Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. But are these treatments actually effective — or even safe? Right off the bat, Dr. A Scientifica study found coconut oil can help inhibit the candida bacteria that causes yeast infections.
To utilize this treatment, simply apply coconut oil to the affected area. Cranberry juice has been found to help with urinary tract infections by preventing the formation of the candida albicans the fungus that causes yeast infections. While studies have not shown its ability to help cure candida albicans in the vagina, some women claim to have results. Cranberry juice and pills are also very high in vitamin C, which can also help prevent infection.
Over-the-counter douches may combat yeast infections and relieve inflammation and irritation. However, most studies show adverse effects of douching, and few studies give positive outcomes. Garlic and garlic oil are well-known antifungal agents. Studies have even found it to have antifungal activity against candida albicans. While more traditional approaches may recommend inserting the garlic clove directly into the vagina, a less invasive approach is to simply add more fresh garlic to food and incorporate it into more meals.
Hydrogen peroxide is a strong antiseptic that has been found to kill yeast. It has not been studied specifically on vaginal infection strains of yeast. Before applying to the vagina, be sure to dilute the hydrogen peroxide first.
Oregano oil, or origanum oil, has been shown to inhibit the growth of candida albicans. To use oregano oil, use a couple of drops in a carrier agent, like coconut oil or olive oil, and apply to the affected area. Probiotics contain live bacteria, such as the bacteria Lactobacillus acidophilus , which helps foster a healthy balance of bacterias in the vagina. They may treat or prevent bacterial vaginosis and urinary tract infections in addition to yeast infections.
Buy probiotic supplements online or in stores. Vinegar should be diluted in water before touching the skin. In addition, consider adding apple cider vinegar to your diet. In a lab study , garlic was shown to be an effective Candida killer. While more studies are needed, research from examined the effect of using a garlic solution on sores of the mouth and found it was effective in inhibiting the growth of Candida. However, it was not as effective as using nystatin Nystop , an antifungal medication.
If you want to try garlic to treat a yeast infection, add more garlic to your diet. Some websites recommend inserting garlic in the vagina, but burns and significant pain have been reported.
Stick with adding garlic to foods instead. Hydrogen peroxide is a bacteria- and yeast-killing antiseptic. Hydrogen peroxide is produced by Lactobacillus bacteria in the vagina and is part of the biological activity against yeast.
Adding it to a bath or diluting in water may help with yeast growing on the genitals. Vitamin C is an immune system booster and also has a role in skin health.
A strong immune system allows your body to bring itself back into balance. Vitamin C, also called ascorbic acid, has antimicrobial components, so some people add it to their diet to treat Candida overgrowths. Some doctors recommend vitamin E for certain types of vaginitis. In fact, studies have found vitamin E to help reduce inflammation in Candida albicans in the lab.
Keeping your body healthy with adequate intake of vitamins makes sense when dealing with a yeast infection. Vitamin E as a suppository in the vagina or vitamin E oil can be used once or twice per day for 3 to 14 days to soothe the mucous membranes of the vagina and vulva.
Call a doctor if your symptoms worsen or if new symptoms appear at any time during treatment. If your infection goes away with treatment but then returns, contact a doctor for advice. You may need a prescription-strength treatment. The fastest — and most reliable — way to get rid of a yeast infection is to see a doctor if you suspect you have one.
They will likely prescribe fluconazole, an oral treatment that may still take a week to get rid of the infection. Additionally, the vaginal suppository Monistat and generic versions of this medication miconazole will successfully treat most vaginal yeast infections.
A mild yeast infection may go away on its own, but this is rare. Bacterial vaginosis BV and vaginal yeast infections have similar symptoms but different causes and treatments, but both cause inflammation of the vagina, or vaginitis.
Some of the differences between BV and a yeast infection is that BV produces a foul-smelling, fishy odor, while a yeast infection produces no vaginal odor. In fact, most doctors caution against using apple cider vinegar to try to fix a persistent yeast infection. Some women are naturally more prone to recurrent yeast infections than others due to compromised immune systems, pregnancy, or genetics. But, there are some practices one can follow to reduce their risk of infection and otherwise maintain vaginal health, such as:.
Auguste recommends visiting a doctor whenever you experience yeast infection-like symptoms, even if you hope to treat it without medication. This way you can speak to your doctor about the best treatment options for you and your body.
The nuisances of yeast infections are quite common. Certain home remedies like taking probiotics may aid in recovery, but others may actively harm you. Above all, your best bet is seeing a doctor who can guide you to the most appropriate treatment plan. World globe An icon of the world globe, indicating different international options. Get the Insider App.
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Callie Tansill-Suddath. An effective home remedy for treating yeast infections is taking a probiotic with Lactobacillus or eating it in fermented foods like miso. Boric acid, which can be purchased at most grocery stores, is another home remedy that can treat a yeast infection. Some home remedies to avoid for a yeast infection include garlic, apple cider vinegar, and coconut oil.
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