Stix Vaginal Ph Tests
Stix offers home delivery and is urologist approved. This kit was designed by women with women in mind.
Kits get delivered to your front door in a discreet box and offer quick test results.
Each kit comes with two test swabs and simple instructions. Additionally, for people who need to monitor their pH levels regularly, the brand offers subscription options.
Reviews show satisfaction with the tests among customers who are prone to yeast infections and those looking for affordable options. Others appreciate that the test is discreet and they dont have to make regular trips to their pharmacy.
If you have any of these symptoms, you may want to get tested for a yeast infection. See a doctor if this is the first infection youre experiencing, or if youve tried self-treating with no improvement.
If you dont have the ability to see a doctor right away, you can use an at-home pH kit to test whether your vaginal pH levels are off.
How To Prevent Yeast Infections
There are a number of ways to prevent a yeast infection.
- Wear cotton underwear. Loose-fitting, cotton underwear is most conducive to a healthy microbiome. Avoid garments that are tight and arent as breathable, as well as things like sweaty workout wear. These clothes can create a humid, damp area, which is the ideal environment for Candida overgrowth. Because of this, it is also important to change out of damp or sweaty clothes, like workout clothes or swimwear, quickly.
- Avoid hot tubs and scalding hot baths, which foster Candida growth, due to the warm, moist environments.
- Take probiotics or eat yogurt with probiotics since they help balance the vaginal microflora. As well as treatment for yeast infections, probiotics are helpful in the prevention of yeast infections. The best probiotic to take will be with those containing the Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1 bacteria.
- Avoid behaviors that may lead to yeast infections, such as poor hygiene. When performing personal hygiene practices, avoid douching, scented vaginal washes or scented lotions, as well as perfumed sanitary products near the genitals, which can throw off the balance of the vaginas microflora.
- Avoid sugary and processed foods. Yeast grows from sugar, so this can cause a surplus of yeast growth.
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When To Call Your Healthcare Provider
Home remedies for yeast infections should work within a week, as is the case with most OTC yeast infection treatments. If you are still experiencing symptoms, see your healthcare provider.
Your practitioner may be able to prescribe Diflucan , an antifungal oral medication that can usually treat a yeast infection in one dose. But if yeast infection treatment still isn’t working, it may be because you don’t have a yeast infection.
Bacterial vaginosis, sexually transmitted infections, skin disorders, and other conditions can sometimes present with similar symptoms to those of a yeast infection. Some of these infections can have serious complications when left untreated.
If you notice that you are experiencing frequent yeast infections, see your gynecologist. You may need a more long-term antifungal treatment to wipe out the infection and prevent future ones.
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Yeast Infection Home Remedies: What Are Your Options
Youre not alone. Vaginal yeast infections are a widespread womens health issue. After bacterial infections , they are the most common vaginal infection in the United States. Nearly 1.4 million American women seek medical advice for a yeast infection every year.
When Should I Make An Appointment To See My Provider
The first time you experience the symptoms of a yeast infection, you should see your doctor to rule out any other conditions. Even if youve had a yeast infection before, you should consult your physician if the condition isnt improving despite using medication, or if you experience four or more yeast infections per year. You might need something stronger than whats available over-the-counter. Finally, if your discharge has a bad odor, if you have a fever, or if you have other serious medical problems, you should definitely seek medical attention.
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How Do Doctors Test For Yeast Infections
Doctors typically conduct a vaginitis test when testing for an infection. Theyll use a swab to take a sample of your vaginal discharge, which is then examined under a microscope.
This test is the best option to determine whether you have a yeast infection or if its another type of infection, such as BV, chlamydia, or trichomoniasis.
How To Use Tea Tree Essential Oil For Curing Yeast Infection
How to use?
- Mix two to three drops of tea tree essential oil in two tablespoons of honey
- Apply the mixture on the infected area by using a cotton ball
- Leave it overnight
- Wash the area with lukewarm water, the next morning
Alternatively for vaginal infection
- Add two to three drops of tea tree essential oil in one-third cup of warm water
- Soak a cotton tampon in the solution
- Repeat this for a few nights till the infection and its symptoms subside
Benefits of Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil has strong antibacterial and antifungal properties which make it one of the best natural remedies for treating the infection. Continuous application of tea tree oil on the infected area kills the fungi that cause the yeast infection. Further, honey has soothing properties that ease the inflamed area and reduce the irritation. It also aids in quick healing of the region.
Precautions
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Other Home Remedies For Yeast Infections
Much as you might like to cottagecore your way through a yeast infection, natural home remedies like yogurt, garlic, vinegar, and tea tree oil arent going to solve your problems.
