The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
Apple Cider Vinegar, Coconut Oil
Posted by Anonymous (Cornwall, On) on 09/26/2012
★★★★★
I've never had a yeast infection before, however this month at the end of my period, I started feeling 'off' down there. First I thought it might be a UTI, because I constantly felt like I had to pee! But after a day or so I realized it just felt irritated/burned. It was slightly itchy, but mostly it was just a constant burn and uncomfortable feeling. I decided to try some natural remedies before making a trip to the drug store for a yeast treatment kit, and low and behold, it worked!
Here is what I did: DAY 1- mixed 1/2 cup boiled water with 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar. Using a cloth or cotton ball soak with solution and apply all over area. I also took a couple q tips and soaked them in and stuck them inside of my for 5 minutes. This burned a bit, but nothing horrible. I did this 3x daily.
DAY 2- Same as day 1, but after each ACV treatment take organic coconut oil and slather all over affected area. Then take a q tip and cover in coconut oil and insert into vagina. Basically you want to actually place a decent amount of coconut oil in there, probably close to 1/2 a tsp. wear a panty liner/pad as some does end up dripping.
DAY 3- By now I was actually feeling about 90% back to normal, but repeated day 2 anyway.
It is now the end of day 3 and I feel about 95% better and am hoping after one more day ill be at 100%! Definitely give these natural remedies a try, very worth saving the $20 for a kit! This whole process probably only cost me a couple dollars! (Had ingredients on hand).
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Vanessa (Lake Worth, Florida, Us) on 09/15/2012
I recently met the most handsomest man I have ever met and have had 2 yeast infections in the same month, so we havent been intimate ever! I used to get yeast infections every month after my period for the past 3 years. I went to several doctors and no one could tell me what was wrong, until one day a doctor took a pH strip stuck it up there and told me I needed to acidify my system. I was taking 2000mg of vitamin c everyday, for 5 months, about how long it took and yay no more yeast infections. This lasted for a year, then the beginning of this year they started coming again, I have been taking 1000mg of vitamin c to keep my pH constant. I bought pH strips tested my pH, and it came out normal range(3. 5-4) so I was confused why I was getting them again. I first assumed it was stress. I was REALLY stressed out for a couple months, I was fine for 4 months then all of a sudden after I had sex with one guy I got a yeast infection. I was confused because we didnt use latex for I am sensitive, and we used my all natural carrageenan lubricant. Got 2 infections in the same month recently so I was very confused.
What I discovered was my plan to gain weight backfired on me. How you say? Before I never touched simple carbs, ever! I would only eat complexes. My solution to gain weight that I lost was to eat simple carbs, I was eating rice pudding almost 3 times a week! White bread you name it. Plus I believe me using Monistat over and over again for the past 2 years created an immunity to the Candida so it developed a super Candida with me feeding the yeast as well with all this starch! . Ive have been eating Greek yogurt everyday for the past three years. I also bought femdophilus. I was so confused why this wasnt helping. What I realized is that everyone talks about probiotics but no one talks about prebiotics and anti-fungals. So! I needed to get over this yeast infection fast so I can be intimate with this guy, because we have been dating for a month and only had sex once. Also, my doctor prescribed me diflucan which I have never took before, looked it up and may or may not work and takes up to 7 days what!! ?? I looked up grapefruit seed extract, oregeno oil, Apple cider vinegar(organic) , Hydrogen peroxide, fructooligosaccharides, rephresh tampons and finally Luvena prebiotic vaginal lubricant.
My intense treatement that cured me in 3 days!!
1) take oregeno oil and grapefruit seed extract 3 times a day
2) insereted oregeno oil capsule directly in vagina, for 2 nights, had to dilute with Carlson vitamin e suppositories, because my goodness is that oregano concentrated! (After the first night I felt amazing by the way!!
3) Only ate vegetables and protein for a couple days, so the supplements can do what they do
4) also was on fluconozoale 1 dose of 150mg
5) bathe in ACV at night, and rinsed out vagina with ACV with turkey baster, I dont like douches (did this 3 nights)
morning bathed in H2O2 and rinsed out vagina with H2O2 with turkey baster (did this 2 mornings)
6) still take Femdophilus twice a day, with FOS twice a day(prebiotics) to keep probiotics alive
4th day I didnt see anymore Candida disharge, also I had absolutely NO itching, just very minor innflamation, thats it ACV is amazing!! By the 5th day I was absolutely back to normal
I have to say though that me stupidly putting a concentrated oregeno capsule in my vagina burned like hell but I felt amazing. After realizing this I diluted by putting half a vitamin e suppository. Everything did burn, but only for a couple seconds and I had abosulutely NO itching or irritation, just minor inflammation, Friday I felt 100 percent better, and this treatment only took 3 days!!!! I am still taking the supplements only twice a day now and plan on being intimate with this beautiful man tomorrow night! :)
I also bought represh tampons, because I realized that everytime I get my period I get a little irritated and never realized it being my pH so I have yet to try those. Look up Luvena prebiotic I am going to use that after I have sex, to see how that works out, so I still have to try that as well.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Vanessa (Lake Worth, Florida, Us) on 09/15/2012
Look up different anti-fungal herbs/supplements. I just started taking oregano oil and grapefruti seed extract. Also stuck an oregano oil capsule up there burned like hell but worked! . Also look up different prebiotics to keep probiotics alive. I am taking FOS, which is fructooligosaccharides. ALSO, look up prebiotic vaginal lubricant. I have yet to us the luvena but so far everything else is working. I am also taking Femdophilus with the FOS to keep them alive. Good luck!!
