How do you cure a vaginal yeast infection

Large percent of the female population suffer from symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection at least once in their lifetime. In fact, most women deal with this problem several times during their life.

Vaginal Yeast Infection Overview

Vaginal yeast infection is commonly caused by the fungus Candida albicans. The condition is not actually an infection since the fungus is in small amount normally present in the vagina. However, overgrowth of these microorganisms leads to infection of the vagina. Vaginal yeast infection is not serious condition but it is usually uncomfortable. The symptoms of vaginal yeast infection include itching and burning in the vagina, abnormal vaginal discharge like cottage cheese, soreness, pain during sexual intercourse and redness and swelling of the vulva (the skin that surrounds the vagina). Vaginal yeast infection occurs due to low acidic environment of the vagina. This unbalanced vaginal Ph can be result of diet, menstruation, pregnancy, use of certain antibiotics, diabetes, birth control pills, steroids or sexual intercourse. Sometimes, the cause of vaginal yeast infection is unknown.

Treatment of Vaginal Yeast Infection

Vaginal yeast infection can be treated in two basic ways. It can be treated with prescription or over the counter medications for vaginal yeast infection. Those are commonly antifungal medications that are available in either vaginal suppositories or creams. The treatment is effective if the medications are used for three to seven days. Prescription medications are equally effective as over the counter medicines. However, before you buy over the counter medication you should probably get correct diagnosis from your doctor since vaginal yeast infection can be mistaken for bacterial vaginal infection.

On the other hand, there is a natural treatment for vaginal yeast infection which can successfully cure the condition. Garlic and yogurt are the two most common natural treatments for vaginal yeast infection. Both of them can be either inserted into vagina or taken orally, but the treatment is more effective if garlic and yogurt get in direct contact with the vagina. You can dip a tampon into yogurt and put it into vagina leaving it to stay in place for at least an hour. Yogurt can be inserted with blunt syringe or a finger too. Also, you can freeze yogurt an insert it. Yogurt should be plain with active cultures. Garlic has anti-fungal properties and it can be used as suppository. Garlic clove can be inserted directly or wrapped into gauze and inserted.

You can douche with a solution of vinegar and water for up to a week. Natural apple cider vinegar is the most effective. Vinegar works by changing vaginal Ph preventing further growth of yeast.