Natural Ways to Clear Yeast Infections: Causes, Home Remedies, and When to See a Doctor
What are the common causes of vaginal itching. How can you treat yeast infections naturally at home. When should you consult a healthcare professional for vaginal discomfort.
Understanding Vaginal Itching: Causes and Symptoms
Vaginal itching is a common issue that many women experience at some point in their lives. It can be uncomfortable, embarrassing, and sometimes even painful. But what exactly causes this irritating sensation?
There are numerous potential culprits behind vaginal itching, ranging from minor irritants to more serious medical conditions. Understanding these causes is crucial for finding the right treatment and relief.
Common Causes of Vaginal Itching
- Chemical irritants in personal care products
- Skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis
- Yeast infections
- Bacterial vaginosis
- Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
- Hormonal changes due to menopause
- Stress
Is vaginal itching always a sign of infection. While infections like yeast overgrowth or bacterial vaginosis are common causes, vaginal itching can also result from non-infectious factors such as allergic reactions or hormonal changes.
The Impact of Chemical Irritants on Vaginal Health
Many everyday products we use can contain chemicals that irritate the delicate skin of the vulva and vagina. This irritation can lead to a condition called contact dermatitis, causing itching, redness, and discomfort.
Products That May Cause Irritation
- Scented soaps and shower gels
- Feminine hygiene sprays
- Douches
- Spermicides and other topical contraceptives
- Scented toilet paper
- Fragranced laundry detergents and fabric softeners
Can changing your personal care products alleviate vaginal itching. In many cases, switching to unscented, hypoallergenic products can significantly reduce irritation and itching caused by chemical sensitivities.
Yeast Infections: A Common Culprit of Vaginal Discomfort
Yeast infections are one of the most frequent causes of vaginal itching and discomfort. These infections occur when there’s an overgrowth of Candida, a type of fungus naturally present in the vagina.
Symptoms of a Yeast Infection
- Intense itching in the vaginal area
- Burning sensation, especially during urination or intercourse
- Redness and swelling of the vulva
- Thick, white, odorless discharge with a cottage cheese-like consistency
Why do yeast infections occur. Yeast infections can be triggered by various factors, including antibiotic use, hormonal changes, high blood sugar levels, and a weakened immune system. Understanding these triggers can help in prevention and management.
Natural Remedies for Yeast Infections
While over-the-counter antifungal treatments are widely available, many women prefer to try natural remedies first. These methods can be effective for mild yeast infections and may help prevent recurrences.
Effective Home Treatments
- Probiotics: Consuming probiotic-rich foods or supplements can help restore the balance of good bacteria in the vagina.
- Greek yogurt: Applying plain, unsweetened Greek yogurt to the vulva may help alleviate symptoms.
- Tea tree oil: Diluted tea tree oil has antifungal properties that can combat yeast overgrowth.
- Garlic: Consuming raw garlic or taking garlic supplements may help fight off yeast infections.
- Boric acid suppositories: These can help restore the vaginal pH balance and combat yeast overgrowth.
How effective are natural remedies for yeast infections. While many women find relief through natural methods, it’s important to note that severe or recurrent infections may require medical treatment. Always consult with a healthcare provider if symptoms persist or worsen.
Bacterial Vaginosis: Another Common Cause of Vaginal Itching
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a condition caused by an imbalance in the natural bacteria of the vagina. While it’s not a sexually transmitted infection, it can increase the risk of contracting STIs.
Identifying Bacterial Vaginosis
- Thin, grayish-white discharge
- Fishy odor, especially after sexual intercourse
- Itching or burning sensation in the vagina
- Burning during urination
Can bacterial vaginosis clear up on its own. While BV may sometimes resolve without treatment, it’s generally recommended to seek medical attention. Untreated BV can lead to complications, especially during pregnancy.
The Role of Hormones in Vaginal Health
Hormonal fluctuations throughout a woman’s life can significantly impact vaginal health. From puberty to menopause, these changes can affect vaginal pH, lubrication, and overall comfort.
