Yeast Infection Home Remedies for Women

What Is Yeast Infection

Yeast infection is a highly popular topic, but many people are not knowledgeable of what it realy is. Yeast is a category of fungus known scientifically as Candida. This particular form of fungus is the cause of vaginitis. Contrary to popular beliefs, yeast is usually found on human skin especially in worm, moist areas, like the vagina or the mouth. It is approximated 35% of healthy women carries yeast in the vaginal area. When an infection occurs in this area, it is known as vulvovaginal candidiasis.

How Do You Get a Yeast Infection

There are many reasons the Candida fungus may overgrow. An underwear that is too tight. Also, underwear that traps heat and moisture like the ones made of nylon. These make yeast infections more likely because they provide the ideal environment for its growth. Procedures such as douching may also disturb the healthy stability of bacteria in the vagina. The use of scented sanitary products can irritate the vagina, and make yeast infections even more likely. Other causes include stress, lack of adequate sleep, pregnancy, and illnesses that affect the immune system, may tolerate the growth of yeast (diabetes that isn't controlled and HIVAIDS). There are also certain medications that might encourage the growth of the Candida fungus. These include steroids and some birth control pills. Yeast prospers also where a woman has high blood sugar. Antibiotics can also cause yeast to grow. The antibiotics might kill the good bacteria that also live in the body. These good bacteria normally limit the growth of Candida in the vagina.

Yeast Infection Symptoms

To avoid making the mistake of confusing the symptoms of an STD with those of a yeast infection, it is advised that you see a doctor for the right diagnosis.

The most common symptoms of yeast infection are:

Regular pain or burning during sex or when urinating.
Itchiness and irritation in the vagina.
Swelling redness and itching of the vulva (the folds of skin outside the vagina).
A white discharge that has a thick texture, usually odorless.

Yeast Infection Home Remedies

The first home remedy for yeast infection is to avoid getting an infection in the first place. This is done by making a note of the things that are likely to cause an infection and minimize or eliminate them.

Garlic Home Remedy for Yeast Infection

Garlic is maybe the most popular home remedy for yeast infection and for instant relief, making it a big enemy of yeast. Crush three cloves and put to boil in 5 to 6 cups of water. Allow to cool and drink at least three cups per day.
For a soothing relief insert 1 garlic clove into the vagina every hour and a half. This can also be done every time the itch returns.
Despite the smell, pressing one garlic clove and swallow it with water has been proven to be very effective. Repeat this as often as required.

Apple Cider vinegar Remedy for Yeast Infection

Put 3 to 4 cups of apple cider vinegar into your bath water and sit in your bath for the soothing relief. This will give you at least a 24 hr relief. Do not apply the vinegar straight from the bottle to your vagina because it burns a lot. Always use natural vinegar, do not use the white cane vinegar of other types of vinegar which contains added chemicals.

Tea Tree Oil Home Remedy for Yeast Infection

Even though there are no clinical proofs. Tea tree oil when diluted is said to combat yeast infection. It should never be applied to the vagina at full strength.

Yogurt Home Remedy for Yeast Infection

Plain sugar free yogurt is an effective fighter of yeast infection, the good bacteria in plain yogurt helps fight yeast. Yogurt can be eaten or applied externally and still be effective in the process. One other method is to spread yogurt on a tampon and insert it into your vagina. Be sure not to leave it in for a prolonged period of it will have the reversed effect and start contributing to the moisture after a couple hours.

Water for Yeast Infection Cure

Drinking a minimum of 10 8oz glasses of water per day helps to prevent the growth of yeast. Having this much water causes you to urinate a lot, hence flushing the excess sugar from the body. This lowers the risk of an infection.