Diy Yeast Infection Cure
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Diy Yeast Infection Cure
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Can you get a yeast infection from antibiotics?
Can I use hydrogen peroxide for a yeast infection?
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6 Ways to Prevent Bacterial Vaginosis From Happening Again
Apple Cider Vinegar: Migraine Relief or Natural Hoax?
How to Get Rid of a Yeast Infection
Can Apple Cider Vinegar Treat Yeast Infections?
The 6 Best Over-the-Counter Yeast Infection Medicines of 2022
Natural Remedies for Vaginal Itching
Bacterial Vaginosis or Yeast Infection?
Natural Remedies for Candida Overgrowth
What Causes a Yeast Infection Before Your Period
Can Coconut Oil Cause Yeast Infections?
How to Use Tea Tree Oil to Benefit Your Health
Verywell Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Ⓒ 2022 Dotdash Media, Inc. — All rights reserved
Verywell Health is part of the Dotdash Meredith publishing family.
Carrie Madormo, RN, MPH, is a freelance health writer with over a decade of experience working as a registered nurse in a variety of clinical settings.
Emily Dashiell, ND, is a licensed naturopathic doctor who has worked in group and private practice settings over the last 15 years. She is in private practice in Santa Monica, California.
A yeast infection occurs when Candida yeast in the vagina overgrows, causing an infection. Yeast infections are common, and it’s estimated that most women will experience at least one in their lifetime. 1 As soon as the burning and itching hit, you are most likely ready to try whatever it takes to get rid of it. While yeast infections are usually treated with over-the-counter creams or a prescription antifungal, some home remedies can potentially also help clear it up.
Before trying home remedies, it's important to get the right diagnosis first. It’s estimated that up to two-thirds of women who buy over-the-counter yeast infection treatment do not have a yeast infection. 1 Other types of infections like bacterial vaginosis , sexually transmitted diseases, and urinary tract infections can be easily mistaken for yeast infections. If you are unsure of what you are experiencing, see your gynecologist before trying to treat it yourself.
Foods and herbs with natural antifungal properties may help treat or prevent yeast overgrowth in the body. Most home remedies have still not been proven by science, so it’s important to use caution when choosing one. 2 If you have any questions, talk with your healthcare provider.
Eating plain yogurt without sweetener and with probiotic live cultures may help prevent future yeast infections. 1 Probiotics are live microorganisms that can be consumed for health benefits, especially for the digestive system. Eating probiotic-rich foods can help restore your gut flora back to a healthy balance, killing bad bacteria that lead to disease, and increasing good bacteria. 3
A common side effect of antibiotics is a yeast infection because antibiotic kills the bacteria in the vagina that is responsible for preventing yeast overgrowth. When the number of good bacteria is too low, yeast growth can become out of control and lead to a yeast infection.
Eating probiotic-rich foods like yogurt may therefore be an effective yeast infection prevention measure. It has yet to be proven whether eating yogurt can cure a yeast infection.
Boric acid is a natural compound that has been found to have antifungal effects. 4 It contains both probiotics and antioxidants to help the body restore its supply of good bacteria.
A 2011 clinical review found that boric acid is a safe alternative treatment for yeast infections, especially when traditional antifungal medication is not effective. Boric acid may be helpful for women who experience chronic yeast infections and have been prescribed antifungals several times. 5
Boric acid usually comes in the form of a vaginal suppository, which is inserted into the vagina and should never be taken by mouth. Follow the package instructions and check with your healthcare provider if your symptoms do not improve. Boric acid has not been proven safe in pregnant women, so if you are expecting, talk with your practitioner about a safe antifungal.
Oregano oil is an essential oil known for its health benefits. A 2016 study found that oregano oil was able to inhibit both the growth and activity of Candida albicans , the most common type of yeast that causes vaginal yeast infections. 6 The essential oil was more effective at fighting yeast overgrowth than the prescription antifungal medication clotrimazole.
