Natural Cures For Yeast Infection

You heave a sigh of relief, as your affliction does not turn out to be STD or AIDS. It’s only yeast infection, a non-sexually transmitted disease, which is common amongst women of childbearing age. According to medical statistics, Candida albicans, a strain of yeast, causes seventy to eighty percent of this infection. But, what’s this infection about and why is it so painful?

Understanding yeast infection

There are various strains of yeast that naturally occur in your vagina in minuscule amounts. The acidic environment and a bacterium, Lactobacillus acidophilus, in the vagina keeps it from multiplying. If, by chance, the vagina becomes less acidic or this bacterium depletes or gets destroyed, yeast multiplies giving rise to this infection.

Use of a broad-spectrum of antibiotics, steroids, diabetes and certain birth control pills can destroy this bacterium. Hormonal changes prior to menstruation or during pregnancy can also make you susceptible. Sometimes the very products you use to keep the vagina clean can also cause it. Wearing tight-fitting or synthetic clothing is another contributory factor, as it keeps your fundamentals and the area around moist, encouraging the yeast to grow. Even semen can upset the acidic balance making the vagina prone to this infection.

Knowing the symptoms of yeast

The great thing about yeast infection symptoms is that you don’t have to search for them, they announce themselves! If you have an excruciating itching or a burning sensation in the vagina and around the vulva, the skin surrounding the vagina, you can be sure you’ve it. A cottage cheese like white vaginal discharge is another symptom and so is the swelling of the vulva. Of course, pain during sexual intercourse can also hint at this infection. It’s important to be aware of the symptoms to prevent its occurrence.

How to treat your yeast infection

Before you opt for any kind of medication, get a proper diagnosis done. Sexually transmitted disease, like trichomoniasis, has similar symptoms. Over-the-counter cures consist of creams and suppositories. But before you rush to try out these quick-fix medications, consider home remedies for yeast infection. Their effect lasts longer without any side effects.

Let’s take a look at the natural remedies for yeast infection treatment:

a. Natural yogurt:

Natural yogurt contains live acidophilus bacteria that destroy yeast. You can apply yogurt directly to your vagina or place a yogurt-soaked tampon in the infected region to clear the infection. Douching with yogurt and water also helps. If applying yogurt is a problem, take acidophilus tablets.

b. Apple cider vinegar:

Regularly daub the genital area with apple cider vinegar to prevent this infection. However, dilute the vinegar before use.

c. Drinks:

Drink a solution of olive leaf and grapefruit seed extract to get rid of this condition. Even unsweetened cranberry juice is good.

d. Gentian violet:

Paint the vagina, cervix and the vulva with gentian violet, a dye used as a biological stain, bactericide and fungicide. However, wear a pad to prevent staining your undergarments.

e. Garlic suppository:

Garlic is very effective against this infection. Prepare the suppository by wrapping peeled garlic clove in gauze and insert it into the vagina. Leaving it in for twelve hours to a day will rid you of this infection.

f. Potassium sorbate:

Used in beer making at home, it’s available in wine making stores. To prepare, dip a cotton tampon into a three percent solution. Insert it into the vagina at night and remove it in the morning, and say goodbye to yeast infection.

It’s better to prevent this embarrassing condition than run around for its cure. Opting for natural vaginal yeast infection cure and other herbal remedies will not only save you from side effects, but would also give you long lasting relief.