Supplements
Posted by Mara (Los Angeles, Ca) on 09/14/2012
After using a lot of ACV in my drinking water for the past year, which did help, I finally came upon the idea of taking vitamins C & E with every meal. It has worked wonders for me. Even if I eat something starchy, I don't get a yeast infection now.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Feelingbetter (San Antonio, Tx) on 09/11/2012
★★★★★
I first stumbled onto EarthClinic about a year and a half ago trying to find what to do about the bumps I get on my scalp, then later for cold sores that popped up. First I want to say: I love it here on EarthClinic! I came back recently to see options on how to treat my bfs case of ringworm from the neighbor's dog, and I came back this time because I seem to have developed a yeast infection. I am sure it started because of my weak immune system combined with meds from surgery(wisdom teeth) or from the doctor/clinic I went to for cold sores that followed my surgery even though I had been maintaining up until then from advice I got on EC. He gave me cream that I reacted to and when it didnt work, he gave me steroids to "possibly" help with healing). Any input here would be greatly appreciated, more specifically input about weak immune systems, meds, & yeast infections. Obviously I completely regretted making the trip to the doctor, AGAIN, and now I am terrified about going back. The visit confirmed my fears and doubts. I do not want to go to the doc for my YI and be prescribed antibiotics or something like it when that could very well be why I got it in the first place. I am sincerely sad about the fact that I have no faith in doctors ability to help me. It also makes me feel weird to feel that way; who am I to say this doctor doesnt know what hes talking about, but the way things are done and decisions are made is just not the way for me. Anyways, sorry for the ranting, the point is I came to EC and ACV had something like 84 yeas, the most of any suggestions. So I picked up the ACV on my shopping trip the next day and stewed on it for a few days, trying to work up the courage to try it. I couldnt stand how irregular my "stuff" was, and the pain and itching was crazy. This is my first YI and I didnt realize something was really wrong until I tried to have sex and it was almost unbearable. By this time I was sure something was wrong and EC confirmed everything else.
Anyways, on to the good news: I finally worked up the courage to try the ACV. I went by the closest pharmacy and bought disposable douches. I have heard in the past that douching is not great for you, so I was still real nervous. Anyhow I got home with 6 disposal douches and squirted the first one in the sink til it was empty. Then I meticulously refilled it with Apple Cider Vinegar and water, about half and half. (there may be other types of douches that refilling will be easier to do, I didnt realize this and bought the disposable because they were cheap) I rinsed off first before douching and douched in the tub. It was a tiny tingly type of burn, not a crazy hot burn, and just for a few seconds, probably not longer than 10. Then I refilled the douche with warm-ish water and rinsed. After I did this I considered waiting longer before rinsing. Maybe if you try it you will want to let the Apple Cider Vinegar set in there a minute before rinsing. So then I rinsed again to not smell of Apple Cider Vinegar and by that time I felt pretty good and positive about it. I had been testing what was in "there" with a tampon and after the douching, the tampon came out clean. I expected this after the douching but was still a little bit excited to see which way this was going to go. At this point I had alot of hope, the itching had subsided, I still had a little pain from inserting the tampon to check. So from here there were either two ways this could go: do the tampon test later and there will either be more weird goop that doesnt smell like me, OR there MIGHT be normal stuff. So of course, like you may have guessed, it was more weird goop, but it was a very tiny amount and this time around I felt confident this was going to work! I did it again the second day with the same results, I feel better, still positive, AND when I did the tampon test the second day I could tell I had less itchiness and less pain from the tampon test.
Today is the third day. I tried the tampon test again today before douching and I did NOT have pain from inserting the tampon( I was excited about this) and I ALMOST feel normal. I know from the tampon test that things are not back to normal yet, but I am confident they might get there if I keep trying. I am going to give it until I run out of douches. I will douche with my shower tonight again and update soon to let you all know if it worked or what recourse I took instead. Wish me luck and good luck with your own experimenting! P. S. Please dont hesitate to ask for more detailed explanations or anything, I just tried to keep it simple. TRIED. Lol. Sorry it is so long. I hope it is of some help.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Brooke (Newark ) on 09/05/2012
So how long did u do this before it went away?
Boric Acid
Posted by Julie (Montreal, Quebec ) on 09/04/2012
A reply to Betty from Salt Lake city. You are a little over-reacting about the fact that we are making our own boric acid capsules. The compounding pharmacy does the very same thing we are doing: placing pharmaceutical grade boric acid into empty gel caps. Nothing more complicated and easily replicated at home. Much cheaper too. It is also incorrect that the boric acid we are suggesting is found in the pest control aisle. That is the wrong product, though is does contain boric acid. The correct boric acid is pharmaceutical grade, sold in a pharmacy, in the aisle where the disinfectants are sold. Ours has it beside the alcohol, peroxide, iodine, methylene blue... The fact that it also happens to kill insect is irrelevant. The fact that water is an ingredient in hand sanitizer does make water unsafe.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Happy Lady... (London, Ontario) on 08/27/2012
Well... All I can say is thank the Good Lord for bring me to this site!! I am a 44 yr old healthy woman. About a yr and a half ago I started getting really itchy and irritated "down there" I was pretty sure I had a yeast infection and my Dr. prescribed me the one day pill, plus I got the canesten cream, to no avail. I was mistified and it's always worked in the past, so I was wondering what was up. The itching progressively got worse and the irritation was hell. Let me tell you I would scratch till I bled and I am not kidding. It was HORRIBLE. I asked my gynaecologist during my next apt about it and told him I had treated for yeast and he non chalantly said "it's from being moist, get yourself some "desitin cream" and apply liberally and that will help" NOPE... Didn't do a thing. My labia became so inflamed, irritated and almost leathery due to my scratching. It was relentless. I bought every cream you can think of and spent so much money I was willing to do ANYTHING to get back to normal, but nothing was working. I even took benadryl thinking I had an alergy. I bought hydrocorizone creams, itch creams, vagisil, special soaps... You name it! I went back to my family Dr again and telling him I could take this no longer... He took a look at my "goods" and could see the inflammation and spots from scratching. He said I had a bacterial infection brought on by my constant scratching. He prescribed a course of antibiotics for the bacterial infection and the one day yeast pill. He took a swab as well which came back showing yeast. Imagine!! I took the antibiotics which cleared up SOME of my swelling and soreness from the bacterial infection but the fact remained I had YEAST and I was ITCHY!!!! In fact I was going out of my mind with this itching!!!! If I didn't get this figured out I was going to end up with another bacterial infection from scratching. When I itched it would make my labia so inflamed and sore but I just could not stop. It ruined my sex life and I could think of nothing else. I felt like my life was ruined and I was literally destroying my vagina with the scratching.
