Home Remedies for Treating Vaginal Yeast Infections In 2023

What is a Yeast Infection?

A yeast infection is a fungal infection that causes irritation, intense itching and discharge.

This vaginal infection is caused by the fungus candida that is usually present in the body, but it causes an infection when it multiplies out of control. Almost all women experience at least 2 episodes of yeast infection in their lifetime.

What are the symptoms of a yeast infection?

1. Itching and irritation in the vulva and vagina

2. Burning sensation during sexual intercourse or while urinating

3. Swelling or redness of the vulva

4. Pain and swelling in the vagina

5. Rashes or sores

6. Thick, white odor-free discharge with a cottage cheese-like consistency.

7. Vaginal discharge with a watery consistency.

Why does a yeast infection occur?

The fungus candida already lives in your body in your mouth, stomach and vaginal area. When it multiplies out of control it causes a yeast infection. Here are the reasons why a yeast infection occurs:

1. If you are pregnant

2. Stress of lack of sleep

3. Medications including contraceptives, antibiotics and steroids

4. If you have immune suppressing diseases like HIV 

5. If you have diabetes

Some lifestyle habits can also promote the growth of the candida fungus including:

1. If you are sexually active ( although yeast infection is not an STI but they are common in women who are sexually active)

2. If you consume a diet that is high in sugar

3. If you practice douching

4. If you use contraceptives like medical diaphragms and IUDs

5. If you do not maintain proper vaginal hygiene with an intimate wash

What are some home remedies to treat yeast infections?

In most cases yeast infections can be cured at home. There has been a lot of anecdotal evidence where many women have found relief using these home remedies. 

Yogurt

Natural, non-flavored, unsweetened yogurt contains a lot of beneficial bacteria called probiotics that help in restoring the balance of bacteria and yeast in the body.

How to use yogurt to treat vaginal yeast infections?

You can either add more yogurt to your diet or even apply the yogurt directly to the vulva and around the vagina. You can even apply the yogurt to the inside of the vagina with a tampon applicator or with your fingers but make sure you clean your hands beforehand.

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil has been proven to have antifungal properties. But make sure you buy the pure organic coconut oil.

How to use coconut oil to treat yeast infections?

Raw coconut oil can be applied internally or externally to the body and it will cause no harm. Warm coconut oil can also be added as a carrier oil to other antifungal essential oils but those can’t be directly applied to the vulva or the vagina.

Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is an antiseptic that can kill bacteria and yeast. Lactobacillus bacteria in your vagina produce hydrogen peroxide as part of natural biological activity.

Some people swear by using hydrogen peroxide topically when they get a yeast infection.

How to use hydrogen peroxide to treat yeast infections?

Adding it to a bath or diluting in water before applying to your skin may help with yeast growing on the genitals. You can dilute by combining equal amounts of water and hydrogen peroxide.

Just keep in mind that hydrogen peroxide may not work on every species of yeast, and no strong research supports the use of hydrogen peroxide to treat vaginal infections.

The easiest way to never have yeast infections is to maintain proper hygiene and also use protection while indulging in any kind of sexual activity.

READ MORE: Can Men Also Get Yeast Infections?