Hormonal Factors Affecting Vaginal Comfort
- Menstrual cycle changes
- Pregnancy and postpartum period
- Use of hormonal contraceptives
- Perimenopause and menopause
How does menopause affect vaginal health. The decrease in estrogen levels during menopause can lead to vaginal dryness, thinning of vaginal tissues, and increased susceptibility to infections, all of which can cause itching and discomfort.
When to Seek Medical Attention for Vaginal Itching
While many cases of vaginal itching can be managed at home, certain symptoms warrant a visit to a healthcare provider. Knowing when to seek professional help is crucial for maintaining overall vaginal health.
Signs That Indicate a Need for Medical Evaluation
- Persistent itching that doesn’t respond to home remedies
- Unusual or foul-smelling discharge
- Pain or burning during urination or intercourse
- Visible sores, warts, or blisters in the genital area
- Fever or other signs of infection
- Recurrent yeast infections (more than four in a year)
Should you always see a doctor for vaginal itching. While not all cases of vaginal itching require medical attention, persistent or severe symptoms should be evaluated by a healthcare professional to rule out serious conditions and ensure proper treatment.
Preventing Vaginal Itching and Maintaining Vaginal Health
Prevention is often the best approach when it comes to vaginal health. By adopting certain habits and lifestyle changes, you can significantly reduce your risk of experiencing vaginal itching and discomfort.
Tips for Maintaining Vaginal Health
- Practice good hygiene, but avoid overwashing or using harsh products
- Wear breathable, cotton underwear
- Avoid tight-fitting clothing that can trap moisture
- Change out of wet swimsuits or sweaty clothes promptly
- Use unscented, hypoallergenic personal care products
- Maintain a balanced diet rich in probiotics
- Stay hydrated to support overall vaginal health
- Practice safe sex and get regular STI screenings
Can lifestyle changes significantly impact vaginal health. Absolutely. Simple changes in daily habits can make a big difference in preventing vaginal irritation and maintaining a healthy vaginal environment.
Understanding the various causes of vaginal itching and knowing how to address them can significantly improve your quality of life. From identifying potential irritants to recognizing when it’s time to seek medical help, being informed about vaginal health is crucial. Remember, while home remedies and preventive measures can be effective for minor issues, persistent or severe symptoms should always be evaluated by a healthcare professional. By taking a proactive approach to vaginal health, you can reduce discomfort, prevent infections, and maintain overall well-being.
Causes, Home Remedies, When to See Doctor
There are many possible causes for an itchy vagina, including skin irritants, yeast infection, or even stress. Discovering why your vagina is itchy is the first step to relief.
You know what’s worse than an itchy vagina? Not knowing what’s causing it.
That’s not to say that vaginal itching isn’t something to have concerns about it, because it can occasionally be a sign of serious issues like sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and even (rarely) vulvar cancer. But the reality is that vaginal itching is pretty common and usually caused by less serious things like irritating substances or hormonal changes.
Before getting into what can cause an itchy vagina, it’s worth going over some terminology.
A lot of people say vagina when they really mean vulva. Your vagina is actually just one part of your vulva — specifically the inside part. The vulva is the part of your genitals that’s on the outside of your body, like your labia, clitoris, urethra, and vaginal opening.
In this article, we’re talking about itching that affects either the vagina, vulva, or both.
Let’s dive into the many possible causes of an itchy vagina or vulva and how to get relief.
Irritants
Chemical irritants, like those found in everyday products that come in contact with the vagina and vulva, can trigger an allergic reaction, known as contact dermatitis. We’re talking alcohol, dyes, fragrances, etc.
If an irritant is to blame, your vulva and vagina might be itchy, red, and sore.
Products that often contain such irritants include:
- soaps, shower gels, and bubble baths
- feminine sprays
- douches
- topical contraceptives, like spermicide and Phexxi
- creams, lotions, and ointments
- detergents
- fabric softeners
- scented toilet paper
- scented pads and liners
If you experience incontinence, urine can also cause itching and irritation.
Skin conditions
Some skin conditions, such as eczema and psoriasis, can cause redness and itching in the genital region.
Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a rash that primarily occurs in people with asthma or allergies. The rash is reddish and itchy with a scaly texture. It may spread to the vulva in some people with eczema.
Psoriasis is a common skin condition that causes scaly, itchy, red patches to form along the scalp and joints. At times, outbreaks of these symptoms can occur on the vulva as well.
Yeast infection
Yeast is a naturally occurring fungus that’s normally present in the vagina. It usually doesn’t cause problems, but when its growth goes unchecked, an uncomfortable infection — aka, vaginal yeast infection — can result.
The overgrowth of yeast in the vagina can result in uncomfortable symptoms, including itching, burning, and thick, whitish discharge that may or may not smell, well, yeasty, like a fresh sourdough loaf.
If you’ve recently taken antibiotics, they may be to blame, as these can destroy good bacteria along with the bad. (FYI, good bacteria is what keeps yeast in check. )
Pregnancy, stress, uncontrolled diabetes, and a hormonal imbalance before your period can also cause yeast infections.
Bacterial vaginosis
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is another potential reason for vaginal itching.
Like a vaginal yeast infection, BV is triggered by an imbalance between naturally occurring good and bad bacteria in the vagina.
The condition doesn’t always cause symptoms. When symptoms do appear, they typically include vaginal itching and an abnormal, fishy-smelling discharge. The discharge may be thin and dull gray or white. It can also be foamy.
STIs
There are a few STIs that can cause vaginal itching, including:
- chlamydia
- genital warts
- gonorrhea
- genital herpes
- trichomoniasis
These STIs can also cause other symptoms, including unusual vaginal discharge, painful urination, and genital sores.
While not exclusively sexually transmitted, we need to mention pubic lice (also known as crabs). These pesky little insects are typically passed on during intimate contact, but can also be passed through bedding and towels. They cause genital itching that starts five days after infestation and intensifies at night. You might also notice pale bluish dots near the bites and develop a fever.
Menopause
The drop in estrogen that happens during perimenopause and menopause increases the risk of vaginal itching.
That’s because less estrogen causes the tissues of the vulva and vagina to become thinner, drier, and less elastic. Vaginal dryness can result in itching and irritation. You might also find sex painful and bleed after sex.
Stress
Physical and emotional stress can cause vaginal itching and irritation.
It might occur when stress weakens your immune system, leaving you more prone to the infections that cause itching. The increase in the stress hormone cortisol that occurs when you’re under stress has also been shown in animal studies to affect vaginal health and increase the risk for vaginal infections.
Vulvar cancer
Vaginal itching may be a symptom of vulvar cancer. Know that vulvar cancer is rare and vaginal itching is a lot more likely to be caused by something else.
Vulvar cancer can cause vaginal itching that doesn’t go away or get better. It can also cause skin changes on areas of the vulva, like discoloration or thickening of the skin. Bleeding or discharge unrelated to your period and lumps are other possible symptoms. In some people, vulvar cancer doesn’t cause any symptoms.
Yearly gynecological exams can improve the chances of early detection and a better outcome.
It’s important to see a healthcare professional for vaginal itching if the itching is severe enough to disrupt your daily life or sleep. Although most causes aren’t serious, a healthcare professional can help find and treat the root of your itch and offer advice — or a prescription — to help you find relief.
You should also contact a healthcare professional if your vaginal itching persists for more than a week or if your itching is accompanied by other symptoms, such as:
- ulcers or blisters on the vulva
- pain or tenderness in the genital area
- genital redness or swelling
- trouble urinating
- an unusual vaginal discharge
- discomfort during sexual intercourse
If you don’t already have an OB-GYN, you can browse doctors in your area through the Healthline FindCare tool.
Your care team will ask you about your symptoms, including how severe they are and how long they have lasted. They may ask you about your sexual activities as well.
And just a heads up: a pelvic exam will likely be required.
During a pelvic examination, a healthcare professional will visually inspect your vulva and may use a speculum to see inside your vagina. They may press down on your abdomen while inserting a gloved finger into your vagina. This allows them to check the reproductive organs for any abnormalities.
