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How do I Choose the Best Vaginal Infection Remedy?

Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

The best vaginal infection remedy depends on the type of vaginal infection you have. Typically, bacterial infections and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) require a doctor’s evaluation. If you have this type of vaginal infection, a doctor will likely prescribe a medication for you. If you have a vaginal yeast infection, on the other hand, you may choose a remedy based on how quickly you want to treat it, the severity of the infection, and whether or not you feel comfortable trying natural remedies.

If you suspect that you have a vaginal infection, the best place for you may be a doctor’s office. Bacterial vaginal infections, including STDs, typically require a doctor’s diagnosis and treatment. You may find listings of home remedies for such infections on the Internet, but there is little proof that they work. In addition, prompt treatment for bacterial infections and STDs is usually critical. Leaving one untreated could cause serious damage to your health.

Eating plain yogurt might treat a vaginal infection.
Eating plain yogurt might treat a vaginal infection.

If you have been diagnosed with a yeast infection, you may have more choices when it comes to vaginal infection remedies. The same holds true if you were diagnosed with a yeast infection in the past and develop a new vaginal infection with the same symptoms. In most cases, you can obtain an over-the-counter vaginal infection remedy to treat a yeast infection on your own. Most drugs stores sell yeast infection medications that are inserted into the vagina right before you go to bed at night. They are typically capable of relieving symptoms in a week or less.

Dietary and lifestyle changes in combination with medication is the best remedy for yeast infections.
Dietary and lifestyle changes in combination with medication is the best remedy for yeast infections.

Over-the-counter remedies are available in cream and suppository form. Some people prefer the suppositories because they allow for a less messy application than the creams. Both, however, may cause some leakage from the vagina. Some women wear panty liners during treatment in an effort to deal with this. You may also purchase a yeast infection cream or lotion for treating itchiness and irritation in the area around the vagina.

A panty liner can absorb excess vaginal discharge.
A panty liner can absorb excess vaginal discharge.

In some cases, you may prefer an oral medication for the treatment of a vaginal yeast infection. For example, you may ask your doctor for a prescription vaginal infection remedy if you have a stubborn yeast infection or get yeast infections on a frequent basis. Unfortunately, however, oral antifungal medications are often associated with side effects, including possible liver damage. Alternatively, you may request a prescription-strength vaginal cream or suppository.

Many vaginal infections are treated with medication administered through suppositories.
Many vaginal infections are treated with medication administered through suppositories.

You may also consider natural remedies for treating a vaginal yeast infection. For example, you may try eating plain yogurt that contains active cultures to defeat yeast. Placing the yogurt in your vagina may prove helpful as well. Some people also recommend taking lactobacillus supplements or using garlic suppositories as a vaginal infection remedy.

Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

Nicole’s thirst for knowledge inspired her to become a WiseGEEK writer, and she focuses primarily on topics such as homeschooling, parenting, health, science, and business. When not writing or spending time with her four children, Nicole enjoys reading, camping, and going to the beach.

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Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

Nicole’s thirst for knowledge inspired her to become a WiseGEEK writer, and she focuses primarily on topics such as homeschooling, parenting, health, science, and business. When not writing or spending time with her four children, Nicole enjoys reading, camping, and going to the beach.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

bear78

@fify-- Natural vaginal infection treatments have done nothing for me. I tried yogurt, garlic, apple cider vinegar, douching, almost everything. What ended up working was an OTC vaginal cream. Don't waste your time and energy with remedies. I'm sure that they work for some people but if you need relief quickly, OTC creams work fast. My doctor even had my husband use the same exact cream while I was being treated so that we wouldn't pass the yeast back and forth between each other.

donasmrs

@fify-- What type of vaginal infection do you have?

If it's a bacterial infection, I urge you to see your doctor for antibiotics. It's not a good idea to mess around with bacterial infections as they can spread rapidly. Yeast infections need to be taken care of as well, but the chances of treating a yeast infection with natural remedies are greater. I'm not a doctor though. Even if you are going to use natural remedies, you should see your doctor first for a diagnosis and for treatment recommendations.

I was able to treat my yeast infection with natural remedies but I did many different things at the same time. I took probiotic supplements, ate yogurt and reduced carbs and sugars in my diet. Plain yogurt is harmless so you can eat as much as you want. The more, the better.

As for garlic, I don't think garlic does much for yeast infections. You're will probably get better results if you "douche" with plain yogurt. My sister did that and she said her yeast infection symptoms reduced greatly afterward.

fify

How much yogurt and garlic do I need to consume to treat a vaginal infection? Has anyone here treated her vaginal infection symptoms with these remedies?

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    • Eating plain yogurt might treat a vaginal infection.
      By: Colinda McKie
      Eating plain yogurt might treat a vaginal infection.
    • Dietary and lifestyle changes in combination with medication is the best remedy for yeast infections.
      By: Marin Conic
      Dietary and lifestyle changes in combination with medication is the best remedy for yeast infections.
    • A panty liner can absorb excess vaginal discharge.
      By: Art Allianz
      A panty liner can absorb excess vaginal discharge.
    • Many vaginal infections are treated with medication administered through suppositories.
      By: Magalice
      Many vaginal infections are treated with medication administered through suppositories.