In the study, oregano oil was more damaging to the cell wall of Candida yeast than the antifungal prescriptions tested. It should be noted that this study examined oregano oil’s effects on yeast in a lab setting. However, more research is needed to determine how to use oregano oil in the body.
Coconut oil has been found to inhibit the overgrowth of bacteria in the body. A 2018 study found that when dissolved in water, coconut oil was an effective antimicrobial agent. 7 This may be helpful for preventing yeast infections since infection occurs when the bacteria and yeast in the vagina become out of balance.
Coconut oil can be taken by mouth or mixed into foods such as oatmeal or baked goods. More research looking into how to use coconut oil to treat a yeast infection is needed.
Tea tree oil is a proven antifungal agent and is effective at fighting Candida albicans . A 2020 study found that tea tree oil was effective at fighting yeast that was resistant to antifungal medications. 8 Talk with your gynecologist if you’d like to incorporate tea tree oil into your treatment plan. Avoid placing the essential oil directly on or in the vagina or consuming it by mouth.
Apple cider vinegar has been found to have both antifungal and antimicrobial effects. This means that it may treat and prevent an overgrowth of both yeast and bacteria in the body. In fact, apple cider vinegar has been found to be an effective yeast infection treatment in tough-to-treat infections that do not respond to traditional treatment. 9
Apple cider vinegar appears to work by inhibiting Candida from adhering to smooth surfaces. This can help prevent a yeast infection because the yeast is unable to bind together and stay in the vagina. Try mixing a spoonful of apple cider vinegar into a large glass of water each morning. Don’t attempt to use vinegar directly on your vagina.
Garlic has antifungal properties and has been found to be effective at reducing the number of yeast during a vaginal yeast infection. Studies have not found that garlic can prevent the infection, though. 10
Garlic can be consumed raw or in a concentrated supplement. Add garlic to your cooking or try an over-the-counter garlic pill or oil. Follow the package instructions and check with your healthcare provider if you do not experience symptom relief within a few days.
Vitamin C can do a lot more than help you get over the common cold . It has proven antimicrobial and antifungal properties and can be taken orally as a way to help fight yeast infections. 11
You can get vitamin C by eating leafy greens and citrus fruits. You could also take a vitamin C supplement.
Lemongrass essential oil has been found to be effective at treating Candida albicans . Lemongrass oil can be inhaled as a vapor. In a 2014 study, the vapor method was more effective at treating yeast overgrowth. 12 Internal consumption of this oil can be toxic, and should only be done under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional.
Lemongrass oil also has a powerful anti-inflammatory effect. Cutting down on inflammation could help reduce the itching and burning associated with yeast infections.
The best treatment for yeast infections is prevention. To lower your risk of developing a yeast infection: 1
Trying an oral home remedy to treat your yeast infection may be worth a shot. For example, adding apple cider vinegar or yogurt to your diet has health benefits. However, keep those foods and supplements away from your vagina. A quick internet search yields dozens of unproven yeast infection treatments that can cause even more problems.
While yogurt is packed with probiotics, it’s also loaded with natural sugars that could feed yeast and make a yeast infection worse. Apple cider vinegar is acidic and can be very irritating to the skin. It may even cause a chemical burn. 2
Another internet remedy involves douching with or bathing in a hydrogen peroxide-water mixture. 13 This is dangerous and can cause serious skin irritation. Hydrogen peroxide kills both yeast and bacteria, so while it may clear up a yeast infection, it could also put you at risk of developing another. This is because the good bacteria in the vagina prevent yeast from overgrowing. If those bacteria are killed by hydrogen peroxide, another yeast infection is possible.
Most over-the-counter yeast infection treatments take anywhere from a day to a week to work. If you are still experiencing symptoms after a week of trying home remedies, see your healthcare provider. Your practitioner may be able to prescribe Diflucan (fluconazole), an antifungal oral medication that can usually treat a yeast infection in one dose.
If a yeast infection treatment is not providing relief, it’s possible that you do not have a yeast infection. That's why it's important to see a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis. Bacterial vaginosis, sexually transmitted infections, skin disorders, and other conditions can sometimes present with similar symptoms to those of a yeast infection. Some of these infections can have serious complications when left untreated, so don’t hesitate to see your practitioner.