They may also collect a sample of skin tissue from your vulva or a sample of your discharge for analysis. Depending on your symptoms, they may also perform blood or urine tests.
Once your healthcare professional finds the underlying cause of your vaginal itching, they’ll recommend treatment options. The specific course of treatment required depends on the particular condition that’s causing the problem.
Vaginal yeast infections
Vaginal yeast infections are treated with antifungal medications. These come in various forms, including creams, ointments, or pills. They’re available by prescription or over-the-counter (OTC).
If you’ve never been diagnosed with a yeast infection, make sure to speak with a healthcare professional before using an OTC treatment.
BV
BV is usually treated with antibiotics. These may be pills you take orally or creams you insert into your vagina. Regardless of the type you’re given, be sure to finish the entire course of antibiotics even if your symptoms improve.
STIs
Depending on the STI, STIs can be treated with antibiotics, antivirals, or antiparasitics.
Along with taking medication as prescribed, your healthcare professional may also recommend avoiding sex until the infection clears.
Menopause
Menopause-related itching may be treated with estrogen cream, tablets, or a vaginal ring insert.
Other causes
Other types of vaginal itching and irritation often clear on their own.
In the meantime, you can apply steroid creams or lotions to reduce inflammation and ease discomfort.
To avoid making things worse, use steroid creams exactly as directed and discontinue use and see a healthcare professional if your symptoms worsen.
Here are some things you can do to help prevent vaginal itching and maintain good vaginal health:
- Use warm water and a gentle cleanser to wash your genital area.
- Avoid scented soaps, lotions, and bubble baths.
- Avoid using vaginal sprays and douches — your natural smell is just fine!
- Change out of wet or damp clothing right after swimming or exercising.
- Wear cotton underwear and change your underwear daily.
- Use barrier methods when having sex.
- Get tested for STIs and encourage your partners to do the same.
- Always wipe front to back to keep bacteria from feces away from the vulva and vagina.
Vaginal itching is uncomfortable but isn’t usually serious. Most of the time, an itchy vagina or vulva will improve on its own with lifestyle tweaks like avoiding irritants below the belt. If you’re concerned, don’t hesitate to connect with a healthcare professional for advice.
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Generic vs. Brand Name, and More
If you’re looking at treatment options for certain types of fungal infections, you may want to learn more about fluconazole (Diflucan).
Fluconazole is a generic prescription drug used in adults and some children to:
- treat and prevent candidiasis, such as vaginal yeast infections and thrush
- treat a kind of fungal meningitis
Fluconazole comes as a tablet and a suspension (a type of liquid mixture) that you swallow. These forms are available as the brand-name drug Diflucan. Fluconazole also comes as a liquid that’s given as an IV infusion (an injection into a vein over a period of time). The IV infusion form is given by your doctor or another healthcare professional.
Fluconazole belongs to a group of drugs called triazole antifungals.
Keep reading for details on fluconazole, its cost, and how to save money on prescriptions.
Note: For more details on fluconazole tablets, see this in-depth article.
The price you pay for fluconazole can vary. Your cost may depend on your treatment plan, your insurance coverage, and the pharmacy you use. It’ll also depend on how much you have to pay for a visit with your doctor or a hospital to receive injectable fluconazole.
To find out how much you’ll pay for fluconazole, talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance provider.
Note: If you have insurance, you may need to get prior authorization before your insurance provider will cover fluconazole. This means your insurer and your doctor will discuss Fluconazole in regard to your treatment. Then the insurance company will determine whether the drug is covered. If fluconazole requires prior authorization and you don’t receive it before you start treatment, you could pay the full cost of the drug.
Be sure to ask your insurance company whether fluconazole requires prior authorization.
Below are answers to some frequently asked questions about fluconazole and its cost.
Does fluconazole come as a cream or syrup? If so, how much do these forms of the drug cost?
No, fluconazole does not come as a cream or syrup. But it does come as a liquid suspension that you swallow. The suspension is also available as the brand-name drug Diflucan.