WELL.... Then came this site. First of all, selfishly, I was so happy to see that I was not alone. This was happening to other women! I read and read and read for about 3 hours non stop and then went straight away to the kitchen where I actually HAD ACV. I took 2 teaspoons orally, then got a cotton ball soaked full strength ACV and wiped the whole area. It was the middle of the night... So too late for a full on bath. It did sting a litte but the stinging felt so good as it alleviated the itching some. Well... I woke up this morning feeling about 50 percent better. :) After work today I went and bought me a big ass bottle of ACV and some Acidophilis capsules. I soaked in a shallow bath with about a cup of ACV and cup of Epsom salts. Then I took 2 tablespoons of the ACV orally, and 1 of the Acidophillis pills.... Then wiped the area with full strenght ACV, even after I had bathed in it. Well.. I am am sitting on my bed right now with a fan on my goods to fully dry out before going to sleep. I feel almost NO itching and the swelling and irritation is almost gone. To think I had that little bottle of ACV in my cupboard all along. I am thrilled beyond belief and am so happy to have found this site. Thank you, thank you, thank you SOOOO much to all of the ladies who shared their stories and aired their most private and personal situations here to help others. I stopped short of posting this on my Facebook page just to get the word out to other woman! LOL. This works and I am living proof.. I have my life back and you can too!! Whoohoooo!!!
Boric Acid
Posted by Alabama (Toronto, Ontario) on 08/27/2012
★★★★★
I suffered for many many years from chronic vaginal pain. 8 years in fact. It was cyclical. It started on day 7 of my cycle and ended near menstruation And nobody ever knew why as I never had psoitive tests. (Now From reading the V BOOK I learned that estrogen was responsible for make yeast proliferate in women who were susceptible). Until one day I was simply been put on the progesterone only birth control pill (which did eliminate the symptoms immediately for 8 years! ) because they thought I was having an allergic type reaction to my own estrogen.
Now I tried everything in those years. Everything. Nothing worked but the pil. But when I came off it to become pregnant, within a year or so my cycling went back to normal and my pain began again. I tried to go back on the pil but it didn't work. I saw countless doctors, had vaginal anaesthetic needles inserted with pain blockers done during ovulation and was given powerful pain creams (because all my tests came up negative for yeasts except 1) Not only did these creams not work but they made things worse due to the chemicals in them.
After a year , I had no success and only one positive yeast test and I had a very sour milk smell all the time except during my period. So my doctor suggested that it could be cyclical yeast that lives in the walls and hard to detect. Whatever....... I just wanted some relief and all the yeast creams aggitated me due to the chemicals and the moisture from them dripping out during the day made the yeast proliferate and irritated the already very irritated vulvar skin. And the medications were just too hard on my liver and I had bad side effects.
So we decided to try boric acid. I started with the empty gel caps 1x a day and it burned so badly it actually bleached my underwear three nights in a row. I tried vaseline and oil to protect the outside but it didn't help. Nor did pads. I didn't want to spend a fortune on custom suppositories so I called them up and asked them the ingredients. A basic wax or oil with the boric acid. THAT"S IT? I can do that. I researched oils that were candida friendly and two jumped out.......... Olive and Coconut. So I started making my own in icecube trays. This was so cheap, chemical free and also protected my vagina from the harshness of the boric acid. Also the cold is soooo soothing! I put a pad on at night for leakage and one during the day and try to go without underwear whenever possible for a breather.
I did this for 3 weeks everyday and it dissapeared withing days. Only to return the next month day 7 as usual. So repeat. Then repeat the following month. Then I added pro b probiotics(drug store no prescription) specifically made for your vagina as it is a great misconception that acidophilus from yogurt helps your vagina........... IT IS NOT EVEN THE SAME STRAIN! And in fact yogurt in the vagina can make yeast grow more due to the sugar lactose. ( the V Book) It is wonderful for your digestive tract though. And I added a controversial element, a mild cortisone cream in a petroleum only base I had compounded as the other cortisones had chemicals that just irritated me. When you are irritated and swollen almost everything makes in worse especially harsh chemicals (the V book). Cortisone can make yeast grow sometimes but I only use a bit once a day as needed for inflammation.
