6 Steps to Fight Vaginal Yeast Infections Naturally

To prevent the spreading of vaginal yeast, it's fundamental to wear cotton underwear and avoid leaving on a wet bathing suit for too long. What other preventive measures should you take?

The appearance of vaginal yeast is a common female problem. Unfortunately, its symptoms can provoke quite a bit of discomfort and insecurity. The internal and external infection alters the pH of the vaginal flora. Due to its excessive growths, it causes pain and itching and odorous secretions. How to fight vaginal yeast infections?

The most common cause is the development of Candida albicans. This is a microorganism that tends to proliferate in humid and warm environments that characterize this body part.

Even though it may be minimal and sporadic, treating vaginal yeast is essential for preventing complications or major illnesses.

6 ways to fight vaginal yeast naturally

Luckily, other than the drugs your doctor prescribes, some habits and natural remedies can help fight vaginal yeast.

We should clarify that these remedies are only supplements and can’t replace the drugs your doctor prescribes.

1. Revise your hygiene habits

Having good daily hygiene habits is one of the keys for maintaining a healthy vagina that’s free of yeast infections. According to the National Health Service from the United Kingdom, it’s imperative to use neutral soap that’s free of fragrances or components that alter the natural pH of this area.

On the other hand, you should make sure that your underwear is clean and dry, especially when there’s vaginal fluid that’s thick and odorous, two common symptoms of this condition.

The NHS recommends washing the area twice a day and changing your underwear regularly if you have these symptoms. When you go to the bathroom, wipe from front to back to make sure that yeast and bacteria doesn’t spread.

2. Keep the area dry

The vagina is protected by a natural lubricant that contains healthy bacteria that impedes the growth of yeast. The article we cited above states that, when the pH of these fluids gets high, microorganisms easily grow and quickly create infections.

Given that this area remains slightly humid, one of the tips a Mayo Clinic article shares is to try to keep the external parts dry to stop the proliferation of yeast.

• Make sure to dry off well when taking a shower or going to the bathroom.
• Avoid having humid underwear due to water or fluids.

3. Avoid sexual relations

Yeast infections aren’t a risk for the sexual health of a couple. However, it isn’t good to have sex while they’re being treated, given that this can make treatment difficult. Contact with a partner can prolong the length of the infection and, in some cases, cause pain and discomfort.

4. Take a bath with apple cider vinegar to fight vaginal yeast

The natural acid of the vinegar helps to reestablish the natural pH of the vagina to facilitate the destruction of the yeast. Different studies, such as this one from 2017 published by Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine, support the use of this liquid for these cases.

This action would be due to it’s active components, like acetic acid, as they’d have anti-fungal and antibacterial properties that help to protect this area.

However, recent research published by Natural Product Research indicates that the Candida fungus is less susceptible to its action, and that more studies are still needed to verify these properties.

A popular use for this product is adding half a cup – 125 milliliters – of apple cider vinegar to warm water and taking a bath in it. We recommend consulting with your doctor before resorting to this home remedy.

5. Wear cotton underwear

Underwear has a lot to do with this type of infection, given that some fabrics absorb too much humidity and impede ventilation in the area.

Clothing made of cotton are ideal to avoid these annoyances. This is because it allows for adequate breathing and doesn’t facilitate the growth of yeast and bacteria.

• Make sure to always wear cotton underwear.
• Avoid wearing wet swim suits for a very long time.
• Wear loose clothing.

6. Avoid using talcum powder and fragrances

There are countless perfumes, talcum powder, deodorants and other products that are made to change the odor of the vagina. However, these can significantly alter the healthy microbiological flora of the area.

In addition, the sources we cited above indicate that, far from being healthy, they can lead to infections. Its compounds may reduce the healthy bacteria that fight vaginal yeast infections and, over a few days, facilitate the growth of yeast.

It’s important to understand that, when there’s good hygiene, the vagina has no reason to have a bad odor. In case this occurs, you should consult your doctor, as it could be an indication of a health condition in this area.

Medical treatment to fight vaginal yeast infections

As we clarified above, the first thing you need to do if you have symptoms of a fungal infection in your vagina is to consult your doctor. The professional will be able to prescribe an adequate treatment, which will reduce the discomfort a lot faster.

Likewise, these recommendations may help avoid more discomfort and control the bothersome symptoms as soon as possible. If you don’t notice an improvement, go see your doctor again.