2022 Western Medical Research Conference
11 Home Remedies For Vaginal Yeast Infections
A vaginal yeast infection (vaginal candidiasis) is a common condition caused by an overgrowth of a fungus that naturally lives in the vagina, called Candida albicans.
This overgrowth can trigger irritation, inflammation, itching, and painful discharge. Most folks with a vulva and vagina experience a yeast infection at some point during their lifetime.
If this is your first time experiencing the symptoms of a yeast infection, a good first step involves visiting a gynecologist or other healthcare professional to confirm you actually have a yeast infection and not another vaginal health condition.
Symptoms of a yeast infectionCommon symptoms of vaginal yeast infections include:
How to diagnose a yeast infectionIf you've never had a yeast infection before, it's best to make an appointment with a healthcare professional to get a diagnosis.
Your clinician will ask about your health history and perform a pelvic exam, which involves examining your cervix, the walls of your vagina, and the surrounding area for external signs of infection.
They'll also recommend some treatment options if they diagnose a yeast infection.
If you've previously had a yeast infection and suspect you have another one, you can try several home remedies to get relief. Some of these remedies use ingredients you might already have in your home.
Just keep in mind that the effectiveness of these remedies can vary, and evidence for their success remains mostly anecdotal.
Below, we'll explore 11 home remedies for yeast infections and how they work.
1. Greek yogurtProbiotics can be effective against C. Albicans — and yogurt can be considered a probiotic because it contains live bacteria, such as Lactobacillus acidophilus. These bacteria help promote a healthy environment in your vagina, and they can help address an overgrowth caused by an imbalance.
A 2017 study suggests that eating yogurt helps expand your gut microbiome, which can help reduce yeast in your body. If you don't like yogurt, you can take a probiotic supplement or try other probiotic foods.
When it comes to using yogurt for a yeast infection, opt for plain Greek yogurt. Make sure the yogurt doesn't contain any added sugar, flavoring, or fruit. Added sugar can fuel the growth of the Candida fungus.
To reap the benefits, try:
Boric acid is a powerful antiseptic, and some people claim it can help clear up yeast infections resistant to other remedies.
Boric acid vaginal suppositories may be used in combination with medications to treat vaginal infections.
However, boric acid is toxic in large amounts. It can lead to kidney damage, acute circulatory system failure, or death if you absorb too much. Avoid using boric acid on broken skin, and never take it orally.
If you're pregnant, don't use boric acid in any form. You may also want to consider another remedy if you have sensitive skin.
Discontinue use if you notice any discomfort.
3. Essential oil of oreganoOil of oregano isn't the same as common oregano, or Origanum marjoram, which you'll usually find in your grocery store's spice section.
To ease a yeast infection, search for oregano oil made from wild oregano, or Origanum vulgare.
A 2017 study suggests oregano essential oil may prove effective for altering the growth of C. Albicans.
To use, mix three to five drops of essential oil per ounce of carrier oil, such as olive or sweet almond oil. Then, apply it to your skin by massaging or inhaling it using a diffuser. Don't apply this essential oil near your vagina.
Never ingest essential oils. Essential oils are meant to be inhaled as part of aromatherapy, or diluted with massage oil to use during massage. They're also not meant to be used internally–external use only!
4. Probiotic suppositories and supplementsProbiotics can help restore the bacteria-yeast balance throughout your body.
Taking oral probiotics that contain strains of the Lactobacillus acidophilus bacteria can offer a number of health benefits, including helping bring your digestive tract and vaginal flora back into alignment.
Oral supplements can take several days to a few weeks to reach full effect, so some people use probiotics as vaginal suppositories to get results more quickly.
Evidence suggests probiotic suppositories can also help treat bacterial vaginosis (BV).
5. Coconut oilCoconut oil is a fatty oil derived from the flesh of the coconut. The oil has many health benefits, including antifungal properties.
Research suggests coconut oil is effective against C. Albicans, making this home remedy one of the few with supportive evidence behind it.
To treat a vaginal yeast infection using coconut oil, be sure to buy pure, organic coconut oil. You can apply the oil directly to the affected area.
6. Tea tree oilTea tree oil is an essential oil used to help kill fungi, bacteria, and viruses. In fact, research supports tea tree oil's antifungal properties.
Research from 2016 suggests a combination of probiotics and vaginal suppositories containing tea tree oil may help treat vaginal infections.