It's been 4 months. I need the suppositories less and less. I start day 7 and often do a week then every 2-4 days until my period. My doctor said sometimes it takes a really long time to completely erradicate a stubborn cyclical infection. I see the results slowly but surely. The smell is gone, I can have sex oart of the month and I can live a relatively normal life wth only a few super swollen days as opposed to before when it was 22 days a month I was walking and sitting funny and crying. I am told it is common for 6 months to a year to deal with this so I am on track.. I wanted the quick fix but as long as I see progress I feel motivated, not depressed and in control of my body! Plus I have learned a lot from the V BOOK about good vaginal health, from listening to myself and I saved a lot of money by making my own suppositories (I got the boric acid at the drug store behind the counter in Canada it USA you can get it on amazon.com)
It is slow and steady. BIG LESSON don't try more than one thing at a time or you will not know what is working or not working. And don't see too many doctors, naturopaths etc, too many cooks in the kitchen leads to disasters and conflicting information.... I keep it really simple, no thousands of supplements, diets, meds or doctors! and drink a lot of water so my pee no longer burns and inflames it... Another trick. And I always use natural oils or petroleum for sexual lubricant now.... NO MORE CHEMICALS (except boric and cortisone) will ever touch my vagina again. Good luck and I hope this helps someone out there. Don't give up hope. Find what works for you and listen to you body. Inform yourself and keep at it. There is an end to this misery. Keep the faith girls!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Secretagent (Oakland, Ca, Usa) on 08/15/2012
★☆☆☆☆
I am 27, and have had yeast infections several times a year since I started dating my ex. They went away when I stopped dating him, and I'm pretty sure he has a yeast issue himself. I also struggle with fatigue, toenail fungus, anxiety and digestive issues that make me believe my problem is candida. I don't eat processed foods and eat very little sugar or carbs. I wanted to address my other issues, so I started drinking the organic with mother ACV and baking soda combo, 2tbsps ACV with 1/4 teaspoon baking soda, twice a day. Within 3 days I had a raging yeast infection. I cut out the baking soda and maintained the ACV drink and went with 50/50 ACV douches, morning and night. The second morning, it was worse than ever, swollen and painful and itching. Garlic helped stop the itch. In any case, this is the 2nd or 3rd time that drinking ACV has brought on a yeast infection, in my opinion.
Perhaps it would have resolved had I continued, but I'm going camping for 3 weeks and cannot be dealing with this out there. I'll be taking diflucan in the morning. Maybe I'm just not one that can handle it, though it does help when I use it externally and I do think it makes me more regular and more perky. Wish I could do it!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Emani (Brooklyn, Ny) on 08/09/2012
Hey did this work. I have a yeast infection that refuses to leave. I've been to the doctor several times only to be given OTC or Antibiotics. I'm doing almost as much as you and stil nothing. I changed my diet, I've used most of the cures here on EC, mutiple supplements, probiotics, etc. Is anything working. I've detoxed my system and I've done hydrocolon therapy.
White Vinegar
Posted by Erica (Lemoyne, Pennsylvania) on 07/26/2012
★★★★★
I didn't beleive it at first, but I like most women was desperate. It was 2am and I was in pain like nothing before! I googled Yeast Infection treatments and Earth Clinic popped up with all of these women swearing by it! Well unfortunately I didnt have ACV but I had White Vinegar and It took the pain away after a few stinging minutes! Amazing what a simple household product can do! I finally got to sleep! TY to all who previously posted! For the non-believers this really does work! Im telling everyone about it!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Wy (Detroit, Mi) on 07/22/2012
★★★★★
I had a very severe yeast infection after taking antibiotics for a UTI which I believe came from a hot tub. I took a Diflucan after trying Monistat 1 day, it (monistat) did nothing for my infection as far as pain and itching... So, while waiting for the Diflucan to kick in, I still was uncomfortable... Ran across this site, took a bath with ACV and epsom salt about a cup and a half of each, I filled the tub more than half way and the water was pretty warm and soaked for about an hour... NO MORE PAIN OR ITCHING, this is wonderful... I almost can't believe it worked so well. It feels like nothing was ever wrong. I will definetly be taking a tbl spoon of ACV every night from now on, maybe I can avoid these things all together. YAY, oh and while I was in the tub I stood up and poured more ACV between my legs, it burned something awful but when I sat back down in the water it went away, the sensation of the ACV was totally worth it to get rid of the torture of the yeast infection.
Acidophilus, Vitamin E, Folic Acid
Posted by Michelle (Phoenix, Az) on 07/18/2012
How did you get tested for the resistant strain of yeast? Which doctor did that for you? I'm having the same exact symptoms as you had... just burning for 2 years, but all the docs say there is no yeast. thanks
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Misty (Indiana, Usa) on 07/16/2012
★★★★☆
I've had a recurrent yeast infection for several weeks now that I believe was brought on by birth control pills (which I have stopped taking about 2 days after developing the infection). I am fairly sure the infection also exists in my bladder (as I have had frequent urination & have been urinating white specks for 2 weeks) and in my bowels as I've been struggling with constipation for over a month (doc says its probably stuck fecal matter). I'm not sure if this is considered general candida overgrowth. I don't have a coated tongue, rashes, or any other symptoms really.
I've been taking organic ACV orally for about 2 weeks (1 tsp in water several times a day, anymore makes me constipated) and applying nondiluted ACV topically (sometimes the organic stuff, usually the regular pasteurized stuff) by holding a soaked cotton ball under my clitoral hood and vaginal opening for 15 seconds each, then wiping the entire vulva and anal area (front to back of course) and holding the cotton ball on my anus for 15 seconds. When it gets really itchy internally, I will soak a few cotton swabs in ACV and insert as far as I can without letting go of the ends and leave in for several minutes (usually this step isn't necessary as the itch occurs mainly outside the vagina; if you can do without this step I recommend it as it tends to dry me out). The burn is not too intense unless I've been rubbing/scratching and lasts only briefly, then the itch subsides completely. This doesn't seem to help the infection itself; however, it does relieve the itch.
