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Three out of four women will experience at least one yeast infection in their lifetimes. If you’ve had one you know the signs: severe vaginal itching and irritation accompanied by a thick, white discharge. Sometimes you might feel a burning sensation during urination or sex. Yeast infections certainly aren’t pleasant, but under most circumstances, they’re easy to treat.
What causes a yeast infection?
The vagina always contains small amounts of yeast. When you’re healthy, that yeast (technically, a fungus known as Candida albicans) exists in harmony with your immune system and your other normal vaginal microorganisms. But when something disrupts this balance, the yeast can grow quickly, becoming dense enough to cause the symptoms of a full-blown infection.
Antibiotics are one of the most common culprits in causing yeast infections, because they destroy vaginal bacteria and thereby disrupt the balance of power among the vaginal microorganisms. This balance is also affected by hormone levels, so women are more prone to yeast infections if they’re using hormonal contraceptives, during pregnancy, or just prior to menstruation. Yeast infections are also more common in women with compromised immune systems due to illnesses like diabetes, AIDS or cancer. In fact, anything that weakens your immune system – such as stress, lack of sleep, consumption of alcohol and perhaps even refined sugar – can lead to an overgrowth of yeast.
How should I treat a yeast infection?
OTC Treatment
Fortunately, most yeast infections are not serious, says One Medical Group physician Kohar Der Simonian. “Left untreated, yeast infections will usually go away on their own. But most women cannot tolerate the severe itching,” she says. Fortunately, the infections respond well to over-the-counter antifungal creams or suppositories. “If you’re sure it’s a yeast infection, it’s safe to go ahead and use an over-the-counter medication like Monistat.”
Home Remedies
Some people find soaking in an apple cider vinegar bath offers relief, as the vinegar can help restore normal acidity to the vagina. Add two cups of vinegar to a shallow warm—not hot—bath, and soak for 15 minutes. Make sure you dry yourself thoroughly before getting dressed. Every body is different, but most women will see some improvement after two or three soaks, Der Simeon says.
She also says that applying plain yogurt to the area may help to restore balance and reduce irritation. Using only plain yogurt with active cultures, and once or twice a day, rub a few tablespoons’ worth around the outside of the vagina to quell irritation there, or insert the same amount into the vagina. You can also dip a tampon in the yogurt, let it soak for a few minutes, and then insert it.
It’s safe to use try these natural remedies before you opt for the over-the-counter medications, and they are perfectly safe to use in addition to other treatments, Der Simeon says, even for pregnant women.
Prescription
For chronic yeast infections, boric acid is sometimes recommended, but it has to be obtained from a pharmacy that compounds drugs, Der Simonian says. The gelatin capsules are inserted into the vagina at night for two weeks, and serve as both an antiseptic and anti-inflammatory agent.
When should I make an appointment to see my provider?
The first time you experience the symptoms of a yeast infection, you should see your doctor to rule out any other conditions, Der Simonian advises. Even if you’ve had a yeast infection before, you should consult your physician if the condition isn’t improving despite using medication, or if you experience four or more yeast infections per year. You might need something stronger than what’s available over-the-counter. Finally, if your discharge has a bad odor, if you have a fever, or if you have other serious medical problems, you should definitely seek medical attention.
How can I prevent future yeast infections?
- The best way to reduce your risk of getting a yeast infection is to avoid things that promote the growth of yeast. Here’s how to do that:
- Keep the vaginal area clean and dry. After showering, dry the area thoroughly; always remove wet swimsuits and exercise clothes right away; and limit the amount of time you spend in hot tubs or very hot baths.
- Let the area breathe. Wear cotton, not nylon, underwear; and avoid tights and pantyhose without a cotton lining, as well as tight pants. Consider not wearing underwear during sleep to allow some airflow.
- Watch your sugar intake, including alcohol! Sugar is the main food source for yeast.
- Take probiotics, especially if you are taking antibiotics. Probiotics, found in cultured foods like yogurt and especially in Activia, help restore your normal vaginal bacteria.
- Finally, always avoid douches, feminine sprays, deodorant tampons, and even bubble baths, which may contain chemicals that can be irritating, says Der Simonian.
When I was using foam as birth control, I never realized that was the cause of the itching, and some discharge. Tests for yeast always came back negative, but there was still this itching. Apparently no one thought to ask me what form of birth control I was using.
I couldn’t stand the smell of Monistat, nor the feel of it slipping down. I bought one of those douche bulbs with the “sprinkler” which is inserted.
I mixed about 1/8 cup plain yogurt with active cultures, thinned it with some warm water, and poured it into the bulb. I then laid down in the bathtub and applied it inside, and stayed there for a few minutes after it was empty, then patted myself dry.
I could use that as often as needed, without the dreaded smell or drip, and it was much less expensive. At the time, there was no OTC monistat equivalent. It almost didn’t matter why I itched, and there no side effects to worry about.
Turns out I never really had many yeast infections at all, as I stopped having itchies after I switched birth control methods. However, when I did get them, they never lasted long.
Thanks for your remedies, it is highly useful and advisable.
Hi thanks for your advice
now i was on mediation with suppository and antibiotics
like rabeprazole &Domperidone,
ciprofloxin500mg and tinhdazole600mg
But i am getting still thick watery secretions while
am using suppository also
Still am getting watery secretions may i know how longer it ll take to cure please reply me i got irritating with this secretions or tell alternative
thank you
Hi Vidya
Unfortunately we cannot provide medical advice online. We suggest you talk to your primary care provider to look into this further for you.
