swimwear.

Avoid hot tubs and boiling hot baths, which promote the growth of candida, due to the hot, humid environments.

Take probiotics or eat yogurt with probiotics as they help balance the vaginal microflora. In addition to treating yeast infections, probiotics are useful in preventing yeast infections. The best probiotic to take will be with those containing the Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1 bacteria .
Avoid behaviors that can lead to yeast infections, such as poor hygiene. When performing personal hygiene practices, avoid douches, scented vaginal washes or scented lotions, as well as scented health products near the genitals, which can cause the vaginal microflora to lose balance.

Avoid sugary and processed foods . Yeast grows from sugar, so this can cause yeast to overgrow.

 Home remedies for yeast infections

There are natural ways to treat yeast infections. These home remedies for yeast infections are convenient for those who want to take a more natural and discreet path.

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1. Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has been found to inhibit the growth of candida albicans, the strain of fungi that typically causes yeast infections.

To use this natural remedy, take a bath and add half a glass of apple cider vinegar and soak in the tub for at least 20 minutes.



Never use apple cider vinegar at full strength. Due to apple cider's ability to kill bacteria and fungi, it could also kill healthy bacteria in the body. Dilute apple cider vinegar before using it.

2. Boric acid
Boric acid vaginal suppositories remedy yeast infections due to the antiseptic properties of boric acid. While you research the use of these suppositories, he concludes that this should only be used for recurrent and difficult to treat yeast infections. Since boric acid is so powerful, you need to use more gentle treatments first.



3. Coconut oil
Coconut oil, made from the pulp of coconuts, has natural antifungal properties. A scientific study has found that coconut oil can help inhibit the candida bacteria that cause yeast infections. To use this treatment, simply apply coconut oil to the affected area.

4. Cranberry juice or pills
Cranberry juice has been found to help with urinary tract infections by preventing the formation of candida albicans (the fungus that causes yeast infections). Although studies have not shown its ability to help cure candida albicans in the vagina, some women claim to have results. Cranberry juice and pills are also very rich in vitamin C, which can also help prevent infections.



5. Douching
Over-the-counter showers can fight yeast infections and relieve inflammation and irritation. However, most studies show negative effects of irrigation and few studies give positive results. According to the Office of Women's Health , doctors recommend that women not shower because they can cause problems getting pregnant, vaginal infections, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

6. Garlic
Garlic and garlic oil are known antifungal agents. Studies have also found that it has antifungal activity against candida albicans. While more traditional approaches may recommend inserting the garlic clove directly into the vagina, a less invasive approach is to simply add more fresh garlic to food and incorporate it into multiple meals.

7. Hydrogen peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is a strong antiseptic that has been found to kill yeast. It has not been specifically studied on vaginal yeast infection strains. Before applying to the vagina, be sure to dilute the hydrogen peroxide first.

8. Oil of oregano
Oregano oil, or oregano oil has been shown to inhibit the growth of candida albicans. To use oregano oil, use a couple of drops in a carrier agent, such as coconut oil or olive oil, and apply to the affected area.

9. Probiotics
Probiotics contain live bacteria, such as Lactobacillus acidophilus bacteria , which helps promote a healthy balance of bacteria in the vagina. They can treat or prevent bacterial vaginosis and urinary tract infections in addition to yeast infections.

Buy probiotic supplements online or in stores. These oral supplements can take up to 10 days to show results. To reduce the duration of the results, some women have used probiotics as vaginal suppositories. Eating yogurt (with live, active cultures) is another good way to increase your probiotic intake.

However, like many natural remedies, there is a lack of evidence that probiotics cure yeast infections. Researchers are still studying probiotics for yeast infections, but many doctors recommend taking one whenever an antibiotic is prescribed, as yeast infections are a possible side effect of antibiotics .

10. Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil is an essential oil with antifungal properties, which some people claim to cure yeast infections. It works by killing the cell walls and membranes of the yeast. Although more studies are currently needed, a 2015 study found that vaginal suppositories containing tea tree oil were able to function as a fungicidal agent thus killing candida albicans.

As with all essential oils, use a few drops of tea tree oil with a carrier oil when using it on the body. Women can buy vaginal suppositories with tea tree oil online.