Your cost for the fluconazole liquid suspension can vary depending on the pharmacy you use, your dosage, and your insurance coverage (if you have it). A higher strength of fluconazole suspension usually costs more than the lower strength suspension.
If you have questions about your specific cost of fluconazole, talk with your doctor.
What’s the price of fluconazole tablets (50 mg, 100 mg, 150 mg, and 200 mg)?
The price of fluconazole tablets can vary. It’s possible that the higher-strength tablets of fluconazole cost more than the lower strengths. The price for fluconazole tablets can also vary depending on the pharmacy you use.
To find out the exact cost of your dosage of fluconazole, talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance provider.
For more details on fluconazole’s dosages, see this in-depth article.
How much does fluconazole cost without insurance?
Prescription drugs usually cost less with insurance coverage. But if you don’t have insurance, your cost will depend on certain factors, such as:
- the pharmacy you use
- your dosage and treatment plan
- the form of the drug you’re prescribed
- whether you take your dose at home or receive it in a healthcare facility
To learn what you’ll pay for fluconazole without insurance, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
For resources that could help you save on the cost of fluconazole, see the “Can I get help paying for fluconazole?” section below.
Fluconazole is a generic drug. This means it’s an exact copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication. A generic is considered just as safe and effective as the original drug. And generics generally cost less than brand-name drugs.
Fluconazole comes in a brand-name version called Diflucan. To find out how the costs of Diflucan and Fluconazole compare, talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance provider.
If you’ve been prescribed fluconazole and you’re interested in using Diflucan instead, talk with your doctor. They may prefer that you take one version instead of the other. In addition, you’ll need to check with your insurance provider. This is because it may only cover one drug or the other.
Why is there such a cost difference between brand-name drugs and generics?
Years of research and testing are needed to ensure that brand-name drugs are safe and effective. This testing can make the drugs expensive. The manufacturer of a brand-name drug can sell the drug for up to 20 years. After that, other drugmakers can create generic versions. This competition in the market can lead to lower costs for generics. And because generics have the same active ingredients as brand-name drugs, they don’t need to be studied again. This can also lead to lower generic costs.
Fluconazole may be taken either short term or long term. If you take fluconazole long term, you may be able to lower your costs in the following ways:
Look into getting a 90-day supply of your medication. You may be able to get a 90-day supply of fluconazole if approved by your insurance company. This could reduce your number of trips to the pharmacy and help lower the cost of fluconazole. If you’re interested in getting a 90-day supply of this drug, talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance provider.
Use a mail-order pharmacy to get your medication. Using a mail-order pharmacy might help lower your cost of fluconazole. Plus, you could get your medication without leaving home. Some Medicare plans may help cover the cost of mail-order drugs. You may also be able to get a 90-day supply of the drug through mail order. If you don’t have health insurance, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to suggest online pharmacy options that could work for you.
If you need help covering the cost of fluconazole or understanding your insurance, check out these resources:
- NeedyMeds
- Medicine Assistance Tool
On these sites, you can find insurance information, details on drug assistance programs, and links to savings cards and other services.
If you have questions about how to pay for your prescription, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
If you still have questions about the cost of fluconazole, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to give you a better idea of what you’ll pay for this drug. But if you have health insurance, you’ll need to talk with your insurance provider to learn the actual cost you’d pay for fluconazole.
Examples of questions you may want to ask your doctor or insurance provider include:
- If I can’t afford my medication, what are my options?
- Do the different forms of fluconazole vary in price?
- Are there any other lower cost drugs that can treat my condition?
To get information on different conditions and tips for improving your health, subscribe to any of Healthline’s newsletters. You may also want to check out the online communities at Bezzy. It’s a place where people with certain conditions can find support and connect with others.
Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.
8+ Powerful Vaginal Yeast Infection Home Remedies All Women Need
✓ Tea Tree Oil
- Tea Tree Oil
For centuries, tea tree oil has been used as a home remedy for topical vaginal yeast infection in ancestral medicine such as Ayurveda or Chinese medicine. They knew this plant as an excellent antiseptic and antifungal that was used successfully to treat Trichomonas, Candida albicans and other vaginal infections. This oil can be applied topically or via a vaginal suppository (an absorbable capsule or tablet).