How long do the yeast infection last…
Hi Nautica.
Thanks for your question. In the vast majority of cases, yeast infections respond quickly to treatment, usually with all symptoms resolving within a few days. If symptoms persist, see your health care provider – it could be something else.
Malcolm Thaler, MD
Clinical Editor
One Medical Group
I was on antibiotics to treat a stomach ulcer and immediately developed digestive difficulties and a yeast infection. Then I started using the Lady Soma probiotics , and it took care of all the side effects of the antibiotic. Awesome.
What kind of vinegar should be used?
Hi Hannah,
Thanks for the comment. Apple cider vinegar may be beneficial–see the details above!
Thanks for the tips. I have had a few yeast infections and I have never been told about the yogurt of vinegar so thank you.
How often should you change out the tampon with the yogurt on it?
Hi Payton,
Thanks for the comment. We’d recommend using plain yogurt on the tampon and leaving it in overnight before going to bed (8-9 hrs/treatment). Feel free to give us a call if you have any other questions–we’d be more than happy to help!
Hi, good article.
Thanks for your support Ken!
How long does a yeast infection take to go away without any treatment at all?
Hi there
Thanks for reaching out. A yeast infection may take up to 30 days to resolve without treatment. Some have seen the infection clear up sooner with the removal of refined carbohydrates. We suggest talking to your primary care provider to look into this further and discuss treatment options.
I have never had a yeast infection or any infection for that matter. But I believe I have a yeast infection now. As we speak I am trying the vinager will keep you posted on how it works. Thanks for the home remedies
VERY HELPFUL THANKS!!
Anytime Kayla, thanks for your comment!
If you tried waiting longer then 30 days for it to go away. Does that mean its not a yeast infection? Or just everyone might need different treatments?
Hi Marvee,
Thanks for your comment. If the rash hasn’t cleared in 30 days, it might be something other than yeast or just a yeast infection that needs to be evaluated for treatment so please talk to your primary care provider to look into further.
Malcolm Thaler, M.D.
Clinical Editor
One Medical Group
i have a yeast infection now and i been taking the meds cover the counter but its not working yet what can i use to help with the itch and also i been taking the meds before i go to work in the morning but it says to use at bedtime van i use it more thanonce a day?
Hey Jessica,
This would depend on the type of over the counter medication you are taking such as a cream or suppository. For women with vaginitis who are not pregnant, the simplest solution usually is to take a single dose of the pill diflucan – that usually clears it right up! If you’re using a cream, it would probably not hurt to apply an extra dose for a couple of days. In any case, we would suggest talking to your primary care provider first to discuss your options to help clear up the yeast infection.
Malcolm Thaler, M.D.
Clinical Editor
One Medical Group
I have a yeast infection due to the antibiotics that I was taking, will the yeast infection go away on its own or I have to get treatment
Hi Petrina,
Yeast infections can sometimes go away by themselves but may take up to 30 days without medication. We’d suggest talking to your primary care provider to discuss the treatment options that work best for you.
Being that the over the counter medications are typically cream applications that should not be inserted inside the vagina, do these creams actually help with the discharge accompanied with the infection? Thank you in advance.
Hi Nicole,
I’m mostly familiar with the prescription creams, and they are placed intravaginally. Yes, they clear the infection completely and relieve all of its symptoms.
Malcolm Thaler, M.D.
Clinical Editor
One Medical Group
I started having symptoms of a yeast infection nearly two weeks ago. I started cutting back sugary foods and sitting in a baking soda bath in the mornings. After a few days, and not seeing any improvement, I used a one-day monistat treatment. I was still itchy externally, but the discharge stopped almost completely. This morning, I was using a vibrator, and when I pulled it out, it was COVERED in yeast. I became immediately concerned and tried removing as much as I could. Then I started searching the internet. I am going to head to the store and get some plain yogurt and garlic cloves….but am concerned about the amount of yeast I cleaned out of myself – it was about 3-4 tablespoons. And I am positive there is still more remaining. Is there anything more I should do? I cannot afford to go to the doctor, and would really like to treat at home.
Hi Katie,
We suggest talking to your primary care provider to look into this further to help resolve the yeast infection.
Is it safe to insert the tampon with yogurt even when on your menstural cycle? I just srarted before starting this remedy and wasn’t sure if it was ok.
Hi Stephanie,
There’s no data pertaining to this question specifically, but I would not recommend introducing bacteria into the vagina during menstruation as you may cause an infection. I’d also suggest getting in touch with your doctor to see what he/she recommends for the yeast infection.
Malcolm Thaler, M.D.
Clinical Editor
One Medical Group
How long should I wait to soak in vinegar again? I just soaked a little while ago, so would tomorrow morning be ok, or should I wait until tomorrow evening?
Hi Penne,
Once a day should be fine. Note above that Kohar says that some women see improvements after 2-3 soaks. As always, please make sure to keep your primary care provider in the loop about your condition if you do not see any improvements.
These are natural remedies I found to be effective:
1. Garlic (whole peeled clove inserted. And/Or eaten)
2. Tea Tree Oil
3. Apple Cider Vinegar
4. Peroxide with Baking Soda
5. Hibiclens
6. Citrus Seed Extract (Grapefruit Seed Extract)
7. Plain Yogurt (eaten and topically)
8. AVOIDING SUGAR – eating alkaline foods, green veg.
9. Drinking lots of water
10. Probiotics