Also called Candidiasis, yeast infections are a development of high levels of yeast. Vaginal yeast infections are very common in women and based on statements from the Mayo Clinic says that 75% of women will have or have already had an infection of this type at least once. This condition is caused by Candida Albicans which is a type of fungus. It can also be transmitted sexually, so use protection if you’re planning to be sexually active.
Vaginal Yeast Infection Signs and Symptoms
Regardless of the type of yeast infection, the symptoms are similar whether it’s in the mouth, vagina or other area. This illness is accompanied by itchiness, a burning sensation, vaginal discharge that is thick, white and gray, pain, being sore and also painful sex. You may also see a rash.
Vaginal Yeast Infection Causes: Why did I get Candidiasis?
There are many reasons why Candidiasis may develop. Antibiotics for other infections may result in a vaginal yeast infection. Women who are pregnant are more prone to this ailment because of hormonal changes. Many women experience Candidiasis when they are expecting. If you have diabetes and do not control it well, you may develop this ailment due to not controlling your sugar levels since high sugar can contribute to it.
To fight vaginal yeast infections, you must have a strong immune system capable to functioning to this level. If you have a weak immune system, you’re chances of getting one are higher and the possibility of it recurring is also higher.
If you have a yeast infection or suffer from recurring Candidiasis, you’re probably not consuming healthy food. There are many foods that don’t have natural ingredients or those that have unhealthy ingredients and lots of sugar. A bad diet can cause yeast infections so you need to eat more healthy foods like fruits and vegetable without any sugar or preservatives.
Vaginal Yeast Infections causes also include high levels of stress that remain untreated and also lack of sleep or low quality of sleep. You need rest every night for your immune system and other important body systems to function properly. Stress lowers the ability of the body to function and blocks the immune system for performing its job well.
How is Candidiasis Diagnosed?
The first step is to visit your gynecologist to confirm whether you have one or not. There are simple test that can be done to check if you are positive or negative. These tests are important because you may not have a vaginal yeast infection but bacterial vaginosis instead.
You’ll be asked about your medical history at the first visit and if you’ve ever had an infection of this type in the past. They’ll also want to know if you’ve ever had a sexually transmitted infection in the past.
Typically, a pelvic exam is done to check the vagina and other areas near it to determine if evidence of an infection can be seen. The doctor will also take a look at the walls and take a culture which is sent to an outside laboratory to be tested. This examination is necessary for women who have had many bouts with vaginal yeast infections.
Preventing Vaginal Yeast Infection
Though these are not cures, you can stop Candidiasis in its track so it doesn’t become a problem in the future. These easy steps will help you stay healthy and stop infections before they have a chance to start.
- Never wear tight fitting clothing or undergarments. Don’t decide on wearing tight jeans or pants, leggings or even tights or pantyhose. If you’re wearing a dress, just go with natural and uncovered legs. Choose loose fitting or baggy style pants for comfort.
- Avoid feminine deodorants that may irritate the problem because of the unnatural ingredients in the products. You should also avoid things such as tampons and wearing a pad or panty liners if you don’t need them. The moisture in them can affect your health and promote vaginal yeast infections if you can’t change them frequently, like when you’re at work or traveling. Using one is inevitable but you should change them often.
- Don’t stay in damp or wet clothing. If you were swimming, change out of your bathing suit and into dry clothing right away instead of basking in the sun with a wet swimming suit. After a workout, change out of damp and sweaty clothing.
- Stop eating junk food and switch to a healthier diet. Eating healthy can prevent yeast infections because some foods can promote the development because of the sugar and other things used to make the products. Eat a balanced meal with protein, vegetables and fruit.
- When you buy clothing, buy clothing using cotton or linen. Silk will work well also. All of the mentioned fabric types can absorb moisture well to keep you dry. This actually works much better than deodorant.
- Do your undergarment laundry in hot water to kill any germs and bacteria that may be stuck on them.
