Yeast infections: Causes, symptoms, and treatment
11 Home Remedies For Vaginal Yeast Infections
1. Greek yogurtProbiotics can be effective against Candida 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.
Warning: It's vital that 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:
Warning: 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 is not 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, you could 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 Candida 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.
Warning: 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 could apply the oil directly to the affected area.
6. Tea tree oilTea tree oil is an essential oil used to help:
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.
Warning: 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 was designed to flush out all bacteria (but actually eliminates 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.
Warning: 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 it in water before applying it 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.
Warning: It's recommended to 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 overgrowth.
You can try increasing your intake of vitamin C to boost your body's ability to beat the yeast infection.
Warning: Do not 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:
If vitamin E doesn't seem to help, a good next step involves asking a healthcare professional for more guidance.
5 Reasons Your Vagina Is Having An Allergic Reaction
A vaginal allergic reaction, or vaginal dermatitis, may occur if your vagina makes contact with the wrong substances. Your vagina and vulva (external female genitalia) have some of the most sensitive, delicate skin on your body. The vaginal mucosa, which is the soft tissue that lines the inside of the vagina, is very absorbent.
Your immune system could overreact and cause an allergic reaction if you come into contact with an allergen, such as chemical dyes, feminine hygiene products, latex, and spermicide. Those allergens might lead to vaginal dermatitis, which causes symptoms like irritation and itching.
You may need to be cautious of even small amounts of allergens because of how readily your vagina absorbs them. Read on to learn about possible causes of a vaginal rash, irritation, and itching.
A vaginal allergic reaction can cause symptoms like: Burning Irritation Itching Redness Soreness Swelling (e.G., vulvitis, or swelling of the vulva) Many products you might use on your vaginal area, from soaps to bath bombs to toilet paper, contain chemical dyes. Stop using a product if you can trace your symptoms to one of those products. Your vagina does not need douches, intimate sprays, or vaginal wipes to be clean and healthy. Feminine hygiene products can throw off the balance of "good" and "bad" bacteria inside your vagina, possibly causing inflammation and irritation. Douching might also cause: The fragrances in many of those items may also result in a vaginal allergic reaction. You might visit a healthcare provider for an allergy test to find out what's causing your symptoms. Stop using any irritants in the meantime to reduce symptoms. Natural latex is made from the rubber tree and can contain proteins that trigger your immune system, causing an allergic reaction. Symptoms include: Anaphylaxis, which is a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction Chest tightness Difficulty breathing Hives Itching Runny or stuffy nose Wheezing Between less than 1% and 7.6% of the population have a latex allergy. Those allergies are more usually common in people with frequent exposure to latex, including healthcare providers and those who have had multiple surgeries. There are plenty of latex-free options if you have a latex allergy. Look for condoms made from polyisoprene, polyurethane, and AT-10 (a synthetic polyethylene resin). Many drugstores sell sheepskin and lambskin condoms, but those are not as protective against STIs as other options. You might be allergic to your partner's sperm. Seminal plasma hypersensitivity causes severe itching and swelling of areas that come into contact with sperm, such as the vagina. Other symptoms usually include a rash and difficulty breathing. An allergic reaction to sperm rarely leads to anaphylaxis. A healthcare provider can perform an allergy test if you suspect that sperm is to blame. You can avoid sperm or have immunotherapy shots to reduce your allergy symptoms if the test shows that you have a sperm allergy. Many manufacturers pre-coat condoms with spermicide, which is a chemical that kills sperm. You might be allergic to the spermicide coating if latex and sperm are not triggering your symptoms. It's also possible that you are allergic to foam or dissolvable film spermicides that you insert into the vagina before sex. Spermicide contains several compounds, such as benzocaine and nonoxynol-9, which may irritate the vagina. You might try using condoms without spermicide or another type of contraception. You can