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What Vaginal Infection Cures are Available?

M.R. Anglin
M.R. Anglin

There are several forms of vaginal infection cures available, including oral medicines, creams, and suppositories, that can help alleviate the symptoms of vaginal infections, such as bacterial and yeast infections. Oral vaginal infection medications are often available through prescription, but many creams and suppositories are available over the counter. Natural remedies, such as yogurt and apple cider vinegar, also can be used as vaginal infection cures.

A bacterial infection of the vagina can be cured by prescription medication. Some of the most effective treatments are oral treatments. One of these, metronidazole, can be prescribed as a single dose or in several doses over seven days. It can be up to 95% effective, depending on the dosage. Another highly effective treatment, clindamycin, is up to 94% effective and is usually prescribed in several doses taken over a week.

Probiotic supplements help to alleviate symptoms of vaginal yeast infections.
Probiotic supplements help to alleviate symptoms of vaginal yeast infections.

Even though oral vaginal infection cures for bacterial infections are highly effective, doctors usually recommend creams for treatment in order to reduce side effects. For instance, oral metronidazole can cause nausea and vomiting, especially if a person drinks alcohol while taking it. Clindamycin, on the other hand, can leave the woman’s body in such a condition that a yeast infection is more likely to recur. One alternative treatment to oral medicines is metronidazole, available in cream form. This vaginal infection cure is up to 75% effective.

Some people use yogurt with live cultures internally or externally to treat vaginal infection.
Some people use yogurt with live cultures internally or externally to treat vaginal infection.

A yeast infection can also be cured orally, but doctors usually reserve oral medications for those who have a yeast infection that is being carried through the blood. Fortunately, there are many creams and suppositories available that can treat a vaginal yeast infection. Many of these treatments are available over the counter. Creams and suppositories are usually inserted into the vagina and may be required to be applied over several days. It is important for a woman to make sure she has a yeast infection before taking any medication in order to ensure she is using the right product to get rid of the infection.

Many vaginal infections are treated with medication administered through suppositories.
Many vaginal infections are treated with medication administered through suppositories.

There are also alternative remedies available as vaginal infection cures. The bacteria, lactobacilli acidophilus (L. acidophilus), can be used to help prevent bacterial and yeast infections from recurring. These bacteria can be taken in oral tablets and can help to restore the balance of healthy bacteria in the body. A person can also eat yogurt or milk that contains L. acidophilus. Boric acid suppositories may also be used to treat infections.

Other treatments that may be used as vaginal infection cures for yeast infections can include garlic, apple cider vinegar, and tea tree oil. In some cases, tampons can be soaked in these substances and inserted into the vagina in order to apply the treatments. Some also recommend inserting yogurt containing the appropriate bacteria into the vagina. Many times, these treatments are applied over several days until the infection clears up. Before trying any such remedies, it may be best to contact a doctor to ensure the infection will be properly treated.

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    • Probiotic supplements help to alleviate symptoms of vaginal yeast infections.
      By: womue
      Probiotic supplements help to alleviate symptoms of vaginal yeast infections.
    • Some people use yogurt with live cultures internally or externally to treat vaginal infection.
      By: Colinda McKie
      Some people use yogurt with live cultures internally or externally to treat vaginal infection.
    • Many vaginal infections are treated with medication administered through suppositories.
      By: Magalice
      Many vaginal infections are treated with medication administered through suppositories.