If you notice that you are experiencing frequent yeast infections, see your gynecologist . You may need a more long-term antifungal treatment to wipe out the infection and prevent future ones.
It is possible to get a vaginal yeast infection from using antibiotics. This is due to healthy vaginal microflora being disturbed by antibiotics, allowing yeast to grow more than usual. 14
Treating a yeast infection with hydrogen peroxide is not recommended. It might get rid of a current infection, but hydrogen peroxide also kills beneficial bacteria, which means there is a greater chance of developing another yeast infection.
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Office on Women’s Health. Vaginal yeast infections .
Kim SK, Guevarra RB, Kim YT, Kwon J, Kim H, Cho JH, Kim HB, Lee JH. Role of probiotics in human gut microbiome-associated diseases . J Microbiol Biotechnol . 2019 Sep 28;29(9):1335-1340. doi:10.4014/jmb.1906.06064
Michigan Medicine. Boric acid (vaginal) .
Iavazzo C, Gkegkes ID, Zarkada IM, Falagas ME. Boric acid for recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis: the clinical evidence . J Womens Health (Larchmt) . 2011 Aug;20(8):1245-55. doi:10.1089/jwh.2010.2708
Bona E, Cantamessa S, Pavan M, Novello G, Massa N, Rocchetti A, Berta G, Gamalero E. Sensitivity of Candida albicans to essential oils: are they an alternative to antifungal agents? J Appl Microbiol . 2016 Dec;121(6):1530-1545. doi: 10.1111/jam.13282
de Oliveira SF, Lôbo IP, da Cruz RS, Andrioli JL, da Mata CPSM, Soares GA, Santos EDC, Aguiar-Oliveira E, Franco M, da Conceição AO. Antimicrobial activity of coconut oil-in-water emulsion on Staphylococcus epidermidis and Escherichia coli EPEC associated to Candida kefyr . Heliyon . 2018 Nov 13;4(11):e00924. doi:10.1016/j.heliyon.2018.e00924
Francisconi RS, Huacho PMM, Tonon CC, Bordini EAF, Correia MF, Sardi JCO, Spolidorio DMP. Antibiofilm efficacy of tea tree oil and of its main component terpinen-4-ol against Candida albicans . Braz Oral Res . 2020 Jun 5;34:e050. doi:10.1590/1807-3107bor-2020.vol34.0050
Watson CJ, Grando D, Fairley CK, Chondros P, Garland SM, Myers SP, Pirotta M. The effects of oral garlic on vaginal candida colony counts: a randomised placebo controlled double-blind trial . BJOG . 2014 Mar;121(4):498-506. doi:10.1111/1471-0528.12518
Avci P, Freire F, Banvolgyi A, Mylonakis E, Wikonkal NM, Hamblin MR. Sodium ascorbate kills Candida albicans in vitro via iron-catalyzed Fenton reaction: importance of oxygenation and metabolism . Future Microbiol . 2016 Dec;11(12):1535-1547. doi:10.2217/fmb-2016-0063
Boukhatem MN, Ferhat MA, Kameli A, Saidi F, Kebir HT. Lemon grass (Cymbopogon citratus) essential oil as a potent anti-inflammatory and antifungal drugs . Libyan J Med . 2014 Sep 19;9:25431. doi:10.3402/ljm.v9.25431
Dover SE, Aroutcheva AA, Faro S, Chikindas ML. Natural antimicrobials and their role in vaginal health: A short review . Int J Probiotics Prebiotics .
