Content

• Steps
• Method 1 of 3: Treating Symptoms at Home
• Method 2 of 3: Seeing a doctor
• Method 3 of 3: Preventing fungal infections
• Tips
• Warnings

With fungal infections (candidiasis or thrush), irritation often occurs, the nature and amount of discharge changes, and inflammation of the vagina and vulva occurs. In 3 women out of 4, thrush developed at least 2 times in life. If you don't feel like using medications to treat a fungal infection, you can try treating your symptoms at home. It is also important to know how to prevent the development of a bacterial infection in the future.Remember that the most effective way to cure an infection is to see a doctor and take the full course of treatment with the prescribed drug.

Attention:the information in this article is for informational purposes only. Before using any methods, consult your doctor.

Steps

Method 1 of 3: Treating Symptoms at Home

1. 1 Take a warm bath. You can try to treat the symptoms of a fungal infection with warm trays. This will help reduce discomfort in the intimate area.
   • You can use a sitz bath or a basin large enough to submerge your buttocks and thighs in the water. These baths are different from hot tubs or jacuzzis.
   • Do not sit in the bath for more than 15-20 minutes. If you sit longer, the infection will not go away any faster.
2. 2 Make a cool compress. Another option to relieve symptoms of infection is to apply a cool compress to your lower abdomen or vagina. This should help relieve symptoms. Hold the compress until you feel relief and the soreness subsides.
   • Change the compress periodically to keep the intimate area clean.
3. 3 Don't rub the affected area. And while a fungal infection may cause your intimate area to itch and remind you of yourself, you should try not to rub it. Do not rub or scratch this area, otherwise you will only aggravate the course of the disease. Instead, try other ways to deal with unpleasant symptoms.
   • If your intimate area itches too much, see your doctor.
4. 4 Try boric acid suppositories. Boric acid is a good home remedy for treating fungal infections as it has antifungal and antiseptic properties. Boric acid also helps prevent fungal growth. It is better to use boric acid in the form of suppositories, injecting them into the vagina twice a day for 1 week.
   • Do not, under any circumstances, apply boric acid powder to your skin or genitals, as it can cause severe irritation. Do not take boric acid by mouth as it is fatal.
   • Use boric acid suppositories only for 5-7 days. If symptoms persist, see your doctor.
   • You can find boric acid suppositories at the pharmacy. Check with your pharmacist which drug you need to buy to treat a vaginal infection.
5. 5 Eat more yogurt or use probiotic suppositories. Probiotics help maintain vaginal bacterial balance and prevent the growth of dangerous bacteria. You can eat 1 cup (240 ml) of yogurt fortified with Bifidobacteria or insert a probiotic suppository into your vagina to help fight fungal infections.
   • Probiotics are found in natural yoghurts, kefir, fermented baked milk and other fermented milk products. Such products can be bought at the store, but be sure to carefully study the composition on the label and make sure that the selected product contains live bifidobacteria and lactobacilli. You can also prepare these foods yourself using starter cultures.
   • Preparations for the restoration of vaginal microflora in the form of suppositories can be purchased at the pharmacy.
   • Do not apply yogurt or fermented milk products directly to the labia or vagina. Use only suppositories for about 5-7 days. If symptoms persist, see your doctor.

Method 2 of 3: Seeing a doctor

1. 1 See your doctor if your condition does not improve. If you notice that your condition is getting worse despite home remedies, see your doctor as soon as possible. This is especially important if you are pregnant or have a fungal infection for the first time.Also, see your doctor if you are not sure if this is a fungal infection or if you have other symptoms, because this can cook about another disease.
   • If you have an uncomplicated fungal infection, you may experience symptoms such as itching and burning in the vagina or at the opening of the vagina (vulva). A burning sensation can occur when urinating or during sex. You may notice a thick, white, odorless discharge.
   • If the yeast infection is complicated, symptoms may be more severe and include swelling and severe itching, leading to cracks and sores in the vaginal area. The infection can occur four times a year or more.
2. 2 Take the necessary tests, which will be prescribed by your doctor. At the appointment, your doctor will ask questions about your medical history, such as how long have you been experiencing symptoms of infection. The doctor will examine the pelvic area and look for signs of infection, and the doctor may also examine the vagina and cervix using a speculum.
   • In addition, the doctor may take a sample of the discharge to determine which type of fungus is causing the disease.
   • Your doctor may ask if you do douching and if you have had similar problems or other gynecological conditions in the past. Ask your doctor about how to avoid future vaginal yeast infections.
3. 3 Talk to your doctor about treatments. Your doctor will recommend several treatments for the infection, depending on your symptoms. If you have an uncomplicated fungal infection, then your doctor may prescribe an antifungal drug in the form of a cream, ointment, tablets, or suppositories (suppositories). It takes 1 to 7 days to use such a drug to cure the infection.
   • Your doctor may also recommend a single dose of the drug or an over-the-counter medicine for fungal infections. A single dose of an antifungal drug can help fight an infection in a few days. Creams and suppositories are most commonly used during pregnancy and can help clear up an infection in 3-7 days.
   • If you have a complicated fungal infection and symptoms are acute, then the doctor will recommend a long course of vaginal therapy, when it is necessary to use drugs for 7 to 14 days in the form of a cream, ointment, tablets or suppositories.

Method 3 of 3: Preventing fungal infections

1. 1 Don't douche. Do not douche or wash your vagina by any means - wash only with clean running water. Soaps and other detergents can disrupt the natural pH level in the vagina.
   • You should develop a habit of washing your intimate and vaginal area after any sexual intercourse to prevent the proliferation of "foreign" bacteria in the vagina.
2. 2 Wear cotton underwear. Wear underwear made from breathable materials such as cotton to prevent the growth of fungi and bacteria in the vaginal area. Do not wear synthetic underwear and try not to wear tight tights or jeans. Be sure to immediately remove your swimwear after swimming and your sportswear after training.
   • Avoid wearing underwear if possible. For example, if you wear a long skirt without underwear, then the air will flow freely into the vagina, and this will significantly reduce the risk of developing infections.
3. 3 Take non-estrogenic contraceptive pills. The use of estrogen-based hormonal contraceptives leads to an increase in the number of fungi in the vagina, which increases the risk of infections. Ask your gynecologist which non-estrogenic methods of contraception (such as progestin-only drugs) you can use.
   • If you use condoms as a means of preventing unwanted pregnancies, then choose condoms that do not contain spermicides, as these substances can irritate the vagina.Also, use water-based lubricants (lubricants) to prevent irritation, which can disrupt the bacterial balance of the vagina.
   • Keep in mind that intrauterine devices (IUDs) are also associated with a higher risk of bacterial infections.
4. 4 Eat less sugar and processed foods. If you have high blood sugar, then you have a higher risk of developing fungal infections. Keep track of your sugar levels if you have diabetes and try to eat less processed foods and sugar. This can help prevent bacterial infections from developing.
   • Follow your doctor's recommendations to keep your blood sugar under control if you have diabetes.

Tips

• Always be sure to wash your hands thoroughly before and after manipulating the intimate area.
• See your doctor if any of the suggested treatments have had negative side effects.

Warnings

• If the proposed methods of treatment have had a negative effect, then immediately stop self-medication and consult a doctor.