Treat a Yeast Infection Naturally

Yeast infections are caused by an overproduction of yeast or fungus and can lead to irritation, discharge, and inflammation of the vagina and the vulva. Three out of four women will develop a yeast infection in their life and many women experience at least two episodes of the infection in their lifetime. If you are hesitant to use medication for your yeast infection, you can try natural suppositories and work on relieving your symptoms at home. You should also learn how to prevent yeast infections from developing in the future. Keep in mind the most effective way to treat a yeast infection is by seeing your doctor and getting prescribed or over-the-counter medication to address the issue.

Steps

Using Natural Suppositories

1. Try a boric acid suppository. Boric acid can be a good home treatment for a yeast infection, as it is antifungal and antiseptic. Boric acid has also been shown to prevent the growth of yeast. You can use boric acid in the form of a suppository capsule and apply it twice a day for one week into your vagina.
   • Never apply boric acid powder directly to your vagina or your skin, as it can irritate these areas. You should also never ingest boric acid, as it can be fatal when swallowed.
   • Only use boric acid suppositories for five to seven days. If your symptoms do not improve, see your doctor.
   • You can find boric acid suppositories at your local health food store or through a naturopath. You can make your own boric acid suppositories by filling gelatin capsules, size 0, with 600 mg of boric acid.
2. Use a probiotic suppository. Probiotics can help to keep your vagina healthy and prevent the growth of harmful bacteria in your vagina. You can try eating one cup of yogurt a day to provide healthy probiotics for your vagina or insert a probiotic suppository in your vagina to address your yeast infection.
   • You can find probiotics in plain, all natural yogurt. Make your own suppository at home using sterilized capsules, size 0. Fill the capsules with yogurt and close them up to make a probiotic suppository.
   • You can also find probiotic suppositories at your local health food store or through a naturopath.
   • Do not apply yogurt directly into your vagina or your vulva. Only use a probiotic suppository for five to seven days. If your symptoms do not improve, see your doctor.
3. Consider a tea tree oil suppository. Tea tree essential oil is a known anti-inflammatory and antiseptic. Some women have tried inserting a tampon doused in tea tree oil into their vagina to help treat their yeast infection. However, you should try this method with caution, as your vagina is very sensitive and inserting a tea tree oil suppository could make your yeast infection worse.
   • If you notice any negative symptoms or if your vagina feels more irritated or inflamed, stop using this method and see your doctor.

Relieving Your Symptoms at Home

1. Sit in a warm bath. You can try relieving the symptoms of a yeast infection at home by sitting in a warm bath or a sitz bath. A sitz bath is a small pan or bowl that is made to allow your hips and buttocks to be soaked in water. Soaking in a warm bath can help to reduce your symptoms and being relief to your vaginal area.
2. Apply a cool, damp cloth to the area. Another option is to put a cool, damp cloth on your lower abdominal area or on your vaginal area to help reduce your symptoms. Let the cloth sit on this area until you feel relaxed and any soreness goes away. Replace the cloth periodically so the area stays clean.
3. Avoid rubbing the area. Though your vaginal area may feel itchy or irritated due to the yeast infection, you should try not to rub the area. Rubbing or scratching the area can make the infection worse. Instead, try to use other options to relieve your symptoms. If the area becomes very itchy or irritated, you may want to speak to your doctor.

Speaking to Your Doctor

1. See your doctor if your symptoms do not improve. If you notice your symptoms are getting worse, despite home treatment, you should see your doctor. This is especially important if you are pregnant or if you are experiencing a yeast infection for the first time. You should also see your doctor if you are not sure if you have a yeast infection or you develop other symptoms that may indicate another medical issue.
   • If you have a non-complicated yeast infection, you may experience itching and irritation in your vagina and/or the tissues at the vaginal opening, known as your vulva. You may also have a burning sensation when you urinate or have sex. You may notice a thick, white, odor-less discharge in your vagina.
   • If you have a complicated yeast infection, you may experience more severe symptoms, such as swelling and itching of the vagina that causes tears, cracks or sores in your vagina. You may also notice that you get four or more yeast infections a year.
2. Allow your doctor to run tests. Once you see your doctor, you may have to answer a series of questions about your medical history and how long you have been experiencing the symptoms of a yeast infection. Your doctor will then do a pelvic exam to look for signs of infection. During the exam, they may place a speculum into your vagina to examine your vagina and cervix.
   • Your doctor may also take a sample of your vaginal fluid and get it tested to determine the type of fungus that is causing your yeast infection.
   • Your doctor may ask you about your vaginal health habits, such as whether you douche your vagina and if you have ever been treated for a vaginal health issue before. You should ask your doctor about ways you can prevent a yeast infection in the future.
3. Discuss your treatment options. Your doctor will recommend certain treatments for your infection based on your symptoms. If you have a non-complicated yeast infection, your doctor may prescribe anti-fungal medication in the form of a cream, an ointment, a tablet, or a suppository. You may need to use the medication for one to seven days to help clear up the yeast infection.
   • Your doctor may also recommend a single-dose oral medication or an over-the-counter treatment for your yeast infection. Single oral dose medication can help clear up the yeast infection within a few days. OTC creams and suppositories can often be used during pregnancy and will clear up the infection within three to seven days.
   • If you have a complicated yeast infection, with severe symptoms, your doctor may recommend long-course vaginal therapy, where you use medication in the form of a cream, an ointment, a tablet or a suppository for seven to 14 days.

Preventing Yeast Infections

1. Do not douche your vagina. Avoid douching or washing your vagina with anything more than clean, running water. Using soap or other substances can disrupt the natural pH levels in your vagina.
   • You should try to get in the habit of showering and washing your vaginal area after you have had sexual intercourse to prevent someone else’s bacterial from sitting in your vagina.
2. Wear cotton underwear. Wearing underwear that is made of a breathable material like cotton can help to prevent the growth of fungus and bacteria in your vagina. Avoid underwear made of synthetic materials and try not to wear panty hose or tight jeans. You should also change out of wet swimsuits and sweaty gym clothes right away.
   • If possible, you should try to go commando, or without underwear, when you can. Wearing a long skirt with no underwear can let air get into your vagina and reduce your risk of yeast infections.
3. Go for a non-estrogen birth control method. Using birth control that is estrogen-based, such as combination birth control pills, can lead to a higher amount of yeast in your vagina and make you more prone to infections. You may opt for non-estrogen methods like progestin-only mini pills or an intrauterine device (IUD).
   • If you use condoms as your birth control method, go for condoms that do not contain spermicides, as they can irritate your vagina. You should also use a lubricant that is water-based during sex to prevent friction or irritation, as this can disrupt the ecology of your vagina.

Tips

• Always wash hands thoroughly before and after applying any of these treatments.
• Check with a doctor if you experience any negative side effects while trying any of these methods.

Warnings

• Discontinue using these treatment methods if you experience any negative side effects and see your doctor.

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Sources and Citations

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