Garlic Home Remedy For Yeast Infection

Yeast infections are caused by the Candida genus of yeasts (a single cell fungus), most often Candida albicans.

Research shows that CANDIDA albicans colonizes the vaginas of about 20 percent of women and 30 percent of pregnant women. (1)

Though this colonization doesn't cause symptoms, symptomatic yeast infections can develop when the balance of microbial communities within the body gets thrown off by things like medication (antibiotics, in particular), hormonal changes, and the overuse of feminine hygiene products.

There are numerous ways that can be used to treat vaginal yeast infections, including garlic for yeast infection.

They can be purchased over-the-counter (OTC) or with a prescription, and take the form of an antifungal cream, ointment, suppository, or medicated tampon. An oral tablet is also available.

It's important to get diagnosed by your doctor before trying OTC drugs — especially if you've never had a yeast infection before — because the symptoms of yeast infections are similar to other types of vaginal infections, including bacterial vaginosis (a bacterial infection of the vagina) and trichomoniasis (a sexually transmitted infection). (2)

Medication for Treating Yeast Infections

Standard medicines for yeast infections are all a part of the class of antifungal drugs called azoles. They include:

Monistat (miconazole)

Gyne-Lotrimin (clotrimazole)

Vagistat (tioconazole)

Gynazole (butoconazole)

Terazol (terconazole)

Prescribed medication may also come with additional prescription drugs to help treat your symptoms, such as steroids to relieve inflammation of the opening of the vagina.

Treatments last one, three, or seven days, all of which are equally effective. Unless you have an allergic reaction to the medication, side effects are generally mild.

You should not use tampons while using the suppositories and creams. You should also avoid condoms and diaphragms because the medicines contain oil, you can as well use garlic for yeast infection.

Having sex while being treated for a yeast infection is not generally recommended because it may worsen symptoms (by further irritating your vagina) and cause micro-tears in your skin that increase your risk of catching a sexually transmitted disease. (5)

Diflucan (fluconazole) is a prescription pill for yeast infections. Most women only require a single dose of the medication to clear their yeast infection, but fluconazole is not recommended for pregnant women due to a potential risk of harming the developing baby, but they can use garlic for yeast infection.

Fluconazole may cause mild and infrequent side effects, such as headache, rash, and upset stomach. More rarely, severe side effects may develop, such as flu-like symptoms, swelling, and seizures. 

This article was first published on www.everydayhealth.com