Home Remedies for Yeast Infections

Many people are always asking the question, "What's the fastest way to cure yeast infection at home?" A yeast infection, popularly known as candidiasis, is a fungus infection that affects about 138 million women worldwide more than once in their lifetime. Though not life-threatening, candidiasis causes really uncomfortable symptoms like itching, rash, and cottage cheese-like discharge that make life unbearable. For most people, despite the discomfort, embarrassment may make many people ignore such infections or make them use some homemade remedies to try and alleviate the symptoms. However, understanding this infection and how to treat it is critical to maintaining your health and wellbeing.

03 October 2024

4 min read

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Understanding the Implications of Untreated Yeast Infections

Although a light yeast infection will not result in serious consequences such as scarring or infertility, it is capable of causing the appearance of discomfort and painful feelings during intercourse or urination. It is appropriate to point out that yeast infections should never be neglected, especially by those couples who want to conceive or in case of pregnancy. Being left untreated by the yeast infection puts you at risk of the following:

Risk of Infection

This fungus, Candida, acts as the causative agent of more than 35% of the cases. It may also be sexually transmitted to the partner. Even though not regarded as an STI, candidiasis can still be encountered even among non-sexually active individuals.

Effects on Pregnancy

Yeast infection may also hinder conception or postpone it as an overgrowth of yeast in the vagina alters its pH. The new pHic environment is not ideal for sperm to live and may even kill them.

Risk to Newborns

An uncured yeast infection can be transferred to your baby during delivery and result in a condition called thrush. This is a yeast infection of the mouth. The baby may then pass the infection back to you during breastfeeding and cause Breast and Nipple Thrush. This is an infection of the breasts and nipples that causes the breasts and nipples to become extremely sore during a feed.

Identifying a Yeast Infection

Professional help is a must before you conclude anything about the abnormality of your genital region. In case of suspicion, consult your doctor or try a home vaginal test kit for yeast infection. Many risk factors predispose you to yeast infections, such as over-douching, soaps and other detergents containing perfume or fragrance, poor hygiene, diabetes, tight-fitting/wet clothes.

Symptoms of a Yeast Infection

Common symptoms include a rash of the vagina, irritation and itching of the vagina, painful intercourse, a burning sensation in urination, and discharge, which has a thick, cottage cheese-like appearance.

Their symptoms are not often easy to diagnose yourself. So, instead of trying self-medication with OTC drugs, it is better to seek a doctor's help first or try an at-home yeast infection test.

Home Cures for Yeast Infections

Good hygiene and a proper diet are also essential to help treat the yeast infection and prevent it from occurring. The following are some of the helpful home remedies.

Boric Acid

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 600mg boric acid capsules could be administered into the vagina for 14 days. Research has documented its success rate as high as 70 percent in treating infections resistant to Azole-type antifungal medication.

Oregano Oil

Studies prove that the wild oil of oregano can stall the growth of Candida yeast. Ensure the oil is well diluted in a carrier oil, such as coconut oil, lest there be any irritation of the skin.

Yogurt

Yogurt cures an imbalance of bacteria and yeast in the body. In case yogurt is taken regularly—natural, non-flavored, and unsweetened—symptoms of Candida yeast are cured.

Over-the-Counter Drugs

OTC antifungal creams and suppositories are available that cure yeast infections. These contain Azoles, one of the most common treatments that cure over 80 percent of vaginal yeast infections.

Tea Tree Oil

The anti-fungal action of Tea Tree Oil makes it a perfect home remedy application for the treatment of yeast infection. Like Oregano oil, Tea Tree Oil must be diluted in appropriate carrier oil, such as coconut oil, to prevent skin irritation.

Important Point to Note

Though yeast infection is not life-threatening in most cases, one should not be careless about its treatment. Recurrence may require prolonged vaginal treatments. Home remedies and treatments are effective, but it's always very important to confirm the infection before starting the treatment with a medically approved test kit.