✓ Vitamin B2
- Vitamin B2
Vitamin B2 is said to help treat common yeast infections. Indeed, vitamin B2 (also called riboflavin) contributes to the maintenance of the normal state of the mucous membranes. EU Regulation 1924/2006 EU health declarations
FYRON IMMUN FORTE – with vitamin B2
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✓ Boric acid
- Boric acid
You can read in many old medical books that boric acid is an effective home remedy for vaginal yeast infection due to its ability to affect the acidity of the vagina. In addition to affecting pH, this acid is known for its antimicrobial and antifungal properties. You can take it as a vaginal suppository or as a dietary supplement.
✓ Probiotics
- Probiotic Supplements
Probiotics, such as Lactobacillus, are known worldwide for helping to restore the normal balance of bacteria and yeast throughout the body, such as the balance between the digestive tract and vaginal flora. Historically, they have been used to inhibit the growth and/or attachment of Candida albicans to the vaginal epithelium as a home remedy for a vaginal yeast infection.
✓ Psyllium Husk
- Psyllium
Soluble fibers such as psyllium are well known to absorb and eliminate all toxins in the intestines. It is believed to help support detoxification and prevent the yeast from absorbing toxins, antigens, and particles. You can take one teaspoon every evening, diluted in compote. Avoid thinning with water as this can cause a sticky, unattractive look.
✓ Coconut Oil
- Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is a fatty oil derived from the white flesh of the coconut and has many health benefits. It is well known among alternative medicines for its effective antibacterial and antifungal properties, which is why many people use it to treat a vaginal yeast infection.
✓ Apple Cider Vinegar
- Apple Cider Gummies
- Apple Cider Vinager
Because of its acidity, our grandparents already knew that apple cider vinegar could inhibit the growth of candida albicans, a strain of a fungus that usually causes yeast infections. They used this natural remedy for antimicrobial and antifungal effects by mixing half a cup of vinegar in a warm bath or soaking it for 20 minutes. So they used it as a home remedy for vaginal yeast infection.
✓ Garlic
- Garlic Powder
For generations and in many cultures, garlic has been well known for its antibiotic and antifungal properties, which make it an effective treatment for vaginal fungal infections. Allicin, the main biologically active component of garlic, is known to slow the growth of the Candida fungus that causes yeast infections and is an effective Candida killer. You can take it in powder or capsule form as a home remedy for a vaginal yeast infection.
Vaginal yeast infections are fungal infections of the vagina or vulva. This infection may be caused by an overgrowth of yeast or candida. The fungus is usually found in the vagina and mouth, as well as on the skin. Candida is part of the normal “flora” of bacteria and fungi that inhabit the human body. Your immune system works well and keeps Candida properly balanced when it’s healthy. This balance can be upset if your immune system is weak or you are taking antibiotics. This can lead to yeast infections. [1]
Read more about vaginal yeast infection: Wikipedia.
Sources
Natural Treatments for Yeast Infection
HealthAmen.
Want to get rid of a yeast infection in 24 hours? A yeast infection is a common infection that causes irritation, itching, swelling, and soreness around. Yeast infections are also characterized by painful sex, redness, and in chronic cases, even a rash. Most women who regularly experience a yeast infection resort to using over-the-counter ointments, which end up causing skin irritation. It is known that most ointments applied to …
Natural remedy for the treatment of Candida disease
While yeast infections can be common, they can also be annoying and, worse, embarrassing for women. While severe infections may require a trip to the doctor and a prescription, there are over-the-counter medications and several home remedies for yeast infections. Learn how to spot a yeast infection, when to see a doctor, how to treat a yeast infection at home, and how to prevent it from happening again.
