Each woman's body reacts differently to yeast infection treatments. Some women need strong prescription medicines while others swear by over-the-counter and home remedies. Garlic is one such home remedy that women can safely use to treat vaginal yeast infections and their painful symptoms. While garlic works well for some women, it's still important to talk to your doctor about your symptoms on a regular basis.
Potential Benefits
Garlic has potent anti-yeast properties, according to Certified Nurse Midwife Judy Slome Cohain. In her article "How to Treat a Vaginal Infection with a Clove of Garlic" appearing in the journal "Midwifery Today", Cohain points out that the anti-fungal and antibacterial properties of a common clove of garlic are effective against not only yeast, but also several types of microorganisms that can lead to vaginal infections and pregnancy complications, such as Group B Strep and Escherichia coli.
Dosage
Treatment requires only one clove of garlic. The dosage can be increased by exposing more of the garlic clove's inner surface area. For a mild infection, one whole clove, papery skin removed, will do the trick. For more intense infections, you can cut slits in the garlic to increase the potency of the treatment. For the most severe treatment, cut the clove of garlic in half, recommends Cohain, to deliver a high dose of garlic to the vagina.
Treatment Course
Garlic can clear mild infections in as little as one treatment. Cohain recommends inserting the clove into the vagina at night before bed and removing it upon waking. If itching, discharge or irritation remain, you may need to insert the garlic at bed time for two or three more nights, gently increasing the dosage until you find the right balance. You can leave the garlic in place for as long as 12 hours, according to the Feminist Women's Health Center, and supplement your treatment by also increasing the amount of garlic you eat each day.
Side Effects
You may feel a slight burning sensation when you insert the garlic, as it can damage healthy, non-inflamed tissue. If you suffer from irritation already, you're not likely to notice a burning sensation when you insert the garlic. Garlic may cause a milky, watery discharge, according to Cohain, which isn't anything to be concerned about. You may also notice a strong garlic taste in your mouth.
When To See Your Doctor
If your garlic treatment doesn't seem to be working after one to three days, see your doctor, simply to end your suffering. Your doctor may be able to prescribe prescription remedies that bring fast relief. Be sure to tell your doctor about the garlic and any other remedies you've tried. In the future, try inserting the garlic on the first day of symptoms to stop the infection in its tracks.
