Vaginal yeast infection is a common genital disorder observed in 70 % of women with severe irritation of genital areas. It is caused by a yeast called Candida Albicans which are a usual commensal in the vagina. Sometimes vaginal infection doesn’t produce any symptoms and can be ignored in such cases. Infection with intense pain and itching can lead to severe complications if left untreated. Let’s check out the causes and how to get rid of vaginal yeast infection through home remedies.
The yeast Candida Albicans is usually present inside the normal vagina and causes no ailments. However, sometimes it gets an infection during the bad and good bacteria (lactobacillus acidophilus) imbalance in your body. The signs and symptoms of vaginal yeast infection are listed below.
Signs Of Vagina Yeast Infection
Genital itching
Vaginal discharge ( curd white discharge)
Swelling and soreness around the vagina
Burning sensation
Itchy red rashes in and around the vagina
Pain during intercourse
Causes Of Vaginal Yeast Infection
The most common cause of the yeast infection is prolonged use of antibiotics. It kills off the healthy bacteria named lactobacillus and allows the yeast to overgrow and imbalances the Ph of the vagina. People having recurrent vaginal yeast infections are recommended to test for diabetes and HIV to prevent further complications. The primary factors causing vaginal infection are noted below.
Anti-biotic therapy
Pregnancy and high diabetes
Low immune power
Poor sanitary hygiene
Unhealthy diet
Hormonal fluctuations
Tension and overstress
Diagnosis Of Yeast Infection
The frequent recurrence of vaginal yeast infection needs to be diagnosed by your general medical practitioner to decrease the risk of several health disorders. The doctor will do an internal examination by collecting the sample of your vaginal discharge. The doctor may prescribe oral or topical treatments based on the severity of the infection and can be cured within a week.
Natural Home Remedies For Vaginal Yeast Infection
Vaginal yeast infection can be treated with over counter medications and several lotions which are loaded with harsh chemicals. Opting for natural home remedies can protect your sensitive private genital area with no harm. Let’s check out the beneficial home remedies to treat vaginal infections naturally.
1. Garlic
Garlic is a wondrous spice loaded with anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory properties. Intaking or topical application of this spice help to relieve itching sensation caused due to yeast infection. It minimizes the bacterial growth and prevents vaginal infection. Regular consumption of garlic can provide essential anti-oxidants and supplements to the body and enhances the immune system. Moreover, it can help to treat the yeast infection on the breast.
How to use
Crush a few garlic cloves and apply the paste directly over the affected areas and leave it overnight. Repeat the remedy for 3-4 days to get rid of vaginal itching.
You can also mix 2drops of garlic oil with few drops of coconut oil and apply it all over the affected areas. It relieves the itching and burning sensation and provides instant relief.
2. Cinnamon Oil
Cinnamon is a beneficial spice with high medicinal properties and potent anti-inflammatory properties. The presence of cinnamaldehyde in it helps to treat several infections by inhibiting the growth of fungus and bacteria. Its anti-microbial, anthelmintic and antiseptic properties help to cure vaginal yeast infection profoundly.
How to use
Combine 5drops of cinnamon oil with 5drops of pure coconut oil well together. Clean your genital area with warm water and pat dry with a clean cloth.
Apply it topically on affected skin areas and let it overnight. Repeat the remedy at least for 4-5 days to knock down the bacteria causing the yeast infection.
3. Turmeric Powder
Curcumin, the major component of turmeric, has potent anti-inflammatory properties, anti-oxidant and anti-microbial properties. It inhibits the overgrowth of Candida Albicans through its anti-viral properties. The presence of anti-oxidants in turmeric helps to improve the immune system and guard the body against free radicals. You can intake a glass of milk mixed with a pinch of turmeric powder to inhibit the bacterial and fungal growth in the body.
How to use
Add a tablespoon of turmeric powder to a mug of water and mix them well together.
Rinse your genital area with the water 2-3 times a day to reduce the inflammation of the vagina.
You can also mix a pinch of turmeric powder with a few drops of coconut oil to treat the infection. Apply the paste on affected skin areas and let it overnight. Repeat the remedy regularly to cure vaginal yeast infection in a natural rapid way.
4. Consumption Of Probiotics
Probiotics contain lactobacillus acidophilus bacteria which helps to balance the Ph level of Vagina and turns off the signs and symptoms of the yeast infection. Regular intake of plain unsweetened yogurt helps to get rid of vaginal infection by increasing the percentage of good and healthy bacteria inside the vagina.
