Important Update: May 2019
Based on the many questions we get on this topic, and the high number of side effects people reported, below is a quick summary:
Yeast infections can be very uncomfortable. Hence, the common question of how to get rid of a yeast infection fast.
Safety comes first. Before you take any yeast infection treatment pill hoping to get rid of the yeast infection in 24 hours, here are a few important facts you should know.
- You dont get a yeast overnight. It usually evolves as a result of an imbalance in the body.
- To completely and permanently cure a yeast infection, you need to address this imbalance.
- Addressing the cause of the infection is the most important step in the yeast infection treatment.
- To find the cause, you may want to ask yourself how did you get the yeast infection to being with.
- Certain medication, antibiotics or poor diet are common causes of yeast infections.
- In many cases, once the source is identified and addressed, no additional steps are needed.
- Well cover these in this guide.
Natural remedies dont mean safe. Fast relief doesnt mean yeast infection cure
Table of Content
What is causing your yeast infection?
Yeast Infections And Pregnancy
Due to the imbalance in the level of hormones, yeast infections are very common in pregnant women. If you feel that you have a yeast infection, it is always recommended to see a doctor as soon as possible. For treating yeast infection in a pregnant woman, different steps are taken unlike in the case of women that are not pregnant.
Pregnant women cannot take antifungal pills as they might cause birth defects. Therefore the use of antifungal ointments and creams are recommended instead. Although yeast infection is not fatal for the baby, there is a high chance that the infection will be transmitted to the baby while giving birth.
How Can I Prevent Future Yeast Infections
The best way to reduce your risk of getting a yeast infection is to avoid things that promote the growth of yeast. Heres how:
- Keep the vaginal area clean and dry. After showering, dry the area thoroughly. Always remove wet swimsuits and exercise clothes right away and change into cotton pants without underwear. Limit the amount of time you spend in hot tubs or very hot baths.
- Let the area breathe. Wear cotton, not nylon, underwear and avoid tights and pantyhose without a cotton lining, as well as tight pants. Consider not wearing underwear during sleep to allow some airflow.
- Watch your sugar intake, including alcohol! Sugar is the main food source for yeast.
- Take probiotics, especially if you are taking antibiotics. Probiotics, found in cultured foods like yogurt and especially in Activia, help restore your normal vaginal bacteria.
- Finally, always avoid douches, feminine sprays, deodorant tampons, and even bubble baths, which may contain chemicals that can be irritating.
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Lifestyle Changes That Support Medical Yeast Infection Treatment
While taking yeast infection medication, certain lifestyle changes can help relieve symptoms and prevent worsening symptoms. These include:
- Keeping your genital area clean and dry
- Wearing loose-fitting underwear, pants, or shorts to prevent irritation and sweating, which can lead to the growth of more yeast
- Promptly changing out of wet bathing suits or exercise clothing, and washing sweat-covered or wet clothes after each use
- Keeping your blood sugar level under control if you have diabetes
Use Coconut Oil For Yeast Infection
Virgin coconut oil is high in caprylic and lauric acid, thus giving it very powerful anti-fungal and antimicrobial properties. This is ideal for combating yeast infection. Coconut oil can be used in your diet and especially to cook with.
Note: Make sure you dont use the hydrogenated type, and only use virgin coconut oil.
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Related Conditions To Yeast Infections
Vaginal concerns can be a common occurrence. Sometimes the cause is obvious, such as changes in menstrual cycle, sexual activity, or a new product you may be using. Other times, the cause may not be as clear. If you’ve had a yeast infection before, it may be easy to assume your yeast infection symptoms have the same cause, but that is not always the case. There are a few conditions with symptoms that can be mistaken for yeast infection symptoms.
What If I Keep Getting Yeast Infections
A yeast infection is considered to be chronic if you get one four or more times within one year. The same things that can contribute to normal yeast infections can also cause them to be chronic – taking regular medications, hormone therapy or pregnancy, or having a condition that affects your immune system.
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Causes Of Recurring Yeast Infections
Some women are more susceptible to yeast infections than others and will have recurring yeast infections or chronic yeast infections. There are a few possible reasons someone may deal with recurrent yeast infections:
- Sexual activity. While yeast infections are not a sexually transmitted infection , it is possible in some cases for partners to pass the Candida to each other. To prevent this, use condoms or dental dams and practice good hygiene after sexual intercourse, such as showering. Avoid having intercourse when one partner has a yeast infection.
