Thick, White Discharge: Types, Causes, When to Be Concerned
Cure A Yeast Infection Without Meds? Yes! OB-GYNs Explain How
You likely already know that yeast lives naturally on our bodies, along with beneficial bacteria that help keep it in check. But when yeast starts to grow and multiply in excess in the delicate tissues of the vaginal folds, it can trigger a yeast infection. The good news is there are many natural cures for a yeast infection—and one of them could save you a trip to the doctor.
What causes yeast infections?Infections are most often caused by a strain of yeast known as Candida albicans, which thrives in warm, moist conditions. That's why yeast infections increase during hot weather and why you've always been told never to sit around in a wet bathing suit.
C. Albicans can also grow unchecked when your bacterial balance is disrupted, such as when you're taking a course of antibiotics that knocks out your body's "good guy" bacteria. When there are fewer good bacteria to keep a lid on yeast levels, yeast can take over and cause the symptoms that most women have come to dread.
You're also more susceptible to a yeast infection during menopause, thanks to hormone swings that can alter your vaginal pH, explains OB-GYN Laura Corio, MD, author of The Change Before the Change (Buy from Amazon, $18). "Yeast is a normal microbe found in the vagina, but it becomes problematic when its numbers climb," explains Dr. Corio.
Another trigger: stress. It spurs a rise in the hormone cortisol, which can increase your blood sugar levels and allow yeast that's already present in your vagina to multiply, explains gynecologist Barbara DePree, MD, founder of MiddlesexMD. In fact, research in the Journal of the Turkish-German Gynecological Association suggests that women with recurrent yeast infections often have levels of cortisol associated with chronic stress.
What are the symptoms of a yeast infection?The most common symptoms include itching, burning and vaginal discharge. But since these symptoms can mimic those of other vaginal infections, your best first step is picking up an over-the-counter (OTC) yeast infection test (Buy from Walgreens, $15.99). The drugstore kit checks your vaginal pH levels to indicate when an infection might be present.
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This testing step is key since only a third of women using at-home yeast infection treatments truly have a yeast infection, cautions Mary Jane Minkin, MD, a clinical professor at Yale University School of Medicine. The rest have bacterial infections or sensitivity to an irritant such as scented soap that can cause similar symptoms, she explains. If you have an overgrowth of bacteria and you treat it with an anti-yeast medication, you're likely to make the infection worse since there will be fewer yeast to keep the bacteria in check.
Once you know it's a yeast infection, you'll want speedy relief. And while OTC antifungal remedies abound, they can cause side effects such as vaginal irritation, burning, itching and even headaches. What's more, C. Albicans strains can become resistant to standard treatments like OTC antifungal creams over time, reveals Dr. DePree.
Alternatively, your doctor can prescribe oral treatments to help clear up the infection. But you'd first need to book an appoint then get the prescription filled, which often ends up being costly and time-consuming.
If you'd prefer to try safe, effective natural cures that works just as well — if not better! — read on for the top five natural cures for a yeast infection.
Natural cures for a yeast infection If the discomfort is mostly internal, try boric acid suppositoriesThese inexpensive capsules can be inserted directly into the vagina to provide potent natural relief. "It safely makes the vagina more alkaline to stop yeast overgrowth and cure the infection," explains Dr. Corio.
Boric acid even targets yeast varieties that are known to become resistant to conventional antifungal treatments like OTC miconazole (also known as Monistat). Boric acid so effective, a Journal of Women's Health review found boric acid cured up to 100% of women with yeast infections, results on par with prescription medications. Dr. Corio advises using boric acid vaginal suppositories before bed for two weeks to clear up an infection. Note: While boric acid is safe for vaginal use, it may irritate skin for some women.
Tip: To prevent recurrent yeast infections, continue to place one boric acid capsule in the vagina two nights per week for six to 12 months, advises Dr. DePree.
One to try: AZO Boric Acid Vaginal Suppositories (Buy from Target, $25.49).
If the discomfort is in and around your vaginal lips, smooth on coconut oilCoconut oil brims with an antifungal fatty acid known as caprylic acid that can penetrate the cell walls of C. Albicans, killing it even better than OTC meds, suggests research in the Advanced Pharmaceutical Bulletin. Apply the oil to the vaginal lips and folds three times daily for relief that begins to kick in within 24 hours.
For a stubborn infection, try tea tree oil suppositoriesTo stop a stubborn, hard-to-treat yeast infection flare up in its tracks, consider tea tree oil. A study in Brazilian Oral Research found tea tree oil prevents the formation of biofilms, or protective "cocoons" of bacteria that form around C. Albicans so it can grow.
Researchers found the oil's terpinene-4-ol eliminates up to 100% of candida biofilms, and it was effective against yeast strains resistant to conventional treatments. Simply insert a tea tree oil suppository into the vagina once daily for six days.
