Yeast infections are very common in women of all ages, more so during the childbearing years. They can be caused by all sorts of things. For instance, wearing tight clothes, nylon underwear or even using certain medications such as birth control pills and antibiotics can be the cause. Usually the first sign is a slight itchiness in the region of the vagina. Fortunately, there are several over the counter products and other treatments that can fight yeast infection.
One way to fight yeast infection is to use apple cider vinegar on a cotton wool ball. Lightly dab the ball on the infected area. It could lead to a mild stinging sensation but this can be alleviated by adding some crushed fresh garlic to the vinegar. Normally, this will leave a garlic odor but you can reduce this too by adding water to the solution.
Something else that you can try is yogurt. Apply about one teaspoon of plain yogurt directly to the affected area or even on a tampon and insert as usual. Do this two times each day until the yeast infection has cleared up. Of course, you will want to mark the yogurt container clearly and keep it separated from the rest of the food in the refrigerator.
One effective remedy to fight yeast infection at home is to blend grapefruit seed oil and olive leaf extract with a small amount of water, and then apply the mixture with a cotton ball. You may also obtain the same result with raw garlic juice. Just rub it on the affected area.
Women should remember that Candida causes yeast infections, yet Candida is ordinarily present in the body. The problem occurs when there is an overgrowth of Candida, so absent certain symptoms such as burning and itchiness, you most likely do not have a yeast infection. Treatment may not be necessary and a slight problem may resolve itself without any outside interference.
Certainly a yeast infection can be easily treated, but it makes more sense to prevent it ever happening again. This is easy to do by following some of these guidelines. Eating some yogurt each day will help control the growth of yeast in your body. Avoid wearing tight pants and underwear. After you go swimming, remove your wet swimsuit right away. Avoid using tampons, douches, feminine sprays or toilet paper that is scented or colored. These products all contribute to the risk of yeast infections.
You should always enlist your doctor’s aid in fighting a yeast infection, more so if it recurs. In an emergency, you can use some of the home treatments to fight yeast infection. Remember that treatment may differ for pregnant women, so it is always best to seek professional care and avoid self-treatment.
