Remedies of vaginal yeast infection

A vaginal yeast infection is an infection caused by yeast (a type of fungus). It causes inflammation, irritation, itching, and vaginal discharge. It most commonly affects women, but men can get it too. Yeast is a fungus that normally lives in the vagina in small numbers. A vaginal yeast infection means that too many yeast cells are growing in the vagina.

Symptoms

The main symptom of a vaginal yeast infection is itching, but burning, discharge, and pain with urination or intercourse can also occur. Watery vaginal discharge which is thick, white, odor-free vaginal discharge with a cottage cheese appearance.

Causes

Antibiotic use, which decreases lactobacillus bacteria in your vagina and changes the pH of your vagina

Pregnancy

Uncontrolled diabetes

Impaired immune system

Taking oral contraceptives or hormone therapy, which increases estrogen levels

Treatment

If you have had a yeast infection before and can recognize the symptoms, and you aren't pregnant, you can treat yourself at home with medicines you can buy without a prescription. You can use an antifungal cream, or a suppository that you put into your vagina, or antifungal tablets that you swallow.

If your symptoms are mild, you may want to wait to see if they clear up on their own.

Keep your genital area clean and dry. Avoid soap and rinse with water only. Sitting in a warm, but not hot, the bath may help your symptoms.

Avoid douching. Although many women feel cleaner if they douche after their period or intercourse, it may worsen vaginal discharge. Douching removes healthy bacteria lining the vagina that protect against infection.

Eat yogurt with live cultures or take Lactobacillus acidophilus tablets when you are on antibiotics. This will help to prevent a yeast infection.

Use condoms to avoid catching or spreading infections.

Yeast infections are common during pregnancy. If you are pregnant, don't use medicine for a yeast infection without talking to your doctor first.