Natural Cures for a Yeast Infection

A vaginal yeast infection is an unpleasant illness characterized by itching, burning, redness, soreness and discharge. It may require medical attention, but there are other natural ways to treat the condition first.

Causes and symptoms

Overgrowth of a fungus known as candida causes a yeast infection. It is present in the vagina along with bacteria that balance the pH of the vagina and prevent that overgrowth. Yeast overgrowth can result from antibiotics, pregnancy, diabetes or a weakened immune system. Some yeast infections are caused by a type of fungus called Candida albicans. It is possible to spread it through sexual intercourse.

Natural treatments

There is anecdotal evidence that women have had success treating their vaginal yeast infections by douching with vinegar, using tea tree oil cream or inserting suppositories containing garlic or boric acid into the vagina. Some studies have suggested that oral or vaginal use of lactobacillus, a healthy bacteria that exists in certain kinds of yogurt, can relieve the symptoms of yeast infections. Use common sense before beginning a natural treatment regimen.

Prevention

One of the easiest ways to treat a yeast infection is to avoid it in the first place. Avoiding douche, scented tampons, pads and bubble baths helps. In addition, it is advisable to wear loose fitting clothes and underwear and to change out of wet clothes as soon as possible.

A yeast infection is painful and can have serious repercussions if left untreated, but there are a number of ways to treat the symptoms naturally.