The Gynologues
Danielle Matheny, Variety Editor
Anyone who’s had a vaginal yeast infection knows that the sensation is like unto hell in crotch.
What the yeast infected may not know is that there are plenty of effective natural treatment options that don’t involve prescription or over-the-counter medications, which can be costly, especially for repeat sufferers.
This is an added bonus for those who find that Monistat-type treatments are less effective over time.
Acidophilus capsules
What to do: Insert vaginally a few times a day for several days in a row. You can also take them orally, but this is less effective as it’s more indirect.
How it works: L. acidophilus is a “friendly” bacteria that normally resides in the vagina, releasing hydrogen peroxide that keeps yeast organisms in check.
When the balance is upset, yeast overgrows and causes an infection. Adding more of the good bacteria can eliminate the yeast overgrowth.
Yogurt
What to do: Insert plain, unsweetened (make sure it’s unsweetened) yogurt with live cultures into the vagina for several nights in a row. A syringe can help with this messy process.
Some women freeze “yogurt-sicles” in rubber glove fingers or empty tampon applicators. This helps with the ease of insertion and soothes irritated, itchy tissues.
Make sure to insert at night and wear a pad because there will be backwash.
How it works: Yogurt contains acidophilus bacteria and works the same way as acidophilus capsules.
Hydrogen peroxide or vinegar douche
What to do: Douche with one tablespoon of three percent hydrogen peroxide or one tablespoon of five percent acidity apple cider vinegar diluted with one cup of warm water. You can use a syringe for this as well.
How it works: The hydrogen peroxide kills off yeast the same way that acidophilus does (because acidophilus bacteria produces hydrogen peroxide).
Though yeast flourish in an acidic environment, something in vinegar inhibits the growth of yeast.
Garlic
What to do: Insert a clove of garlic into the vagina. Crushing it or scoring it with a knife helps to release the juices. It may sting slightly at first but this should go away. Be prepared to smell garlicky.
How it works: Some chemicals in garlic are antifungal, which has an inhibitory effect on yeast.
Boric acid
What to do: Fill empty size 00 capsules (available at health food stores) with boric acid powder (available at pharmacies), and insert one vaginally a night for a week. This may increase pain especially in women whose skin is already broken and irritated.
How it works: Boric acid is a powerful treatment that acts to “re-acidify the vagina,” inhibiting yeast growth by changing the pH of the vagina.
Tea tree oil
What to do: Coat the top half of tampon in lubricant, then evenly apply a few drops of tea tree oil and insert. Alternatively dilute several drops of oil in a cup of water and douche with that.
How it works: Tea tree oil has antifungal properties.
Preventative tips
•Keep your crotch clean and dry. Avoid wearing synthetic fibers or staying in damp clothes longer than necessary.
•Don’t douche regularly. This throws off the pH of the vagina making you more susceptible yeast overgrowth.
•Avoid eating a diet high in carbohydrates. Sugars feed yeast.
•Don’t put anything sugary in the vagina — even if you’re tempted.
•Avoid lubricants that contain glycerin, which can also fuel yeast.
•People who are prone to yeast infections can do preventative treatments such as eating lots of yogurt and taking acidophilus pills, or periodically inserting boric acid tablets.
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