Other supplements/remedies I have been using include: 250 mg magnesium oxide 1-3 times daily; 1 tbsp blackstrap molasses in a 10 oz glass mixed with 1. 5 tsp organic ACV and 2 tbsp lemon juice, then topped off with water and taken in the morning before breakfast and sometimes before bed; 1/8 tsp borax and 1 tsp baking soda added to 1 liter of water and sipped throughout the day (if I take too much I get headaches so I usually only drink about 2/3 of this mixture per day. 5 days on & 2 off); daily multivitamin (vegan) most days; 125 mg lithium aspartate (5 mg lithium) in the mornings most days; gingko biloba once or twice daily; silica complex sometimes; 1 tsp psyllium with 20 oz water once a day; 1-2 tbsp ground flax added to food daily; 1 tsp creatine once a day; borax baths about once a week after swimming or when I see visible culture buildup (1/2 cup added to bath water and filled up to hips), acidophilus tablets twice daily after eating. If you would like any additional info about brand names or anything, email me.
I eat an almost vegan diet: no meat or dairy at all, fatty fish occasionally (though not recently), organic local eggs sometimes. Recently my diet has included fast/processed food once or twice a week, but I try to limit my portion sizes and eat veggies daily. I avoid sweets, eat whole grains, and add sea salt to my food when I can (helps cut down the excessive thirst). I exercise regularly (daily stretching and weekly cardio). I'm a healthy weight usually though occasionally I get slightly underweight.
I hope this helps, and I would appreciate any other suggestions if you have them.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Jessica (Oklahoma City, Oklahoma) on 07/12/2012
★★★★★
For external yeast infections, I put apple cider vinegar in a spray bottle without diluting it. Then, twice a day, I spray the area directly. Yes, it burns initially but then feels so much better. I do this for about 5 days.
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Rebecca (Toronto, Canada) on 07/06/2012
★★★★★
I just did the following and got results in 30 minutes!
Now that I am in my 40s, I find that I often start to get the beginnings of a yeast infection on day 3 of my cycle. I assume it's got something to do with hormone levels... I'm looking into it as it's a bit annoying. Generally if I catch it soon enough, a regular application of lavender oil clears it up. (I put a few drops on my finger and insert). For whatever reason, this month, the yeast got the better of me. I was quite busy so initially opted for 1 day Monistat - which not only didn't work AT ALL - it actually caused me considerable discomfort. I decided to make time to deal with it the natural way. Here is what I purchased:
Boric Acid, empty 00 gel caps, Apple Cider Vinegar, raw organic coconut oil, raw organic Manuka Honey, FeminaFlora (this is a friendly bacteria suppository found at Health food stores in the refrigerator)
I immediately inserted ONE FeminaFlora and TWO capsules filled with boric acid. Then, while sitting on the toilet, I slathered on Manuka Honey, including coating my finger and inserting it a few inches up inside. Sat for 20 minutes - then rinced with warm water. (was already feeling relief from the burning/itching! ) Afterward - I put 1/2 cup of apple cider vinegar in a basin of warm water large enough to sit in and did a sitz bath for 10 minutes. I ended this all off by soaking an organic cotton tampon in coconut oil and inserting it. I left that in for two hours.
VOILA! The honey stopped the burn/itch right away. The coconut oil was very soothing internally, and is also anit-fungal. The apple cider vinegar helps restore pH. The boric acid kills the over growth of yeast. The FeminaFlora boosts the GOOD flora! I will continue with one FeminaFlora every night for 7 nights, and one boric acid insert along with it. Honey, etc as needed - but I don't think I'm going to need them.
Moving forward, I plan to go on a candida cleanse where I will eliminate sugar for awhile... And see my acupuncturist to address hormone fluxuations. I am also going to start taking B vitamins. Best of luck! This really DOES work, and it works FAST! I had never tried the HONEY before and was thrilled with the immediate relief.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Nomoreinfection (Middleburg, Clay County Florida ) on 06/26/2012
★★★★★
I got my first yeast infection about 3 days ago, I thought it was just a minor itch and would go away.... Until I had sexual intercourse and felt this god awful pain I instantly knew I had a a yeast infection. I came across this site and saw all the open post on what people have done to cure their Y. I and sweet Jesus it may have burrrrrrnnnn but it worked! I douched and 10mins gone nothing no problem!
Boric Acid
Posted by Alabama (Toronto, Ontario, Canada) on 06/22/2012
I have had infections for a year. My swabs kept coming up negative for anything. Then we noticed the same funky smell on my husband and when the doctor realized that my husband had yeast as well. We were giving it back to one another. That was problem number 1. So he got treatment for that. But all the yeast treatments I had been using were not helping but irritating me even more. I got the book writtten by a gynecologist called THE V BOOK. It helped me to understand EVERYTHING. There are chemicals in a lot of those over the counter creams as well as lube and ph balancing gels and BV gels that actually have glycerin and lactose in their base.... Which is sugar and makes yeast/BV worse. And also chemicals that make the stinging worse. So even if the infection is gone you could still have allergic type reactions to the products. I tried everything. Even boric acid capsules... That actually burned so badly they bleached my underwear! But I persisted and the doctor finally did a swab and it was super positive for BV and Yeast. SO she put me on Lamisil for 30 days and boric acid (which has a 90% success rate in clinical trials for both yeast and BV). But this time I did it differently. I made icecubes of either pure coconut oil or pure olive oil... I rotated and emptied the small capsule of boric acid to the cube and mixed it up well. I also made regular olive oil ones too. Every night I put one of each in... A boric one and an olive oil one............ Such relief, the cold, the lubrication, the anti inflamatory properties. AMAZING. 14 days... I pushed them high up with old applicators so they wouldn't leak too much. Then I went to bed with a pad on............. Sometimes I had to change it before I fell asleep and sometimes I applied vaseline to avoid vulvar burning. Within 3 days, this depressing, horrible agonizing situation was over. I bought the boric acid BEHIND the counter at the pharmacy. I think you can also buy it in the hardware store or online............ Give it a try. No diet change, husband treated as well and boric acid icecubes! Super cheap and super effective. Don't know if I needed the lamisil but hey it was only 30 days. I think you should try without oral pills first. I do maintenance now when I feel an itch and also back off and stop when it feels like it's burning and not in the yeasty way... Which means I don't need it. Everybody is different, but I implore you to get the book and try the icecubes. And get your partner checked! And the rest is up to your body and how much and how often you need it. Listen to your body it tells you a lot and also knows how to repair itself. Be patient and don't use too many things at once like I did, it just makes matters worse. The V Book explains it all.