Home Remedies for Vaginal Yeast Infection
Probiotics to Cure Yeast Infection
Natural foods such as yogurt are probiotics to help cure a vaginal yeast infection and stay healthy. This treatment can be used vaginally or it can be consumed for other health benefits too. You can have a cup of yogurt with no sugar or flavoring every day as a home remedy for vaginal yeast infection. The reason why yogurt is a good choice is because it has beneficial bacteria that eliminate bad bacteria in a vaginal yeast infection. With a good balance, you can cure this condition and also prevent it in the future.
Oral Antifungal Solutions
Some women turn to antifungal solutions to help cure them. This is very common amongst women who keep getting vaginal yeast infections and in this case, they use Diflucan which is also known as Fluconazole. It’s used every week for a period of six months. Infections occurred less frequently with the use of this method. Many women were cured according to a study that was done by Wayne State University School of Medicine. Another option is an antifungal over the counter cream which is effective but not as sanitary as the oral solution.
Tea Tree Oil
This remedy is well known for various skin problems and other medical uses as well. It’s made from the leaves of the tea tree and can fight yeast by killing the bacteria that causes it. It’s an ideal solution to treat a vaginal yeast infection by inserting it vaginally with a tampon that is soaked in it. This method was used at night and then the tampon was removed upon awakening in the morning. You must be careful using this remedy especially if you have any type of irritation. Sometimes tea tree oil as a home remedy for vaginal yeast infection can work well when prescriptions or other treatments fail to work.
Boric Acid Vaginal Yeast Infection Treatment
One of the best methods to cure a vaginal yeast infection is to use a boric acid suppository. It stops the infection-causing bacteria from surviving and multiplying to make the condition worse. Never use boric acid for vaginal yeast infections in the store bought powder form since this can be dangerous for your health if you apply it to the affected area directly. Use the suppository anywhere from five days to a full week. It should be done daily to see a significant difference in your vaginal yeast infection symptoms.
Garlic: Home Remedies for Vaginal Yeast Infection
Garlic is a natural antibiotic and natural killer of viruses and fungi. This is why it is so effective to kill the Candida Albicans fungus which is known to cause yeast infections vaginally in women. The easiest method to use this is to cut a clove into pieces and insert it vaginally. The garlic clove is more potent when you cut it instead of using the whole clove. The reason for this is that the juice of the garlic can work faster and attack the yeast immediately. This method is done at night right before you go to bed.
Coconut Oil for Yeast Infection Relief
This home remedy for vaginal yeast infection can kill the fungus that grows and causes this illness. It can stop the infection from spreading. It can be applied to the affected area two to 3 times every day until you are cured. Another option is to combine this with cinnamon oil in the same quantity as the coconut oil. Apply this just like creams.
Apple Cider Vinegar: Home Remedy for Vaginal Yeast Infection
Apple cider vinegar can also kill the yeast causing organisms to get rid of a vaginal yeast infection. It can be used externally or internally. You can make a drink by combining water and ACV for full body benefits. Another method is to add it into your bath water but soaking in a bath tub is not the best method as a vaginal yeast infection. The same mixture of water and apple cider vinegar in equal measurements can be applied topically to cure this illness. If you don’t have ACV, you can also use regular white vinegar which works the same way.
Vinegar Douche
Though douching with over the counter products is not recommended, you can douche with a mixture of vinegar and water. You should not use vinegar of any type without diluting it with another liquid. Water is best but you can add other essential oils too, like coconut oil to fight a vaginal yeast infection.
Cranberries and Juice to Fight Vaginal Yeast Infection
One of the easiest home remedies for yeast infection is cranberry juice or cranberries. When you drink cranberry juice, it can kill bacteria that can cause an infection. If you continue consuming it, you can also prevent yeast infections from happening. Avoid juices that have sugar in them.
Calendula Cure for Candidiasis
This plant has the ability to fight fungus and reduce inflammation caused by a yeast infection. If you can find fresh calendula, just crush a few of the leaves and use it as a topical treatment. Another option is to make a tea from it and drink it for an internal remedy. Pregnant women should not use calendula.
Of course, there are other home remedies for vaginal yeast infections too. If you’re not sure which one to use, you can speak to your doctor. Cure your symptoms of vaginal yeast infection.
