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8 Home Remedies for Treating Yeast Infections

8 Home Remedies for Treating Yeast Infections

Published by Wonder Laboratories on Jun 14th 2019


8 Home Remedies for Treating Yeast Infections A yeast infection, which is rather common and typically found in a person's genital area, is not a sexually transmitted disease (STD) or infection. What it is, is a prevalent type of fungal infection, one that 75 percent of women will experience once in their lifetime, and which men can also confront. The most common cause is a fungus known as candida albicans, although it can be treated relatively easily, to include various home remedies available over the counter. Per mayoclinic.org, many women who experience a yeast infection will have at least two of them. Although it isn't considered by health experts to be the result of sexual transmission, there is an increased risk of a vaginal yeast infection during a woman's first instance of regular sexual activity. There is also evidence that such a yeast condition may have a connection to oral-genital sex.

Recognizing Yeast Infection Symptoms

If you suspect you might have a yeast infection, don't rely on self-diagnosis; similar symptoms have been linked to other health conditions, such as bacterial vaginosis or sexually transmitted infections. Following is a list of typical yeast infection symptoms for women, in addition to the usual grimace-inducing signs of irritation and itchiness emanating from the genital area that make it crystal clear something is wrong and deserves a physician's attention. Yeast infection symptoms in men are noticeable at the head of the penis, per medicalnewstoday.com, and typically include redness, irritation, itching, and discharge:
  • Vaginal area soreness or pain.
  • Vaginal discharge. It has often been described as an odorless discharge that resembles cottage cheese – a clumpy, white discharge is how it is described at health.usnews.com. Some women experience a more watery discharge.
  • Burning sensation (when urinating or during sex).
  • Redness or swelling. More specifically, redness or swelling of the vagina as well as the vulva (which surrounds the outside of the vagina), per health.usnews.com.
  • Vaginal rash.
  • Skin fissures/sores.
Not only can these symptoms range from mild to moderate, a yeast infection could be classified as complicated by the presence of factors such as a pregnancy, uncontrolled diabetes, a weakened immune system (due to certain prescription medications or other conditions such as HIV infection), presence of a type of fungus other than candida, four or more yeast infections during a 12-month period, or severe cases of common symptoms such as redness, swelling, and itching leading to tears or cracks. When experiencing the common yeast infection symptoms for the first time, it's time to see a doctor. Don't leave it to guesswork. Other questionable symptoms cropping up also beg a physician's visit as does the failure of over-the-counter or home remedies to relieve symptoms. Also seek medical advice if the infection does not clear up as it could be a sign of recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis, and require a more aggressive form of treatment such as a prescription antifungal cream or other antifungal medications.

8 Home Remedies for Yeast Infections

Following, in no particular order, are some self-administered home remedy suggestions to help yeast infection sufferers treat and alleviate their conditions at home, although a discussion with your physician is recommended:
  • Oil of oregano. Has been shown in some trials to halt the growth of candida.
  • Caprylic acid. A medium-chain fatty acid useful for several health conditions, per webmd.com, including yeast infections.
  • Tea tree oil. An essential oil known best as an antifungal.
  • Garlic. A known antifungal and antibiotic, appears to work best when combined with other known antifungals.
  • Probiotic supplements. Be on the lookout for brands specially formulated for female reproductive health, look for lactobacillus acidophilus as an ingredient.
  • Coconut oil. It has antifungal properties and can also be used as a carrier oil for more potent antifungal oils, such as tea tree oil.
  • Over-the-counter creams or pessaries (soft, removable devices for vagina use). Per medicalnewstoday.com, look for those with antifungal properties.
  • Boric acid. Typically found in capsule form; especially helpful for women with a recurring yeast infection.
  • To reduce your chances of getting a yeast infection, ladies, here are some things to avoid, per mayoclinic.org: tight-fitting pantyhose, douching, scented feminine products, hot tubs and very hot baths, unnecessary antibiotic use, and remaining in wet clothes such as swimwear and workout clothing for an extended period.

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