Tea Tree Oil
Posted by Latraveler (Los Angeles, Ca) on 06/12/2012
★★★★★
Ok after weeks of reocurring yeast infections/bv I am thrilled to report I found relief! I had been to ob gyn who prescribed difulcan but after 2 weeks symptoms returned. I read and tried a few of the remedies on this site and found a few to work for a day or two but the symptoms always came back. After 3 days of tea tree oil and no fabric softener I finally feel back to normal. I also cut back on all sweets and starchy foods. I will continue regimen a day or two longer but I already feel 95% better! Thank you for posting :)
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Victoria (Raleigh, Nc) on 06/04/2012
I agree 100% I just tried it for the first time and at first it felt like my insides were going to fall out!!
Iodine
Posted by Maria (Los Angeles, Calfironia) on 05/29/2012
★★★★★
I started douching with iodine diluted in water and it immediately cured the symptoms of candidiasis / bacterial vaginosis which had been affecting me for quite a while. I have been douching twice a day with the solution (5 drops of iodine in half a cup of water) and I'm extremely happy. After failing to cure my candidiasis / vaginosis with oral acidophilus, I am super satisfied with iodine.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by This Girl Over Here (O Town, New York) on 05/22/2012
★★★★★
I have been sitting here for about 3 hours with the absolute worst itching and burning sensation down unda complaining to my boyfriend (yes he is forced to listen and listen to me complain... Hes a peach). I was literally about to get a brillo pad and go to town cause I could not take the itching anymore until I finally googled some home remedies. ACV WORKS LIKE A GEM. I was skeptical about it at first and it weirded me out a little but it made everything feel FANTASTIC in 5 minutes. I soaked a tampon in half ACV half warm water and put it in for about 10 minutes. Then got a clean cloth and wiped around the goods. It burned for a bit right after I tried it but gee willakers do I feel better... My boyfriend is relieved too I finally shut up :)
General Feedback
Posted by Elucta (Toronto, Canada) on 05/17/2012
Hello ladies, I have been suffering from reaccurent yeast infections for years. I have tried every remedy, including an anti-candida diet for 2 years ( yeast, sugar and wheat free. ) many thiings have worked but nothing has been long-term. I still get outbreaks consistantly. I am currently trying boric acid capsules, due to all the information I have ready from women who have had success using it. I bought a bottle at Walmart and made my own pills by dumping out the useless acidophilous pills I was inserting nightly and filled with boric acid. I started using boric acid caps inserted into the vagina on May 14, 2012. I have also been douching with hydrogen peroxide daily. So far have had a little relief but I still have a some itching. I will continue to use the boric acid caps and douch with hydrogen peroxide and water for two weeks. I will let you women know. Thanks for your letters women. Together we can fight this humiliating condition.
Apple Cider Vinegar and Salt
Posted by Erin (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania) on 05/09/2012
Update: The results of my colpo came back clear except for some inflammation of my cervix (no HPV or cancer which is awesome). I went back on the typical BV antibiotics which I handled much better with probiotics and eating really well. And also a positive attitude. Stay away from antibiotic reviews. they will make you crazy. After that it was diflucan. A week later, I am good to go. No more issues.
ACV, garlic, yogurt inserts (never do this... It is gross and unecessary), etc did not cure anything.
Though the medications did the curing, ACV external compresses (sometimes I would dilute the ACV and sometimes I would not) helped with yeast symptoms while I waited for the flagyl dose to be over.
If you find that BV/Yeast issues reoccur after sexual exposure, ask your gyno or free clinic to test you specifically for trich. Trich is treated just as BV is, and BV meds are usually followed with yeast meds, so doctors do not test for trich unless you ask them to. Tests are expensive and doctors will avoid ordering them unless absolutely necessary depending on your insurance (they do this for you and for themselves). If you have trich, they will dose your partner up as well, and you will both be good after a week. In the mean time, probiotics (orally... Don't stick foreign objects up your vagina) and ACV (externally) for symptoms. Works great to get you through the meds!
Garlic
Posted by Chris (Smithtown, Ny) on 05/09/2012
First I'd like to thank all who have posted their experiences here. It's good to know you're not alone and that there are alternatives to pharma chemicals.
I've been experiencing symptoms over the last few weeks and when I was first sure I had a yeast infection (I haven't had one in 15 years! ) I went w/ Monistat. It seemed to work, but 1. 5-2 weeks later, whammo, it's back. Which brought me here. I tried the garlic - it gave me relief from the itching and burning within an hour. I did the clove in the vagina over night and was sure that it worked, so I only did it the one night. Several days later, back to square one. I did some more reading and found that I should probably do it for 5-7 days. OK. Again, it seemed to have immediate positive effects, but after 3 days, I was swollen, sore and just as yeast-y as before. Sigh.
