Yeast Infections Signs & Symptoms
Acute itching and vaginal discharge are two of the most obvious symptoms of yeast infections. The discharge may vary but is typically described as cottage cheese-like. Additional symptoms may include vaginal soreness, burning, inflammation or swelling, redness, pain with intercourse, and urinary discomfort.
How Do You Get A Yeast Infection
Anything that disrupts the natural balance of yeast, candida, and bacteria can have the potential to lead to a yeast infection. Some things that may increase your chance of getting a yeast infection are:
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Use of antibiotics
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Having higher levels of estrogen
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Not changing out of wet clothes, like a swimsuit or gym clothes, can create prolonged moist environments for yeast to grow.
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Regularly douching in women
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Using scented feminine products
Yeast infections are not considered sexually transmitted diseases and are unlikely to be contagious in most cases. However, those who are prone to yeast infections, or who have a lowered immune system, may be able to contract a yeast infection from someone else through kissing, breastfeeding, or sexual intercourse.
Can You Get Rid Of A Uti Naturally At Home Or Do You Need Antibiotics
Sometimes, you can get rid of a UTI naturally by resting, drinking lots of water, taking dietary supplements, and giving the infection some time to heal. Research from 2017 suggests that somewhere between 25% and 42% of UTIs resolve naturally without the use of antibiotics.
However, there are certain situations where wait and see just isnt an acceptable approach. Untreated UTIs can cause potentially life threatening complications, including .
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Problematic Home Remedies For Yeast Infection
Using home remedies has become a very popular and convenient way that may benefit many health issues and concerns. Determine whether or not a certain home remedy is effective is one thing, but the more important question to ask before using any home remedy is regarding its safety.
While you only want to focus on the well known effective home remedies for yeast infection, safety should always come first. If the home remedy is not effective for you but is still safe, the worst thing that can happen is that you will waste your time, but no additional discomforts or complications may occur.
This is such an important topic, since many home remedies for curing a yeast infection can cause serious side effects and additional problems. The fact that certain home remedies, even natural home remedies for a yeast infection work for some people doesnt guarantee they may be safe or work for you.
In this section well cover these controversial at home remedies for yeast infection you should avoid. We get many questions and reports from people who have had issues specifically after using these remedies.
Home remedies for vaginal yeast infection
Douching
Probiotic Foods, Fermented Foods
How Effective Are Home Remedies For Treating Yeast Infections
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Yeast infections are the most common type of vaginal infection after bacterial vaginosis, according to a report published in the journal The Lancet.
Vaginal yeast infections are the result of an overgrowth of the fungus Candida albicans, and less frequently other Candida species, such as C. glabrata, C. parapsilosis, C. tropicalis, and C. krusei.
Treating yeast infections typically requires killing the fungi with antifungal drugs called azoles, which can be purchased by prescription or over the counter . These include:
Though some positive anecdotal reports can be found on the internet, most natural remedies for yeast infections are not supported by rigorous clinical studies.
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Natural Remedies For Yeast Infections
Yeast infections are extremely common and are the second most common cause of vaginal inflammation . It is estimated that 75% of all women will get at least one vaginal yeast infection at some point in their lives, and half of those will have at least one recurrence.
These infections are most common in women of childbearing age. If women get yeast infections after menopause, it may be due to taking medication such as estrogen replacement therapy.
While many believe that we need to eradicate all yeast in our bodies, it’s important to realize that yeast is a common and vital part of our natural microbiome. Only when it becomes disproportionate does its overgrowth cause dysfunction. What treatment therapy works for one may not work for all. Using a root cause approach that encompasses functional lab testing ensures more effective and targeted care to better inform which natural remedies for yeast infections would be best for treatment and prevention.
What Causes A Yeast Infection
Yeast is a type of fungus naturally present in the environment and on the skin that grows and multiplies in warm, moist environments. There are many different types of yeast but, usually, only one type of yeast causes infections in dogs – Malassezia pachydermatis. Yeast can only be seen microscopically.
Yeast infections occur when there is an overgrowth of this yeast that is normally present on the skin. There is usually an underlying reason for the overgrowth to occur, such as allergies, oily skin, or immune-mediated disease. These infections are not contagious from dog to dog but these dogs with chronic underlying conditions may be prone to frequent yeast infections.
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Vaginal Yeast Infection Symptoms
Yeast infections of all kinds tend to develop in areas of the body where conditions are most favorable for yeast and mold to reproduce easily. Yeast and fungus thrive in moist conditions, so damp folds of the body are usually more prone to infections and outbreaks, including:
- the mouth and throat
- vaginal itching
- vaginal discharge thats white, thick, clumpy and odorless
- slight bleeding
- vaginal pain, especially during intercourse or during menstruation
- pain when going to the bathroom or when urinating
- sometimes a slight smell thats unusual
Usually, yeast infections are obvious and somewhat uncomfortable, especially if left untreated, and the symptoms continue to worsen. However, some people dont realize they have a vaginal yeast infection or mistake it for another problem, like a urinary tract infection, side effects from birth control pills or irregular periods, or a sexually transmitted disease, for example.
