How to Get Rid of a Yeast Infection

How to Get Rid of a Yeast Infection

Vaginal yeast infections, also known as vaginal candidiasis, are very common among adults. A normal, healthy vagina contains bacteria and some yeast cells, but if the balance of bacteria and yeast changes, these yeast cells can multiply. This can cause uncomfortable itching, redness, swelling, and irritation. 

Vaginal candidiasis is common: 3 out of 4 people with vaginas experience a yeast infection at least once in their lifetimes. Many people experience it more than once, especially during times of change in the body. For this reason, a yeast infection is no reason to worry, but it should be treated quickly to avoid further discomfort. 

What is a yeast infection?

Yeast infections are caused by an imbalance in the number of yeast cells in a vagina. Yeast infections are not classified as STIs (sexually transmitted diseases), but they can be transmitted through sexual activity. Despite this, you can get a yeast infection even if you are not sexually active. Unfortunately, once you get a yeast infection, you have higher chances of developing another one. 

How do you get a yeast infection?

Yeast infections can be caused by many things, including: 

  • Taking antibiotics, which can reduce the amount of Lactobacillus, or “good bacteria” in your vagina
  • Pregnancy
  • Extreme stress
  • A consistently poor diet, mainly one that consists of too much sugar
  • A weak immune system
  • Diabetes 
  • Insomnia or lack of sleep
  • Overcleaning of that area, by douching or by heavily fragranced products
  • Under-cleaning, especially if you wear the same underwear and jeans (such as may happen on a camping trip) 
  • Letting it get too hot down there, for example, wearing tight jeans while it’s very hot  
  • Wearing underwear made of fabrics that aren’t body-friendly  

What does a yeast infection look like?

Clumpy, white-gray vaginal discharge is a classic symptom of a yeast infection. This discharge is often compared to cottage cheese, but it may also be thin and watery.

Unlike many other vaginal infections, yeast infections do not typically smell, and if they do, it is not a particularly foul smell.
 

What are the symptoms of a yeast infection?

Most people will feel that something is “off” and a tickle inside them as the first signs. If this is the case, you can often act quickly and avoid further symptoms. Some common signs of a yeast infection include: 

  • Vaginal itching
  • Swelling around the vagina
  • Pain or a burning sensation when you urinate
  • Soreness during sexual intercourse
  • Rashes or redness

Are yeast infections contagious?

Technically, yeast infections are contagious, but only through certain physical contact. You can give someone a yeast infection through vaginal or oral intercourse or through sex toys. It’s also possible to transmit a yeast infection by kissing someone with oral thrush. 

In the case of new mothers,  it is also possible for a baby to get a fungal rash at birth if their mother has a vaginal yeast infection at the time of delivery. It’s also possible for a mother to pass on a yeast infection to their baby’s mouth during breastfeeding if there’s an excess of Candida in the breast area.
 

How long does a yeast infection last?

In general, the length of time you leave your yeast infection untreated directly impacts the severity of your symptoms. Most mild yeast infections usually clear up after about three days, but it may take up to two weeks to clear if the symptoms are more serious. As with any infection, every person experiences yeast infections differently, and there is no definite period after which it should disappear. 

If you get thrush (another name for a yeast infection) medication, you should feel relief immediately, and the worst symptoms should reduce within 24 hours.
 

Can a yeast infection go away on its own?

The symptoms of a yeast infection may eventually go away on their own, but they should not be left untreated, as they may last much longer if they are.
 

How to Treat a Yeast Infection

Fortunately, a yeast infection is easily treated. Here are some popular ways to do so: 

1. Head to the store or to the pharmacist and purchase some over-the-counter thrush medication. Most of these come with an external cream and a pill or an internal cream. All are effective. Yeast infections are common, so this medication is readily available. 

2. Go to see your doctor or gynecologist – if this is your first or second yeast infection, they’ll simply prescribe you the medication above. If you are getting them frequently, then they may decide to investigate the cause. 

3. Your doctor may also prescribe a single-dose medication, most likely fluconazole (Diflucan). If you have more severe symptoms, you may be instructed to take two single doses, three days apart. 

4. There are some home remedies, such as using oregano oil or garlic, but it’s not recommended to use these as they may make the problem far worse. 
 

How to Get Rid Of a Yeast Infection At Home

1. Over-the-counter treatments. You should be able to find several antifungal creams or pessaries in your local pharmacy or drugstore. These treatments may be internal or external and may be a single application, 3-day application, or week-long application. 

2. Tea tree oil. This oil is often lauded for its potent antifungal properties. For a home remedy, try adding diluted tea tree oil to a tampon and inserting it into your vagina for a few hours. Use 3-5 drops of tea tree oil in 1 ounce of warm coconut oil (or another carrier oil) to soak your tampon.

3. Boric acid. This is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as it has powerful antiseptic properties when used intravaginally as a suppository.  

If you plan to use anything besides over the counter medication or that prescribed by a doctor, make sure you do your research.

When to See a Doctor About a Yeast Infection

Most yeast infections can be solved at home, but you should seek medical treatment if:

  • You may be pregnant
  • Your symptoms do not improve after 3 days of treatment
  • Your yeast infection is severe, or you have noticed sores or fissures
  • You experience recurrent infections that appear four times a year or more
  • You have underlying medical conditions, like diabetes or an autoimmune disease.

A yeast infection is nothing to worry about, but you should act quickly to avoid significant discomfort. If you have any symptoms you are worried about, don’t hesitate to reach out to your doctor. 

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