Onto the hydrogen peroxide. I'm on the 3rd day of this. I've douched 4x, also soaking the lips and external areas, and used a soaked tampon overnight 2x. Finally after 3 days, the swelling and soreness have gone way down. But not gone yet. It didn't helped the external itching and burning at all. I made up some garlic oil (mashed up garlic w/ EVOO heated lightly in the microwave) which I re-apply liberally after I pee. That provides relief.
I'm going to add organic coconut oil to the regime (I have to go get some) taking it internally and applying externally instead of the garlic oil. It's supposed to kill the yeast very effectively. I'll also make sure my guy uses the oil for the next week or so just in case there's a possibility we've been passing it back and forth.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Maz (Philadelphia, Pa) on 04/26/2012
★★★★★
I had a persistent yeast infection that did not go away after using Monistat, or Diflucan, OR both together. The treatment would clear up the infection for a day or so, then it would return. My doctor told me I needed to see a pelvic specialist. I couldn't get an appointment with a specialist for A MONTH... I thought "well, if I have to wait that long, trying Mom's advice can't hurt. " (My mom grew up poor in rural Georgia where "folk" medicine was all the medicine most people could afford.)
I poured out half a cup of unfiltered organic apple cider vinegar and added a little bit of warm water. I was having internal and external itching and dryness, varying amounts of discharge (from "a little" to "buckets"), and a LOT of yeasty smell.
Day 1: Soaked two Q-tips in the ACV for a couple of minutes, then put them in my vagina and kept them there for 5-6 minutes. It BURNED LIKE CRAZY for about 90 seconds, then I felt... Nothing. No burning, no itching, nothing! I took those out and then used the ACV to wet a paper towel and wiped everything external (note that I trim my pubic hair pretty closely, you might need to use more ACV than 1/2 cup if you don't). Again -- burning for a little while, then nothing! The itching was gone all day, the discharge stopped after a couple of hours, and all that was left was a little bit of the smell.
Day 2: The smell had become a little worse and the external itching had come back a little bit. I repeated the same process. This time, NO burning internally, and only a little burning externally. The smell and itching went away again.
Day 3: A little bit of the smell had come back. I repeated the whole process one more time, and I've been INFECTION FREE ever since!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Sophie (Portland, Oregon) on 04/21/2012
★★★★★
I had itching yeast infections following antibiotics I ran a warm bath and pour in 1 cup of Natural Apple Cider Vinegar ( health section of the store ) and THEN I just relaxed for thirty minute , ACV is amazing it works so fast and in cooling and soothing the body it is wonderful in healer.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Bekah (Judsonia, Ar) on 04/16/2012
★★★★★
I am pregnant and have had an itching/burning sensation in the vagina for the past 3 days. I couldn't do anything internally for it due to pregnancy, so I bought some external vaginal wash for pH balance and some vaginal itch relief cream. That didn't work whatsoever! I was starting to lose a lot of sleep due to the discomfort, wouldn't have sex with my husband, and tonight has just been unbearable! I tried the Apple Cider Vinegar for the first time (half water, half ACV soaked rag left on my parts for a good 5 minutes) and it burned but I had instant relief! I then poured my leftover homemade remedy over my parts and omg did it burn like hell!!!! But after I patted dry and the burning stopped, no itching or discomfort whatsoever!!! I plan on doing this everyday for the next week or so, it really works!!!!!
Apple Cider Vinegar and Salt
Posted by Erin (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania) on 04/13/2012
Remember to always heavily research some of these facts presented on comment threads. Yeast survives in an acid vagina. Your vagina should be acid(y). (4.5 ph). If your vagina is alkaline then you probably have BV. A basic ph test is how many ob/gyns make the determination between yeast or bv. You can buy ph strips pretty cheaply online or in health food stores. Put a little vagina fluid on the strip. Follow the guide that comes with the strips. If you are experiencing an issue down there and the ph is acid, then you probably have a yeast infection. If the ph is alkaline, then you probably have bv. Search any explanatory yeast infection videos and they will all tell you the same. Drinking ACV has never worked for me. I am currently eating two garlic cloves a day and about to take an ACV bath. I just had a colposcopy and cannot put anything up there and unfortunately (before the colpo) 7 days of monistat and a diflucan did not get rid of the yeast infection that I got from antibiotics.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Lovely (Ottawa, Ontario) on 04/04/2012
★★★★★
ACV WORKS WONDERS.
My first YI and one of the most uncomfortable vaginal experiences of my life!!! I took a one time otc oral product. The itching, burning misery continued and my vagina remain swollen and miserable. I read the threads on this site and decided I must at least try acv.
I bought Apple Cider Vinegar pills and pure Apple Cider Vinegar made by Heindz. The pills I've taken once, so odds are most of my relief came from dipping a tampon in half and half vinegar and warm water and inserted it for about 30mins. I also dabbed the solution on my vulva.
It burns/stings for about 3 mins. BUT within 15 mins TOTAL RELIEF!!!!! No burning, no itching AND I no longer have that gross YI discharge. My vagina is no longer swollen and it's, by all accounts looking and feeling like normal.
Please don't wait to try this, the sooner the better.
Salt
Posted by Debbie (Melbourne, Australia ) on 04/02/2012
Agreed Timh, people need to be specific about things and when someone does post something that may be dangerous for people to try I think it should be corrected. This girl specifically said "table salt" which could endanger someone with blood pressure problems. She may have meant raw salt but she didn't say that.
