Prevention and treatment of yeast infections of the vagina involve achieving and maintaining proper balance of pH and normal microbes in the vagina. Many factors, including improper pH (i.e., improper balance of acidity and alkalinity) and lack of normal microbes in the vagina, can make the vagina more susceptible to yeast infections (i.e., candidiasis). Causes and symptoms of yeast infections of the vagina are discussed in our Q&A called Yeast Infections of the Vagina.
A variety of ways to prevent, manage, and treat yeast infections of the vagina are available, including the following self-care, naturopathic, and homeopathic approaches to and maintain a balanced state of health of the vagina:[1, 2]
Achieve and maintain and healthy body mass index (i.e., ratio of weight to height)
Eat a healthy diet that is abundant in freshly-caught, cold-water fish (which contain omega-3 and-6 fatty acids); whole grains; fresh, organic vegetables and fruits; and healthy fats (such as omega-3 and-6 fatty acids that have anti-inflammatory activity).
Enjoy foods containing soy, as soy contains phytoestrogens, plant substances that can mimic some of the effects of estrogen on the body,
Do not eat non-organically raised meat and poultry and non-organic dairy products.
If you eat meat, poultry, and dairy products, select organically-raised meat and poultry and organic dairy products, such as organic unsweetened yogurt.
To help prevent yeast infections, limit your intake of sugar, dried fruits, fruit juice, candy, pastries, pies, cakes, cookies, and ice cream.
Avoid drinking beverages containing caffeine and/or alcohol.
Drink lots of water.
Do not smoke cigarettes.
Take oral supplements containing vitamins that have anti-oxidant activity, such as the vitamins, A, C, and E.
Doses of 2000 to 3000 mg of vitamin C daily can help function of the immune system and aid in prevention and treatment of infections. Consult your integrative medical physician for guidance on doses of vitamins that are appropriate for you.
Take oral supplements containing soy isoflavones and/or black cohosh. These botanical supplements contain phytoestrogens, which can mimic some of the effects of estrogen on the body. Consult your integrative medical physician for guidance on the dose that is appropriate for you.
To help prevent yeast infections of the vagina, avoid using commercial deodorants for the vagina, as these products can destroy healthy bacteria in the vagina.
To help prevent yeast infections of the vagina, avoid using commercial douches, as these products can destroy healthy bacteria in the vagina. If you want to douche at times other than during your menstrual period, you can use a mixture of either 1 Tbsp white vinegar diluted in 1 pint of warm water, or 1 Tbsp baking soda diluted in 1 quart of warm water. To restore the level of healthy bacteria in the vagina after each vinegar or baking soda douche, insert either 1 Tbsp of unsweetened, live culture yogurt into the vagina, or douche with 1 to 2 tablets of Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacillus bifidum, or Bifodobacterium longum diluted in 2 cups of tepid water.
Avoid the use of devices, such as menstrual sponges and pessaries, which can irritate the vaginal lining.
If you are using birth control, use a method that does not irritate the vaginal lining and does not increase the susceptibility of the vaginal lining to yeast infections. For example, avoid the use of diaphragms, cervical caps, and spermicidal-containing foam, as these devices can irritate the mucous membranes in the vagina. Also, birth control pills can increase the vulnerability of the vaginal lining to yeast infection. If you use birth control pills and are experiencing recurrent yeast infections, consult your integrative medical physician or gynecologist about different methods of birth control that do not make the vaginal lining more susceptible to yeast infections.
Wear underpants made of cotton, rather than nylon.
Avoid wearing pantyhose for long periods of time.
Wear clothes that are loose-fitting in the pelvic area.
To help prevent yeast infections of the vagina, avoid the use of antibiotics.
Insert suppositories of vitamin A, vitamin E, or other types of soothing herbal suppositories designed for vaginal use into your vagina. For example, vitamin E, has lubricating, soothing, and healing properties. If you are allergic to glycerin, do not use suppositories containing glycerin. If you are using latex condoms during intercourse later, do not use suppositories containing glycerin, as it can cause disintegration of latex condoms.
