Almost one in four women at some point in their lives experience a yeast infection, and with several experiencing recurrent infections which also called candida candidiasis, occur when there is an imbalance of normally occurring candida yeast in the vagina. When yeast multiply, due to moist conditions or a pH balance change of the area, infection occurs. This infections are most prevalent in the vagina, but can also affect other areas such as the breast, mouth and lower abdomen areas.

Men can contract yeast infections also, but the majority of sufferers are women. Once diagnosed, vaginal infections commonly treated with medicated douches and vaginal suppositories. Women prone to recurrent vaginal yeast infections are able to recognize symptoms, self diagnose and pursue their own infection treatment options to help combat repeat infections.

The Culprits

Anything that imbalances the homeostatic relationship between healthy bacteria and yeast in the vagina can produce a yeast infection. Most often to blame are:

- Antibiotics. Antibiotics kill both good and bad bacteria and can upset the natural PH balance, encouraging candida bacteria to thrive and grow out of balance.
- Hormones. Unbalanced hormone levels can disrupt the natural bacterial balance. Pregnancy and oral contraceptives can also cause repeat yeast infections.
- Spermicides. Spermicides in condoms can cause yeast infections and nonoxynol-9 is linked to abnormal candida growth.

Clothing. Candida thrive in moisture-filled environments, so clothing that is tight, sweaty and dirty can trap in extra moisture. Wet bathing suits, poorly washed underwear and moisture trapping fabrics can all cause problems.

Chemicals. Irritants that contain perfumes, scents and dyes can all change the PH of the vagina and should be avoided in that delicate area. Scented bubble baths and soaps can help cause a yeast infection.

Weak Immune System and Sexual Transmission. Anyone with a weak immune system, such as HIV patients, can be prone to infection and candidiasis is actually an STI passed through sex.

Yeast Infection Treatment Options to Try at Home

Why choose a natural remedy first? Side effects to any over the counter drug are possible, and especially in the case of women with repeat yeast infections, over the counter antifungal drugs may lose their efficacy over time. There are several natural remedies to treat yeast infections naturally at home, especially if you are prone to infection and recognize the symptoms and wish to treat a mild infection in its early stages.

Yogurt - Lactobacillus acidophilus, bacteria found in yogurt, actually kills the candida yeast in the vagina and is one of the most popular and oldest natural candida killers used at home. Yogurt must be plain, unflavored and sugar-free. To get it there, soak a tampon in yogurt before applying or fill a tampon applicator with yogurt and apply it directly into the vagina.

Garlic - Garlic is a natural anti-bacterial substance that works wonders at fighting yeast infections. You can actually insert a whole peeled clove tied to a string into the vagina overnight. If you prefer, look for garlic capsules at your local health food store and choose a capsule that will dissolve into the vagina.

Tea Tree Oil - Is another effective home remedy and is widely used antiseptic and antifungal and is great at treating a spectrum of health problems. Coat a tampon with a lubricant and then with tea tree oil and insert directly into the vagina for a few hours.

Apple Cider Vinegar and Cinnamon Oil - An apple cider vinegar bath contains useful vinegar to wash away and kill yeast and cinnamon is a relatively unknown yeast fighter. Unfortunately, vinegar also stings when applied directly, so it should be mixed. Add a cupful to your bath, along with a cup of garlic oil and a cup of cinnamon oil or break up several cinnamon sticks for extra potency and an extra relaxing hot bath soak.

Oil of Oregano - A strong yeast and bacterial killer, apply a bit of lubricant and then soak some oil of oregano on the end of a tampon and insert. Dilute the concentrated oil with a bit of olive oil. Although highly effective, oil of oregano is not ideal for pregnant women.

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