6 Ways to Treat a Yeast Infection: Home Remedies and When to See a Doctor

How to Treat a Yeast Infection at Home

1. Use Over-The-Counter Yeast Treatments

According to the Cleveland Clinic, tThere are several antifungal medications that are available for yeast infections (Monistat is a common brand name for vaginal yeast infections). These treatments usually come as a cream or suppository and are available at retail pharmacies. Be sure to follow the instructions on the package for specific instructions and to know when to expect relief (some medications take only a few days to work, while others may take up to a week., according to the Cleveland Clinic).

2. Eat Plain Greek Yogurt

Yogurt is well-known for being a good source of probiotics, which can help improve your gut microbiome. There are several studies regarding the use of yogurt as a probiotic, including a 2017 study published in the Egyptian Nursing Journal. Healthline notes that plain Greek yogurt (that doesn’t have added sugar, flavoring, or fruit) is the best choice when dealing with a yeast infection (because sugar can actually fuel fungal growth). The Mayo Clinic notes that you should not put yogurt directly on or inside your vagina.

3. Avoid Sex Until You Are Better

The Cleveland Clinic notes that having sex or using sex toys can cause more irritation. Additionally, some yeast infection medications can weaken condoms and diaphragms. They recommend that you avoid sex until your yeast infection symptoms have resolved.

4. Take a Probiotic

Although yogurt can be a great way to get some probiotics (as noted above), sometimes it isn’t enough—and if you aren’t a fan of yogurt, you can get probiotic benefits by taking a capsule or mixing a probiotic powder with food, according to WebMD. You can find probiotics at most health food stores or retail pharmacies.

5. Apply coconut oil

Coconut oil can act as an antifungal, according to WebMD. Additionally, they note that coconut oil can help ease irritation and itching.

6. Try Tea Tree Oil (Carefully and Sparingly)

Tea tree oil may be an effective natural remedy for a yeast infection, according to WebMD. They note that you can find tea tree oil in suppository form, as well as cream and ointment form. It is important to note that tea tree oil should always be diluted before application and be used in moderation. You can dilute tea tree oil with coconut oil and then apply it in small amounts to the affected area.

When to go to Urgent Care For a Yeast Infection

While many yeast infection cases can be taken care of with over-the-counter treatments, there are some situations when you should see a doctor. For a list of these situations, we looked at information from Green Valley OB/GYN. They recommended the following guidelines on when to see a doctor for a yeast infection:

• You are pregnant, diabetic, or have a weakened immune system
• You have more than four yeast infections in a year
• You are experiencing severe yeast infection symptoms
• You are having other symptoms of being ill; nausea, vomiting, fevers…
• Your symptoms are not relieved by over-the-counter treatments
• You have never had a yeast infection before
• You are unsure whether your symptoms are caused by a yeast infection

It is very important to note that yeast infection symptoms can be similar to symptoms of an STD, so if you are sexually active you should consider your risks and get tested.

Tips for Preventing Future Yeast Infections

Although yeast infections are normal and common, there are several things you can do to prevent future occurrences. The Mayo Clinic notes the following:

• Avoid douching as douching can kill the good bacteria that keep fungus at bay
• Avoiding the use of feminine deodorants or scented feminine hygiene products
• Avoid using scented tampons or pads
• Change out of wet clothing (like bathing suits or gym clothes) as soon as you can
• Wearing cotton underwear and clothes that aren’t tight
• Using water-based sexual lubricants
• Keep your blood sugar levels in a normal range if you have diabetes

To Recap. . .

Dealing with a yeast infection can be uncomfortable and frustrating, but there are effective treatments available over the counter, as well as some home remedies that can help provide relief. The Cleveland Clinic notes that all yeast infections need treatment in order to heal, so it is important to use an antifungal treatment in addition to any supplemental remedies you try, and see a healthcare provider if you are not better quickly.