- The original yeast infection was not completely treated or the yeast infection is caused by a drug-resistant strain. Symptoms may disappear before the infection is fully treated. When this happens, the yeast infection will come back. There are also strains of yeast that are more drug-resistant, which makes it harder to get rid of than others.
- It is not a yeast infection. There are other infections, such as bacterial vaginosis, or STIs, that may have similar symptoms. This is one of the most important reasons for visiting a doctor, such as a gynecologist or primary care physician, when a yeast infection does not clear up, or when youre not sure that what youre dealing with is a yeast infection.
- Those with certain conditions, such as impaired immune systems, pregnancy, or uncontrolled diabetes, are more susceptible to yeast infections.
Possible Complications Of A Yeast Infection While Pregnant
If you have a vaginal yeast infection when you give birth, the baby can catch it. When the baby passes through the birth canal, it comes into contact with all the yeast fungi.
You can usually see symptoms of an oral yeast infection in infants by looking in their mouth. White, pillowy sores can be found on the tongue and inside the cheeks of infants infected with yeast fungi, also known as oral thrush.
This can cause issues, especially if the infant is breastfed. Oral thrush can cause your baby to resist feeding due to pain in the mouth. They can also spread it to the mother, causing extreme discomfort and pain in the nipples and breasts.
While uncomplicated oral thrush in infants is relatively common and easy to treat, it can be difficult to totally eliminate the fungus. Thatâs because the mother and infant can reinfect each other if one still carries the fungus, even after taking medication.
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Male Yeast Infection Home Remedies
Candida infections will occasionally go away on their own, but ignoring them isnt a good idea. A few yeast infection home remedies can be useful for mild cases. Taking probiotic supplements or eating probiotic-rich foods like natural yogurt can help restore the bodys yeast and bacteria balances. Natural foods and oils with antifungal properties can also act as effective topical treatments, such as:
- Apple cider vinegar
- Hydrogen peroxide
Men who have a yeast infection should also refrain from sex until theyve recovered, as it can further irritate the affected area and potentially throw off their partners candida balance.
Oral thrush may respond to similar home remedies, but mixed with water and used as a mouthwash. Saltwater rinses can also be effective.
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Wash With Soap And Water
Clean the affected area with soap and water twice daily before you apply any home remedies or any other medication. This will control the spread of infection. While soap and water may not always be able to eliminate a fungal infection entirely, it helps to keep the spread down and lower the intensity of the infection.
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Transmitting The Infection Back And Forth
Candida infections can happen on other areas of skin and in the mouth. They can spread via skin-to-skin contact. This is most common between breastfeeding moms and their babies.
The key to prevent recurring transmissions is to make sure both mom and baby are completely cured of yeast infections. You may have to pump your breast milk and bottle-feed while the infections clear up.
Thrush Treatment For Men
Thrush in men is usually easily treated with a course of an antifungal cream. These can be bought at a pharmacy or a large supermarket, or prescribed by a doctor. There are several creams available, including:
Note that these creams may affect latex condoms and contraceptive diaphragms/caps, making them less effective.
Another option is an antifungal tablet, such as fluconazole. This is a one-off tablet which is swallowed.
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Can Thrush Go Away On Its Own
Sometimes thrush can go away on its own however the infection can worsen and spread to other parts of the body. If you think you have thrush you should visit your doctor, as the symptoms of thrush are very similar to the symptoms caused by sexually transmitted infections . Your doctor will be able to tell you whether you have an STI or thrush, and therefore what treatment or further testing is required. The treatment you are given will depend upon your diagnosis as well as the severity of the infection.
If you have thrush its best that you avoid having sex while the infection and its symptoms are present. Sex can make the infection worse as well as spread it to other parts of your body or to your partner.
Essential Oil Of Oregano
Common oregano, or Origanum marjoram, is what you usually find in your grocery stores spice section. However, the oil of oregano used to treat yeast infections is not the same type.
Look for oregano oil made from wild oregano, or Origanum vulgare.
A 2017 study found oregano essential oil to be effective in altering the growth of C. Albicans.
Never ingest essential oils. Essential oils are meant to be inhaled as part of aromatherapy. While some studies are examining other ways to use essential oil of oregano, experts recommend diluting it in a carrier oil, such as olive or sweet almond oil, at this time.
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How Are Vaginal Yeast Infections Treated
If you’re using a vaginal treatment and are sexually active, you should not have sex until the infection has been completely treated because these medicines can weaken condoms and diaphragms.