In fact, using an unproven remedy instead of an OTC med might make the infection worse, since it gives the yeast more time to flourish and could potentially make your tissue more irritated.
Theres no place for commercial yogurt or garlic in treating yeast infections. Douching with vinegar can actually increase the risk for other infections like bacterial vaginosis, and tea tree oil can actually kill friendly microbes, explains Felice Gersh, MD, an OB/GYN and founder of the Integrative Medical Group of Irvine in Irvine, California.
One home option that might actually be helpful? Coconut oil. Test-tube studies, at least, suggest that it can help fight the bad bacteria that cause yeast infections about as well as conventional antifungals.
But its far from a proven treatment. So if you want to give it a try, definitely talk with your gyno first. They might recommend using the coco to complement a proven antifungal treatment.
Remedies And Treatments For Yeast Infections
The most effective treatment for yeast infections is a dedicated course of antifungal medication. However, you can also try several home remedies if you are waiting to see a doctor for a diagnosis and prescription. Here are six treatments for yeast infections.
Take Probiotics
Many yeast infections occur when your immune system is busy or damaged. Itâs common to experience yeast infections while on antibiotics because your bodyâs normal bacteria die off.
Eat Yogurt
Yogurt is another healthy source of probiotics. Just make sure that you eat the yogurt. It doesnât offer any benefits when applied topically, and the sugar thatâs present in all yogurt may cause other infections as well.
Apply Saltwater Rinses
Yeast infections can sometimes be reduced and soothed by rinsing the area gently with saltwater. Mix a half teaspoon of salt into a cup of warm water. For oral thrush, you can gently swish the mixture around in your mouth. For other areas of your body, you can soak the infected area for several minutes, then rinse thoroughly.
Apply Coconut Oil
Coconut oil seems to act as an antifungal agent both in the lab and in people.
You can gently apply a thin layer of coconut oil to the site of the yeast infection. This may help kill off some of the yeast and may soothe irritated, dry, uncomfortable skin, allowing it to heal.
Use Tea Tree Oil
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What Is The Fastest Way To Get Rid Of A Yeast Infection
To get rid of a yeast infection quickly, see your doctoror if you get yeast infections regularly, you can ask your doctor to give you a prescription to keep on file at your pharmacy, and fill it when you need it. Taking a prescription oral antifungal medication like Diflucan is a quick way to get rid of a yeast infection. Its a one-dose treatment, but some people may need an additional dose or doses. A prescription or OTC vaginal antifungal cream can also help get rid of yeast infections fast. Some prescribers will recommend using both fluconazole and an antifungal cream.
Sitz Bath With Apple Cider Vinegar
This vinegar is rich in gallic, lactic and citric acid, which are compounds rich in antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. These can play a role in treating a genital yeast infection.
ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar
- 1 L of warm water
How to prepare:
Stir the apple cider vinegar into the warm water and transfer the mixture into a sitz basin. After performing genital hygiene, sit in the sitz bath for 20 minutes, once per day.
Considerations for use: The apple cider vinegar should always be diluted in water before coming into contact with the skin, as it can cause irritation. Pregnant women should not perform this sitz bath.
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What To Expect From A Yeast Infection Test
The most accurate way to determine whether you have a yeast infection is by receiving a vaginitis test from a doctor.
The doctor will use a sterile cotton swab to retrieve a sample. Then, theyll examine the sample under a microscope to determine whether theres an infection.
If you take an at-home pH test, youll take one of the included pH strips and hold it against your vaginal wall for a few seconds.
Then, youll compare the color of the strip with the chart that came with your kit. This will tell you whether your pH level is off, though it wont be able to confirm for sure whether you have a yeast infection.
Wear Cotton Undies Or At Least Underwear Where The Inner Liner Is Cotton
The vulva is a delicate area, and you should treat it gently. For example, avoid wool since it can make the place even itchier if you have yeast infections. On the other hand, satin, silk, nylon, and spandex dont wick moisture, which can create a suitable breeding ground for fungal infections.
Cotton is the best option
Cotton is the best material to use since its breathable and absorbent. However, women can wear sexy underwear since doing so can boost their confidence and mood. Nonetheless, always look for an inner cotton lining to absorb extra moisture from vaginal discharge.
Make sure to wash it with hypoallergenic soap to avoid chemicals that lead to itching, irritation, and allergic reactions. Tumble dry it on low heat after washing for about 30 minutes to minimize the presence of new bacteria.
