Natural Vaginal Yeast Infection Remedies

Most women in the course of their life time will experience at least one yeast infection. The discomfort, and irritation caused by the symptoms can be controlled in a variety of ways. For this, we are thankful. It wasn’t that long ago that yeast medications or treatments involved a visit to a doctor and a prescription for treatment, but that is no longer the case.

A vaginal yeast infection is caused by Candida albicans, which is a fungus. Just like any other fungus, if it is left untreated, it will usually spread and become more uncomfortable and problematic. There are quite a few reasons why a yeast infection might occur. Some of these reasons include pregnancy, menopause, diabetes, antibiotics and oral contraceptives.

Educating yourself on the causes and symptoms is a good start but if you get a yeast infection what you will want immediately is relief. There are many different ways to heal the suffering caused by a yeast infection. Let’s find out what natural vaginal yeast infection remedies are available, if you so choose.

• Probiotics:  There are some types of bacteria that can be found in the body that are actually good bacteria. Probiotic is one of them. Probiotics are natural bacteria that grow in the digestive tract and in the vagina. There are times when this helpful bacterium is less than it should be and that allows for the growth of the Candida, which is the cause of the yeast infection. Sometimes, when taking an antibiotic, along with the unhealthy bacteria that is destroyed, some of the good bacteria is as well, this is one way in which the balance is upset. Probiotics are usually taken orally, though there are suppositories, they are more difficult to find.

• Boric Acid: I know, it sounds so dangerous! The reality, however, is that boric acid is a natural remedy that can cure a yeast infection. Basically, boric acid is a mild chemical that contains both antiseptic as well as antifungal agents. Numerous studies of various sizes have been done to test the efficacy of boric acid in eliminating yeast infections. These studies were actually performed against some medications sold for the same purpose, and boric acid had higher positive results. There are some cautions that go along with the use of boric acid.

1. Boric acid is toxic and therefore should never be taken by mouth, only as a suppository.
2. This is not a remedy to be used for a long period of time.
3. Do not place boric acid near any open wounds or cuts.
4. Pregnant women should not use boric acid
5. Infants and children should not have boric acid placed onto their skin.

• Tea Tree Oils: Tea tree oils have not been studied with the great intensity of some of the other natural remedies. It seems that the tree oil, once diluted and placed topically on the vagina, brings relief to the discomfort caused by yeast infections. Terpinen-4-ol is the compound found in the oil that appears to have the properties that bring relief. It is very important not to use the oil without diluting it first because it is too strong to be used otherwise.

Yeast infections affect women of various ages and for many reasons. If you seem to be someone who has recurrent bouts, it is a good idea to seek out the help of your physician. Sometimes, there are organic reasons that your body is producing an overgrowth of Candida or that it cannot produce enough probiotics to fight off the fungus. These may require other treatment protocols. There is absolutely no reason for you to have to suffer from the symptoms of a yeast infection, one way or another, there is help for you.