11. Vitamin C
Vitamin C (Vitamin C Coupon | What is Vitamin C?) Boosts the body's immunity, and with a strengthened immune system, the body is better able to fight a yeast infection. Add more vitamin C by taking a supplement or by eating vitamin C-rich fruits and vegetables such as oranges and broccoli.

12. Yogurt
Yogurt (with live and active cultures) is a good way to treat yeast infections due to its high concentration of probiotics. As previously mentioned, probiotics can help fight candida albicans. A recent studies found that ingesting probiotic-containing yogurt with Lactobacillus acidophilus helps suppress yeast growth. While eating probiotic yogurt can improve yeast infections, some women even find relief by dipping a tampon in yogurt and vaginally inserting it, remembering to change it often. With this technique, use only plain, unsweetened yogurt or unsweetened Greek yogurt. Sugar-containing yogurt would help candida grow and thrive.

 What can a doctor prescribe for yeast infections?

Over-the-counter antifungal medications treat yeast infections and are available in creams or suppositories for internal application. Yeast infections can last anywhere from three days to two weeks, so one-day, three-day, or one-week treatments are available.

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There are also anti-itch antifungal creams that come with most treatments to help with external itching. The most popular brands of antifungal creams for treating vaginal yeast infections are Monistat (get a Monistat coupon | What is Monistat?) Or Vagistat. These treatments are also available online for those who are not comfortable buying them in-store.

A health care practitioner may prescribe you Diflucan (Diflucan coupon | Diflucan details) fluconazole (fluconazole coupon | fluconazole details ) a tablet that will treat fungal vaginal infections or a prescribed antifungal such as terconazole (Tersonazole coupons | terponazole details internally) , which is placed internally first to go to bed.

 Can a yeast infection go away on its own?

Mild versions of yeast infections have a chance to go away on their own, explains Dr. Sonpal. However, ignoring a yeast infection is not recommended because it is more likely to recur if not medically treated.

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While some people may choose to try yeast infection home remedies or over-the-counter treatments, there are some people who should visit their doctor when they have symptoms of a yeast infection. These patients include:

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• Those who have recurring yeast infections (four or more times in a year)
• Pregnant women
• Those who may have been exposed to a sexually transmitted disease (STD)
• Women who aren't sure if their symptoms stem from a yeast infection
• People who are unsuccessful with home remedies or over-the-counter medications
• Patients with uncontrolled diabetes or a weakened immune system due to certain medications or conditions such as HIV

 Types of yeast infections

There are several types of yeast infections, but they all occur when an area of ​​the body becomes infected with yeast-like fungi called candida (on yeast infections). This fungus thrives in moist, warm, folded areas of the skin, such as the groin, under the breasts, or armpits. Candidiasis is the main type of fungal infection in the body - it's caused by yeast and can occur in the mouth, intestines, throat, and vagina, explains Niket Sonpal , MD, an internist and gastroenterologist in New York. If it is not treated properly with medication, it is likely to grow out of control and infect the kidneys and heart.

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There are many different types of infections caused by the candida fungus, depending on the location on the body where it occurs and the type of candida present. Although they have some overlap in symptoms, they can also have different symptoms. The most common candida infections are:

• Cutaneous candidiasis happens when the skin on the body is infected. The most typical places where candida will grow are the skin between the fingers or toes, nails, armpits, under the breasts or around the groin. The main symptom is a red, itchy rash.
• Diaper rash in babies can sometimes be caused by candida overgrowth, which occurs when there is a humid environment from wet diapers that help candida thrive. A red rash appears between the skin folds and small red dots represent the infected area.
• Oral thrush occurs when candidiasis affects the lining of the mouth or throat. Oral thrush occurs as white lesions on the inside of the cheeks or on the tongue. Symptoms can also include bad breath, pain when swallowing, taste abnormalities and dry mouth (more on oral thrush).
• Vaginal yeast infections , also called vulvovaginal candidiasis, occurs when there is an overgrowth of candida in the vagina. Candida albicans is a common fungal strain in yeast infections. Symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection are irritation, itching, inflammation, and white, thick vaginal discharge.
• Yeast infections are common and occur in three out of four women at least once in their lifetime, says Dr. Sonpal. Since vaginal yeast infections occur in most women, this article will be specific only for the treatment and prevention of vaginal yeast infections.