More recent lab findings continue to support the antimicrobial activities of tea tree oil.
Tea tree oil is an incredibly powerful essential oil. So, you'll always want to make sure you dilute it with a carrier oil, such as jojoba or coconut oil, if it's going to touch your skin — undiluted tea tree oil should never touch your skin. And just as a reminder, essential oils should never be used internally!
If you can, opt to purchase prepared tea tree vaginal suppositories — this is the safest option.
Only use tea tree oil occasionally, and never swallow it. If you have sensitive skin, you'll generally want to avoid using tea tree oil. Discontinue use if you experience any discomfort or irritation after using it.
7. Apple cider vinegarOne popular yeast infection remedy is an apple cider vinegar bath.
Vinegar has many medicinal uses, some more supported by research than others.
But when you add a half cup of apple cider vinegar to a lukewarm bathtub and soak for 20 minutes, the acidic component of the vinegar may help eliminate any harmful microorganisms, including yeast.
An apple cider vinegar bath is not the same as douching, which aims to flush out all bacteria (good and bad) from your vagina. Douching leaves you more prone to a recurrence of the yeast infection, so avoid douching with apple cider vinegar — or any other substance.
You'll want to dilute vinegar in water before it touches your skin. In addition, you could also try adding apple cider vinegar to your diet.
8. GarlicEvidence suggests garlic may also help kill Candida, though some strains may prove more effective than others.
While more studies are needed, research from 2019 examined the effect of using a garlic solution on sores of the mouth and found it could effectively help curb the growth of Candida. That said, garlic was less effective than nystatin (Nystop), an antifungal medication.
If you want to try garlic to treat a yeast infection, it's best to simply add more garlic to your diet.
Some websites recommend inserting garlic into your vagina, but we do not recommend this approach. That's because the active compounds in garlic can cause burns and pain when applied to your skin or mucosa. Mucosa, or mucous membrane, is the type of moist tissue that lines your mouth, and yes, the walls of your vagina.
9. Hydrogen peroxideHydrogen peroxide is an antiseptic that can kill bacteria and yeast. Lactobacillus bacteria in your vagina produce hydrogen peroxide as part of natural biological activity.
Some people swear by using hydrogen peroxide topically when they get a yeast infection.
Adding it to a bath or diluting in water before applying to your skin may help with yeast growing on the genitals. You can dilute by combining equal amounts of water and hydrogen peroxide.
Just keep in mind that hydrogen peroxide may not work on every species of yeast, and no strong research supports the use of hydrogen peroxide to treat vaginal infections.
Always avoid douching with hydrogen peroxide, never use hydrogen peroxide internally, and avoid using it for an extended period of time.
10. Vitamin CVitamin C is an immune system booster that 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.
Try increasing your intake of vitamin C to boost your body's ability to beat the yeast infection. Don't apply the acidic vitamin C to the sensitive vaginal tissue.
11. Vitamin ESome doctors recommend vitamin E for certain types of vaginal inflammation. In fact, lab research suggests vitamin E can help reduce inflammation caused by Candida albicans.
Evidence also suggests vitamin E suppositories may help address atrophic vaginitis (aka, vaginal atrophy), which is the thinning of the vaginal walls caused by a lack of estrogen. Atrophic vaginitis causes changes to the vagina's acidic environment, increasing the risk for bacterial and yeast infections.
You can also purchase vitamin E suppositories intended for vaginal use, or apply vitamin E oil to your vulva or vagina. Vitamin E may help soothe itching, burning, and inflammation.
If vitamin E doesn't seem to help, a good next step involves asking a healthcare professional for more guidance.
What is the fastest way to get rid of a yeast infection?The fastest — and most reliable — way to get rid of a yeast infection is to visit a doctor if you suspect you have one. They will likely prescribe fluconazole, an oral treatment that may take 1 week to get rid of the infection.
Can yeast infections go away on their own?A mild yeast infection may go away on its own, but this is rare. It's always a good idea to treat a yeast infection, even if it's mild. If yeast infections are not treated properly, they're more likely to return.
What happens if a yeast infection is left untreated?It may go away, but it is likely to return. Your symptoms may also get worse without treatment.
How do I know if it's a yeast infection or a urinary tract infection (UTI)?Yeast infections and UTIs occur in the same area, but they have very different symptoms.
With a vaginal yeast infection, you may have unusual, generally odorless, vaginal discharge that has a thick and milky appearance. You may also have pain or itchiness in your genital area.
