When you have a yeast infection, your first thought is probably, “Ah, the itch!” Your second? “How do I get rid of this as fast as humanly possible?”
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A quick internet search calls up a treasure trove of trendy home remedies for yeast infections, from apple cider vinegar (ACV to those in the know) to essential oils. But are these treatments actually effective — or even safe?
Ob/Gyn Kathryn Goebel, MD, shares her advice for keeping the yeasty beasties at bay.
Right off the bat, Dr. Goebel spots a problem with treating yeast infections at home. “The biggest issue is that self-diagnosis of yeast infections is not very accurate, especially if you haven’t had one before,” she says.
Bacterial infections, allergic reactions and some skin conditions can cause similar symptoms, so it’s important to have a doctor confirm your diagnosis.
What if you’ve had yeast infections before, and there’s no doubt what you’re dealing with? Dr. Goebel says your best bet is actual yeast infection medication:
Some unlucky women (people assigned female at birth) get recurrent yeast infections, meaning they get to deal with the symptoms four or more times a year. If that’s you, the idea of sitting in an apple cider vinegar bath might not sound so wacky.
But what at-home remedies work and what should you avoid? Dr. Goebel shares her do’s and don’ts for treating and preventing yeast infections:
If you’re eager to hop on the latest trend, buy some new boots or dye your hair pink. But when it comes to treating yeast infections, tried-and-true remedies are your better bet.
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