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.
Acidophilus, Vitamin E, Folic Acid
Posted by Sharon (San Antonio, Tx) on 12/02/2010
★★★★★
Cure for a Yeast Infection: Acidophilus pills, Vitamin E, and Folic Acid. I struggled for about 2 years with constant burning in the vaginal area. I need to stress here that all I had was burning. Hardly any discharge, not the cottage cheese type, and NO itching!
It started with what I thought was a UTI. My doctor gave me antibiotics. It didn't work. Long story short, I took around 7 different antibiotics in about 3 months. Doctor just kept trying different ones. Please don't ever do this. It messed up my digestive system big time. I went to a naturopath next. Nothing helped. After 2 years passed with constant burning and going to a few different doctors, a new doctor finally diagnosed me with a resistant strain of yeast. I took 6 rounds of Diflucan. Didn't work. The doctor's last resort was boric acid suppositories. Didn't work.
I had pretty much given up until, by the grace of God, I read in a food/nutritin book about how Vitamin E kills yeast. I had also read here on Earthclinic how alot of women with Bacterial Vaginosis get relief by taking Acidophilus and Folic Acid. So, I took them all together. 2 Acidophilus, 1 200IU Vitamin E, and 1 Folic 400mg Folic Acid morning and night. Within a few days I felt a little better. I was hopeful. The burning wasn't as bad, but still there. I imagine 2 years of burning would take awhile to heal. After a month, I knew the combination was definitely working. I took it for 3 months. Then, gradually took it less and less. It has been gone for a long time.
And here is the kicker: At my next GYN appointment, I told the doctor what finally cured me. She then told me how she read about a very small study that tested the SAME EXACT combination I took and yes, it worked. I was FLOORED! She said big pharm doesn't do those kinds of studies (No way for them to make money off of vitamins). So, alot of people won't know about what has been found. So, I am telling you my own experience. I hope this will help someone else. This period in my life was horrific. It affected my family, marriage, and my overall health. I am still dealing with the physical effects of the stress and anxiety. It was so defeating to have this burning, but no one could tell me what it was. I credit the Lord for showing what I needed to take. I did pray for those two years and couldn't understand why God wouldn't heal me. The journey wound bringing me closer to God than I have ever been and I feel this is what He wanted from me all the while. I realize some people may downplay this aspect of my healing, but I am here to say I am living proof. May God Bless You!
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Kj (Los Angeles, Ca) on 11/17/2010
1ST.- FOR UTI TAKE A SHOT OF APPLE CIDER VINEGAR WHEN YOU FIRST START FEELING IT COMING ON. IT'S HARD TO KEEP DOWN BUT IT WORKS. ANYTIME I FEEL A UTI COMING ON A TAKE A SHOT AND IF IT'S REALLY BAD I TAKE TWO IN A ROW. I USE TO HAVE TO TAKE A LOT OF MEDICATIONS FOR UTI AND THEY NEVER KEPT IT AWAY. THIS DOES!
2ND- YEAST INFECTIONS:STOP EATING ALL SUGAR! CARBS ANYTHING WITH YEAST IN IT! AND NOT FOR A COUPLE OF DAYS BUT LIKE 3 WEEKS OR SO. ALSO DRINKING THE APPLE CIDER VINEGAR HELPS WITH YEAST INSIDE YOUR STOMACH. IF YOU KEEP GETTING THEM. I HAVE BEEN TESTED FOR EVERYTHING AND NOTHING IS WRONG WITH ME BUT FOR SOME REASON I STILL GET THEM. IT'S BECAUSE I NEVER REALLY GOT RID OF THEM TO BEGIN WITH. AFTER YOU GET RID OF IT TRY USING SOME OVER THE COUNTER MEDICATION LIKE ONCE A WEEK JUST TO KEEP IT AT BAY. AND I AM GOING TO TRY THE GARLIC THING AFTER I GO TO THE STORE. I HERD THE GARLIC GEL TABS ARE GOOD TO USE ALSO. SO I WILL LET YOU KNOW HOW THAT WORKS.
