A vaginal yeast infection is very common -- MayoClinic.com estimates that three out of four women will experience candidiasis at some point in their life. A yeast infection is not a sexually transmitted disease but is caused by a fungal overgrowth of candida. Symptoms include vaginal itching, burning, redness and swelling. You may also experience pain during urination or intercourse and a thick, white discharge. If you think you have a yeast infection, see your doctor. If you suffer from frequent or persistent yeast infections, you may have an underlying illness, such as diabetes.
Step 1
Buy an over-the counter yeast infection treatment kit. These usually consist of a topical cream to reduce itching and a vaginal suppository with an insertion tool. Treatments may take one, three or seven days, depending on the brand of medication you choose.
Step 2
Take probiotics -- either in pills or by eating foods with live cultures, such as yogurt. Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that crowd out the candida. Avoid taking antibiotics, which destroy all bacteria in your body. Candida is a swiftly reproducing bacteria and will repopulate more quickly than the bacteria that keep the yeast in check. Look for yogurt that contains Lactobacillus acidophilus, a specific strain of beneficial bacteria. You may also apply yogurt topically.
Step 3
Make a garlic suppository by wrapping one clove of peeled garlic in gauze. Insert it into your vagina for up to 12 hours. It also helps to eat a lot of garlic during this time. Garlic is a natural antifungal and antibacterial substance. You may also apply garlic oil topically.
Step 4
Douche with a solution of 1 tbsp. vinegar diluted in 1 qt. of water. Apple cider vinegar may help relieve the symptoms of a yeast infection.
Step 5
Insert boric acid capsules in your vagina nightly for 7 to 10 days. Boric acid is an antifungal agent as well as a mild antiseptic. Look for a 600-mg dose; you may have to use two 300-mg suppositories to get the proper amount of boric acid.
Tips and Warnings
- Prevent a yeast infection by avoiding irritants such as harsh soaps or bubble baths. Do not sit around in a wet bathing suit; keep your vagina dry and clean. If you are a diabetic, uncontrolled glucose levels may contribute to a systemic yeast overgrowth. Try to control your blood sugar levels.
- Treating the symptoms of your yeast infection will make you more comfortable, but you need to treat the underlying cause of the yeast overgrowth to truly cure the infection.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Yeat Infection - Vaginal
- Columbia University: Go Ask Alice - Yogurt for Yeast Infection?
- Yeast Infection Cure Store: What You Need to Know About Yeast Infection Home Remedy
- Tao of Herbs: Boric Acid Suppositories and Yeast Infection
- Aetna IntliHealth: Vaginal Yeast Infection
- Women's Health Information: Infections and Insurrection: Women Treating Yeast
