Genital pain, such as itching and discharge, can be brought on by a yeast infection. Although they are more common in women, men can still have them. Although candida albicans is the most common cause, other yeasts may also be to blame.
Home Remedies for Yeast Infection
Yeast infections can clear up on their own in a few days, but more severe ones might take up to two weeks. If you’re still having symptoms after three days or if you’re pregnant, have recurring infections, or suspect you have an STD, it’s best to see a doctor.
However, if your symptoms are mild and you’re looking for relief, some home remedies might help. Here are a couple of options:
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil has properties that fight against yeast. Some studies suggest it can kill candida albicans, the yeast causing the infection. But more research is needed, so check with your doctor before trying it.
Boric Acid
Boric acid also fights yeast and can be used to make homemade vag suppositories. It seems to work well, especially when other treatments haven’t helped.
But pregnant women should avoid it because it can harm the fetus.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Using apple cider vinegar isn’t a proven treatment for yeast infections. It’s not a good idea to douche with vinegar because it can irritate your skin and make symptoms worse. Adding it to a bath won’t help balance vag pH either.
Probiotics
Some early studies suggest that taking probiotic supplements might help bring back good bacteria, like lactobacillus acidophilus, to your body.
Some experts think this could help balance va….ginal pH. But the evidence isn’t strong yet. If you want quick relief, it’s better to use a treatment that’s proven to work.
Yogurt
Eating yogurt with live cultures might help boost your immune system. But it’s not clear if eating yogurt can actually treat yeast infections.
Don’t apply yogurt directly to your vag, though. Most yogurts have sugar, which can make yeast infections worse by feeding the fungi.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil has antibacterial and antifungal properties. Some studies suggest it might help treat yeast infections when used with over-the-counter medications like fluconazole.
Oregano oil also has antimicrobial properties. But both oils need more research to confirm their effectiveness. Don’t drink tea tree oil; it’s toxic if swallowed.
Garlic
Some people use garlic as a natural remedy for yeast infections. Always check with your doctor about the right amount to take.
While garlic is sometimes praised for its health benefits, don’t use it as a vag suppository for yeast infections. There’s little evidence it helps and it could even cause irritation.
Baking Soda
Adding a teaspoon to a tablespoon of baking soda to a bath might help ease yeast infection symptoms. Some people find it relieves itchiness and other discomforts.
One study even suggested it can kill the yeast causing the infection. But more research is needed to be sure. Always talk to your doctor before using baking soda as a treatment.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Using hydrogen peroxide for douching might seem like a good idea because it’s antiseptic. But it can actually make a yeast infection worse by disrupting the vag’s pH balance.
Salt Water
Salt water is sometimes used to treat fungal infections like athlete’s foot and oral thrush. Some people suggest adding salt to bathwater to help kill the yeast causing the infection. However, more research is needed to confirm this.
Other Treatment Options
If you want quick relief from a vag yeast infection, over-the-counter or prescription treatments might be your best bet.
Over-the-counter medications: These often use tioconazole and come as vag suppositories or creams. You use them for one, three, or seven days to relieve symptoms.
Prescription lotions: Butoconazole is a one-time treatment, while terconazole is used over three or seven days. These are prescribed for more severe symptoms.
Prescription oral medication: Fluconazole (Diflucan) is an oral tablet that effectively treats yeast infections. It can be taken once or daily for a few days. It has some side effects like headache, stomach ache, and rash, but they’re usually mild.
Preventing Yeast Infections
You can reduce your risk of getting a yeast infection by following these tips:
– Breathable underwear: The best option is a cotton underwear.
– Avoid hot tubs and bubble baths: These can upset your vag pH.
– Change out of wet clothes: Wet clothes can create a moist environment where yeast thrives.
– Change tampons regularly: Especially important during your period.
– Eat yogurt: The active cultures can help keep yeast levels in check.
– Follow a low-sugar diet: Sugar can feed yeast, so it’s best to limit it.
– Limit beer: Heavy beer consumption can increase your risk.
– Drink cranberry juice or take supplements: This can help maintain urinary tract health.
Note: Even if you take these precautions, yeast infections can still happen.
When to See a Doctor
If you’ve never had a yeast infection before, are pregnant, or if your symptoms are severe or ongoing, it’s a good idea to see a gynecologist.
They can provide a proper diagnosis and rule out other conditions or infections that might be causing your symptoms, including STDs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is yeast infection treated home?
If your symptoms are mild, you can try over-the-counter vag suppositories, medications, or some home remedies to help with a yeast infection. These can provide relief until you can see a doctor.
What’s the fastest way to get rid of a yeast infection?
For mild infections, home remedies and over-the-counter treatments can work quickly. If your symptoms are severe or last more than three days, it’s best to see a doctor. They might recommend a stronger prescription medication.
Can yeast infections go away on their own?
Mild yeast infections might go away by themselves, but most don’t. Getting treatment is the best way to get relief from a yeast infection.
Can a yeast infection go away in one day?
Some medications come in single-dose forms. If you want to treat your yeast infection quickly, talk to your doctor about these options.