Salt
Posted by Debbie (Melbourne, Australia ) on 04/02/2012
Dud, my point being that table salt is processed and does raise blood pressure etc and is very bad for your health. Raw sea salt or swimming in the sea does not raise blood pressure or endanger your health. Taking in excess processed salt via food or transdermally would not be healthful. If you still add table talt to your food, good luck to you.
Salt
Posted by Baldev (Mumbai, Maharashtra, India) on 04/02/2012 184 posts
Hi Debbie, I fully agree with you. I wish she means the Sea salt. Baldev
Salt
Posted by Dud (Up The Creek In, Wv, Usa) on 04/02/2012
in reply to 04/01/2012: Debbie from Melbourne, Australia --
""plain table salt, 1 to 2 cups" in the bath water to rid vaginal yeast sounds a very dangerous thing for anyone to do. Table salt is "sodium chloride" and is very dangerous ....."
I agree. Everyone knows that swimming [bathing] in sea water is nearly always fatal...... Because sea salt is 98.3 % sodium chloride.
Salt
Posted by Timh (Louisville, Ky, Usa) on 04/02/2012 2048 posts
Debbie, I very much agree. It is important for everyone who post info at EC to be specific and accurate, or misinformation can occur as a result. Also, in this new age of rapidly expanding info and discoveries, it's critical to be specific. Water isn't simply water anymore; there's tap water, bottled water, filtered water, distilled water, alkalized water, mineral water, etc. Salt isn't simply salt anymore. Also, while on topic, I wish people would also include the common name of a particular illness, not just the medical/scientific name; or maybe I need a e-medical encyclopedia. Also, how many mg, oz, or how many times a day or how many days also helps.
Salt
Posted by Sophie (Dayton, Ohio, USA) on 04/01/2012
I have to disagree. There is nothing wrong with taking a bath in regular table salt, especially only 1-2 cups. Even though some salt is absorbed transdermally, the thing about that process is that your body will only absorb what it needs, and no more. Soaking in salt water is not the same as drinking salt water. Additionally, table salt is iodized, so really it may be the iodine in the salt that is responsible for the healing effects, more than the sodium chloride itself.
Salt
Posted by Debbie (Melbourne, Australia) on 04/01/2012
I think what Aeiver is suggesting, that is having a
table salt bath... "plain table salt,
1 to 2 cups" in the bath water to rid vaginal yeast sounds a very dangerous thing for anyone to do. Table salt is "sodium chloride" and is very dangerous for blood pressure among other things. If someone has a heart issue or some other health issue (or even if they don't)... This much "salt" into their body at one time could be fatal. Once dissolved it would enter the skin transdermally... Huge amounts.
On the other hand real salt or unrefined salt is entirely different and would be safe without having to worry about side affects and it is full of other minerals.
I would be interested if others agree.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Shannon (Lake Dallas, Tx) on 03/30/2012
I am curious about the douche method. I have never douched before. I am wondering what the best method, and easiest method is. Both my girlfriend and I have yeast infections and we would like to be free from this horrid ailment! Any advice would be greatly appreciated. :)
Salt
Posted by Aeiver (New Braunfels, Tx/usa) on 03/30/2012
★★★★★
Many years ago after taking a course of antibiotics I developed a yeast infection. That time, and a couple of times since, I have used salt in my bath water. Plain table salt, use liberally, 1 to 2 cups disolved in a shallow bath (to keep the salt more concentrated). The relief is almost instantaneous. I repeated the treatment once or twice and was back to normal. From what I understand, it helps to restore the normal pH of the vagina. It is quick and inexpensive. Have never since used anything else.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Melissa (Barberton, Ohio) on 03/15/2012
★★★★★
Ok, I have been on Antibiotics for 2 weeks due to a severe kidney infection. So needless to say I got a YI from Hell!! Burning, itching, discharge, it is a hot mess! Well after reading this site I decided to try ACV. So tonight I got a clean washcloth and soaked it in ACV and water (half and half) and gently wiped the external areas. Then I dipped a tampon (which I had to borrow from a friend because I don't use tampons) in the ACV mixture and inserted it for 15 minutes. It stung a little bit, as soon as I removed the tampon I wiped the area again and now only 20 minutes later I feel so much better!!! I can't wait to do it again in the morning! It was actually refreshing after the slight sting was gone. I highly reccomend it!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Tamesha (Manchester, Jamaica) on 03/12/2012
I get yeast infection last week and my aunt told me to sit over hot water with Apple Cider Vinegar in it. What I did was Boil the water, then put it in a bucket then add half bottle of acv. Then sit over it wrap a towel around you so the steam doesn't escape. Just sit over it for 15 mins or more do this 3 times daily. I did it for 5 days now my yeast infection is gone, I also use vagisil creme for the itch. Now am also taking vitamin c pills and eating yogurt and I also drink one glass of water with 1tbp of apple cider vinegar. good luck to those who try it.
Tea Tree Oil
Posted by Candice (Los Angeles, Ca) on 03/04/2012
If you get them after having sex, with the same partner, it could be possible that you are passing the yeast infection back and forth. sometimes the infection can live on a male esp if there is constant exposure to the infection (from your vagina).
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Clinic2012 (Atlantic City, Nj ) on 02/21/2012
★★★★★
I was suffering from a yeast infection.
Quick simple easy way to get rid of one:
Stop using soap when you bathe. Bathe with water and sea salt. When you finish bathing, mix coconut oil with tea trea oil and apply to the vagina (can go in walls or inserted inside). Also take a drop of oregano oil after and mix in. You can also take 2-3 drops of oregano oil on the tongue.
Also, buy a case of kefir and drink one or two glasses a day. I also find that taking ayurvedic herbs like triphala and gotu kola also helped the process. Using coconut oil when eating has also done wonders.
