Tips for Handling a Yeast Infection
Fortunately, there is a variety of treatments for yeast infections. The choice of pill for yeast infections, however, depends on the severity of your symptoms, and the frequency of you getting the infection, you can choose (with the help of a medical professional) between myriad treatment options.
Before we share the useful tips and treatment options, here is some basic, yet crucial information about yeast infections.
What is a yeast infection?
A healthy vagina comprises a good balance of yeast and bacteria. However, some conditions can lead to a microbial imbalance down there. As a result of the imbalance, sometimes, the fungus, Candida, begins to grow uncontrollably. This overgrowth of Candida leads to a yeast infection.
Characteristic symptoms indicative of a yeast infection include:
• Discomfort and itchiness
• Swelling, burning, and redness of the vagina and vulva
• Burning or pain when peeing
• Painful sex
• Thick, white, and odorless discharge.
Some common causes of yeast infection include
• Sex.
While yeast infections are not typically considered to be sexually transmitted infections, they can pass from one person to another via sexual contact.
• Hormonal changes.
Pregnancy, breast-feeding, menopause, or taking birth control pills can contribute to the altered balance in your vagina.
• Douches or vaginal sprays.
Similar to the previous point, the use of these products, too, alters the balance in your vagina. This is one critical reason why they are not recommended for regular use.
• Antibiotics.
Some broad-spectrum antibiotics, i.e. those which act on a wide range of bacterial, can kill the good bacteria living in your vagina. This affects the natural microbial balance in your vagina, which can result in a yeast infection.
• Diabetes.
If you are living with diabetes and find that your sugar levels are high, you may find the increased sugar in your vagina’s mucus membranes, which then serves as a medium for the yeast to grow.
• Weakened immune system.
A compromised immune system, characteristic of diseases like HIV, can lead to uncontrolled growth of yeast in your vagina.
Before we dive into pills for yeast infection, here are some at-home treatment options that you can consider.
At-Home Treatment for Yeast Infection
Natural remedies that can be done at home will help relieve some of the symptoms; however, they are not a cure and needs to be mindful while using them. Additionally, if you plan on adding herbal remedies to your course of prescription medication, make sure you consult with your medical professional. Herbal remedies interact with other medications and may cause a few side effects.
Some natural remedies for yeast infections include:
• Plain yogurt
• Coconut oil
• Garlic
• Tea tree oil cream
• Boric acid vaginal suppositories
Now, before you apply oil or creams to your vagina, make sure that you have thoroughly washed your hands, first.
Prescription medication for yeast infection, or pills for yeast infection in common terms, are wide ranged and depend on the severity of your symptoms.
You can take an anti-fungal medication for three to seven days to cure a yeast infection. Anti-fungal medications are available as:
• Oral Antifungal Pills
• Antiviral Creams
• Suppositories (Boric Acid)
Common prescription antifungal medication for these treatments include:
• Fluconazole
• Miconazole
• Clotrimazole
No matter the treatment option you opt for, it is highly recommended that you consult a medical professional, share your symptoms, and general health history with them, and only then proceed with the medication. Do not self-medicate.
Boric acid suppositories may be prescribed for vaginal insertion. This is prescribed mainly to curb the overgrowth of Candida since the fungus is resistant to the usual anti-fungal treatments. However, this type of medication is fatal if taken orally; therefore, always make sure to pay close attention to the instructions that your medical professional provides.
Yeast infections can be a real pain, but you can control them from drastically altering your life. All you need is to get started on the right treatment plan, whether with herbal remedies or pills for yeast infection. The right medication course will help you feel better and beat the blues that a nasty yeast infection gets.