3RD- BV THIS IS MY BIGGEST PROBLEM TO DATE. I CAN'T GET RID OF THIS AND IT'S KILLING ME. IT HURTS I AM BLOATED AND IN PAIN. AND THE SMELL ISN'T BAD RIGHT NOW BUT IT HAS BEEN BEFORE. FORGET ABOUT HAVING SEX.. WHAT IS THAT... I JUST GOT DONE THE GEL STUFF FROM THE DR ONLY HELPED WHILE I TOOK IT TWO DAYS LATER AND I AM BACK IN PAIN AND IT MADE ME HAVE GIANT WHITE SPONGY DISCHARGE TOTALLY FREAKED ME OUT.. I HAD TO GET IT OUT WITH MY FINGER. I THOUGH IT WAS A YEAST INFECTION BUT IT WASN'T DR FORGOT TO TELL ME THIS. THANK GOD ANOTHER GIRL WROTE ABOUT IT AND NOW I AM NOT SO SCARED OR FREAKED OUT. I STARTED TAKING LIVE Acidophilis IT'S LIKE YOGURT BUT NOT.. THIS IS WHAT I AM GOING TO START TAKING EVERYDAY AND I WILL LET EVERYONE KNOW IF THIS WORKS OR NOT. FOLIC ACID AS HIGH OF A DOSE AS I CAN FIND, B12 COMPLEX TABLET WHICH DISSOLVES 5,000MG TAKE TWO PILLS 2 TIMES A DAY AND IT ALSO HAS FOLIC ACID IN IT. VITAMIN C, LIVE ACIDOPHILIS PILLS 3 TIMES A DAY FOR AS LONG AS IT TAKES. I AM GOING TO TAKE GARLIC PILLS TO KEEP YEAST OUT OF MY SYSTEM AS WELL.
THIS IS A FIGHT I HAVE BEEN PUTTING OFF FOR YEARS. I LOVE SUGAR AND CARBS AND TO DRINK ONCE IN A WHILE. PLUS I JUST QUIT SMOKING WHICH CAN ALSO CAUSE YEAST PROBLEMS. LADIES IT IS UP TO US TO TAKE CARE OF OURSELVES THESE STUPID DRS HAVE TO GIVE US THIS BAD MEDICATION BECAUSE ITS THE LAW OR SOMETHING. WE HAVE TO STAY STRONG AND SUPPORT EACH OTHER IN THIS FIGHT. IF MEN ONLY COULD UNDERSTAND WHAT WE HAVE TO GO THROUGH. IT'S HELL... HOPE TO FIND ALL OF YOU IN GOOD HEALTH. KEEP WRITING AND DON'T GIVE UP HOPE ON YOURSELF AN THE FIGHT WE ALL HAVE WITHIN OURSELVES TO EAT RIGHT AND TAKE CARE OF OURSELVES.
Boric Acid
Posted by Betsy (Deridder, Louisiana) on 11/02/2010
Yes Boric Acid! Just remember your partner can carry the yeast and give it right back to you.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Posted by Annie (St Thomas, Vi) on 10/10/2010
I have used hydrogen Peroxide for yeast infections. As soon as I get an itchy feeling, I apply it to my vagina. It works fast. I have not used Monistat for over a year.
Boric Acid
Posted by Analoggal (Rancho Cordova, Ca) on 10/07/2010
Try putting vitamin E oil on your privates before inserting the capsule. I read to do that if your itchy and sore "down there". I just bought some Boric acid myself and will also apply the vitamin E oil. Can't wait to get rid of my yeast infection. Hope this info helps! :)
Boric Acid
Posted by Izzy (St. Louis, Mo, United States) on 10/01/2010
What can I use to alleviate the pain and irritation from my vulva, I am getting rid of a yeast infection, it seems like the soreness and irritations are persisting, I am using boric acid, I read that you have to keep using it which I will but the itching vulva is driving me mad!