 Natural remedies to fight a vaginal yeast infection

All yeast infections are different. For this reason, when symptoms persist for several days, it is important to see your doctor . Conventional treatment includes the use of topical drugs, such as clotrimazole or fluconazole.

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However, milder cases can be mitigated by using some natural remedies with antifungal and antibacterial properties. Although they are not as powerful as the remedies prescribed by the doctor, they can calm the symptoms. Do you know them?

Greek yogurt
Greek yogurt is a good natural remedy for vaginal yeast infection
Greek yogurt is a probiotic that can help restore the vaginal microbiota.
The probiotics contained in Greek yogurt can support the treatment of vaginal yeast infection caused by  Candida albicans . These live bacteria, especially Lactobacillus acidophilus,  help create a healthy environment within the vagina.

How to use it?
Buy Greek yogurt that does not contain added sugars, as these feed the fungus.
You can apply it on the outer walls of the vagina.
It is also healthy to consume one serving per day.

Boric acid to treat vaginal yeast infection
Boric acid is an element with antiseptic and antifungal properties that keeps yeast infections under control. Research carried out in 2009 suggests that it contributes to the treatment of vaginosis.

However, it is good to know that in large quantities it is an aggressive agent that can cause kidney damage, acute circulatory failure and even death. For this reason, it should not be applied to chapped skin nor can it be taken orally.

How to use it?
To deal with a vaginal yeast infection, it is recommended to dissolve a teaspoon of it in a basin of water.
To minimize discomfort, it must be applied to the vulva region.
Precaution : This remedy should not be used during pregnancy.

Coconut oil
Coconut oil can counteract the growth of a yeast infection
Coconut oil may limit the growth of fungi and yeasts.
L ' coconut oil is an element from antifungal properties that inhibit the growth of the fungus Candida albicans . Its regular use, therefore, helps to contain the vaginal yeast infection.

How to use it?
Buy 100% pure, organic coconut oil.
Apply it on the affected area.
Use it every day until you notice an improvement.
You may also be interested in reading: Vaginal fungal infections: 7 tips to fight them

Garlic to treat vaginal yeast infection
Without a doubt, garlic continues to be one of the best natural remedies for fighting infections. According to the results of a laboratory study, garlic could be an excellent remedy for controlling Candida albicans . However, further scientific evidence is needed to confirm the validity of these effects.

How to use it?
To benefit from its properties, it is recommended to consume a clove of raw garlic every day.
Equally useful can be a preparation for external use: crush a clove of garlic, add it to hot water and let it cool. Then strain and apply the liquid as a rinse.
Precaution : you should never insert garlic into the vagina for any reason. There have been reports of burns and pain following this procedure.

Wild oregano oil
Wild oregano oil is an antifungal
Another great natural antifungal is Scots Oregano oil.
Wild oregano oil ( Origanum vulgare ) contains two powerful antifungals, known as thymol and carvacrol. These components help stop or slow the growth of the Candida albicans fungus  . As a result, this remedy is particularly useful against vaginal yeast infection.

How to use it?
Mix three drops of oregano essential oil with coconut oil.
Apply to the external walls of the vagina (vulva area), with a gentle massage.
Precaution : avoid using the oil without diluting it. Don't even apply it inside the vagina. Remember that essential oils should not be taken orally.

 Symptoms of vaginal yeast infection

Symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection can vary according to the course of the disease. When the infection is mild, the patient may experience vaginal itching and changes in the flow. However, as the problem progresses, the following may also arise:

• Swelling around the vagina
• Pain during coitus
• Burning when urinating
• Red skin
• Eruptions
• Lumpy and grayish flow

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 Causes of vaginal yeast infection

A wide variety of microorganisms coexist in the vagina in a completely natural way. The Candida fungus  is one of them. Under normal conditions, bacteria known as Lactobacillus  help regulate their growth to avoid unwanted consequences.

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However, in the event of an imbalance, this yeast can overgrow and cause an infection. This, in turn, can be the consequence of factors such as:

• Prolonged consumption of antibiotics
• Pregnancy and hormonal changes
• Weakened immune system
• Uncontrolled diabetes
• Bad eating habits
• Stress and insomnia

When the vaginal yeast infection is recurrent or does not heal following the application of the usual treatment , its cause may not be the growth of the Candida fungus  . In these cases, it is absolutely necessary to undergo medical checks and laboratory tests.