How to Cure a Yeast Infection & what are its risk factors?

This can be regarded as a very popular question among a lot of people who are currently suffering from vaginal yeast infection. A vaginal yeast infection is a kind of fungal infection caused by the fungus Candida. In this article, we will be discussing different ways to Cure a Yeast Infection. Yeast is a kind of fungus, and candida is a type of yeast. There are no health problems when this yeast is in balance with your body. However, once the yeast becomes out of balance and grows in huge numbers, it can lead to a yeast infection. The common symptoms of a yeast infection include inflammation of the vagina, itching, and swelling of the vulva, along with thick vaginal discharge. There are various remedies for yeast infections, including both self-administered home remedies and prescribed medication. Yeast infections are most commonly seen following puberty and prior to menopause. However, there are certain factors that can increase your chances of getting a yeast infection. Yeast infection is quite a common issue. About 75% of women get yeast infections at least once in their lifetime. So, without further delay, let us take a look at the symptoms, treatments, and risk factors of a yeast infection.

To Cure a Yeast Infection, understand the symptoms first

Before treating a yeast infection, we have to first understand the symptoms of the infection. It would be impossible to successfully diagnose a yeast infection without knowing the symptoms. The first and main symptom of a yeast infection is itching or burning sensations in the vagina and vulva, accompanied by a thick, white discharge with the consistency of cottage cheese. Other symptoms of a yeast infection include swelling of the vagina and vulva, small cuts around the skin of the vulva, and a burning sensation upon peeing. Other than these, in certain cases, a yeast infection can also cause pain during sex. If you are experiencing any of the above mentioned symptoms, you should immediately go to a gynecologist. A gynecologist would be able to confirm whether you have a yeast infection or not. Once confirmed, they will prescribe you the required medication. Though there are many home remedies to treat a yeast infection, it would be better to visit a doctor if you are experiencing one for the first time.

Treat a yeast infection using medications

The most common types of medication used to Cure a Yeast Infection include antifungal medications. This medication fights against the yeast and prevents it from growing rapidly. The medication can be taken orally, like fluconazole, or it can be applied topically. Topical medications are either applied directly to the vagina or can be inserted into the vagina in the form of a suppository. Topical medications usually consist of miconazole and terconazole. Depending upon the severity of your symptoms, your doctor would generally prescribe you the proper medication along with its dose. To completely treat the yeast infection, you should strictly follow your doctor’s advice. You can also use over the counter medications to treat yeast infections. However, it is not recommended if you are unsure about your symptoms. It is also advised by the doctors that you should not indulge in sex during the treatment phase. This is because sex could further intensify the irritation in your vagina, making the whole treatment useless. 

Cure a Yeast Infection using Home remedies

There are a lot of home remedies that can help you to treat a yeast infection. The first one on our list of remedies is Greek yogurt. Greek yogurt is a probiotic, which contains certain good bacteria that can help in neutralizing the overgrowth of yeast caused by an imbalance in the vagina. The one thing to keep in mind is that you should use plain Greek yogurt without any added sugar. This is because if added sugar is present, it can further fuel the growth of the yeast. You can either consume yogurt daily or directly apply it to your vulva and vagina. The second remedy includes the use of boric acid. It is a good antiseptic, and boric acid vaginal suppositories can be used along with proper medication to treat a yeast infection. However, in large quantities, boric acid is poisonous. If you absorb too much, it can cause renal damage, acute circulatory system failure, and even death. Never apply boric acid to broken skin, and never consume it orally. Next, we have oils like tea tree oil, oregano oil, and coconut oil. These oils have been proven to kill a variety of yeasts and fungi. Other than these, apple cider vinegar is also a good option to treat yeast infections.

Factors that increase the risk of a yeast infection

Coming to the last section of the discussion, how to Cure a Yeast Infection, we will be looking at the factors that can increase your chances of getting a yeast infection. These factors include the use of antibiotics, birth control pills, and steroids. Other than these, it has also been found that many women have experienced a yeast infection during their pregnancy. Having a weak immune system and diabetes can also increase the risk of getting a yeast infection. In addition to these, there are also some lifestyle practices that can cause yeast infections, like using scented tampons, wearing sweaty clothes for a long time, and so on. Yeast infections can also be transferred from one person to another during sexual intercourse.

Conclusion

Thus, from our discussion of the topic how to Cure a Yeast Infection, it can be concluded that there are many methods which can be used to treat a yeast infection. These include both medications, as well as home remedies. The first step in dealing with a yeast infection is to know your symptoms properly. This can help to confirm whether you have a yeast infection or not. After this, you can either use the home remedies to treat it or you can seek medical help. The latter one is more advisable since doctors have more knowledge in these matters than us. Thus, this discussion can be regarded as extremely beneficial for all those who are suffering from a yeast infection and want to get rid of it as soon as possible. This will give them a clear idea regarding how to proceed with it further.