Do Home Remedies Actually Work for Yeast Infections?

A quick internet search calls up a treasure trove of home remedies for yeast infections, from apple cider vinegar to essential oils. But are these treatments actually effective? Are they even safe?

The short answer is: No on both counts. Ob/Gyn Kathryn Goebel, MD, explains why DIY yeast infection treatments are more trouble than they’re worth, and what to do instead.

Effective ways to treat a yeast infection

The best and safest way to treat a yeast infection is to see your healthcare provider or — if you know you have a yeast infection — to use an over-the-counter medication.

Dr. Goebel says there are lots of problems with treating a yeast infection with home remedies. “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 skin conditions can cause similar symptoms. So, it’s important to have a doctor confirm your diagnosis.

If you’ve had yeast infections before, and there’s no doubt that’s what you’re dealing with, Dr. Goebel says your best bet is medication:

• Fluconazole is a prescription pill that can treat most yeast infections with a single dose, though it might take a few days for symptoms to clear up.
• Miconazole is an over-the-counter topical cream. It comes in a variety of formulations, including one-day, three-day and seven-day options. The cream can be a little messy, but it can also bring faster itch relief than oral fluconazole does, Dr. Goebel notes.

What about home remedies?

Yeast infection home remedies are ineffective and unsafe. Stick with antifungal medications – they’re the only proven way to treat a yeast infection

So, back away from the baking soda bath and hand over the hydrogen peroxide. Your energy is better spent on prevention.

Ways to prevent yeast infections

The best ways to prevent yeast infections are often the simplest, too, from keeping your vagina clean and dry and caring for your microbiome to avoiding scented menstrual products and home remedies.

Dr. Goebel shares her do’s and don’ts for preventing yeast infections:

DO practice good hygiene

Yeast thrives in warm, dark and wet environments. Staying as clean and dry as possible can help prevent infections.

When it comes to cleaning your vulva (the skin surrounding the opening of the vagina), it’s best to keep it simple. Use warm water and soap that’s sensitive-skin friendly. Steer clear of harsh cleansers, douches, wipes and perfumes. The inside of the vagina does not need any soap or cleaning products.They can throw off your vaginal pH and disrupt the delicate bacterial ecosystem that keeps yeast levels in check.

Staying dry is as important as staying clean.

“Shower after exercise, avoid super tight clothing, don’t sit around in a wet bathing suit and don’t wear a pantiliner every day since it can trap moisture,” Dr. Goebel recommends.

DO pamper your skin

If your vulva is itchy or irritated, applying thick ointments like Vaseline® and Aquaphor® can provide a barrier against yeast and reduce discomfort.

Another tip? Don’t use scented or herb-infused menstrual products. They could cause itching, irritation and — yes — yeast infections.

DO consider pre- and probiotics

Pre- and probiotics contain healthy bacteria, which research suggests can help keep yeast levels in balance. Dr. Goebel says they’re safe for most people to try, since they occur naturally in so many foods.

Look for lactobacillus, the bacteria found in healthy vaginal flora. You’ll find it in yogurt and kefir with live active cultures, or in tablet or pill form. If you want your prebiotics and probiotics in a single pill or supplement, look for products labelled “synbiotics.”

A few notes of caution:

• Some people insert yogurt vaginally, but Dr. Goebel cautions against it. Even unsweetened yogurt has natural sugars, which can fuel yeast growth.
• The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate supplements. Only purchase synbiotics that are third-party tested to ensure quality and safety.

DON’T rely on vinegar

Some people believe adding vinegar to your bath can reduce your vaginal pH, making yeast less likely to grow. But there’s little evidence that it works. More importantly, it can cause burning or irritation.

And definitely skip a more, ahem, direct application. “Old-fashioned vinegar douches disrupt natural healthy bacteria and increase the risk of infections,” Dr. Goebel warns.

DON’T use baking soda

Baking soda baths are a popular home remedy for skin issues that cause itching and burning. But that doesn’t make them a good idea. You may get some temporary relief, but you risk drying out already-irritated skin. And if it gets inside your vagina, it could disrupt your vaginal flora, making the infection worse.

DON’T mess with hydrogen peroxide

It used to be common to clean out wounds with hydrogen peroxide — after all, it has antiseptic properties! But doctors no longer recommend applying it to your skin, much less douching with it.

Hydrogen peroxide may kill some of the fungal overgrowth and bacteria. But it will also destroy the good bacteria, leaving you more prone to infections. Dr. Goebel says it can also be painful.

DON’T put natural remedies in your vagina

The internet might tell you that putting coconut oil or garlic into your vagina will help clear up an overgrowth of yeast. Ditto for essential oil and vitamin E suppositories. But there’s no solid evidence for any of these DIY treatments.

That’s not the only reason it’s a bad idea. As Dr. Goebel notes, there’s also a decent chance you’ll cause burning and irritation. “Home remedies not only don’t work – they can make your symptoms worse,” she warns.

Final thoughts

Some unlucky women get recurrent yeast infections, meaning they get to deal with the symptoms four or more times a year. If that’s you, sitting in an apple cider vinegar bath might not sound so wacky. Anything to stop the discomfort, right?

Before you hit the grocery store in search of a DIY cure, Dr. Goebel urges you to see your provider. They can run tests to confirm you’re dealing with recurrent yeast infections — and figure out why.

“There are several health conditions and hormonal changes that can cause frequent yeast infections,” she explains. “Diagnosing and managing those conditions may be the best way to get you the relief you need.”