A vaginal yeast infection is usually caused by a fungus called Candida albicans which is normally found in small amounts in the vagina.

It's estimated that three out of four women will have a yeast infection in their lifetime. Factors that contribute to vaginal yeast infection include pregnancy, diabetes, and the use oral contraceptives, steroids, and antibiotics. Yeast infection is also more common after menopause due to declining estrogen levels, which thin the vaginal walls.

Symptoms of vaginal yeast infection are

-- An unusual thick, odorless, whitish vaginal discharge
-- Unexplained pain during sexual intercourse
-- Uncontrollable itching and a burning sensation in the vagina and the skin surrounding the vagina (vulva).
-- Unexplained swelling of the vulva.
-- Burning sensation during urination.

If you suspect that you have vaginal yeast infection and it is the first time, it is advised that you visit your gynecologist and get it checked. It may be some more serious type of vaginal infection or vaginal inflammation such as trichomonas, or bacterial vaginosis.

Home Remedies for Yeast Infection

1) For non-vaginal yeast infections, you can apply garlic paste directly on the affected parts. This remedy is for other affected parts of the body and not for the vaginal yeast infection.

2) Another natural remedy for yeast infection is to peel a fresh clove of garlic and to enfold it in cheesecloth and tying it with unwaxed dental floss, similar to a tampon. It may be useful to leave a bit of the floss hang off so that you can use it to drag it out afterwards. Insert the tampon and leave it there for a some hours, or all night. Take away this in the morning

3) Mix well 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, 2 cups of normal water, and 1 clove of garlic. Let it rest for some time and you can douch with this combination. This is also good natural remedy for yeast infection.

4) Repeatedly daubing with apple cider give relief. Your can add some garlic to discontinue the itchy feeling; and water to dilute the vinegar concentration

5) Drink at least two glasses of buttermilk a-day, whether infected or not. In fact making curds a part of the daily diet in take reduces the probability of yeast infection.

6) Mix one tablespoon potassium sorbate in one cup of water and insert a tampon into the vagina and pour this solution inside to be absorbed by the tampon. Keep it in there during the night and continue this for several nights.

7) This is probably the most sticky and uncomfortable way of curing vaginal yeast infection, but it is said to work wonders. Take half a cup of honey into the bathroom. Pour a liberal amount of honey on all affected portions, while sitting on the toilet seat. Be seated this way for about 20 minutes. After this you can have a bath with warm water. Dry the vaginal area thoroughly using super absorbent paper. You will feel much better. Do this twice a day, morning and just before going to bed at night.

8) Drink at least two glasses of buttermilk a-day, whether infected by yeast or not. Making curds a part of the daily diet in take lessens the chance of yeast infection.

9) Coconut oil is good for you and it is available at any healh food store. You simply use it to cook food with, instead of other vegetable oils.

Don't bow down to the medical companies. Try a home remedy for yeast infections first. We have more home remedies for your empowerment here.