Long before there were drugstores, women turned to natural remedies to treat vaginal yeast infections. You can now choose to use over-the-counter antifungal creams or natural remedies.
No well-controlled studies have proven the effectiveness of folk remedies for treating yeast infections, although there’s plenty of anecdotal evidence that suggests they work. Keep reading to learn the pros and cons of popular home remedies for yeast infections.
What Is a Vaginal Yeast Infection?
A vaginal yeast infection, or vaginal candidiasis, is caused by a fungus, not bacteria. This infection occurs when there’s an overgrowth of Candida albicans fungus in your vagina. This triggers irritation, inflammation, and intense itching of your vagina, especially in the vulvar area.
The hallmark of a vaginal yeast infection is vaginal discharge. It’s usually thick and white, and it may look like cottage cheese. Other symptoms can include vaginal pain, vaginal rash, and vaginal burning. Unlike vaginal bacterial infections, yeast infections usually don’t have a foul or fishy odor.
A healthy vagina contains a balance of yeast and “good” bacteria. One type of bacteria, called Lactobacillus, is acidic and helps keep yeast in check. Anything that interferes with the bacteria-yeast balance in your vagina may cause yeast overgrowth.
Your risk of yeast overgrowth is higher if:
- you take antibiotics
- you’re pregnant
- you have uncontrolled diabetes
- your immune system is impaired
- you use oral birth control or hormone therapy
The following home remedies may provide relief from a vaginal yeast infection. Keep in mind that any product, natural or otherwise, may irritate sensitive vaginal skin. You should stop using the remedy and consult your doctor if you experience irritation or discomfort.
Over-the-Counter Antifungal Creams
The most common home remedy for vaginal yeast infections is antifungal cream or suppositories. You can buy these without a prescription at pharmacies and most grocery stores. One-day, three-day, and seven-day options are available. The treatments include antifungal cream or suppositories, an applicator, and instructions. External anti-itch medicine may also be included.
To use these treatments, place the cream or suppository in the applicator. Insert it into your vagina according to the package instructions.
Yogurt
Yogurt is considered a probiotic food. It contains live bacteria, such as Lactobacillus acidophilus. Probiotics are thought to help restore the bacteria-yeast balance throughout your body.
A review of research published in the Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy found that some probiotics may be effective against C. albicans. However, most of the studies reviewed were flawed, which makes the results unreliable. Still, many women eat yogurt or apply plain yogurt vaginally to relieve vaginal yeast infection symptoms.
Boric Acid
Boric acid is an antiseptic. It’s useful for treating chronic vaginal yeast infections or yeast infections that are resistant to other remedies.
According to UC Santa Cruz Student Center, boric acid suppositories are an effective home remedy for vaginal yeast infections. They’re available by prescription, but they’re also a popular do-it-yourself remedy.
To make boric acid suppositories, fill “00 size” gelatin capsules with boric acid. To treat a yeast infection, insert one capsule deeply into your vagina at bedtime every day for a week.
Boric acid is toxic. Don’t use it on broken skin or take it orally. Never use boric acid if you’re pregnant.
Oil of Oregano
The oil of oregano that’s used to treat yeast infections isn’t the same type that you’ll find in a grocery store’s spice section. Look for oil of oregano made from wild oregano, or Origanum vulgare. It contains thymol and carvacrol, which are powerful antifungals. In contrast, common oregano, or Origanum marjoram, is what you usually find in your grocery store’s spice section.
A study published in the journal Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry found that wild oregano oil either stopped or slowed down the growth of C. albicans depending on the dosage used.
Oil of oregano is a natural blood thinner. Don’t use it if you take blood thinners or have blood-clotting issues.
When to Contact Your Doctor
In some cases, you shouldn’t self-treat a vaginal yeast infection. If you’ve never had a vaginal yeast infection before or you’re not sure if you currently have one, contact your doctor before trying home remedies. You may have another type of infection.
It’s also possible to have a complicated yeast infection. You may have a complicated yeast infection if you have symptoms of a yeast infection and:
- you’re pregnant
- you have diabetes
- you have a compromised immune system
- your symptoms are severe, such as vaginal fissures, tears, or sores
- you’ve had four or more yeast infections in a year
- you’ve attempted self-treatment and symptoms haven’t improved
Find a Doctor
What to Expect
Most home remedies bring relief within a few days. Some may take up to a week. Call your doctor if at any time during treatment, your symptoms worsen, new symptoms appear, or persistent irritation occurs separately from your yeast infection symptoms.
If your infection recurs, contact your doctor for advice. You may need a stronger, prescription-strength remedy.
Preventing Vaginal Yeast Infections
Vaginal yeast infections are often very painful. The best strategy is to avoid getting an infection in the first place. Follow these tips to help prevent yeast infections:
- Limit your consumption of sugar and processed foods. Yeast thrives on sugar.
- Wear cotton, loose-fitting underwear. Yeast grows in warm, moist environments.
- Don’t spend extended periods of time in wet clothes or bathing suits.
- Avoid soaking in hot tubs or hot baths.
- Only use antibiotics when necessary.
- Don’t use douches, unless advised by your doctor, and avoid vaginal deodorant sprays and scented vaginal lotions. They may alter the balance of good bacteria and yeast in your vagina.
Read more: Yeast infection: Tips, remedies, and prevention tips »
The Takeaway
Home remedies have been used for centuries to treat yeast infections. They may or may not work for you. Their effectiveness varies depending on the person. It also depends on the severity of your yeast infection, as well as the quality of the treatment used.
If you’ve had vaginal yeast infections before and you’ve successfully treated them with home remedies, you can give them a try again. Talk to your doctor if you have any doubt that your symptoms are caused by a yeast infection or if you suspect you have a complicated yeast infection. Yeast infection symptoms can mimic other infections such as bacterial vaginosis and urinary tract infections. Treating any infection incorrectly may cause it to get worse or spread.
