A vaginal yeast infection occurs due to an overgrowth of a fungus called Candida albicans. Risk factors for developing a vaginal yeast infection include a suppressed immune system, antibiotic therapy, pregnancy and diabetes, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Symptoms of a yeast infection include a thick, clumpy, white discharge from the vagina, itching, pain and redness. Over-the-counter and prescription antifungal medications can treat a vaginal yeast infection. Restoring the pH balance in the vagina can also correct the fungal infection. Home remedies and natural products can treat the infection without medication. Consult with a doctor if a yeast infection persists.
Douches
Several douches with natural products will treat a vaginal yeast infection. Using white or apple cider vinegar diluted with water can help reduce the fungal infection. Douche with a mixture of 1 tbsp. of white vinegar to 1 qt. of water daily, according to the Feminist Women’s Health Center. When using apple cider vinegar, use 2 tsp. of vinegar to 1 cup of water each morning, according to NaturoDoc.com. Mixing baking soda or boric acid in water and douching with it can also help. Do not use baking soda more than twice daily for two days or boric acid for more than twice daily for seven days without an evaluation from a physician.
Yogurt
Yogurt containing live Lactobacillus acidophilus cultures can treat a yeast infection. The lactobacillus bacteria occurs naturally in the vagina, and eating or inserting yogurt vaginally can lower the levels of Candida albicans and relieve the symptoms of the yeast infection, according to MayoClinic.com. To insert the yogurt vaginally, women can use an applicator designed for the vagina, a spoon or a rubber spatula. Dipping a tampon into the yogurt and inserting it can also work. Lactobacillus acidophilus is also available in tablet or powder form.
Garlic
Garlic cloves help fight a vaginal yeast infection due to the antifungal properties of the plant. Eating a clove of garlic twice a day can treat the infection. Alternatively, a woman can insert the clove vaginally after wrapping it in gauze. Leaving the garlic suppository in the vagina all night works best for treating the infection, according to Home-Remedies-Yeast-Infection.com. Mincing garlic cloves and applying directly to the vulva and vagina may help improve symptoms.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Vaginal Yeast Infection
- MayoClinic.com: Yeast Infection (Vaginal) Lifestyle and Home Remedies
- Home Remedies for Yeast Infection: Yeast Infection home Remedies
- Feminist Women's Health Center: Infections and Insurrection: Women Treating Yeast
- NaturoDoc.com: Douches
