Yeast infections are a common problem, especially for women. They can be caused by a number of things, including antibiotics, hormonal changes, and stress. Symptoms of a yeast infection include itching, burning, and redness of the vagina, as well as a thick, white discharge. If you think you might have a yeast infection, it's important to see a doctor to get it treated.
There are a number of things you can do to treat a yeast infection at home. These include:
{We will explain in detail the natural remedies in the following sections}
How to Treat Yeast Infection
Yeast infections are common and treatable.
- See a doctor.
- Use over-the-counter antifungal cream.
- Take a prescription antifungal medication.
- Eat a healthy diet.
- Wear loose, cotton underwear.
- Avoid douching.
- Practice good hygiene.
- Change your lifestyle.
If you are prone to yeast infections, you may need to take steps to prevent them from recurring.
See a doctor.
If you think you might have a yeast infection, it's important to see a doctor to get it treated. This is especially true if you have never had a yeast infection before, or if your symptoms are severe. A doctor can also rule out other conditions that may be causing your symptoms, such as bacterial vaginosis or sexually transmitted infections.
When you see the doctor, they will ask you about your symptoms and medical history. They will also perform a physical exam, which may include a pelvic exam. During the pelvic exam, the doctor will look for signs of a yeast infection, such as redness, swelling, and a thick, white discharge.
If the doctor confirms that you have a yeast infection, they will prescribe antifungal medication. This medication can come in the form of a cream, ointment, tablet, or suppository. The doctor will tell you how to use the medication and how long to take it for.
It's important to follow the doctor's instructions carefully and to take all of the medication as prescribed. If you stop taking the medication early, the yeast infection may come back.
If you have recurrent yeast infections, your doctor may recommend that you take a longer course of antifungal medication or that you use a maintenance dose of antifungal medication to prevent future infections.
Use over-the-counter antifungal cream.
If you have a mild yeast infection, you may be able to treat it with an over-the-counter antifungal cream. These creams are available at most pharmacies and grocery stores.
When choosing an over-the-counter antifungal cream, look for one that contains clotrimazole or miconazole. These are the two most common antifungal ingredients. You can also find over-the-counter antifungal creams that contain a combination of clotrimazole and miconazole.
To use an over-the-counter antifungal cream, follow the instructions on the package. Typically, you will need to apply the cream to the affected area once or twice a day for seven to fourteen days.
It's important to finish the entire course of treatment, even if your symptoms start to improve after a few days. If you stop using the cream too early, the yeast infection may come back.
Over-the-counter antifungal creams are generally safe and effective for treating mild yeast infections. However, they may cause side effects such as burning, itching, and irritation. If you experience any side effects from an over-the-counter antifungal cream, stop using it and talk to your doctor.
Take a prescription antifungal medication.
If you have a severe yeast infection, or if you have a yeast infection that does not respond to over-the-counter antifungal cream, your doctor may prescribe an antifungal medication.
Prescription antifungal medications come in the form of tablets, capsules, or suppositories. The type of medication and the dosage will depend on the severity of your infection.
Some common prescription antifungal medications include:
- Fluconazole
- Itraconazole
- Ketoconazole
- Voriconazole
Prescription antifungal medications are generally safe and effective for treating yeast infections. However, they can cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and headache. If you experience any side effects from a prescription antifungal medication, talk to your doctor.
It's important to take prescription antifungal medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not stop taking the medication early, even if your symptoms start to improve. If you stop taking the medication too early, the yeast infection may come back.
Eat a healthy diet.
Eating a healthy diet can help to boost your immune system and fight off yeast infections. Some foods that are particularly beneficial for fighting yeast infections include:
- Yogurt and other fermented foods: These foods contain probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria that can help to keep yeast levels in check.
- Garlic: Garlic has antifungal and antibacterial properties.
- Cranberries: Cranberries contain compounds that can help to prevent yeast from sticking to the walls of the vagina.
- Spinach and other leafy greens: These foods are rich in folic acid, which is important for a healthy immune system.
- Nuts and seeds: Nuts and seeds are a good source of zinc, which is also important for a healthy immune system.
It's also important to limit your intake of sugary foods and drinks. Sugar can feed yeast and make it more likely to grow.
Eating a healthy diet is not a cure for yeast infections, but it can help to boost your immune system and make it less likely that you will get a yeast infection. If you are prone to yeast infections, you may want to consider making some changes to your diet to see if it helps to reduce your risk of infection.