A yeast infection is a fungal infection that causes discharge, irritation, and itchiness of the vulva — tissues in the vaginal opening.

This only occurs in women and affects up to 3 out of 4 women at some point in their lives. It is a usual occurrence for women to experience at least two episodes.

You must know that a yeast infection isn’t necessarily considered as a sexually transmitted disease, which many would think.

However, there’s a higher chance of getting an increased risk of vaginal yeast infections at the first time of having regular sexual activity.

There has also been some evidence stating that infections may be linked to mouth to genital contact. To make it simple, getting a yeast infection is mostly caused by bad hygiene of the genitals.

It’s most common symptoms are itching and being uncomfortable. A woman’s vagina actually contains a balance of bacteria and yeast.

The estrogen hormones help bacteria grow, specifically the lactobacilli. However, if these two are imbalanced, a fungus called candida may grow out of hand and cause a yeast infection.

Many of the women who have gotten a yeast infection are embarrassed about it. But in truth, it is totally normal and treatable on its own.

However, yeah it could really be embarrassing to be known as having bad hygiene.

There are several symptoms for a yeast infection, such as:

• Pain during sex

• Soreness

• Rash

• Redness

• Burning sensation when urinating

• Swelling around the vagina

• Vaginal itching

• A clumpy discharge from the vagina

This condition usually heals on its own. Whilst, having a yeast infection may be disgusting for others, it’s actually not a cause for panic.

The main culprit behind this yeast infection is the fungus candida albican. As previously stated, the balance of yeast and bacteria can be disrupted.

The overgrowth of yeast and/or bacteria can cause a yeast infection. There are several causes for a yeast infection, such as:

Pregnancy - Experiencing changes during pregnancy like breast-feeding or menopause can change the balance in your vagina.

During pregnancy, a woman’s hormones are changing so is the balance of the vagina.

Antibiotics use - As antibiotics are treatment for various conditions, it still does have its cons. Consuming these drugs can kill off many of the good bacteria in the vagina.

Since drugs are designed with chemicals and substances, thus these can have side effects.

Taking Oral Contraceptives - Just like during pregnancy, taking contraceptives can also cause a yeast infection. Birth control pills can change the balance in the vagina.

Uncontrolled Diabetes - If you have a bad case of diabetes wherein it is not well-controlled, the mucus membrane can increase in sugar and create a place for yeast to grow.

Douches And Vaginal Sprays - Since these are chemical substances directly sprayed on the vagina, it can cause irritation and other sorts . Thus, these can change the balance in the vagina.

A Weak Immune System - Generally, having a weak immune system already leads to various conditions.

In the case of yeast infections though, if ever you have HIV-positive or have other immune system disorders, the yeast in the vagina dan also grows uncontrollably.

Intercourse - Although this is not considered as a sexually transmitted disease, it can still be passed from person to person through sexual contract by having sex thru the genitals and afterward, oral sex.

The bacteria on a woman’s vagina can be passed on from person to person thru having oral sex after doing the sex thru genitals.

As yeast infections aren’t a call for emergency, it can be treated at home or by leaving it by itself. Several treatments can be done for a yeast infection.

One effective and natural way to do it is through using natural remedies.

Here are several natural remedies for yeast infections at home:

See Also:

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Boric Acid

This is a powerful antiseptic that is useful for treating yeast infections. As recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), that topical boric acid is a treatment for vaginal infections.

However, using boric acid in large amounts can lead to several diseases such as, acute failure of the circulatory system, kidney damage, or even death.

You can avoid this from happening through not using boric acid on broken skin and not orally. As for pregnant women, boric acid isn’t a treatment for their yeast infections.

Additionally, if you have sensitive skin, it would be best to not start with boric acid.

Greek Yogurt

This can be considered as a probiotic since it contains live bacteria such as Lactobacillus acidophilus. These are essential in creating a healthy environment in the vagina.

According to a study in 2017, consuming yogurt helps increase the gut microbiome along with reducing the yeast in the body.

The best yogurt to try is plain greek yogurt with no added sugar.

Coconut Oil

This is a popular type of oil in tropical countries. The oil is a fatty oil derived from the flesh of coconut. This fontains many health benefits due to its antifungal properties.

Several studies have shown coconut oil to be effective against yeast infections, making this one of the best remedies for this.

You can simply treat your yeast infection thru using pure coconut oil and apply it directly on the affected area.

Apple Cider Vinegar

This is one of the most popular natural remedies for a yeast infection. Apple cider vinegar has been used for centuries due to its many medicinal uses.

You can simply start by adding a half cup of apple cider vinegar to a lukewarm bathtub and soak yourself for 20 minutes. Since it contains acidic components, it can eliminate any harmful microorganisms like yeast.

Remember to dilute apple cider vinegar in water before touching your skin.

Vitamin C

This is one of the most essential vitamins in your diet as it is an immune system booster. Having a strong immune system allows the body to be balanced.

Additionally, this contains antimicrobial components. Boost your body’s ability to beat infections by taking vitamin C.

Garlic

This popular cooking ingredient is surprisingly a remedy for treating yeast infections.

Garlic has shown to be an effective Candida killer.