Apple Cider Vinegar and Salt
Posted by Cb (Telluride, Co) on 09/30/2010
★★★★★
I am so grateful to all these posts about the organic Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) remedy for the Yeast infection. First, in the morning, my lover suggested a warm salt water douche, which I did once with a turkey baster. Next he went online and read all these posts and I drank a 1/2 cup of the diluted in water ACV (yuck! ). Almost immediately the itching stopped. That evening, I used a turkey baster as well and did the ACV with water and salt. Except for the leakage (I needed to sit on the toilet for awhile to let it all run out :-)) it worked perfectly. No more itching. I will never buy the yucky over the counter goop again!!! Thank you all.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Supermom (Rathdrum, Idaho) on 09/23/2010
★★★★★
I got my first yeast infection a month ago and went right down to the drugstore for the "one day treatment. " It got rid of my yeast infection all right- but It gave me the worst cramps I've ever had and I sufferred some intense nausea. Was it worth it? Heck yeah! I think we can all relate to wanting to grind up on some sandpaper and not being able to! LOL- anyhow, this dreaded curse has returned so I tried the Apple Cider Vinegar. I took a bath first, then when I got out I locked the bathroom door, laid down on a towel and basically just doused my goods with the vinegar. I did not dilute- I just wanted to get straight to the issue! Boy- it BURNED, but only for about 30 seconds, after that I felt an almost soothing warmth. I will keep it up for a few days to make sure I've killed it and not just angered it. But so far, so good! Keeping my fingers crossed. Feeling human again right now :)
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Nickie.. (Memphis, Tn) on 09/21/2010
Hello ladies! I have been getting a yeast infection after my cycle for about five months now. Myself and can you believe it, so have my sisters.. Anyway it makes me want to slide down a wooded fence with bricks on the end.. Lol anyway ACV has helped so much.. I was sick of going to the doctor to make there pockets bigger and my pockets smaller prescribed the same medicine and still no relief.. Thanks for your post may god bless us all..
Yogurt
Posted by Kim (New York, Usa) on 09/17/2010
★★★★★
I just wanted to confirm (for any doubters out there) that after two cool, soothing applications of plain yogurt, my burning yeast infection is definitely gone. I applied one more teaspoon for good measure this morning. I used plain, organic Greek yogurt with five live active cultures. And one more observation: only loose clothes for me from now on, mainly skirts instead of trousers! Yeast loves the warm, airless places that tight trousers provide. No more!
Boric Acid
Posted by Elusia (Boston, Ma) on 09/16/2010
★★★★★
I'm in my mid-30's and suddenly got a raging yeast infection about a month ago. Actually, it wasn't really suddenly - I think I'd had a low-lying infection for about 18 months because I was having terrible rectal itching at night (or itchy butt syndrome as folks here like to call it! ). Finally it turned into the real thing, and I was trying everything - oregano oil, coconut oil, the Monistat 7-day treatment. Nothing worked. So, I went off all carbs and have been eating only veggies and chicken/turkey and eggs. I also started taking high potency probiotics (50 billion/capsule, 2 capsules am and pm). And I added in the boric acid - 1 600 mg (00) pill that I fill myself with the powder I got from my compounding pharmacy. I've been doing it every night for 9 nights and plan to keep on doing it for 5 more. I also went out and bought all cotton panties. My goal has been to rid myself of this wretched thing before I get married next weekend and head to Hawaii for 2 weeks. I was determined to kick this thing before then - and so far it's worked. I'm not up all night because of the itching - in fact the itching is gone completely. I'm not ready to claw myself to pieces after intercourse. And no more discharge. I'm a happy gal after finding this site. Thanks to you all for giving me a happy honeymoon!
Yogurt
Posted by Kim (New York, Usa) on 09/16/2010
★★★★★
God bless the Earth Clinic! I was a bit desperate today, leaving for work and realizing I had my yearly yeast infection - burn, burn. As soon as I got to my computer, I researched the remedies here, and once I found the plain yogurt therapy, zoom! I dashed out to buy a small carton of plain yogurt (organic). I applied a teaspoonful up the canal with a finger, and ah! Relief! What a brilliant cure. I will continue this for a few days. Last year, I tried using ACV, and that also worked, but the yogurt is so soothing. I just love this web resource: thank you for being there!
Coconut Oil
Posted by Addie (Queens, Ny) on 09/01/2010
I suffer from recurring yeast infections and would like to know which oil would be best to use.. I've heard that coconut oil is great but not sure. Please help.
Garlic
Posted by Maria (Cape May, Nj, Usa) on 08/25/2010
On Monday night, I tried the garlic remedy, inserting a freshly peeled clove of garlic vaginally. The next morning, the itching had almost completely subsided. I did notice the tiniest light pink trace of blood when I wiped after peeing last night, but there was no pain and I didn't think much of it (I am expecting my period within the week or so). I repeated the process last night. This morning, I noticed that though the itching hasn't returned, the area is a little tender to the touch when I wipe after peeing I am spotting. There is still very little but more blood. I asked my partner to take a look and he says I look red and "raw". I know that some folks are very sensitive to the garlic's juice and that's why it's advised not to nick or slice the clove while peeling. I've been threading the cloves with a needle to make them easier to remove in the mornings. Could this be the reason I am having this effect? Has anyone else had this reaction?
