Ask OB GYN Can You Use Coconut Oil for Yeast Infection?
- Why Coconut Oil?
- Does It Work?
- How To Use Coconut Oil For Yeast Infections
- Alternative Yeast Infection Treatment
If you have never had a yeast infection, count yourself among the lucky ones. Yeast infections are surprisingly common, affecting about 70-75 percent of women at least once in their lifetime. Unfortunately, 40-50 percent of women will continue to experience recurrence, too.1 If you have ever had a yeast infection, there is a strong possibility that you were willing to try almost anything to reduce itching, burning, and other discomforts. the emotions that come with it.
So if someone tells you (i.e., TikTok) that coconut oil can be used to treat yeast, can you try it? There are rumors that coconut oil can do that. So, to get to the end of this mystery, we have reached two OB / GYNs, Drs. Felice Gersh and Drs. Kecia Gaither. Continue reading to find out more about using coconut oil to treat or prevent yeast infections.
Why Do People Use Coconut Oil to Treat Yeast Disease?
Even though there are many treatments for yeast infection, yeast infections can still be difficult to eradicate. And for some women with a soft microbiome of the vagina, some common yeast infections may even promote bacterial vaginosis and other conditions, leading to a delicate cycle of illness and infection.
Within the healthy ecosystem of the vagina, there is a balanced mixture of bacteria and yeast, although this balance can be lost in such things as overgrowth of certain types of fungi, or when the fungus penetrates deep into the cells of the vagina. This can happen for a variety of reasons, from taking antibiotics, pregnancy, increased estrogen levels, or even a weakened immune system.2
The reason why coconut oil has been suggested as a treatment for yeast infections is that coconut oil is known to have antifungal properties. This is promising considering that most diseases of the vagina yeast are caused by a fungus called Candida albicans. There are no studies available to determine the effectiveness of coconut oil in the treatment of yeast infections, but in another study, coconut oil was shown to act as an anti-fungal agent against Candida albicans.3 Further research is needed before we can say that coconut oil can be effective in treating yeast infections.
Does Coconut Oil Really Work As a Treatment for Yeast Infections?
Gynecologists have different ideas about whether coconut oil can be used to treat yeast infection. According to Gersh, coconut oil can kill yeast and can be used to treat genital yeast infections.
He states: “Coconut oil is an oily acid that has strong antimicrobial, antiviral, anti-parasite, and antifungal properties. In other words, it can kill various germs, germs, bacteria and certain types of yeast. ”
But Gaither is not sure if coconut oil works this way. "There are no known studies that prove coconut oil is an effective treatment for genital herpes," he said.
He explains that although yes, coconut oil has antifungal properties, the strength of its antifungal properties may not be sufficient to eliminate private yeast infections. He added that coconut oil can also alter the microbiome of the vagina in a way that increases a person's risk for other vaginal infections.
"It is best to consult your healthcare provider to confirm that yeast infection is the right etiology, and to provide effective antifungal treatment to eliminate monilial infections," he said.
Gersh also warns that coconut oil should not be used to treat yeast infections in pregnant women, as there is not enough safety information available. In addition, he states that coconut oil should not be used for repeated yeast infections, and that you should always make sure you have yeast infection before using this treatment.
How To Use Coconut Oil For Yeast Infections
If you have a yeast infection and want to try coconut oil as a treatment, you have a few different options for doing this. Gersh recommends rubbing coconut oil on a clean tampon and inserting it into a woman's vagina. Otherwise, it can “be rubbed into the muscles again.” He suggests that you use coconut oil in this way at bedtime until your symptoms are gone.
Alternative (Most Proven) Ways To Treat Yeast Disease
There are many different ways to treat or prevent yeast infection. To prevent it, Gaither suggests ways such as increasing your intake of yoghurt, taking probiotics, and taking acidophilus pills. This "may work to reduce the chances of getting a yeast infection, by increasing the rate of Lactobacilli in the vagina" he explains. "Lactobacilli help prevent Candida from growing out of control." Other recommended treatments include bathing and changing after exercise instead of staying in the same clothes, not using fragrant products (including fragrant soap) in your private area, keeping your toilet dry and clean, and avoiding litter.2
Here are a few ways to treat yeast infections, according to our experts:
Anti-fungal medications, such as creams, suppositories, ointments, or pills. Some antimicrobials are available over the counter, while others are available only with a prescription.
- Tea tree oil suppositories
- Boric acid suppositories (taken 600 mg twice daily for two weeks)
- Lactic acid / lactulose suppositories
- Apple cider vinegar bath
- Oregano oil
- Reduce the amount of sugar in your diet
- Remember that you should always talk to your doctor before using any of these methods.