One to try: Tea Tree Therapy Vaginal Suppositories (Buy from Amazon, $11.25).
How to prevent future yeast infections Boost your 'good guys'As many as 9 million women in America are dealing with recurrent yeast infections. To the rescue: probiotics. One of the most effective ways to both prevent and fight yeast infections is through what Dr. Minkin calls a "microbiome approach."
"It's important for women to take a balanced probiotic capsule," she advises. "This 'good guy' bacteria will help colonize the vagina, creating acids that ward off yeast."
For best benefits, opt for a probiotic that includes a strain known as Lactobacillus rhamnosus. A study in BMC Infectious Diseases found that women who took this probiotic strain daily to treat their recurrent flare ups were infection-free for an entire year afterward.
One to try: NOW Women's Probiotic (Buy from Walmart.Com, $17.45).
Eat more of these foodsEnjoying foods rich in vitamin B-3, such as chicken, beef, fish and brown rice, can reduce your body's number of infection-causing C. Albicans cells by up to 67%, research in Nature Medicine reveals. This helps keep levels of harmful yeast in check, blocking them from multiplying and causing an infection. Just one serving (about 3 ½ oz.) of chicken contains 69% of the B-3 you need daily.
Enjoy relaxing baking soda bathsYou can turn a soothing soak into a powerful yeast infection preventative simply by adding ¼ cup of baking soda to the water and soaking for 30 minutes up to twice a week. The pantry staple (also known as sodium bicarbonate) restores vaginal pH balance.
This helps kill existing C. Albicans cells, plus creates an environment where yeast can't grow in the future, according to research in the European Journal of Pharmaceutical Science.
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A version of this article originally appeared in our print magazine, Woman's World.
How To Get Rid Of A Vaginal Yeast Infection
If you're among the millions of women who experience a vaginal yeast infection each year, you know that fast relief is a top priority.
Here, experts explain what a yeast infection is and the symptoms you can expect, plus they share the best treatments for getting rid of a yeast infection quickly.
What is a yeast infection?The Office on Women's Health (OWH) states that yeast infections are caused by too much growth of yeast, which is a type of fungus. The yeast that causes vaginal yeast infections is called Candida.
About 75% of women and girls will have a yeast infection at some point in their lives, and they usually occur between puberty and menopause.
"If you're sick and need antibiotics, the drugs can kill healthy bacteria, allowing yeast to thrive," Dr. Matthew Goldman said recently in a Cleveland Clinic article.
The OWH notes that several other factors can also increase your risk of developing a vaginal yeast infection, including:
Goldman noted that "not showering after a workout, or wearing tight-fitting clothing that holds moisture close to the body can lead to a yeast infection" as well.
Yeast infection symptomsAccording to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the symptoms of a yeast infection are usually mild. You may experience:
If your vaginal yeast infection is more severe, you might also notice vaginal swelling, redness and even cracking of your vaginal walls.
"The biggest issue is that self-diagnosis of yeast infections is not very accurate, especially if you haven't had one before," Cleveland Clinic ob/gyn Dr. Kathryn Goebel said in a recent article.
Goebel explained that it's best to contact your health care provider for a diagnosis if you notice these symptoms, especially since other types of infections may have similar ones.
Yeast infection treatments MedicationsWhen figuring out how to get rid of a yeast infection, Goebel said that yeast infection medication should be your first line of defense against the Candida fungus.
She explained that your doctor can prescribe an antifungal medication called fluconazole (Diflucan), which is a pill that often clears up your infection after one dose.
An over-the-counter cream called miconazole (Monistat) is also available in one-, three- or seven-day dosages, and it is particularly good at helping with vaginal itching.
If you are having recurring yeast infections or one that won't clear up, the OWH says a doctor may prescribe antifungal medication for as long as six months.
Home remediesWhat about do-it-yourself home remedies like vinegar baths, coconut oil suppositories, or yogurt and garlic rubs?
"Most of it doesn't work, and a lot of it will cause problems," Goebel advised.
In fact, certain DIY treatments may even do more harm than good. For instance, she explained that "old-fashioned vinegar douches disrupt natural healthy bacteria and increase the risk of infections."
Goldman advised that, to be sure that you are receiving the best treatment for a yeast infection, make an appointment with your doctor once you notice symptoms.
"Untreated yeast infections can last for months. In rare instances, a yeast infection can seep into your bloodstream and cause a life-threatening infection like sepsis," he explained. "With proper treatment, yeast infections clear up within a few days or weeks."
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What Is A Vaginal Yeast Infection?