Yogurt
Posted by London (Sandusky, Ohio) on 08/08/2010
Actually inserting plain yogurt in your vagina is a disaster, don't do it!! I did it 3 times over the course of years of struggling with this, and it made things WORSE everytime. However consuming yogurt is awesome. Eat lots and lots of yougurt and take a good probiotic. I make my own yougurt, and by eating alot of it, (and its wonderful and tastes better to make your own) I keep things at bay
Garlic
Posted by Galadriel (Manchester, England) on 08/02/2010
★★★★★
A great tip that works straight away for vaginal thrush: Take a garlic clove, thread it with a needle and insert the clove overnight or longer. Pull out as if it were a tampon. This is a bit unusual but works miracles.
Yogurt, Garlic, ACV
Posted by Marica (Clearwater, Florida) on 07/24/2010
★★★★★
I had a YI for several months. I tried most everything here and it helped temporarily. Acidophilus worked well but what really worked was witch hazel used topically and internally as a douche. I did this for a week and have not had a YI for years now. Witch Hazel has been around for a very, very long time and people just don't know about all its uses. Try it you will like it.
Acidophilus
Posted by Sheryn (Milwaukee, Wi) on 07/15/2010
Caralyne from NY, NY who noticed that every time she had sex with her boyfriend she'd get a yeast infection: while it's entirely possible he was passing it back and forth. . . If you were using lubricant for sex, that might also be the culprit. Most drug-store brand lubricants are thickened with glycerin, which is a sugar. And if it's flavored. . . That's usually even MORE glycerin. Yeast loves the stuff, so if you're prone to yeast infections, and notice that you get itchy after sex, you might want to check the label and find yourself a water-based lube that doesn't have glycerin in it.
Ted's Remedies Feedback
Posted by Tiffany (New Orleans, La)
★★★★★
NIACINAMIDE 500 MG PER DAY ..& MAGNESIUM CHLORIDE 200 MG PER DAY..CURED ALL OF MY VAGINAL PROBLEMS..AMEN..THANK YOU TED!!!!! NO BULL CRAP IT WORKS AND IS 1000 TIMES BETTER THAT BORIC ACID..TAKE MY ADVICE A SUFFERER OF OVER 10 YEARS...
Boric Acid
Posted by Pneumatikos (Carmel, Indiana) on 06/27/2010
★★★★★
Boric Acid has been recommended by doctors for years and has worked well for me. I bought the medical grade powder from a seller on Ebay and used a teaspoon in 8 ounces of water for douche. It does have a drying effect so I use virgin coconut oil to keep moist because it is antifungal.
Boric Acid kills roaches because it dehydrates them when they ingest it. Since I'm not eating or drinking it, I don't see a problem.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Katie (Austin, Tx) on 06/19/2010
★★★★★
ACV ROCKS its a YEA for me. Ok ladies, I have had a yeast infection that lasted about 5 weeks, went away, then came back with the same vengeance 2 1/2 weeks later. My yeast infection was spread through my legs, lower back, belly and of course entire vaginal/anal area.It was red, swollen and so itchy i wanted to itch my skin off. It was MISERABLE. Went to the doctor (stupid quack) and she just gave me Nystatin twice. and mine was so bad!!! she just acted like it was not big deal. anyways thank god for this site. Heres what I did:
first of all, an ice pack does help
Acidophilus (3 pills at a time 2-3 times a day with meal).
Swallowed two cloves of garlic a day ( tea or crush it or chop it up like pills and swallow with water).
ACV bath with 1 and 1/2 cups ACV and luke warm water once a day for first 2 days(or to soothe irritation when needed)for about 20-25 min.
Douche with 2 tblspns of ACV and 1-1 1/2 cups water (internally it wasnt that bad for me)-this stung just a tiny bit for a few minutes and it was my first douche. I would do this twice a day for a week to be sure.
2 tbsps of ACV with water once a day.