With a UTI, you may notice pain and burning when urinating and foul-smelling urine, as well as fever, chills, nausea, and pain in your pelvis.
What is the difference between a yeast infection and bacterial vaginosis?BV and vaginal yeast infections have similar symptoms, but different causes and treatments. Both cause inflammation of the vagina, or vaginitis.
One 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. Additionally, a yeast infection may cause redness and inflammation of the vulva, while BV doesn't produce such symptoms.
To determine whether a vaginal infection is BV or a yeast infection, a doctor may:
Yes. Most simple vaginal yeast infections improve with OTC vaginal creams or suppositories. You can find these products in 1-day, 3-day, and 7-day treatments.
How Long Does A Yeast Infection Last? Plus, Your Options For Treatment
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The recovery time for a yeast infection can depend on the severity and treatment method. Mild infections may resolve in a few days while more severe infections can take longer.
Mild yeast infections may clear up in as few as three days. Sometimes, they don't even require treatment. But moderate to severe infections may take one to two weeks to clear.
Over-the-counter (OTC) treatments and home remedies are often effective for mild infections, but they aren't as powerful as prescription options. If you have a severe yeast infection, you may experience symptoms longer if you use a milder treatment.
In rare cases, a yeast infection may clear without treatment. However, you'll still need to help restore your vagina's natural balance of yeast and bacteria. Yeast infections that aren't properly treated are also more likely to recur — as well as increase in severity.
Keep reading to learn more about the different treatment options available and when to see your doctor.
If your symptoms are mild, you may be able to clear your yeast infection with home remedies. However, you should keep in mind that many of these treatment options aren't supported by reputable studies. Doctors rarely recommended them over established OTC and prescription treatments.
ProbioticsThe good bacteria, or probiotics, found in yogurt may help restore the bacterial balance in your vagina. Although you can eat yogurt for the benefit, some women find faster relief by applying it directly to the vagina.
For either method, look for a Greek-style yogurt that has no added sugar.
To apply the yogurt to your vagina:
If you aren't interested in a topical application, you can try eating the yogurt twice a day. If you can, continue to eat yogurt daily after the infection clears. This can help maintain regular bacterial balance.
Tea tree oilTea tree oil is an essential oil that can be used to kill viruses, bacteria, and fungi. A 2015 study found that the oil may be an effective treatment for a yeast infection, too.
Shop for tea tree oil.
To insert the oil into your vagina:
You should only use this treatment three to four times. If it isn't effective at treating the infection after four applications, see your doctor.
Boric acidBoric acid is a powerful antiseptic. In some small studies, a boric acid solution successfully eliminated strains of yeast that cause yeast infections.
To insert the acid into your vagina:
You can use this treatment two times per day for up to two weeks. If the mixture is too irritating, stop using it and see your doctor.
You shouldn't use this remedy if you're pregnant.
Women who have infrequent, mild to moderate yeast infections may find OTC options beneficial. If you have chronic yeast infections, talk with your doctor about more powerful treatment options.
Short-course vaginal therapyAntifungal drugs known as azoles are the first-line treatment for yeast infections. Short-course treatments are typically available in three- and seven-day doses.
These medications are available as:
The most common short-course OTCs include:
These medications may cause mild burning or irritation when they're applied.
Although you should avoid sex while you have a yeast infection, use a backup birth control method, such as the patch, while taking these medications. Oil-based creams and suppositories can weaken condoms and diaphragms.
If your yeast infection is more severe, skip the home remedies and OTCs and see your doctor. You'll need stronger medication to help ease your symptoms.
Long-course vaginal therapyAs with short-course vaginal therapy, azoles are the standard for long-term antifungals. Your doctor will likely prescribe a 7- or 14-day course of medication.
Prescription-strength azoles are available as:
These most common long-term medications include:
These medications also have oil-based formulas, so you should consider alternative birth control methods. The oils in these medications may weaken latex in condoms or diaphragms.
Single- or multidose oral medicationAlthough fluconazole (Diflucan) is typically used as a long-term medication, it can also be prescribed as a one-time oral dose.
Diflucan is a strong medication. A strong single dose may cause side effects.
These may include:
For this reason — or if your infection is severe — your doctor may prescribe two or three doses to be spread out over time.
If your symptoms don't resolve within a week or two, see your doctor. The treatment you choose may not have been strong enough to clear the infection, and another therapy may be necessary.