Apply a 1:1 mixture of vitamin E, which has lubricating, soothing, and healing properties, and either a water-soluble lubricant for the vagina, or petroleum jelly to your vulva and the inside of your vagina. If you are using latex condoms during intercourse, use either pure vitamin E or a1:1 mixture of vitamin E and a water-soluble lubricant, as the petroleum jelly can cause disintegration of latex condoms. If you are allergic to glycerin present in water-soluble lubricants, use either pure vitamin E or a 1:1 mixture of vitamin E and petroleum jelly. Consult with your integrative medical physician for guidance on the dose of vitamin E that is appropriate for you.
To restore a healthy pH (ratio of acidity and alkalinity) in the vagina, you can insert 1 capsule of boric acid powder into the vagina every morning except during the menstrual period. You can test the pH of your vagina and urine using pH testing strips (also called pH paper). Consult your integrative medical physician or gynecologist for instructions on proper pH, testing of pH, and obtaining pH testing strips.
To restore the level of healthy bacteria in the vagina, you can insert 1 to 2 capsules of either Lactobacillus acidophilus bacteria or a combination of Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacillus bifidum bacteria at bedtime each night or twice daily, except during the menstrual period.
To treat yeast infections that are present on the external vaginal region including the external labia and are not present inside the vagina, apply a mixture of vinegar diluted 1:1 with water to the external vaginal region and external labia.
If your integrative medical physician or gynecologist has recommended and instructed you on the procedure of using garlic suppositories for the vagina, you can treat yeast infections of the vagina by wrapping a clove of garlic in gauze or cheesecloth and inserting it into the vagina. As explained by your physician, however, some women experience irritation from garlic suppositories in the vagina.
When having sexual intercourse, use water-soluble lubricants and practice safe sex using latex condoms, as otherwise, you could be re-infected with Candida. Be aware that petroleum jelly can cause disintegration of latex condoms. For more information on lubrication and treating dryness of the vagina, see our Q&A called Treatment of Dry Vagina.
Take a homeopathic remedy orally, such as Argentum nitricum, Arsenicum album, Aurum metallicum, Caladium, Calcarea carbonica, Cypripedium, Kreosotum, Lycopodium, Natrum muriaticum, Platinum metallicum, Pulsatilla, Sanicula, sarcodes, Sepia, Staphysagria, Sulfur, and Thuja. Consult with a homeopath, a healthcare professional experienced in the use of homeopathy for guidance on selection of the homeopathic remedy and dose that is appropriate for you.
Exercise regularly.
Perform yoga postures that involve pelvic motion to increase circulation of blood and channel energy into the pelvic area.
If you are experiencing recurrent yeast infections of the vagina and you have unresolved concerns about a relationship with a current or past romantic partner, work with a counselor, psychologist, or psychiatrist to resolve the issues.
If the self-care, naturopathic, homeopathic, and psychological approaches discussed above do not resolve the symptoms of yeast infections of the vagina, consult your integrative medical physician and gynecologist to discuss other treatment options, including the following types of anti-fungal medications:
Over-the-counter types of cream suppositories for the vagina
Over-the-counter types of tablet suppositories for the vagina
Prescription oral pills
If you have experienced menopause, you may have a condition called atrophic vaginitis, which is caused by an insufficient level of estrogen resulting in thinning, dryness, and fragility of vaginal tissue.[1, 2] See our Q&As called:
Atrophic Vaginitis
Treatment of Atrophic Vaginitis
Treatment of Dry Vagina
Consult your integrative medical physician and gynecologist for proper diagnosis and treatment.
REFERENCES
1. J Reichenberg-Ullman. Whole Woman Homeopathy. 2004. Edmonds, WA: Picnic Point Press.
2. I Ikenze. Menopause & Homeopathy: A Guide for Women at Midlife. 1998. Berkeley, CA: North Atlantic Books.
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