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.

How to cure yeast infections in the vagina

 How to cure yeast infections in the vagina

There are several options to treat vaginal yeast infection in the vagina. In milder cases, antifungal drugs can be used, which can be found in the form of: creams, suppositories, tablets or capsules. Such drugs based on: butoconazole, clotrimazole, miconazole and tioconazole are available without a real doctor's prescription.

When the infection is more acute, the doctor may prescribe oral antifungal drugs such as fluconazole and itraconazole. Only one dose of fluconazole is needed. It is in fact as effective as creams and ointments. Only if the infection has recurred and always and only under medical prescription, are repeated doses of these drugs necessary. Unfortunately, however, due to the indiscriminate use of fluconazole, most of the strains of Candida have now become resistant to this molecule whose prescription is therefore useless.

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To treat and prevent the onset of yeast infections, it is necessary to keep the vulva clean and wear non-tight, absorbent cotton clothing that allows air to circulate. That is, we must reduce the humidity in the area and discourage the proliferation of this fungus. In addition to this, it is good to pay attention to the intimate cleansers that are used daily and their quality. For example, the vaginal area should not be irritated.

The medical community also recommends refraining from sexual intercourse during vaginal infection. In this way you will avoid infecting your partner.

Medical visits and clinical examinations

 Medical visits and clinical examinations
When is it good to go to your doctor? The appearance of suspicious symptoms, such as pain and itching in the genitals, especially if this is the first time, should prompt you to contact your GP immediately. The latter will then prescribe a specialist visit to a gynecologist. In general, in addition to the first time you experience the symptoms we have listed, it is good to contact your doctor when candida occurs before the age of 16 and after the age of 60. In fact, in menopause it is more difficult for this particular yeast infection to arise. The doctor should also be contacted when the patient is pregnant or breastfeeding or has had two episodes in the past six months.

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To confirm the diagnosis, the doctor proceeds with a pelvic exam. During this phase it is therefore possible for the doctor to collect a sample of the secretion through the use of a small swab. The sample is then examined under a microscope and sometimes cultured or held in a substance that allows microorganisms to grow. With the information obtained from these tests it will be possible to ascertain the microorganisms that cause the symptoms. Only in this way will the trusted specialist come, in fact, to prescribe a targeted treatment.

Possible Causes of Candida

 Possible Causes of Candida
What are the possible causes of candida fungus overgrowth? Why does a woman get a vaginal yeast infection? When certain Candida occurs, no longer controlled by the good bacteria of our immune system, it feels free to proliferate.

The controls on candida can be deactivated by:

• The presence of a pregnancy through the increase of estrogen.
• Diabetes mellitus. The high presence of glucose in the blood promotes yeast infection.
• The presence of a weak immune system because it is oppressed by drugs such as corticosteroids or chemotherapy or compromised by diseases such as AIDS.
• The use of an intrauterine device (IUD).
• The use of tight underwear that does not allow air circulation.
• Prolonged use of antibiotics. These drugs, taken orally, tend to destroy the vaginal bacteria that normally prevent the development of yeasts. For this reason, their use, especially if prolonged, increases the risk of developing infections and therefore contracting candida.
• Bad personal hygiene. It might seem trivial but even the rough drying of the vagina after a shower or bath creates a humid and warm habitat, ideal for the fungus. The use of poor detergents is also causing damage.

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Symptoms of yeast infection

 Symptoms of yeast infection
So let's analyze the symptoms of candida. As with almost all diseases, fungal infection could present itself differently depending on who contracts it. In most women, however, experts in the field have highlighted the presence of common symptoms such as:

• Itching and irritation around the vagina and vulva
• Burning sensation when urinating (dysuria)
• Burning during intercourse (Dyspareunia)
• Redness and / or swelling in the vagina and vulva
• Pain or tenderness in the vagina
• Vaginal fissures
• Very painful skin sores

Presence of watery or thick secretions and whitish in color so as to resemble ricotta.

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