How to cure a yeast infection at home
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Still struggling with a yeast infection? Find out how to diagnose, treat and get rid of a yeast infection for good! A yeast infection stole your happiness and made you live in pain. .. made your life miserable? If you answered yes, then now you will get the smile of a lifetime. A complete guide that will reveal the practical steps needed to successfully diagnose and treat a yeast infection at home HERE’S EXACTLY WHAT YOU’LL GET 2 ways to personally and successfully diagnose a yeast infection at home…0009
- Zhang T (2014) – Management of Vaginal Yeast Infection: What has Traditional Chinese Medicine brought to modern medicine?, [online] 17(9), p.5617. doi:9.3390/ijms23115716.
- Gritsenko Q and Nilson T (2018) – Study of oral VT-1161 for the treatment of acute vaginal candidiasis (yeast infection) in patients with recurrent vaginal candidiasis, Annals of Emergency Medicine, HarperResource
- Uchitel J (2015) – Clinical and microscopic diagnosis vaginal yeast infection: a prospective analysis, Belesiotou
- Alali O (1998-1999) Treatment options for recurrent vaginal yeast infections, [online] 58(2), pp.13-22. doi:13.1211/1448-0421. 12649.
Yeast infection 26 natural antidotes
Candida albicans is a yeast that naturally grows harmlessly in a woman’s vagina and in the intestines of both men and women.
“They are natural flora and live there just like microbes live in the mouth,” says Dr. Michael Spence, an OB/GYN in Philadelphia. “If there is an imbalance or ecological imbalance in these areas after antibiotic use, or if you have diabetes, for example, then you have more yeast and an infection.”
Other triggers for yeast infections include pregnancy, use of birth control pills, menopausal hormones, douching with chemicals, spermicides, cracks in the vaginal wall from tampons, insufficient lubrication during intercourse or intercourse by someone, having a yeast infection.
When you develop a yeast infection, your doctor will confirm it by examining a small amount of secretions under a microscope.
pom. He then prescribes a drug that kills excess yeast in the vagina.
Sounds simple, but women who have a yeast infection know it’s not. Yeast that causes itching, burning, foul odor and white curdled discharge tends to come back. Some people are prone to yeast infections.
Marjorie Krendell, a fungus specialist in California, understands why women will try to get rid of discomfort by any means. For 20 years, she battled a chronic yeast infection that made her life miserable. Now she is free from it.
Here are the tips she and others recommend for those who are concerned about a yeast infection.
Sleep like Eve. “Yeasts thrive in warm, humid atmospheres,” says Dr. Spence, “so one of the best
preventive measures that can be taken against this fungus is to ventilate the vagina, that is, keep it cool and dry. Sleep naked or stay in your nightgown, no knickers when you go to bed, and give your body 8 hours of total freedom.”
Wear loose clothing. “During the day, avoid tight-fitting or fiber clothing that doesn’t provide good ventilation, such as polyethylene, polyester, and leather,” says Dr. Spence. – Reduce the number of layers of clothing: do not wear underpants under leggings and under tight jeans. When you get home, remove excess clothing such as tights and let your body breathe. Wear skirts whenever you can.”
Don’t powder. “Starch is a great medium for fungal growth,” says Dr. Spence. “Because most post-bath powders are starch-based, you’re promoting infection when you use powder. Keep powder away from your pantaloons.”
Use commercially available medicines. There are a few places on the body that you can’t scratch (at least in public), and this is one of them. While prescription drugs are aimed at removing fungus, you can relieve itching with over-the-counter medications such as Benadryl or C’ortaid. Or apply hydro-corgizone cream around the vulva and vaginal opening to relieve itching. Just be careful not to use these creams before visiting the doctor, as they can cover up the infection and interfere with the correct diagnosis.
Use natural lubricants. “Mineral oil, Vaseline jelly, egg white, and plain yogurt are excellent lubes during intercourse,” Dr. Grendell says, “because they don’t cause chemical irritation unless you’re allergic to them. (Do not use vaseline jelly with a condom as it will puncture the rubber.) Do not use baby oil as it contains perfumes that can cause irritation.”