typically treat vaginal allergic reaction symptoms at home by: Applying a cool compress to the affected area Taking a cool bath Using a gentle, unscented soap to cleanse your vaginal area Using an oral or topical over-the-counter (OTC) allergy medicine Wearing loose clothing to avoid irritation Consult a healthcare provider if your symptoms do not go away or get worse. They can prescribe or recommend treatments to help reduce genital irritation. Medical treatments include emollients (moisturizers) and topical steroids. Apply emollients to your vaginal area as needed. Just make sure to reapply them after bathing and showering. You might also use emollients to cleanse your vaginal area instead of fragranced soaps, which can cause irritation. A healthcare provider might prescribe a topical steroid, which the skin near your vulva easily absorbs. They might advise using a topical steroid with an antibiotic cream if you develop an infection. Apply the cream or ointment once daily or as a healthcare provider instructs. Wait at least 20 minutes between applying a topical cream and an emollient. You might not always be able to prevent a vaginal allergic reaction. There are steps, however, you can take to reduce your risk, such as: Avoid triggers. Do not scratch the affected area, which might cause an infection. Opt for latex-free condoms, or explore other contraception options. Wash your vulva with unscented soap and water. Do not douche or wash inside of your vagina, which cleanses itself by producing mucus. Wash new clothing and underwear before you wear them to get rid of chemical dyes. A vaginal allergic reaction can be annoying and uncomfortable, but most are not serious. You'll want to contact a healthcare provider, though, if you develop severe symptoms that do not go away or worsen with at-home remedies. Talk to a healthcare provider if you develop signs of an infection, including: Fever Redness Skin that's warm to the touch Tenderness near the vaginal area Vaginal allergic reactions may occur inside the vagina or around the vulva. Chemical dyes, fragranced feminine hygiene products, latex, sperm, and spermicide are possible allergens. Talk to a healthcare provider if you develop burning, itching, redness, or swelling after coming into contact with any of those allergens. They can help you figure out what's causing your symptoms and advise treatments.Thanks for your feedback!
What Can Cause Vaginal Swelling?
Here are 14 possible causes of vaginal swelling and possible treatment options.
1. AllergyAn allergic reaction may cause the vagina and vulva to swell. The vagina and vulva are sensitive parts of the body. They may react to any number of ingredients found in personal care products, such as:
Swelling may appear in response to a new product, but a product the body is familiar with can also cause an allergic reaction.
If a person suspects they are allergic to a particular product, it may be a good idea to stop using it and consult a dermatologist.
2. IrritationEven if an allergy is not present, the body may react adversely when it comes into contact with specific products. Even the most popular and widely used chemical ingredients may cause vaginal and vulvar swelling.
Chemical fragrances are often to blame. They can be found in many products that come into contact with the vagina and vulva, including:
Some types of cloth may also cause vulvar irritation and swelling. Lace or polyester underwear, in particular, may irritate the skin.
Sometimes, the cut of underwear is responsible for the swelling. Thin thongs or G-strings may not cover the labia entirely, which may cause unnecessary friction in the area throughout the day, which can lead to swelling.
It is important to identify and avoid irritants. If a person stops using a specific product and the swelling decreases, they may have found the culprit.
Anyone unable to identify the cause of vaginal swelling should visit a doctor or dermatologist.
3. Rough intercourseSexual intercourse can cause the vagina to swell. If the vagina is not sufficiently lubricated, added friction may lead to discomfort or pain during sex and swelling of the vagina after sex.
Rough intercourse can also tear vaginal tissues, increasing the risk of infection.
If a person suspects rough intercourse has caused vaginal swelling, spending more time in foreplay or using a lubricant to reduce friction may help.
An over-the-counter (OTC) pain reliever or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) may help if the swelling is causing pain.
4. Gartner duct cystsA duct that forms in fetuses when the urinary and sexual organs are developing usually disappears after birth. If part of this duct remains, it is known as a Gartner duct. The remaining tissue may attach to the vaginal wall and develop into a cyst.
Gartner duct cysts tend to be harmless but can become problematic when they grow. A Gartner duct cyst may become infected or cause pain and swelling in the vagina.
In some cases, the cyst appears as a growth on the outside of the vagina.