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What Happens If A Yeast Infection Is Left Untreated
Start treating a yeast infection as quickly as possible. The wait and see approach will likely just make your yeast infection worse, with redness, itching, and inflammation all over the genital region. Open sores and cracked skin could occur, which could turn into a skin infection. Then, when you do treat it, the infection could take much longer than if you had initially treated it. Untreated yeast infections can also pass between sexual partners, cause complications in pregnant women, and could pass to the baby during childbirth.
Women who get yeast infections on a regular basis may benefit from keeping treatment at home, so it is ready to use when needed.
When Should You See A Doctor
This is one of the most frequently asked questions about yeast infections. As with any other health issue, its always best to consult a doctor. There are several factors to consider other than a patients yeast infection.
A gynecologist knows the best type of treatment to recommend based on a womans medical history and health condition. They can also give you access to fast-acting solutions in case the symptoms become unbearable. Furthermore, they can advise on the best hygiene and sexual practices to prevent fungal regrowth.
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Effective Ways To Treat A Yeast Infection
Right off the bat, Dr. Goebel spots a problem with treating yeastinfections at home. The biggest issue is that self-diagnosis of yeastinfections is not very accurate, especially if you havent had one before, shesays.
Bacterial infections, allergic reactions and some skin conditions can cause similar symptoms, so its important to have a doctor confirm your diagnosis.
What if youve had yeast infections before, and theres nodoubt what youre dealing with? Dr. Goebel says your best bet is actual yeastinfection medication:
- Fluconazole is a prescription pill thatcan treat most yeast infections with a single dose, though it might take a fewdays for symptoms to clear up.
- Miconazole is an over-the-counter topicalcream. It comes in a variety of formulations, including one-day, three-day andseven-day options. The cream can be a little messy, but it can also bringfaster itch relief than oral fluconazole does, she says.
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Ditch The Tight Pants
“Yeast likes warm, moist places,” says Dr. Brandye, so you should leave any tight-fitting pants or shorts out of your wardrobe rotation to avoid moisture and heat as much as possible until the situation is all-clear. On vacay with a yeast infection? Switch out of your wet bathing suit ASAP after swimming. And you don’t have to skip your workout, Dr. Sophocles says. “If you want to keep rocking your Lululemon leggings, just change into a non-sweaty pair right away!” You want to aim to keep the area as well-ventilated as you can.
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Other Home Remedies And Diy Approaches For Yeast Infections
Garlic and tea tree oil are also popular natural remedies for vaginal yeast infections.
Numerous studies have shown that garlic has antifungal properties. But when taken orally, garlic has no effect on vaginal Candida counts, according to a study published in the journal BJOG.
While tea tree oils are effective against various Candida species in both laboratory and rat studies, clinical trials are lacking.
Douching with vinegar may be doubly bad because of the potential damage the liquid can cause to the vaginal walls.
You can find numerous other natural remedies for yeast infections online, including coconut oil, pomegranate gel, and echinacea purpurea liquid.
But before trying any alternative treatments, it’s best to check with your doctor.
When To Seek Medical Help:
You should seek medical help by visiting a doctor under the following circumstances:
- If you notice the symptoms of yeast infection for the first time
- If you doubt that you have a vaginal yeast infection
- When you develop other unknown or unusual symptoms in your vaginal area
- If the symptoms do not go away on treatment by the medications, creams, suppositories, etc., prescribed by your doctor.4
You must not rely on home remedies alone for the treatment of the condition and should consult a qualified doctor for any advice for condition if the symptoms do not improve with home remedies.
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Most Common Risk Factors For Developing Fungal Infections:
Home Remedies For Yeast Vaginitis
Yoghurt
Being a natural probiotic, the good bacteria in yoghurt builds immunity, maintains optimum PH balance and prevents the growth of bacteria or yeast in the vaginal area. It is also extremely effective in restoring the bodys flora to a natural state.
Apply homemade yoghurt directly onto the affected areas or dip a tampon in it and wear it for 20-30 minutes and then wash off with cool water. Do this twice a day to see quick results.
Tea tree oil And Honey
Imbued with potent anti-fungal, anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties, the oil obtained from Tea tree leaves hold high significance in soothing dry, chaffed and inflamed skin. Honey on the other hand moistures the inflamed skin. But one must keep in mind to dilute the tea tree oil in warm water before applying it on the area as it may cause a little irritation.
Instil 2-3 drops of tea tree oil in lukewarm water, add a spoonful of honey to it and dab it over the infected part using a cotton ball to get effective results.
Aloe Vera Gel
Fresh aloe vera gel scraped out of the aloe barbadensis leaves have incredible soothing and moisturising properties that provides immediate relief from irritated, inflamed itchy skin. Thanks to its anti-microbial properties, it restricts the growth of infection-causing bacteria or fungi.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Virgin Coconut Oil
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