Signs and Symptoms of a Yeast Infection
A yeast infection is a common bacterial infection caused by candida albicans, which is a strain of yeast that naturally live on the human body in small numbers. Yeast infections commonly inflict women in the vaginal area, with the following symptoms:
- A thick, white, and odorless discharge from the vagina.
- Itching and burning inside as well as outside the vagina.
- A burning sensation during urination.
- Slight pain or discomfort during sexual intercourse.
Men can also suffer from yeast infections, and infections can also occur on different parts of the body such as beneath the breasts, under nails, and behind other skin folds such as the lower abdominal area.
Causes of Yeast Infections
Although the bacteria that lead to yeast infections naturally exist on our bodies, their numbers are kept under control by the acidity level inside of the vagina. However, a drop in this acidity level may allow the yeast to flourish, leading to an infection. There are a number of possible reasons why this imbalance may occur:
- Pregnancy or menstrual cycles may cause a yeast infection, due to the hormonal changes that a woman undergoes in these situations.
- Antibiotics, steroids, and certain birth control pills can cause yeast infections since they cause an imbalance in the natural gut flora that normally prevents fungus like Candida from forming.
- Excessive moisture inside of the vaginal region can lead to infections.
- Individuals diagnosed with diabetes have been known to be more susceptible to yeast infections.
- Consuming large amounts of sweets and other high-sugar foods can lead to recurring infections.
- Using sauna, hot tub or jacuzzi frequently may also disrupt the healthy balance of bacteria and cause yeast infection.
Home Remedies and Natural Treatments for Yeast Infections
Apple Cider Vinegar
One of the best home remedies to treat a yeast infection is Apple Cider Vinegar.
Here are some simple steps on how to use this amazing natural treatment:
Step 1:
Add 1 and a half cups of Apple Cider Vinegar into a bathtub filled with luke warm water, and then soak in it for about 20 minutes.
This should be done once a day for the first 3 days of the infection.
Step 2:
After 3 days of soaking, the infection should be significantly less.
At this point, start to drink a glass of water mixed with 1 teaspoon of Apple Cider Vinegar once per day.
This not only helps prevent yeast infections, but it also has numerous other health benefits such as improving skin health and boosting your metabolism.
While it is also possible to create a douche with Apple Cider Vinegar, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists suggests that women avoid douching completely. Douching has the potential to spread a yeast infection up through the cervix and into the uterus. For this reason, the simple soak mentioned above should be sufficient.
NOTE: If you are pregnant, it is best to consult your doctor before using this treatment.
Cranberries
While cranberries are often used to treat bladder infections, they can also be highly effective for treating yeast infections by promoting healthy pH balance in the vagina. Try drinking a glass of unsweetened cranberry juice twice per day for up to 5 days to help fight off a fungal infection.
Probiotic Yogurt
The active bacterial cultures in yogurt help to fight yeast, which is one of the main reasons why many people have found it to be effective at treating a yeast infection. Try to eat a cup of unsweetened probiotic yogurt once per day for a week.
If your infection persists for longer than a week, it is best to consult your doctor.
Garlic
Many people have found that garlic is wonderful at fighting yeast infections. Crush 2 or 3 fresh garlic cloves into small pieces and quickly swallow the pieces with a glass of water. Repeat this for up to 5 days. If you don't like the associated garlic breath, you can use garlic capsules instead which are available in most health food stores.
12 Hour Cure for Yeast Infection
Learn about a 12 hour natural remedy for Yeast Infections in a new eBook. The book claims that its remedies will provide:
- Relief from burning, itching, painful urination or vaginal discharge.
- Relief from problems with your appetite due to a chronic yeast infection.
- Relief from rashes and skin problems associated with yeast infections.
Click here to find out more about this 12 hour remedy.
Thank you so much. This is so helpful. God bless you!
I had strep throat and the doctor gave amoxicillin 500MG one capsule twice a day for ten days. That caused yeast - from my head (throat) to my bottom. Your site answers so many questions and gave me ways to fight naturally. God Bless You!
Thanks so much!! I had a very bad itching for two days and my hubby was about to take me to the hospital. I found this web page and used Apple Cider Vinegar remedy, and a half hour later no itching. It really worked! Thanks again.
This article contains plenty of information about yeast infection. Such articles are great and readers can easily get help for the problem they are looking for.
After defecating, washing with water is far cleaner than using only toilet paper and it also helps with Yeast Infections and Hemorrhoids. Hand held bidet sprayer is pretty easy to use compare to the peri-bottle.
Yes, garlic does work for yeast infections - BUT you need A LOT of it. I use the Candida Cleanse tablets that has garlic and other ingredients that fight the yeast infection - I actually take them right when I feel a yeast infection coming on, and within a day it's not there anymore. No side effects!
Yes , this can be interesting to combat. Candida Ablicans/yeast can spread from the rectum to the vagina. Always wipe from front to back. Wear clean cotton underwear and loose fitting clothes. Stress produces cortisol in your body for fight or flight from whatever is overwhelming you and can cause the yeast to multiply quickly. Yeast can eventually get into your bloodstream and become a system wide problem. There is a prescription to help get that under control. Baking soda in bath can balance ph levels so yeast cannot flourish. Coconut oil is anti fungal. Molybdenum removes the discomfort of the dying off of the candida albicans/yeast. Anti-fungal creams in the women feminine pads section of chain stores can help cure it and there is an over the counter, vaginal pain cream with Lanacane in it to numb pain. Eating kefir restores gut flora and helps fight candida albicans. Eat healthy food with a balance of water with sea salt and minerals to keep electrolytes balanced and bowels moving regular. Take a stool softener if you have to. Constipation can also cause yeast issues.
Shivneel, try taking probiotic supplements and soak your bottom in Apple Cider Vinegar mixed water for at least 20 minutes everyday to treat yeast infection. You can read Apple Cider Vinegar remedy above on this page for the amounts of ACV and water. Also wear breathable clothing preferably cotton.
Dj, you don't get yeast infections only because you had it once. It is caused by imbalanced acidity levels inside the vagina. So if a change in your life style causes that imbalance in acidity levels again, only then you are likely to have another yeast infection. PS, using bleach on your body can be very dangerous - please don't take a bleach bath again.
I'm 21 and I have vaginal yeast infection. Please help me treat it, thanks.