8 Home Remedies for Treating Yeast Infections A yeast infection, which is rather common and typically found in a person's genital area, is not a sexually transmitted disease (STD) or infection. What it is, is a prevalent type of fungal infection, one that 75 percent of women will experience once in their lifetime, and which men can also confront. The most common cause is a fungus known as candida albicans, although it can be treated relatively easily, to include various home remedies available over the counter. Per mayoclinic.org, many women who experience a yeast infection will have at least two of them. Although it isn't considered by health experts to be the result of sexual transmission, there is an increased risk of a vaginal yeast infection during a woman's first instance of regular sexual activity. There is also evidence that such a yeast condition may have a connection to oral-genital sex.
Recognizing Yeast Infection Symptoms
If you suspect you might have a yeast infection, don't rely on self-diagnosis; similar symptoms have been linked to other health conditions, such as bacterial vaginosis or sexually transmitted infections. Following is a list of typical yeast infection symptoms for women, in addition to the usual grimace-inducing signs of irritation and itchiness emanating from the genital area that make it crystal clear something is wrong and deserves a physician's attention. Yeast infection symptoms in men are noticeable at the head of the penis, per medicalnewstoday.com, and typically include redness, irritation, itching, and discharge:- Vaginal area soreness or pain.
- Vaginal discharge. It has often been described as an odorless discharge that resembles cottage cheese – a clumpy, white discharge is how it is described at health.usnews.com. Some women experience a more watery discharge.
- Burning sensation (when urinating or during sex).
- Redness or swelling. More specifically, redness or swelling of the vagina as well as the vulva (which surrounds the outside of the vagina), per health.usnews.com.
- Vaginal rash.
- Skin fissures/sores.
8 Home Remedies for Yeast Infections
Following, in no particular order, are some self-administered home remedy suggestions to help yeast infection sufferers treat and alleviate their conditions at home, although a discussion with your physician is recommended:- Oil of oregano. Has been shown in some trials to halt the growth of candida.
- Caprylic acid. A medium-chain fatty acid useful for several health conditions, per webmd.com, including yeast infections.
- Tea tree oil. An essential oil known best as an antifungal.
- Garlic. A known antifungal and antibiotic, appears to work best when combined with other known antifungals.
- Probiotic supplements. Be on the lookout for brands specially formulated for female reproductive health, look for lactobacillus acidophilus as an ingredient.
- Coconut oil. It has antifungal properties and can also be used as a carrier oil for more potent antifungal oils, such as tea tree oil.
- Over-the-counter creams or pessaries (soft, removable devices for vagina use). Per medicalnewstoday.com, look for those with antifungal properties.
- Boric acid. Typically found in capsule form; especially helpful for women with a recurring yeast infection.
- To reduce your chances of getting a yeast infection, ladies, here are some things to avoid, per mayoclinic.org: tight-fitting pantyhose, douching, scented feminine products, hot tubs and very hot baths, unnecessary antibiotic use, and remaining in wet clothes such as swimwear and workout clothing for an extended period.