Keepers at Home-Vaginal Yeast Infection

What is a Vaginal Infection?

A vaginal yeast infection is a fungal infection that causes irritation, discharge and intense itchiness of the vagina and the vulva — the tissues at the vaginal opening.Also called vaginal candidiasis, vaginal yeast infection affects up to 3 out of 4 women at some point in their lifetimes. Many women experience at least two episodes.A vaginal yeast infection isn't considered a sexually transmitted infection. But, there's an increased risk of vaginal yeast infection at the time of first regular sexual activity.

Yeast infection symptoms can range from mild to moderate, and include:

• Itching and irritation in the vagina and vulva
• A burning sensation, especially during intercourse or while urinating
• Redness and swelling of the vulva
• Vaginal pain and soreness
• Vaginal rash
• Thick, white, odor-free vaginal discharge with a cottage cheese appearance
• Watery vaginal discharge

You might have a complicated yeast infection if:

• You have severe signs and symptoms, such as extensive redness, swelling and itching that leads to tears, cracks or sores
• You have four or more yeast infections in a year
• Your infection is caused by a less typical type of fungus
• You're pregnant
• You have uncontrolled diabetes
• Your immune system is weakened because of certain medications or conditions such as HIV infection

Prevention

To reduce your risk of vaginal yeast infections, wear underwear that has a cotton crotch and doesn't fit too tightly. It might also help to avoid:

• Tight-fitting pantyhose
• Douching, which removes some of the normal bacteria in the vagina that protect you from infection
• Scented feminine products, including bubble bath, pads and tampons
• Hot tubs and very hot baths
• Unnecessary antibiotic use, such as for colds or other viral infections
• Staying in wet clothes, such as swimsuits and workout attire, for long periods of time

Home Remedies 

• Greek Yogurt (ensure there is no carrageenan or any unclean ingredient such as gelatin etc).
• Coconut Oil. Coconut oil is a fatty oil derived from the flesh of the coconut. The oil has many health benefits, including antifungal properties. To treat a vaginal yeast infection using coconut oil, be sure to buy pure, organic coconut oil. You could apply the oil directly to the affected area.
• Apple Cider Vinegar. One popular yeast infection remedy is an apple cider vinegar bath. Add a half cup of apple cider vinegar to a lukewarm bathtub and soak for 20 minutes, the acidic component of the vinegar may help eliminate any harmful microorganisms, including yeast. An apple cider vinegar bath is not the same as douching, which was designed to flush out all bacteria (but actually eliminates good and bad) from your vagina. Douching leaves you more prone to a recurrence of the yeast infection, so avoid douching with apple cider vinegar — or any other substance. You’ll want to dilute vinegar in water before it touches your skin. In addition, you could also try adding apple cider vinegar to your diet. 
• Garlic. Add more garlic to your diet.
• Increase your intake of Vitamin C.
• Vitamin E. Apply vitamin E oil to your vulva or vagina. Vitamin E may help soothe: itching, burning or inflammation.

These tips may help prevent future yeast infections:

• Limit the amount of sugar and processed foods you consume. Yeast thrives on sugar.
• Wear loose-fitting, cotton underwear. When doing laundry, wash them in hot water, using mild, unscented detergent.
• Avoid spending extended periods of time wearing wet bottoms or bathing suits. Yeast grows in warm, moist environments.
• Only use antibiotics when necessary.
• Don’t use douches unless advised by a doctor, and avoid vaginal deodorant sprays and scented vaginal lotions. These products may alter the balance of good bacteria and yeast in your vagina.