You should also see your doctor if the infection returns within two months. Recurrent yeast infections aren't uncommon. But having more than one yeast infection in a year could be a sign of an underlying medical condition, like diabetes or pregnancy.
How Is A Yeast Infection Treated?
A yeast infection is a type of fungal infection that occurs when Candida yeast overgrows on the skin or inside the mouth, throat, or vagina. Depending on where you have an infection, yeast infection symptoms can include inflamed and itchy skin; white patches in the mouth; or thick, white vaginal discharge.
Yeast infections can be cured by using antifungal treatments. These medications can come in the form of prescription or over-the-counter creams, vaginal suppositories, and oral tablets. Yeast infection treatments help kill or reduce yeast overgrowth so your body can get rid of the infection and unpleasant irritation and itchiness.
Before treating the infection on your own, make sure to see a healthcare provider to confirm you actually have a yeast infection. If you suspect a vaginal yeast infection, a general healthcare provider or gynecologist can perform an examination and help oversee your treatment. A general healthcare provider can help treat other common yeast infections too.
Yeast infection treatments are relatively similar across the different types of yeast infections because the infections always require antifungals. However, the type of antifungal medication and treatment duration can vary depending on the type, area, and severity of your yeast infection.
Vaginal Yeast InfectionsVaginal yeast infections occur when the natural yeast in the vagina overgrows and causes an infection. Medications typically used to treat vaginal yeast infections are part of the azole drug class of antifungals, including:
Lotrimin, Micatin, and Trosyd come in an over-the-counter vaginal cream or suppository. Suppositories are small capsules of medicine you can insert into your vagina with an applicator, then the capsules dissolve and release the treatment. These medications are available in one-, three-, and seven-day treatments.
Terazol 7 and Gynazole 1 are prescription options that are similar to over-the-counter treatments. However, prescription treatments are typically used longer and are often used to treat more severe vaginal yeast infections. While a reaction isn't usually common, topical azoles like these can cause side effects like rash, irritation, and burning.
Diflucan, a single-dose oral medication, is more effective for severe yeast infections or if you're prone to recurrent yeast infections. However, this medication, if used in high dosages for extended periods of time, is unsafe during pregnancy because it may harm a developing baby. Diflucan can also interact with some medications, such as blood thinners like warfarin. Other side effects may include mild headache, rash, or upset stomach.
If you experience recurring vaginal yeast infections, your healthcare provider may suggest using a boric acid suppository which is inserted into the vagina. While the U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not currently approve the suppositories for this purpose, the research found that combining antifungal treatment and boric acid suppositories twice a week helped treat recurrent yeast infections.
Skin Yeast InfectionsSkin-related yeast infections often occur on skin folds since yeast thrives in moist, dark areas. The infections can also occur in the groin area, penis, or fingernails.
The first part of treatment is to keep the infected skin as dry and clean as possible. The next step is to apply a cream azole antifungal to the infected area for about two weeks. These medicated creams include:
Nystop (nystatin)—a different type of antifungal called polyenes—may also be applied if the infection is close to a wetter area like your mouth. Diflucan and Sporanox (itraconazole) oral tablets may also be prescribed for more severe skin infections.
If you have an uncircumcised penis and are dealing with recurrent yeast infections in that area, your healthcare provider may first suggest certain hygiene practices like cleansing underneath the foreskin daily. Other factors, such as the foreskin being too tight, may be causing the infections. In this case, your healthcare provider can discuss different treatment options with you.
Oral ThrushYeast that overgrows in your mouth or throat can cause a yeast infection known as oral thrush. This yeast infection causes white patches in the mouth and a sore throat. Oral thrush can be treated with azoles or polyenes like:
Micatin and Nystop liquids are the most common treatments for thrush and are applied to the mouth or throat for seven to 14 days, about four times a day. Nystop tablets are also approved to treat mouth and throat yeast infections. These are taken three to four times a day.
Nystop may cause gastrointestinal side effects like diarrhea, nausea, and stomach pain. Serious side effects can include a mouth rash, hives, and trouble breathing or swallowing.
Your healthcare provider may also prescribe oral Diflucan tablets to treat severe oral thrush or infections that don't improve with topical liquids.
Yeast Diaper RashSometimes, a diaper rash can actually be a yeast infection. These rashes often appear as scaly yellow or red patches on the diaper area and skin folds that can blister.