Bassetti M, Righi E, Montravers P, Cornely OA. What has changed in the treatment of invasive candidiasis? A look at the past 10 years and ahead . J Antimicrob Chemother . 2018 Jan 1;73(suppl_1):i14-i25. doi:10.1093/jac/dkx445
van Schalkwyk J, Yudin MH; INFECTIOUS DISEASE COMMITTEE. Vulvovaginitis: screening for and management of trichomoniasis, vulvovaginal candidiasis, and bacterial vaginosis . J Obstet Gynaecol Can . 2015 Mar;37(3):266-274. doi:10.1016/S1701-2163(15)30316-9
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Medically Reviewed by Dan Brennan, MD on November 19, 2020
Yeast infections are caused by a type of fungus known as yeast, a single-cell organism that exists throughout the environment. Most of the time, your body can handle this fungus without any problems. However, if your immune system is compromised or you are taking antibiotics , you may come down with a yeast infection in any soft, damp part of your body.
Yeast infections of the mouth are called thrush , while people with vaginas can experience vaginitis, or vaginal yeast infections .
Treating yeast infections generally requires antifungal medications. In most cases, treatment is simple and the yeast infection clears up right away. In some cases, you may need to complete multiple courses of treatment or use stronger, prescription medications to completely resolve your symptoms.
The most effective treatment for yeast infections is a dedicated course of antifungal medication. However, you can also try several home remedies if you are waiting to see a doctor for a diagnosis and prescription. Here are six treatments for yeast infections.
Many yeast infections occur when your immune system is busy or damaged. It’s common to experience yeast infections while on antibiotics because your body’s normal bacteria die off.
By taking probiotic supplements, which are made of live bacteria, you can help support the natural bacteria population in and on your body that keeps yeast infections from occurring or getting worse.
Yogurt is another healthy source of probiotics. Just make sure that you eat the yogurt. It doesn’t offer any benefits when applied topically, and the sugar that’s present in all yogurt may cause other infections as well.
Yeast infections can sometimes be reduced and soothed by rinsing the area gently with saltwater. Mix a half teaspoon of salt into a cup of warm water. For oral thrush, you can gently swish the mixture around in your mouth. For other areas of your body, you can soak the infected area for several minutes, then rinse thoroughly.
Coconut oil seems to act as an antifungal agent both in the lab and in people.
You can gently apply a thin layer of coconut oil to the site of the yeast infection. This may help kill off some of the yeast and may soothe irritated, dry, uncomfortable skin, allowing it to heal.
Some studies suggest that tea tree oil is particularly effective against yeast while not seriously affecting the bacteria that naturally live on the body. While more research needs to be done, tea tree oil may be a useful treatment.
You can find tea tree oil in suppositories, creams, and ointments, but it should not be applied while undiluted. Frequent tea tree oil application can lead to skin irritation and rashes, so use it in moderation.
The most effective treatment for any fungal infection is to take antifungal medications. There are many medications available, from oral medications to topical creams, ointments, and suppositories for vaginal yeast infections. If you are sure you have a yeast infection, you can find many treatments available over the counter.
You can also request a prescription medication from your doctor if you have recurrent yeast infections or your infection is not responding to other treatments. Make sure to follow the instructions for the drug because there are a variety of different strengths and delivery methods for antifungal medications.
Yeast infections should go away within a few days of treatments. If you’re still experiencing symptoms of a yeast infection after several days of treatment, or if it seems to be getting worse, reach out to your doctor . You may need a stronger course of medication if the infection is serious or spreading.
If antifungal medicines are not working, there is also a chance that your infection is not a yeast infection, but something more serious that will need antibiotics.
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: “Vaginal Candidiasis.”
Egyptian Nursing Journal : “Effect of ingestion of yogurt containing Lactobacillus acidophilus on vulvovaginal candidiasis among women attending a gynecological clinic.”
Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine : “ In vitro anti-inflammatory and skin protective properties of Virgin coconut oil.”
Mayo Clinic: “Yeast infection (vaginal).”
Phytotherapy Research : “ In Vitro Activity of Tea Tree Oil Vaginal Suppositories against Candida spp. and Probiotic Vaginal Microbiota.”
Scientifica : “Comparison of Antimicrobial Activity of Chlorhexidine, Coconut Oil, Probiotics, and Ketoconazole on Candida albicans Isolated in Children with Early Childhood Caries: An In Vitro Study.”
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