All these types of medicine can clear up your symptoms in a couple of days and cure the infection within a week. It’s important to take the medicine for the whole time its prescribed. If you stop taking it too soon, the infection could come back. If you’re not feeling better within a few days of finishing treatment, call your doctor.
Some medicines used to treat yeast infections are available without a prescription, but you see a doctor for your diagnosis before buying one. You could have another type of infection that might get worse if not properly treated. Also, over-the-counter medicine should not be used by anyone younger than 12 or girls who might be pregnant without talking to a doctor first.
When To Call A Doctor For A Yeast Infection
There are many over-the-counter medications that you can pick up from your local pharmacy to treat a yeast infection. If you have any questions, consult with a doctor before heading to the drug store.
Women who are pregnant or have certain medical conditions should consult with a doctor to make sure they have a safe treatment plan. Additionally, if you have additional symptoms such as a fever or chills, talk to your doctor, as these could be signs a different type of infection.
Here are some signs that its time to call your doctor about your yeast infection:
- Youre pregnant
- You have a lowered immune system
- Your symptoms persist after trying over the counter medications
- You have four or more yeast infections in a 12-month timespan
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Complications And Side Effects Of A Yeast Infection
If your yeast infection remains untreated for a long time it could develop into complications. Here are some signs that may show you are developing a complication:
- Symptoms like redness, swelling, and itching become so severe that it causes tears or sores
- A recurrence of a yeast infection four or more times in one year
Diabetes And Yeast Infections
Factors like diabetes and a suppressed immune system may contribute to your yeast infection risk, according to 2019 research .
If you have diabetes, work with a healthcare professional to make sure your blood sugar levels are well-managed. If you have a suppressed immune system, a doctor can recommend ways to help keep your immune system as healthy as possible.
If left untreated, a penile yeast infection can lead to some serious complications.
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Oregano Oil Works Well With Nystatin
As the name hints, oregano oil is extracted from the flowers and leaves of the oregano herb, which belong to the Lamiaceae family. Its native to Europe and is mostly used for treating various respiratory tract ailments, like asthma, bronchitis, and cough.
This oil from oregano is considered a pain reliever and an anti-inflammatory. Its also valued for its supposed high amounts of phenols . Two of the most abundant phenols in oregano are carvacrol and thymol.
- Carvacrol is found in other herbs and plants, but the richest source of this phenol is oregano. This is found to have activities against bacteria and Candida albicans.
- Thymol in oregano is considered an organic antiseptic and antifungal agent. A study has shown that species of Candida albicans that are resistant and non-resistant to fluconazole, an antifungal med, are sensitive to thymol.
Interestingly, when oregano oil is used together with Nystatin, the combination produces a greater activity against C. albicans.
How to Stop a Yeast Infection with Oregano
#1 Combine one teaspoon of your choice of carrier oil and one drop of oregano essential oil. Gently rub the resulting mixture on the affected area. Just a heads up, its going to sting, but it usually goes away in a few minutes.
#3 You could also take oregano capsules.
Caveats
What Causes A Yeast Infection
Antibiotics are one of the most common culprits in causing yeast infections, because they destroy vaginal bacteria and thereby disrupt the balance of power among the vaginal microorganisms. This balance is also affected by hormone levels, so women are more prone to yeast infections if theyre using hormonal contraceptives, during pregnancy, or just prior to menstruation. Yeast infections are also more common in women with compromised immune systems due to illnesses like diabetes, AIDS, or cancer. In fact, anything that weakens your immune systemstress, lack of sleep, consumption of alcohol, and even refined sugarcan lead to an overgrowth of yeast.
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Preventing Future Yeast Infections
After going through one yeast infection, you probably want to do whatever you can to avoid more in the future. A few ways to prevent yeast infections include:
- Eating probiotic-rich foods
- Showering shortly after sexual intercourse
- Not wearing panty liners all day, every day
- Avoiding wearing tight pants or pantyhose
- Showering and changing soon after a workout
- Maintaining a strong and healthy immune system
If you do end up with a yeast infection, try one of the above medications or talk to your doctor to see what your treatment options are. Most women find relief within just a few days of the onset of their yeast infection when they act quickly. Make sure to save on your yeast infection treatment by using prescription coupons from Americas Pharmacy. Search your local area to find these medications at a reduced rate near you.
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