By far and away the most popular and common type of vaginitis is yeast (more commonly referred to as a yeast infection). Normally, the bacteria of the vagina prevent yeast from overgrowing, but when their efforts fail, the delicate balance of the vagina is disrupted and voila! Yeast.

The main symptoms of candidiasis are itching, thick white vaginal discharge and a red and swollen vulva, while odor is not a common symptom. There may or may not be an obvious vaginal discharge which can appear as thick or lumpy white and cottage cheese-like in consistency. Inflammation of the vagina and vulva can be obvious but these symptoms can also be subtle which makes the diagnosis confusing. If you take a mirror and have a close up with your vagina you can see the lips (vulva) enlarged, inflamed and swollen.  The normal pink color of the lips will appear irritated, sore, tender and angry.  The walls of the vagina will also be irritated and tender with a noticeable vaginal discharge which will be heavy, cottage cheese-like and uncomfortable. The outer vagina and the labia will be itchy and sore.  These are the classic symptoms of a yeast infection.

The vagina can be delicate and temperamental, often affected by everyday routines including diet, medications, stress, fragranced body and laundry soaps, douching and sex, especially if you haven’t had adequate foreplay. Anything that disrupts the ph balance makes the vagina a not so happy place.

Every day unsuspecting feminine rituals can disrupt the pH balance and irritate all areas of the vagina.  The list is long and some of the common offenders may surprise you.

Common irritants and other vagina offenders:

• Fragrant soaps, bubble bath liquids, bath salts, talcum powder
• Detergents, fabric softeners and dryer sheets
• Sanitary wipes and pads
• Warming gels and scented lubricants
• Nylon underwear or bathing suits
• Rubber products such as diaphragms and condoms
• Saliva or semen
• Spermicides such as foams, creams and jellies
• Feminine hygiene sprays, tampons or deodorant pads
• Douching
• Creams or ointments applied to the vulva
• Wearing a bathing suit or exercise clothing for extended periods of time
• Overconsumption of caffeine and alcohol
• Medications including antibiotics, such as Erythromycin and Tetracycline, and steroids
• New sexual partners

You may even notice a vaginal odor.  A simple vaginal culture can identify this infection.

There are many infections of the vagina that mimic a yeast infection.  They include sexually transmitted infections such as Chlamydia and Trichomonas’s, a bacterial infection, a skin allergy to latex or feminine hygiene products, a lack of estrogen as seen in menopause or breastfeeding or tears in the vagina.

It’s best to have a pelvic exam and do a standard vaginal culture checking for yeast and bacteria along with cultures for chlamydia and gonorrhea.

When in doubt it’s best to see your health care provider to see what you have baking. A simple vaginal culture can identify this infection.

If you try over the counter medications and you still have disruptive symptoms, it’s important to see your health care provider to make the correct diagnosis. When in doubt it’s best to see your health care provider to see what you have baking in the vagina! Treatment of a confirmed yeast infection can include over-the-counter vaginal Monistat or prescription oral fluconazole (Diflucan).

Vaginal boric acid treatments have been extremely effective in combatting chronic yeast infections.  Using the boric acid capsules twice a week for 2 weeks has been an effective alternative to traditional medication.

Adding oral or vaginal pro-biotics to your daily regimen will also keep the vagina in complete balance and harmony.

Yeast Infection Natural Treatments

The most popular and common go to natural remedy is yogurt. Eating more yogurt or applying it to vagina has often been used for decades by many women. The lactobacillus acidophilus cultures in yogurt are thought to be an effective way of removing the excessive yeast built up in the vagina. Medical studies have found using yogurt to treat yeast is more effective than a placebo.  For those women looking for an alternative, yogurt should be at the top of your list.

Other alternative approaches include eating certain foods that encourages the growth of yeast in the vagina. Garlic is a known immune boosting food and often thought of to treat yeast infections.  Taking garlic orally or using it intra-vaginally is an option for some women. The medical studies have not shown garlic to be a consistently effective treatment for a yeast infection but for those looking to try something non-prescription it may be worth a try.

Apple cider vinegar either by ingesting or soaking in it with bath water may help treat and prevent a yeast infection. Apple cider vinegar diluted in fresh water and used as a vaginal douche twice a day has been shown to be an effective treatment of yeast infections. Using the apple cider vinegar applied to the outside of the vagina has also been shown to relieve common symptoms of a yeast infections such as burning, itching and swelling of the outside of the vagina.  If this treatment remedy doesn’t get rid of the infection it’s time to see your health care provider.

Baking soda with its alkaline base can help the vagina return to its normal acidic environment.  Balance in the vagina is important and adding baking soda may help return the vagina to its natural environment getting rid of the yeast overgrowth.  Baking soda is added to the list of natural treatment remedies for yeast infections. Some women drink it and some soak in it.  Medical studies do not show that baking soda is a reliable or consistent treatment remedy.

Extra virgin coconut oil seems to be effective for just about anything these days.  There is a new study suggesting that coconut oil may be an effective treatment for a yeast infection.

I am all for trying new alternative remedies for every day infection involving the vagina.  If you try any of these more natural remedies and the symptoms don’t improve, I would suggest seeing your doctor for further evaluation and more traditional treatment.