A vaginal yeast infection is an overgrowth of fungus in the vagina that causes symptoms like itchiness, soreness, and discharge. Also known as vaginal candidiasis, vulvovaginal candidiasis, or candidal vaginitis, it is the second most common vaginal infection after bacterial vaginal infections. Approximately 1.4 million people seek outpatient treatment for vaginal yeast infections each year.
Symptoms typically resolve several days after starting medication, though treatment for recurring episodes may take longer. About 5-9% of people have four or more infections a year.
While vaginal yeast infections are uncomfortable, they are fairly easy to diagnose and treat. You can also take steps to reduce your risk of infection.
Common symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection include itching and soreness around your vulva or vagina. Vaginal discharge is common, but not everyone experiences it. You may have white, lumpy discharge sometimes described as looking like cottage cheese, or you may have more watery discharge.
Certain activities may aggravate your symptoms. New vaginal pain or discomfort during urination or sexual intercourse may also be signs that you are developing a vaginal yeast infection.
These symptoms are mild for most people. However, your symptoms may be more severe and include redness and swelling in the affected areas. Cracking in the vaginal skin is a less common symptom.
Vaginal yeast infection symptoms are similar to conditions like bacterial vaginosis, or BV (a vaginal infection caused by bacteria instead of yeast), some sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and dermatitis (skin irritation). Reach out to a healthcare provider if you experience any of these symptoms, as treatment options will vary depending on the cause.
Vaginal yeast infections are caused by an overgrowth of Candida albicans, a type of fungus that normally lives on your skin and in your body. Many people have small amounts of Candida in their lower intestinal tract, mouth, and vagina without any symptoms. A vaginal yeast infection occurs when the fungus grows out of proportion to the healthy bacteria in your vagina.
Certain factors increase your risk of developing vaginal yeast infections, including:
To diagnose a vaginal yeast infection, your healthcare provider will begin by asking about your symptoms and examining your vulva and vagina. They will likely take a sample of your vaginal discharge to test for the presence of yeast. If you have recurring infections or severe symptoms, the provider may want to perform additional tests to determine the cause.
Wait for a diagnosis from a healthcare provider before trying any form of treatment. Symptoms of vaginal yeast infections are similar to other conditions. Treating the wrong condition can make your symptoms last longer and may even make your itchiness and irritation worse. It can also be a waste of money.
Vaginal yeast infections are treated with an antifungal or antimycotic. These medications kill and stop further growth of the fungus causing the infection. You might receive cream or a suppository (a plastic applicator that holds a capsule of cream) to insert inside your vagina.
Your healthcare provider might recommend an oral antifungal (by mouth, in pill form) like Azocan, Diflucan, or Canesten Thrush Oral Capsules (fluconazole) instead of a cream or suppository—for example, if you are menstruating, have severe symptoms, or have recurring infections.
Treatment usually lasts one, three, or six days. You may be put on a longer course of treatment if you have recurrent vaginal yeast infections. One common treatment is taking fluconazole orally multiple times several days apart and then once a week for six months or longer.
Most people start to feel better within a few days. Reach out to a healthcare provider if your symptoms don't resolve within a few days after ending treatment.
People with recurrent vaginal yeast infections or at a higher risk of developing infections may be able to identify the cause. For example, you might notice more infections after beginning a new long-term medication or hormonal birth control. However, you might not know what caused your infection. Whether or not you know the cause, you can take steps to reduce your risk of future yeast infections.
Only take antibiotics prescribed by your healthcare provider, and let them know if you're prone to vaginal yeast infections. Vaginal yeast infections are common during and after taking broad-spectrum antibiotics, which target many types of bacteria. If you have a history of developing vaginal yeast infections while on antibiotics, your provider may prescribe an anti-fungal to take at the beginning and end of your antibiotic course.
You can also reduce your risk of vaginal yeast infections by:
Wearing tight or synthetic clothes might also help prevent vaginal yeast infections. However, more research is needed to determine whether or not this is a potential cause.
Frequent vaginal yeast infections may be a sign of an underlying condition. For example, diabetes and HIV can increase your risk of vaginal yeast infections, including recurrent infections.
Diabetes can increase your risk of yeast infections in several ways. Poorly controlled blood sugar can increase your risk of infection, as can sodium-glucose transport protein 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors—a class of medications used to treat diabetes by lowering blood sugar.
HIV may increase your risk of vaginal yeast infections because you're immunocompromised, meaning your immune defenses are weak and have a difficult time preventing infections.
You can work with your healthcare provider to manage conditions that might contribute to vaginal yeast infections.
Vaginal yeast infections are quite common, and you might experience them throughout your life. Though they can be inconvenient, uncomfortable, and sometimes painful, they are generally easy to treat. Many people recover within a few days. If you do not respond to the initial treatment, additional treatment can likely relieve your symptoms.
Identifying possible triggers, including stress, chronic illness, and antibiotic use, can help you take steps to prevent future infections.
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