Before we talk about using coconut oil for yeast infection, we should know first what is a yeast infection, what are the symptoms, then how to treat it?
Yeast infections are common fungal infections that can occur on the skin, in the mouth, in the breasts of breastfeeding mothers, or in the vagina.
What is a yeast infection
Yeast infection is caused by a type of fungi known as yeast, a single-cell organism that exists throughout the environment.
Most of the time, your body can be infected with this fungus without any problems. However, if your immune system is compromised or you are taking antibiotics, you may come down with a yeast infection in any damp, soft part of your body.
Thrush is yeast infections of the mouth, while people with vaginas can be called vaginal yeast infections or vaginitis.
Treatment of yeast infections, in general, requires antifungal medications. In a lot of cases, treatment is simple and easy and the yeast infection clears up right away.
In some cases, you may need to use stronger prescription medications or complete multiple courses of treatment to completely resolve your symptoms.
Why Do People Use Coconut Oil for Yeast Infection
Although there are several over-the-counter yeast infection treatments available, yeast infections can still be tricky to get rid of.
For some women who have a particularly treating vaginal microbiome, some of the more conventional yeast infection medications might even promote bacterial vaginosis and other conditions, leading to a tricky cycle of illness and infection.
There's a harmonious mix of bacteria and yeast, Within a healthy vaginal ecosystem, this balance can be thrown off from things like the overgrowth of certain types of fungus, or when the fungus moves deeper into the vaginal cell layers.
This can happen for all types of reasons, ranging from taking antibiotics to pregnancy, increasing estrogen levels, or even a weakened immune system.
The reason for suggesting coconut oil for yeast infection treatment is that coconut oil is known to have antifungal properties.
This is proved that most vaginal yeast infections are caused by a fungus called Candida albicans. There isn’t a lot of research available that looks into the effectiveness of coconut oil for yeast infection treatment, but in one study, coconut oil was shown to be effective as an antifungal agent against Candida albicans.
More research is needed before we can definitively say coconut oil can be effective in treating yeast infections.
Coconut oil for yeast infection in the mouth
At room temperature, unlike most oils, coconut oil is a relatively thick solid. When a person uses coconut oil for yeast infection in the mouth, they should do the following:
-
In the microwave melt the coconut oil for a few seconds.
-
When it is cool to not burn the skin, swish in the mouth for about 30 seconds.
-
Spit out the coconut oil.
-
After that Avoid eating or drinking for half an hour.
Coconut oil for Yeast Infection on the skin
If a yeast infection infects the surface of the skin, coconut oil can be applied much like an OTC or prescription cream. A person should apply a small amount onto the affected areas, including in creases or folds.
Coconut oil for yeast infection in the vagina
If you've not had a yeast infection, count yourself among the lucky people. Yeast infections are a commonly surprising condition, affecting somewhere around 70-75 percent of women at least once in their lifetime.
Unfortunately, 40-50 percent of women will go on to recurrence, as well.
If you’ve had a yeast infection, there’s a solid chance you were willing to try nearly anything to relieve the itching, burning, and other uncomfortable sensations that came along with it.
Because of any hard-to-reach area, treating a vaginal yeast infection with a topical cream can be a bit more challenging. Many Traditional methods come with an applicator designed to put the medicine where it will work.
Coconut oil does not have such convenience. However, a suggested workaround is to lightly coat the tampon with coconut oil, the coconut oil is directly applied to the infected site, By inserting the tampon.
Before applying coconut oil vaginally, a woman should check with her doctor.
What is coconut oil
Coconut oil is a fatty oil found in the white pulp of the coconut, the oil is said to have many health benefits, including:
- Aid in digestion
- Boosting metabolism
- Decreasing seizures
- Decreasing hunger
In addition to that, according to some research, coconut oil has antibacterial and antifungal effects; so we can use coconut oil for yeast infection treatment.
What is the nutritional value of Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is rich in various ingredients that are beneficial for health, It is one of the abundant sources of saturated fat.
Capric acid, caproic acid, caprylic acid, myristic acid, and lauric acid present in coconut oil help in treating and curing several problems and health issues.
MCFAs present in coconut oil is easier to digest, not readily stored as fat, and have antimicrobial and antifungal properties.
They are smaller in size, thus allowing easier cell permeability for immediate energy. These MCFAs are processed by the liver, allowing immediate conversion to energy instead of being stored as fat.
Does Coconut Oil for Yeast Infection Treatment work
Gynecologists have different thoughts as to whether coconut oil can be used to treat a yeast infection.
Coconut oil can kill yeast and can be used to treat vaginal yeast infections, According to Gersh.
“Coconut oil is a fatty acid that has powerful antimicrobial, anti-parasite, antiviral, and antifungal properties, “In other words, it can kill various bacteria, viruses, parasites, and certain species of yeast.”
But Gaither is not pure coconut oil is an effective agent in this way.
“There is no available confirmatory research indicating coconut oil as an effective methodology for treating vaginal yeast infections,” she says.
She explains that while yes, coconut oil does have antifungal properties, the strength of its antifungal properties may not be enough to excise a vaginal yeast infection.
She adds that coconut oil could also alter the vaginal microbiome in a way that increases someone’s risk for other vaginal infections.
“It’s best to ask your doctor to verify that a yeast infection is the correct etiology, and prescribe effective antifungal treatment to eradicate the monilial infection,” she says.
Gersh also cautions that coconut oil shouldn’t be used for treating yeast infection in recurrence, Additionally among women who are pregnant, as there isn’t sufficient safety data available on this.
You should always verify that you have a yeast infection before using this treatment.
How can we use Coconut oil for yeast infection
Coconut oil seems to act on an antifungal infection both in the lab and in people.
You can gently rub a thin layer of coconut oil for yeast infection to the site of the infection.
This may help in killing off some of the yeast and may soothe irritated, uncomfortable dry skin, allowing it to heal.
Side-Effects & Allergies of Coconut Oil
There are also a lot of negative side effects of using coconut oil for yeast infections.
They include acne breakout, diarrhea, cause intestinal distress, and allergies. It may also result in severe heart problems if used for prolonged durations.
When do you have to See a Doctor
Yeast infections should heal within a few days of treatments.
If it seems to be getting worse or you’re still experiencing symptoms of yeast infection after several days of treatment, see your doctor. You may need a stronger course of medication if the infection is serious or spreading.
Summary
Unless antifungal medicines are working, there is also a chance that your infection may not be a yeast infection, but something more serious that will need antibiotics.
Read more about:
Natural Remedies For Yeast Infection
Natural Cures For Yeast Infection
You must be logged in to post a comment.