These tips could help you avoid a doctor’s visit—but without proper treatment a yeast infection may return
Key takeaways
Apple cider vinegar, coconut oil, and probiotics are examples of natural remedies for yeast infections, but remember to consult with your healthcare provider before using them internally.
Hydrogen peroxide, oregano oil, and douching are not recommended for vagin*l yeast infections.
Know when to contact your healthcare provider, particularly if you experience recurrent infections, are pregnant, or have underlying health conditions, to ensure proper treatment and care for yeast infections.
Effective home remedies | Ineffective home remedies | When to see a doctor| FAQs
While yeast infections can be a common occurrence, they can also be an annoyance, and even worse, embarrassing for women. Although severe infections may require a trip to the doctor’s office and a prescription, there are over-the-counter options and several home remedies for yeast infections. Learn how to identify a yeast infection, when to go to a healthcare provider, how to treat a yeast infection at home, and how to prevent them from recurring.
9 ways to treat a yeast infection at home
There are natural ways to try to treat yeast infections. These home remedies for yeast infections are convenient for those wanting to go a more natural route. Do not use these treatments internally unless you first check with your healthcare provider.
1. Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) has been found to inhibit the growth of Candida albicans, the strain of fungi that typically causes yeast infections.
To use this natural remedy, mix 1 spoonful of ACV into a glass of water and drink every morning.
Never use apple cider vinegar at full strength. Always dilute apple cider vinegar before using it. Do not apply ACV to the vagin*, though, as it can cause burning and irritation and may increase the risk of infections.
2. Boric acid
Boric acid vagin*l suppositories may help remedy yeast infections because of boric acid’s antiseptic properties. While research supports using these suppositories, it concludes that they should only be used for recurrent and hard-to-treat yeast infections. Because boric acid is so potent, milder treatments should first be used.
3. Coconut oil
Coconut oil, drawn from the flesh of coconuts, has naturally occurring antifungal properties. A Scientifica study found coconut oil can help inhibit the Candida bacteria that causes yeast infections. However, it is always a good idea to consult your healthcare provider for medical advice before applying coconut oil to the affected area.
4. Cranberry juice or pills
Drinking cranberry juice has been found to help with urinary tract infections by preventing the formation of Candida albicans (the fungus that causes yeast infections). While studies have not shown its ability to help cure Candida albicans in the vagin*, some women claim to have results. Cranberry juice and pills are also very high in vitamin C, which can also help prevent infection.
5. Garlic
Garlic and garlic oil are well-known antifungal agents. Studies have even found it to have antifungal activity against Candida albicans. While more traditional approaches may recommend inserting the garlic clove directly into the vagin*, a safer and less invasive approach is by adding more fresh garlic to food and incorporating it into more meals.
6. Probiotics
Probiotics contain live bacteria, such as the bacteria Lactobacillus acidophilus, which helps foster a healthy balance of bacteria in the vagin*. Oral probiotics may treat or prevent bacterial vaginosis, urinary tract infections, and yeast infections.
You can buy probiotic supplements at your pharmacy or online from a reputable retailer. To speed up results, some women have used vagin*l suppository probiotics. Eating plain regular or plain Greek yogurt (with live and active cultures) is another good way to increase probiotic intake.
However, like many natural remedies, there is a lack of evidence that probiotics cure yeast infections. Researchers are still studying probiotics for yeast infections, but many doctors recommend taking one whenever an antibiotic is prescribed, as yeast infections are a possible side effect of antibiotics.
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7. Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil is an essential oil with antifungal properties that some people claim to cure yeast infections. It works by killing the cell walls and membranes of the yeast. While more studies are currently needed, a 2015 study found that vagin*l suppositories containing tea tree oil could work as a fungicidal agent, thereby killing Candida albicans.
You can purchase vagin*l suppositories with tea tree oil online.
8. Vitamin C
Vitamin C boosts the body’s immunity, and with a strengthened immune system, the body can fight off a yeast infection better. Add more vitamin C by taking a supplement or eating vitamin C-rich fruits and vegetables like oranges and broccoli.
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9. Yogurt
Yogurt (with live and active cultures) is a good way to treat yeast infections because of its high probiotic concentration. As mentioned above, probiotics can help fight off Candida albicans. A 2017 study found that ingesting yogurt that contains probiotics with Lactobacillus acidophilus helps suppress yeast growth. Choose plain, unsweetened yogurt.
However, unsweetened yogurt may still have natural sugars, which can worsen yeast infections, so do not put yogurt in the vagin*.
Home remedies that don’t treat yeast infections
While the above tricks may help treat yeast infections, there are a few natural remedies you shouldn’t try.
Hydrogen peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is a strong antiseptic that has been found to kill yeast. Although it may initially clear up a yeast infection, it can also kill the good bacteria, putting you at risk for another yeast infection to set in.
Oregano oil
Oregano oil, also known as oil of oregano, or origanum oil, has been shown to inhibit the growth of Candida albicans. But, studies have been done in labs, not directly on women, so this is not a proven treatment.
Douching
Over-the-counter douches may claim to combat yeast infections and relieve inflammation and irritation. However, most studies show adverse effects.
Can a yeast infection go away on its own?
“Mild versions of yeast infections have the chance of going away on their own,” explains Dr. Sonpal. “However, it is not recommended to ignore a yeast infection because it is most likely to return if not medically treated.”
While some individuals may choose to try natural remedies for yeast infections or over-the-counter treatments, certain people should visit their healthcare provider when they have symptoms of a yeast infection. These patients include:
- Those who have recurring yeast infections (four or more times in a year)
- Pregnant women
- Those who were possibly exposed to a sexually transmitted disease (STD)
- Women who are unsure if their symptoms are from a yeast infection (for example, the first time the woman has symptoms that may indicate a yeast infection)
- Women who do not have success with home remedies or over-the-counter medicines
- Patients with uncontrolled diabetes or a weakened immune system due to certain medications or conditions, such as HIV
Frequently asked questions about yeast infections
Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about vagin*l yeast infections.
What is the fastest way to get rid of a yeast infection?
To get rid of a yeast infection quickly, see your healthcare provider for a diagnosis and prescription. Taking a prescription oral antifungal medication like Diflucan (fluconazole) is a quick way to get rid of a yeast infection. It’s a one-dose treatment, but some people may need an additional dose or doses. A prescription or OTC vagin*l antifungal cream can also help get rid of yeast infections fast. Some prescribers will recommend using both fluconazole and an antifungal cream.
If you get yeast infections regularly, you can ask your healthcare provider to give you a prescription to keep on file at your pharmacy and fill it when you need it.
What is the difference between a yeast infection and bacterial vaginosis (BV)?
Both are vagin*l infections that commonly cause vagin*l discharge. However, even though they share some similar symptoms, they are not the same.
BV is caused by an imbalance of bacteria in the vagin*. Women with BV may have vagin*l itching or burning in or outside the vagin*. However, the discharge caused by BV is thin and milky and tends to have a fishy odor, especially after sex. BV is not sexually transmitted, but the risk for BV increases when you have new or multiple sex partners, when you douche, or when you do not use a condom. BV can also increase the risk of getting a sexually transmitted disease. It is important to treat BV. Untreated BV can lead to other complications and sexually transmitted diseases, such as chlamydia or gonorrhea, which can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease and make it difficult to get pregnant.
Yeast infection is caused by a yeast called Candida. Symptoms include itching, burning, and a thick discharge that looks like cottage cheese. There is usually no odor with a yeast infection.
