A vaginal yeast infection, while certainly not pleasant, is definitely not life-threatening. However, if you do have some sort of vaginal bacterial infection, such as bacterial vaginosis and NOT a yeast infection, that can be more serious.

Vaginal Yeast Infection versus Bacterial Vaginosis

So, what’s the difference? A bacterial infection can cause a dark yellow, green, or brown discharge, and will probably smell like fish or something rotting. A vaginal yeast infection usually causes a clear or white discharge (sometimes compared to ricotta cheese), and will actually smell like bread or beer, even though it’s a different species of yeast than baker’s/brewer’s yeast. Both bacterial and yeast infections can cause itching or burning sensations, so look to the other symptoms for clues.

This distinction is very important for treatment, because if you use an over-the-counter medication for something that is not a yeast infection, you might actually be making future yeast infections harder to get rid of, and you DON’T what that, do you?

Here’s a little-known fact. Contrary to popular belief, bacterial vaginosis is much more common than vaginal yeast infections, affecting from 10% to 64% of the female population at any given time.

You should also be on the lookout for a urinary tract infection (UTI), which, in addition to difficulty or painful urination, can cause fever, chills, pain or pressure in the lower back or abdomen, and blood or mucus in the urine. Again, this is a serious condition that you should have treated immediately.

Vaginal Yeast Infection Causes

The primary culprits are antibiotics in your system; non-cotton, tight, or otherwise dirty underwear; anything that upsets the chemical balance in or around the vagina, such as inks, dyes, soaps, douches, etc. (it’s probably not a good idea to use soap in or around the vagina); condoms with spermicidal lubricants, like nonoxynol-9; high levels of sugars in your diet (diabetics often have problems with yeast infections); hormonal changes, such as those brought on by pregnancy or birth control pills; irritation on the vaginal membranes; sexual activity with a yeast-infected partner; a weakened immune system; and even prolonged confinement to a wheelchair.

Vaginal Yeast Infection Home Remedies

So, what to do about your vaginal yeast infection? Your first course of action should be to see your obstetrician / gynecologist (OB/GYN). But if you’re dead set on trying your own remedy, here are some rather interesting home remedies that some people swear by.

DISCLAIMER: This is NOT medical advice! Use these methods at your own risk, and do your own research first.

• Unflavored, no-sugar-added yogurt containing live yogurt cultures, applied directly on, around, and just inside the vagina seems to be a home remedy of choice.
• A peeled clove of garlic, wrapped in gauze or cheese cloth, with some unwaxed dental floss attached for removal, or even a peeled garlic clove just inserted by itself (which makes for difficult removal later), is also a favorite.
• Teatree oil, applied to a lubricant-coated, non-applicator-type tampon, has also been suggested. In fact, teatree oil is also used for nail fungus treatment.

There are other remedies available, but this should give you a start, whether you prefer to see a doctor or treat your vaginal yeast infection yourself. Of course, not all of these treatments would be ideal for a male yeast infection, so some creativity is probably in order there.