While vaginal infections can be frustrating and uncomfortable, many try to find ways to soothe symptoms without a trip to the doctor by using home remedies. The appeal of home remedies for vaginal infections lies in their accessibility, affordability, and addressing them without shame in one’s own space. Safety, however, can be an issue as experts warn that you can exacerbate the problem by using products you’re not supposed to.
After experiencing a vaginal yeast infection, Azania Vilakazi from Heidelberg in Gauteng chose to try a home remedy first rather than seeking medical help due to being uncomfortable speaking about it.
“I didn’t know how to tell my mother that I had an infection, so I tried a home remedy I’d heard about first. I inserted raw garlic underneath and steamed it with it. After inserting the garlic, the rash that had appeared faded, but it didn’t stop the itching, so I decided to seek medical attention before causing any harm,” she shares.
“I experienced no negative effects from the home remedy, even though it is advised to not use the remedy regularly and instead consult a doctor or go to the nearest local clinic.”
Tried organic remedies
Enhle Zwide from Richard’s Bay in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) believes that home remedies are natural and based on organic products, and she has benefitted a lot from using them for vaginal health.
“Western medicine may affect the body as other mechanisms are added, so natural for vaginal health is the way to go. I have benefitted a lot from that.
“I’ve tried yoni steaming, also known as vaginal steaming, which uses organic herbs, and I heard about it from a Facebook friend. Now, I experience fewer pains and cramps when menstruating, and it hasn’t affected my health,” she says.
Siphesihle Dube from Tsakane in Gauteng highlights apple cider vinegar, plain yoghurt with cinnamon, greek yoghurt, probiotics, and tea tree oil as some home remedies to treat vaginal infections that she has tried and heard of.
“Personally, I noticed that it is safe to treat a yeast infection at home immediately because it doesn’t quickly spread or cause serious complications when treated,” says Dube.
“I usually soak it in lukewarm water or with white vinegar. I have benefitted a lot because, even when I’m on my period, I don’t have bad odours or strong pains. We should also stop using soap when washing our vagina because it can also cause infections or inflammation of the vagina. It’s best to drink a lot of water and avoid wearing tight clothes that can cause infection.”
Home remedies can lead to yeast infections
Women might try home remedies because they are either embarrassed or can’t afford to go to a doctor.
“Women may opt for home remedies to treat vaginal infections because they may be embarrassed to seek professional help,” says Dr Mama-Asu Koranteng-Peprah, a gynaecologist from Pietermaritzburg, KZN.
“Some may not have the means, funds, or access to get help immediately. We all try to treat ourselves before seeking help; that is normal. Often, professionals are consulted only when people have tried everything on their own and were not successful.”
However, Koranteng-Peprah underlines that using home remedies for vaginal infections may lead to persistent yeast infection with no relief because sometimes home remedies are not hygienic, and you can introduce additional infections into the vagina.
“Oral intake of home remedies is generally safe because they are everyday household products. You should avoid, by all means, inserting anything inside the vagina.”
Dr Mama-Asu Koranteng-Peprah
“The vagina has its own ecosystem and immune system. Yeast infection occurs when the ecosystem has been disturbed and irritated. Common causes are friction, cuts or tears to the vagina, tight underwear, soaps, and over-washing of the vagina. The vagina is a tight vacuum, and putting something inside compromises it.”
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