Surgery is often necessary to remove a troublesome Gartner duct cyst. Once the cyst is gone, symptoms should diminish.
5. Bartholin cystsThe Bartholin glands are on either side of the vaginal opening. They secrete moisture and help provide lubrication.
A cyst on one of these glands may go unnoticed until it becomes infected, at which point an abscess may form. Also, the skin around the vagina may become inflamed and painful. In some cases, there may be a burning sensation or bleeding.
If the cyst or abscess is small, it may drain on its own. A warm, shallow bath may help ease the pain. OTC medications can reduce pain and swelling.
In more severe cases, a doctor may recommend antibiotics, surgical drainage, or cyst removal.
6. CellulitisCellulitis is a bacterial infection of the inner layers of the skin. It may cause the skin to become swollen, red, and tender. A person can develop cellulitis when bacteria enter a cut, such as one sustained when shaving the pubic area.
Cleaning a cut regularly may help combat infection. In some cases, a doctor may recommend antibiotics.
7. Bacterial vaginosisAn overgrowth of harmful bacteria in the vagina may lead to vaginosis. Symptoms may include swelling and a grayish discharge with a foul smell.
Many cases resolve on their own, but a doctor may recommend antibiotics to speed up recovery.
Cleaning the vaginal area regularly and avoiding potential irritants can help prevent bacterial vaginosis.
A person can also avoid products such as douches, which disrupt the bacterial balance in the vagina.
8. Yeast infectionAn overgrowth of the Candida fungal species causes a yeast infection. It can cause vaginal swelling and other symptoms, such as:
Antifungal medications treat yeast infections. Visiting a doctor for a diagnosis is recommended because other conditions have similar symptoms.
9. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and cervicitisSome STIs can cause inflammation of the cervix, which is called cervicitis. Symptoms of cervicitis can include:
Some STIs that can cause vaginal swelling include:
Anyone who suspects they have an STI should talk with a doctor for diagnosis and treatment.
10. Genital herpesThe herpes simplex virus often causes clusters of tiny, painful blisters to appear in the vaginal area. The blisters can burst and become painful sores.
While some people with genital herpes have no symptoms, others find that swelling, pain, and body aches accompany these sores.
There is currently no cure for genital herpes, but prescription medication may shorten or prevent outbreaks.
11. EdemaThe term "edema" describes a collection of water or fluid in the body. Lymph nodes or veins failing to drain usually causes edema in the vagina.
Conditions that enlarge the uterus or put pressure on the veins in the pelvis, such as uterine fibroids or pregnancy, can cause edema.
A doctor has to identify the cause of the edema to treat it. Gently massaging the area may help reduce swelling in some cases, but this should be done under the guidance of a doctor.
12. PregnancyPregnancy may cause the vagina to swell.
As the fetus grows, it can place pressure on the pelvis and nearby muscles and blood vessels.
This pressure can cause inflammation and affect the return of blood and fluid from the lymphatic system. This may lead to swelling.
If a person suspects they are pregnant, they can take a pregnancy test.
Anyone experiencing uncomfortable vaginal swelling during pregnancy should consult a doctor about safe treatments.
13. Sexual assaultInjury from rape or sexual assault may cause vaginal swelling and bleeding as well as pelvic pain.
Resources are available for people who have been sexually assaulted. Organizations like RAINN in the United States offer free, confidential support. The organization's 24-hour hotline also connects callers with local services that can help. The number for the RAINN hotline is 800-656-HOPE (4673).
People who have experienced rape or sexual abuse can consider visiting a doctor to discuss options and receive any necessary treatment and support.
14. Foreign objects in the vaginaWhen the body tries to expel a foreign object lodged in the vagina, symptoms may include:
Toys, tissue paper, and household objects are the most common vaginal foreign bodies found in children. In adults, tampons, condoms, menstrual cups, sex toys, and pessaries are the most common items lodged in the vagina.
In some cases, a doctor may need to remove a foreign object.
Regularly cleaning the vagina may prevent objects from becoming stuck in it.
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