Yeast Infections

A yeast infection is one of the most uncomfortable types of infection affecting women today. Symptoms of this condition include itching and burning sensations, as well as the presence of a foul smelling discharge from the vagina.

It is estimated that three out of every four of women in the world will suffer from yeast infections at least once in their life, so it is important for women to know how this condition can be treated using natural methods that lack the side effects of conventional drugs.

Probiotics Are an Excellent Cure for Yeast Infections

Most yeast infections are caused by the fungus candida albicans. This fungus exists normally in the vagina in small amounts, but the acidity of the area keeps the fungus at bay. When vaginal acidity is decreased, however, an environment is created that allows the candida albicans to thrive, with the symptoms of itching and burning coming from the waste material being produced by it.

Many people do not know that there is beneficial bacteria as well as destructive bacteria. The former type of bacteria are often called probiotics. Probiotics are responsible for essential processes in the body such as breaking down food into waste, but they also suppress the growth of bad bacteria like candida albicans.

The type of probiotic being studied most is lactobacillus. Many scientists believe that one cause of yeast infections is a low amount of lactobacilli in the vagina. By taking these probiotics, a female can raise her lactobacillus levels and treat the infection. Probiotics can either be taken in supplement form, or in foods like yogurt and cottage cheese.

Boric Acid Is Another Great Choice for Treating Yeast Infections

Boric acid is another great natural cure for yeast infections. The reason that boric acid works so well is that it has both antiseptic and antifungal properties that complement each other while fighting the infection. In an Italian study done on boric acid, one half of infected women used boric acid to treat their yeast infections while the other half used an over-the-counter treatment. The studies showed that the acid was just as effective in treating the infection as the conventional medicine, albeit with none of the side effects. Please note, however, that boric acid should be used as a topical cream only and should never be taken orally since it is toxic.

You Could Also Try Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is a popular natural remedy for many different ailments that involve irritation. Also popular as a natural acne treatment, tea tree oil can also be used as a topical treatment. Before using the oil on the vagina, it is extremely important to dilute it first, since using undiluted oil may actually make the burning sensations and irritation worse.

Yeast infections will occur in 75% of women at least once in their lifetime, which makes it one of the most common conditions among females. However, if women try and treat the condition using at least one of the natural methods outlined above, they’ll not only have a great chance at healing it gently and unobtrusively, but they’ll also bypass the short and long-term side effects that conventional drugs often produce.