When candida yeast multiplies, its capable of spreading to different parts of the body and causing all types of problems. Just like you can experience a vaginal yeast infection caused by overgrowth of Candida albicans in the genitals, candida virus can take over your digestive system too. This is like a form of an internal digestive yeast infection and causes symptoms such as fatigue, digestive upset, changes in appetite or food cravings.
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.
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What Is A Vaginal Yeast Infection
The human body is home to millions of yeast organisms, many of which are considered good as far as our health is concerned. Consider this: Mushrooms and the type of yeast used to make beer and bread both have beneficial roles, improving our immune systems and helping produce food, respectively.
The species of yeast responsible for causing yeast infections is a strain called Candida albicans, which can lead to an overgrowth known as candidiasis. All strains of yeast are types of fungi, which technically arent plants at all because they dont use chlorophyll . Yeast and fungi are also unique and different from plants because they can actually make their own food, which is precisely how they multiply and spread within the body.
Some women struggle with chronic vulvar pain known as vulvodynia. While this condition can be aggravated by yeast infections, and is sometimes mistaken for a yeast infection, it is a different condition that causes redness and burning of the vulva. The cause of vulvodynia is not well-understood, but there are treatment options available.
How Are Antifungal Drugs Normally Used
Antifungal drugs kill or reduce the growth of fungi . The following medications are often used to treat vaginal yeast infections:
Fluconazole is only available as a tablet, and you need a prescription to get it. Most of the creams and vaginal suppositories are available from pharmacies without a prescription. In Germany and other countries you have to pay for them yourself, though.
There is also a different treatment where you take just one tablet. Doctors may recommend using that if you have your period, for instance.
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Should Uti Treatment Vary According To Whats Causing The Infection
Your UTI treatment may vary according to whats causing the infection. Certain UTIs, especially chronic and recurring ones, will need antibiotic treatment as opposed to simple home remedies.
If youre prescribed antibiotics to treat a UTI, a healthcare professional may choose an antibiotic thats specific to the type of bacteria thats triggering your infection.
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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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
Coconut Oil And Tea Tree Oil Ointment
Coconut oil is rich in lauric acid and caprylic, which contain antifungal and antimicrobial action, making it a great way to treat genital yeast infections. Tea trees are a medicinal plant with potent antibacterial and antifungal action and using its essential oil to treat a yeast infection can help to decrease fungal growth.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon of coconut oil, solid
- 2 drops of tea tree oil
How to prepare:
Wash you hands well. In a bowl, mix the coconut oil and tea tree oil with a spoon until well-combined. Apply to the genitals once per day for up to 5 days.
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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.
Yeast Infections And Sugar
Research into the link between diabetes and yeast infections indicates that elevated glucose levels can cause increased Candida growth. The United States Veterans Health Administration recommends keeping your blood sugar healthy as a method for preventing candidiasis if you have diabetes.
However, moderating your sugar intake may help control yeast infections even if you dont have diabetes. One study found that women who develop frequent yeast infections may have some degree of glucose intolerance, even without diabetes. Other research found that lowering your intake of dietary sugar may reduce the number of yeast infections you develop.
If you have a yeast infection and want to speed up the healing process, cutting back on dietary sugar may be an effective home remedy, while altering your diet to avoid excessive sugar may help prevent future instances of thrush.
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Causes Of Male Yeast Infections
Its not as common for men to be affected with yeast infections, however it does happen. Certain foods, including beer, breads, and some dairy products, can promote higher levels of yeast growth, which may result in a yeast infection.
The main cause of male yeast infection is sexual contact. Having unprotected sex with a woman who has a yeast infection may result in the infection being passed to you. While not considered a sexually transmitted infection, yeast infections can be transferred from person to person. Its not considered an STI due to the low percentage of yeast infections being transferred this way.
comparing clotrimazole to a cream made of thyme and garlic found that the thyme and garlic had reduced side effects with the same healing capabilities. Adding garlic to your diet has many health benefits.
When To Call A Doctor
Home remedies may or may not work to treat a vaginal yeast infection. Some home remedies may provide relief within a few days, whereas some may take up to a week or longer.
It is advised to consult a doctor before resorting to home remedies, especially during pregnancy. It is important to seek medical attention if the symptoms worsen or if new symptoms appear at any point during treatment or if the symptoms do not resolve in a week or two.
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What Is A Yeast Infection
Yeast infection is an inflammation due to the action of a fungal agent called Candida albicans. It is one of the most common yeasts that live in the human body. Moreover, they live naturally on our skin and also various parts of our bodies.
In general, Candida albicans is commonly found in the vaginal part of women. And as long as the woman is healthy and the yeast growth is under control, it doesnt cause any problem. But, when the growth of Candida albicans gets out of control, it can cause yeast vaginal infections.
However, yeast infection is not severe or fatal in most cases, but, it can cause irritation or intense itching in the infected region. Yeast infection affects women more prominently than men. As per data, 3 out of 4 women faced this problem at some point in their life.
So, to get rid of these infections, we had listed down the home remedies for yeast infection, but lets first look at the signs and symptoms of it.