ACV on cotton balls applied directly to rash whenever irritated(it stings a minute but it is WORTH IT just gradually start with the bikini line and see what you can handle, it helps SOOOO much on legs too)
I also after making sure i was CLEAN AND DRY down there applied desitin to keep it dry while i was at work. (desitin seals out moisture) this helped me get through my the first two days.
I started with all of this 2 1/2 days ago, and it immediately gave me temperary relief right away,70% relief after the first day and 90-95% the second. I will continue all these things for at least a week to be sure my body is back in balance. If yours was as bad as mine it is so important to continue treatment internally (digestive or whatever) for a few weeks to make sure it stays gone. I will continue taking acidopholis regularly from now on.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Posted by Zanny (New York, NY) on 06/07/2010
★★★★★
so....I inserted the yogurt for about a week and that didn't cure the extreme itchiness. On day 5 I decide to try the hydrogen peroxide. I did 1 teaspoon of the hydrogen peroxide and 1 cup of warm water, stirred it up and filled a baby medicine dropper with the mix. Inserted that. It did sting a little and I was concerned and I also didn't feel well all day. BUT it went away. Results were almost immediate. I don't know if it is safe and I hope I never have to do it again.
Important to note; I did get my period back after trying this. I am not sure if it is because of the hydrogen peroxide or if it is due to my thyroid issues. If you experience spotting as well, this may be a bad idea to do and you should see your doctor instead.
Tea Tree Oil
Posted by Eve K (Houston, Texas Usa) on 06/08/2010
Tea tree oil suppositories are available in the US at some natural health food stores usually in the homeopathic aisle.
Tea Tree Oil
Posted by Anaïs (Paris, France) on 06/06/2010
★★★★★
Tea tree oil helps for yeast infections, both as prevention and early-stage cure. For prevention, simply apply a few drops on the bikini area after washing morning and evening. If you notice the first signs of a yeast infection, take a tampon, apply a few drops of olive oil, or almond oil, or best of all St John's wort oil (which has soothing properties) on the tip. This will render it less absorbant. Then add 2-3 drops of Tea tree oil and insert the tampon for the night. You can do this again in the morning. If the infection is caught relatively early, works like a charm! Better than garlic, yoghurt, ACV - at least, in my experience.
Coconut Oil
Posted by Sue (Boston, Ma, Usa) on 05/29/2010
★★★★★
I'm in my twenties and like most women have had my share of yeast infections. I don't like to take medication anymore and a couple months ago I had a bad infection. In the past I have tried numerous methods like the yogurt tampon, ACV and this past time I first tried the garlic clove and that actually made things worse! I then read about how a few people had success with taking coconut oil for yeast infections. I've used coconut oil for various health reasons in the past but never took it consistently. I luckily had some on hand so before bed I immediately ingested 2 tablespoons mixed with OJ( tastes like candy!) The next morning, my yeast infection felt 50% better after just a couple spoonfuls of CO. I continued to take it for a few more nights and it knocked the infection right out. I couldn't believe it. I was so happy!! I would highly recommend ingesting coconut oil if you have a yeast infection. It really works and I've already told several women about this awesome remedy!
Yogurt, Garlic, ACV
Posted by Eggy (Toronto, Ontario, Canada) on 05/26/2010
I tried all 3...for me, inserting a garlic clove, made the rawness and itching worse, as for the ACV, it did get rid of the itching, but it burned like a mother f'--r! I felt the ACV just numbed the pain out, but the rawness of the rash was still there. The only thing that seems to work for me is the plain yogurt. It seems to calms down the itching, and relives the rawness and swelling. I took a turkey baster and about 1/2 cup of the yogurt and shot it on up there! Also used the yogurt externally too. I think it's a trial and error thing for an individual, the only way you'll know what will work on your body, is by trying out all 3 either in combo, or separately. I can't say that Yogurt has cured me, but it has temporarily subsided the yeast infection aggravation.
Apple Cider Vinegar and Salt
Posted by Sarah (Woodstock, Ga) on 05/25/2010
I have not tried the baking soda myself, but I would be cautious about that since it is very alkaline, and thus would create a good environment in the vagina for the yeast to grow. The reason ACV is so effective is because it changes the pH of the vagina back to acid, where the yeast cannot survive.
Monistat Reactions
Posted by Ssh (Atlanta, Ga) on 05/15/2010
ive been to the doctor. monistat just does not work for me.