Avoid chemicals. A surefire way to make an already delicate situation worse is to add chemicals to your smoldering yeast infection. Avoid douches, contraceptive jellies, foaming agents and aerosols, yeast-killing pills, deodorants for women.
Prepare yourself medicinal baths. The only alternative to douching is a sitz bath. Fill the tub (up to your thighs only) with warm water, then do one of two things:
- add salt (about 1/2 cup is enough to make the water taste salty) to bring the body’s salt balance close to natural;
- add vinegar (1/2 cup) to help bring the pH of the vaginal medium to 4.5.
Now sit in the tub with your knees apart until the water cools. Clean the tub properly.
Replace the spermicides. “Spermicides (contraceptive drugs that kill sperm) are also chemicals that should not be allowed into the vagina, especially if you are prone to infection. If you plan to use them during intercourse, put the spermicide inside a reservoir on top of the condom, where it can do what it’s supposed to do,” says Dr. Krendell.
Lack of odors is a good idea. Choose odorless items for personal use. Perfumes and deodorants that are soaked in tampons or sanitary napkins can be irritating and contribute to another flare-up of vaginitis.
Wash with water. Soap, shampoo, bath salts and oils remove the natural oils that protect your skin and can cause irritation. When you take a shower, rinse the genitals with plain water, it is good to use a shower with a flexible hand hose to direct the water jet.
Switch to cotton. Choose cotton underpants because they absorb moisture from the skin. The nylon will keep the heat and moisture in, which will increase yeast growth. If you prefer the touch of nylon to the skin, choose briefs with an insert from. cotton. If your briefs don’t have a cotton insert, mini sanitary napkins can be a good substitute.
Always wear pantyhose with a cotton insert to allow air to pass through and cool and dry your vagina. And remember: do not wear pantaloons with tights! The fewer layers of clothing you wear, the better the ventilation.
Use non-colored toilet paper. Paint is another chemical with potential irritant properties. Dr. Krendell suggests that you avoid unnecessary irritation by using plain white, unscented toilet paper.
Use toilet paper correctly. After a bowel movement, wipe from front to back. Before touching the vagina, wash everything that has been in contact with the anus.
Wash before sexual intercourse. If you and your partner are so clean that you “squeak”, then you are less likely to transfer fox pathogens into the vagina. Wash your hands and genitals before having sexual intercourse.
Rinse with water only. The vagina is a self-cleansing organ, but some women feel they need to be pampered. If you do, Dr. Krendell recommends using a cool water rinse, and not often, as it’s an irritating procedure.
Do not douche during menstruation when the cervix is open: upward flow of water may infect ml I. Also, never douche during pregnancy unless your washerman instructs you to do so.
Douche with vinegar. Vinegar has approximately the same keel as the vagina, for this reason a lukewarm mixture of vinegar and water (4 tablespoons of vinegar per 0.5 liters of water) can be used as a douche liquid. Some doctors ‘tinyut that with the right acid-base balance in shalita, yeast overgrowth is less likely.
And “run sex when you have vaginitis. “In inflammation caused by a yeast infection, sexual intercourse can cause more hgt; p. neck irritation. In addition, yeast can pass to your uipmepy, which can later re-infect you,” says tp Krendell.
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Urinate before and after. “Men and women should bathe and urinate before and after sex to flush out pathogens from the urethra and avoid bladder infections,” says Dr. Krendell.
Use a condom. An unslick, unmoistened condom will be less irritating. It will also protect partners from transferring yeast to each other.
Do not overeat yeast products. Women with recurrent yeast infection may develop an allergy to food containing yeast and mold. Avoid consumption of foods and drinks such as bread, donuts, beer, wine, vinegar, pickles, fermented foods, cheeses, mushrooms, and fruit juices.
Control your blood sugar. Yeast grows well on sugar, according to California researchers. A yeast infection is favored by the consumption of large amounts of sugar. This is a great food for yeast. People with diabetes due to a tendency to yeast infection should control their blood sugar levels. Excess lactose in dairy products and artificial sweeteners also increases the chance of developing a yeast infection.
Increase your resistance.