Intake a cup of plain yogurt once or twice in a day to cure vaginal yeast infection within a week.
5. Coconut oil
Coconut oil can be a quick solution to vaginal yeast infection due to its powerful anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. The topical application of pure coconut oil on affected skin areas can reduce the inflammation of the skin and prevents fungal growth in the vagina.
How to use
Apply pure coconut oil on affected genital areas twice or thrice a day to clear the infection in a few days.
You can also mix coconut oil with any essential oil like oregano or tea tree oil to treat vaginal infection.
6. Aloe vera
Being rich in anti-fungal properties aloe vera helps to treat the vaginal infection in an effective natural way. It acts as an anti-bacterial and anti-viral agent and knockdowns the fungus in the vagina and provides instant relief from inflamed, itchy skin. Intake of aloe vera supports the immune system and improves digestion. The anti-inflammatory properties, soothing properties of it help to reduce inflammation and fungal growth in the skin.
How to use
Grab a fresh aloe leaf and extract the gel from it. Apply the gel on affected areas and let it for half an hour or overnight if possible.
Repeat the remedy twice or thrice in a day to get rid of vaginal yeast infection naturally.
You can also use aloe vera gel to get rid of yeast infection.
7. Calendula
Calendula is a natural herb with potent anti-inflammatory and high healing properties. It protects the vagina from bacteria and fungal infections due to its anti-bacterial properties. It soothes the inflamed skin and relieves itching and irritation of vagina in a rapid natural way.
How to use
Crush 2-3 fresh leaves of calendula into a fine paste. Apply the paste on affected areas.
Let it for at least 20 minutes and rinse it off with warm water. Repeat the procedure twice or thrice in a day to reduce the infection in a fast natural way.
8. Yogurt
Yogurt is loaded with healthy bacteria known as lactobacillus acidophilus which can balance the ratio of fungus and bacteria in the vagina. It encourages the growth of good bacteria and inhibits the fungal growth and maintains healthy Ph level of the vagina. Consume2-3 cups of plain yogurt per day to restore the good bacteria in the body.
How to use
Apply plain yogurt on affected areas and leave it for at least 40 minutes or overnight if possible. Rinse it with warm water and pat dry with a clean cotton cloth.
Repeat the remedy for a week to reduce the vaginal yeast infection.
You can also dip a tampon in yogurt and insert it into the vagina and let it for at least one hour to clear the infection. Repeat the procedure twice in a day to relieve intense itching and vaginal irritation.
9. Apple Cider Vinegar
Being acidic in nature apple cider vinegar regulates the Ph level of the vagina and prevents vaginal yeast infection by inhibiting the fungus. It reduces the inflammation of the skin and provides instant relief from intense itching of the skin. Intaking of ACV mixed with warm water can improve the immune system and balances the Ph of the digestive tract.
How to use
Dilute the Apple cider vinegar with some water and spray it on vaginal affected areas and let it for 10 minutes. Rinse it off with warm water and pat dry. Repeat the procedure 2-3 times a day to clear the infection.
Add some ACV to your bathtub and soak your body for 15 minutes to reduce the vaginal inflammation and itching caused by infection.
You can also insert a tampon soaked in ACV into the vagina to get relief from vaginal yeast infection.
10. Cranberries
Cranberries are enriched with vitamin C and E and consists of powerful antifungal and anti-bacterial properties. Regular consumption of unsweetened cranberries juice can regulate the Ph level of the vagina and inhibits the fungal growth. It enhances the immune system and flushes out the fungus causing infection by increasing the good bacteria in the body.
Simple Precautions to be followed to prevent vaginal yeast infection
It is advised to avoid sexual intercourse during vaginal yeast infection to protect your partner from the fungus.
Always Opt for loose, cotton and clean inner wears to prevent the bacterial growth in the vagina.
Avoid the usage of flavored tampons and sanitary pads and decrease the use of antibiotics.
Do not use feminine vaginal sprays and deodorants which may affect the PH level of the vagina.
Decrease the intake of sugar contained and processed foods to maintain a healthy bacterial balance in the vagina.
Always clean your genital area from front to back to prevent the transfer of bacteria from the anus to the vagina. Avoid scratching the affected areas which may spread the infection.
Avoid taking alcohol and caffeine products to prevent yeast infections. Increase the intake of vitamin-C supplements and probiotics to treat the infections.