To treat a yeast diaper rash, you'll need to change diapers often, try to keep the area dry, and apply an antifungal polyene or azole cream like:
Nystop is a prescription cream that is usually applied four times a day for two weeks. If the infection doesn't resolve in about three days, your healthcare provider may recommend using an azole antifungal instead.
Lotrimin and Micatin are available over the counter, and Nizoral is a prescription cream. These are usually applied twice a day for up to 10 days. Nizoral can cause serious side effects, including hives, rash, and difficulty breathing and swallowing.
If your child has a severe yeast rash, your healthcare provider may also suggest using a topical steroid ointment such as 1% hydrocortisone.
Esophageal CandidiasisPeople with a weakened immune system are also susceptible to yeast infections in the esophagus, the tube between the stomach and throat. Since this is considered a more severe yeast infection, treatment is never topical. Instead, esophageal yeast infections are treated with oral or intravenous (IV) medication like:
Diflucan tablets are the most common treatment prescribed to treat the infection. These are typically taken for 14 to 21 days. If it's too uncomfortable to swallow medication, you can also get a daily Diflucan IV until you can tolerate oral medications.
In some cases, your healthcare provider may treat you with a Mycamine daily IV for about two weeks. They may also prescribe once-daily Sporanox or twice-daily Vfend tablets for 14 to 21 days.
Mycamine is part of a newer antifungal drug class called echinocandins. These may help kill the yeast that is immune to azole treatments. They also cause fewer side effects and have fewer drug interactions compared to some azoles.
Invasive CandidiasisInvasive candidiasis is a yeast overgrowth that invades your bloodstream or internal organs. While severe, this infection is rare among healthy adults.
People who are already more susceptible to infection, like people in hospitals, are more at risk for invasive candidiasis like candidemia (a blood yeast infection). Invasive candidiasis is usually treated with IV antifungal treatments like:
Diflucan is usually the first treatment of choice. Blood yeast infections are treated for about two weeks until symptoms are gone and tests no longer detect Candida yeasts in the blood. Invasive candidiasis that affects the bones, joints, heart, or central nervous system is treated for longer durations.
Some Candida yeast species have become resistant to common treatments like Diflucan, meaning the infection won't clear as well with this medication. In this case, healthcare providers may choose to use a medication like an echinocandin IV instead. This medication behaves differently than azoles and can destroy some azole-resistant yeasts.
Abelcet, a polyene antifungal, is only approved to treat life-threatening fungal infections. This is never the first treatment choice because the drug can severely damage your body. Studies have shown about 30% of adults deal with kidney injuries after Abelcet treatment.
Yeast infections are uncomfortable, but unless left untreated, they typically aren't a health emergency. Your healthcare provider can recommend or prescribe the right antifungal treatment for your symptoms. Your infection, along with any symptoms, should clear up after you finish the treatment.
In rare cases, yeast infections that become too severe can move inside the body and affect your blood and internal organs. These invasive yeast infections can be life-threatening if not treated. However, people with weakened immune systems and hospitalized patients are more likely to deal with invasive yeast infections.
If you experience four or more infections per year, you may be dealing with recurrent yeast infections. Research estimates about 5-9% of women experience recurrent vaginal yeast infections. Sometimes a different type of yeast that doesn't respond well to your treatment may cause these infections.
Overuse of fluconazole (one of the most effective and used treatments for recurrent vaginal yeast and oral infections) has started to create some resistance to this medication. When the yeast becomes resistant to a medication, that treatment becomes less effective against the infection. This can cause the infection to return more easily.
Underlying health conditions like diabetes and diseases that weaken the immune system, like HIV, can also cause recurrent vaginal, oral, and skin yeast infections.
If you are experiencing recurrent infections, a healthcare provider may suggest certain hygiene practices or lifestyle changes that can help. For example, changing out of sweaty clothes after a workout and avoiding hot baths can help prevent vaginal yeast infections. They may also be able to advise other treatments that can help reduce recurrent yeast infections.
Yeast infection treatment depends on the type and severity of your yeast infection. Generally, yeast infections are treated with an over-the-counter or prescription antifungal taken orally as a tablet or applied topically as a cream. In severe cases of invasive yeast infections, people are given antifungal IV treatments.
Even though over-the-counter medications are available, contact your healthcare provider if you suspect a yeast infection. They can help you determine the right treatment plan. You should also reach out if your yeast infection doesn't get better after treatment. Your healthcare provider can help you find an alternative medication.
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