Treating vaginitis

    We can call this a TMI Thursday post! If you're a woman, chances are you have had or at some point will suffer vaginitis (yeast infection). Around 75% of women will get them in their lifetime. Some women get them more frequently and about 5% of women will get them 4 times in one year! We all see the commercials for over the counter creams...the girl looks uncomfortable and in pain, feels gross itching, burning the whole deal. Then she's out smiling and looking great because she's used that companies cream, which is probably full of things you can't even pronounce. But it can be much much simple to get some relief, in a natural way. 

    Frequently yeast infections happen around your menstrual cycle or pregnancy. This is because they are usually caused by a change in hormonal balance. Something has disturbed the micro-organisms living in the vagina and that can lead to an overgrowth of candida. Candida feeds off of sugar so if you ever feel a yeast infection beginning, cut the sugar right away! Also avoid any bubble baths or extra soap on the area, the soap will dry your natural oils and make things worse. After eliminating the sugar in your diet, begin these few things to help wipe out the excess yeast. 

 

   Tea bag compress-tea contains tannin and it can help stop the itchy feeling. Soak your tea bags in hot water then allow them to cool. After they have cooled, apply them externally to the vaginal area and let it sit for a little. After doing this, sit for a few minutes and allow yourself to dry well. Yeast love a warm, moist environment so you don't want to cover yourself with any moisture from the tea. Getting plenty of air will help rid you of the yeast too. You can also put these tea bags in the refrigerator before applying, the cool will help constrict your blood vessels and help with inflammation. 

    Yogurt all around-you'll want to start eating yogurt right away. Best is to get plain yogurt and just mix some things in yourself, remember you don't want the commercial yogurts, they are packed with sugar, it'd be counterproductive. So a nice plain yogurt is best (add nuts and raisins for taste). In addition to eating the yogurt, you should also make some compresses with it. Cover a towel with some of the plain yogurt and sit it in the vaginal area for a bit (you will probably feel great relief from the cool temperature and the bacteria in the yogurt will help balance that bad bacteria). After this rinse off and dry completely. You can do this a few times throughout the day. 

    Cotton-it's best to wear natural cotton underwear if you're fighting a yeast infection. You may also sprinkle some cornstarch right in the crotch of them to keep the area dry. 

    If you are getting recurring yeast infections, you should talk to your doctor and see whats going on. Also if you aren't feeling relief in two to three days with doing these things, maybe give your doctor a call because there could be something more going on and you'll want to catch it before it gets out of hand. But certainly before you run out to buy the creams they sell you on the commercials, try some natural stuff, it can help much more helpful and at least you know what you're putting on yourself. 

~ Janet ✌