Tea tree oil Research suggests that a vaginal suppository containing tea tree oil may help treat vaginal infections. Tea tree oil has been shown to have antifungal properties. Another study found tea tree oil to be effective as an antimicrobial in helping break down the biofilm.
You can treat most vaginal yeast infections with an over-the-counter vaginal cream or suppository. Most large drugstores and supermarkets sell them. Many yeast infection treatments come in 1-day, 3-day, and 7-day strengths.
The best treatment to get rid of most yeast infections comes down to medicated creams or a pill. Studies show that these creams and the oral pill, fluconazole, both work more than 90% of the time. Uncomplicated yeast infections usually respond to treatment within a couple of days.
Studies have shown that when taken, probiotics will improve symptoms for those who already have a yeast infection or bacterial vaginosis. Probiotics are also able to prevent a potential infection. These bacteria work to balance out the pH level of the vagina, which makes for a healthy and hospitable environment.
Mild yeast infections may clear up in as few as three days. Sometimes, they don't even require treatment. But moderate to severe infections may take one to two weeks to clear.
Don't wear nylon or other fabric that holds body heat and moisture close to the skin. Try sleeping without underwear. Don't scratch. Relieve itching with a cold pack or a cool bath.
Prescription yeast infection treatments
Diflucan (fluconazole) is an azole drug that can only be purchased with a prescription from a doctor or healthcare provider. It can be taken as a single-dose oral medication for mild infections or as a single dose every three days for more severe infections.
Supplementation with probiotics to boost the body's overall population of lactobacilli can help restore the balance of microflora in the vagina and thus help prevent common female problems such as bacterial vaginosis, yeast infection, and urinary tract infection.
An overgrowth of candida or penetration of the fungus into deeper vaginal cell layers causes the signs and symptoms of a yeast infection. Overgrowth of yeast can result from: Antibiotic use, which causes an imbalance in natural vaginal flora. Pregnancy.
Vaginal suppositories containing tea tree oil have been shown to treat vaginal fungal infections. Some women report relief from adding diluted tea tree oil to a tampon and inserting this into the vagina overnight.
Baking soda baths can potentially treat yeast infections as well as certain itchy skin conditions. According to a 2012 study, baking soda has antifungal effects. A 2014 study found that baking soda killed Candida cells, the same cells that cause yeast infections.
Cranberry juice may help cure yeast infections. When taken regularly, it's said to prevent recurrent yeast infections. The high levels of vitamin C in cranberry juice may aid in upper respiratory infections. It may reduce the frequency and severity of these infections.
The most common fermented foods that naturally contain probiotics, or have probiotics added to them, include yogurt, kefir, kombucha, sauerkraut, pickles, miso, tempeh, kimchi, sourdough bread and some cheeses.
Digestive Health
Greek yogurt is probiotic, meaning it is typically produced with live bacterial cultures. These bacteria can help support the good bacteria that already live in your digestive system. Consuming probiotics like Greek yogurt may improve your digestive system's ability to handle a wide variety of foods.
A lack of regular hygiene practices, such as daily showers and brushing your teeth, or a constantly damp environment can also lead to chronic yeast infections. You're also at risk of recurring yeast infections if you have a weakened immune system. The following can weaken your immune system: age.
Low-sugar fruits such as blueberries, strawberries, kiwi, grapefruit and watermelon. Grains like millet, quinoa and oat bran. Sweeteners like Stevia and xylitol.
Diagnosing a Yeast Infection: Signs to Look for
Thick, white discharge (the texture of cottage cheese) Burning feeling especially when peeing or having sex. Vaginal pain, redness and swelling.
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.
Lemon juice
While lemons carry some anti-fungal properties, they primarily work by detoxing the liver as it fights off candida. Lemon juice also stimulates the peristaltic action of the colon, boosting its efficiency.
Women tend to be more likely to get vaginal yeast infections if their bodies are under stress from poor diet, lack of sleep, illness, or when they are pregnant or taking antibiotics. Women with immune-suppressing diseases such as diabetes and HIV infection also are at increased risk.
Mild yeast infections often clear up in just a few days, but more severe infections can last up to two weeks.
You might have a complicated yeast infection if: You have severe signs and symptoms, such as extensive redness, swelling and itching that leads to tears, cracks or sores. You have four or more yeast infections in a year. Your infection is caused by a less typical type of fungus.