Fortunately, most yeast infections are not serious. Left untreated, yeast infections will usually go away on their own, but the severe itching can be hard to tolerate for some.
If a yeast infection is mild, it will usually clear up after a few days. More severe yeast infections, however, can last for up to two weeks. If for some reason a yeast infection is left untreated, it won't cause any serious long-term medical complications, like infertility or scarring.
When will I feel better? — Most yeast infections go away within a few days of starting treatment. However, you may continue to feel itchy and irritated, even after the infection is gone. If you do not get better within a few days after finishing treatment, call your doctor or nurse for advice.
When there is an imbalance and yeast overgrows, it can cause a yeast infection. The stages of yeast infections may be classified as mild, moderate, or severe.
If you are using a vaginal medicine, don't have sex until you have finished your treatment. But if you do have sex, don't depend on a latex condom or diaphragm for birth control. The oil in some vaginal medicines weakens latex. Don't douche or use powders, sprays, or perfumes in your vagina or on your vulva.
Taking an antifungal medication for three to seven days will usually clear a yeast infection. Antifungal medications — which are available as creams, ointments, tablets and suppositories — include miconazole (Monistat 3) and terconazole.
There are several types of at-home yeast infection tests that are available for purchase, including vaginal pH test strips and self-collection kits that allow you to collect a sample at home and mail it to a laboratory for nucleic acid amplification testing (NAAT).
The main cause of a yeast infection is the overgrowth of yeast on an area of the body. The yeast species Candida albicans causes common yeast infections, but other species of Candida can also cause an infection. They may need different treatment.
Capric acid, otherwise known as caprylic acid, is fast and effective at eliminating Candida overgrowth, making it one of the strongest candida killers.
Apple cider vinegar has long been used as a home remedy to treat candida overgrowth and protect against yeast infections and thrush. Studies show apple cider vinegar has powerful antimicrobial activities and can inhibit the growth of C. albicans and other pathogens.
Water is one of the most powerful remedies to combat a yeast infection. Though there are several cures for combating yeast infection, water remains the best remedy. Yeast feeds on the sugar present in your body and leads to infections.
Untreated yeast infections do not have long-term consequences, such as infertility or scarring. They tend to be uncomfortable, and can cause discharge and burning, but they do not cause permanent damage.
Even though yeast infections can be really itchy, try not to scratch. It can make irritation worse or cause cuts in your skin, which can spread germs and lead to more infection. There are over-the-counter creams that you can use on your vulva to help calm the irritation.
The appearance of a yeast infection, or candidiasis, depends on its location. It can cause white patches in the mouth, flaking or crusting of the skin, and changes in genital discharge, which may look like cottage cheese.
The vagina tends to have a natural fungus called Candida that may not cause any harm usually. But, it can invite a yeast infection when the change in the environment allows it to grow out of control. This can lead to vulvar itching during nighttime.
Fortunately, the infections respond well to over-the-counter antifungal creams or suppositories, so if you're sure you have a yeast infection, go ahead and try an OTC yeast infection medication like Monistat or yeast arrest suppositories, which contain boric acid, a mild antiseptic.
STARVE THE YEAST
The first key is to eliminate foods that have yeast in them and foods that yeast likes to eat. This means cutting out vinegar, beer, wine, mushrooms (as part of the fungi family, they can cross-react with Candida) and sugar, refined carbs, processed foods.
Consuming probiotics can help to balance the good bacteria in your body. Good sources for probiotics are: Yogurt with live bacterial cultures. Fermented foods such as kimchi, kefir, kombucha, sauerkraut, and pickles.