Key takeaways
- Plain yogurt containing Lactobacillus bacteria could help treat vaginal yeast infections by releasing hydrogen peroxide, which can kill Candida fungus. Candida fungus is what causes vaginal yeast infections.
- Evidence of yogurt’s effectiveness for vaginal yeast infections is inconsistent. Some studies show promising results, suggesting that yogurt can relieve symptoms and reduce yeast levels, while others report insignificant results. Anyone experiencing a yeast infection for the first time or who has symptoms that don’t improve should talk with a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment options.
- To use yogurt for a yeast infection, apply plain, unsweetened and unflavored yogurt to the vagina using a clean finger, or fill an unused tampon applicator. Do not use yogurt with added sugar, as sugar causes yeast to multiply and can worsen the infection.
Several types of fungus and bacteria can build up in the vagina.
Yeast is a type of fungus. Yeast infections develop when a subtype of yeast, called Candida, multiplies too much and grows in high levels.
While many medical approaches can help treat a yeast infection, some evidence suggests that applying yogurt to the affected area could also help.
Read on to learn the benefits and limitations of using yogurt for a vaginal yeast infection, plus tips on how to do it.
Anyone interested in this home remedy should use plain, natural yogurt that contains Lactobacillus bacteria. Yogurts that tend to have Lactobacillus include Greek-style yogurts. You can also check for phrasing like:
- “live” or “active” cultures
- “probiotics”
- the word “Lactobacillus” itself
- “L.” followed by the specific probiotic strain, such as “L. acidophilus,” “L. casei,” or “L. bulgaricus”
Getting the yogurt inside the vagina may be difficult, but the following strategies can help:
- Use a finger to insert one or more scoops of yogurt.
- Fill an unused tampon applicator with yogurt and insert the yogurt into the vagina using the plunger.
- Fill an unused tampon applicator with yogurt and store it in the fridge in a clean container. Later, insert the cold yogurt using the applicator’s plunger for cooling relief.
Other advice for using yogurt remedies includes:
- washing your hands thoroughly with soap and running water before and after applying yogurt
- using an underwear liner or pad to catch any yogurt that may pass out of the vagina again
- avoiding yogurts that are non-refrigerated or shelf-stable, or pasteurized after fermentation, as this can kill beneficial bacteria
- keeping the yogurt refrigerated
Some people prefer natural remedies for a yeast infection because:
- Home remedies can sometimes be more convenient and less expensive than a medical treatment.
- There are concerns about developing resistance to antifungal treatments, though this is
rare . - They have concerns about the possible side effects of antifungal treatments.
Yogurt could potentially help with yeast infections because it contains Lactobacillus bacteria. These bacteria live in the gut, urinary tract, and vagina without causing irritation, and are considered “good” bacteria as they can have health benefits, such as supporting immune function.
Another such health benefit of Lactobacillus bacteria is helping to maintain and restore the healthy balance of yeast and bacteria in the body, including in the vagina. Lactobacillus releases hydrogen peroxide, which kills Candida, and can help to stop a yeast infection.
Also, if the yogurt is cool, it may temporarily soothe itching or burning sensations.
However, more studies are needed to confirm the effectiveness of applying yogurt to the vagina for yeast infections. Read on to learn what the research says so far.
Research into the benefits and effectiveness of using yogurt for yeast infections is mixed.
A 2015 study of 70 women with vaginal Candida infections compared the effectiveness of the antifungal medication clotrimazole and applying yogurt and honey as a vaginal cream. The researchers reported that the yogurt and honey mixture linked to greater improvements in symptom relief than clotrimazole. However, there were no significant differences in yeast levels between the two treatment types 14 days after treatment.
A 2024 analysis of 25 clinical studies and 7 systematic reviews reported that probiotics, including Lactobacillus, showed positive but inconsistent effects in treating vaginal yeast infections. One review included in the analysis reported that administering yogurt to the vagina didn’t link to any significant improvements in vaginal yeast infections.
More up-to-date and high quality studies are needed to confirm the effectiveness of using yogurt specifically as a probiotic suppository, and compare its effectiveness to medical treatments.
Yogurt containing Lactobacillus may
Also, while yogurt may help, it may not provide relief as quickly or effectively as traditional antifungal treatments. In some cases, medical treatment may be necessary for a yeast infection and similar vaginal symptoms, and using home remedies can delay a person from getting the right diagnosis and effective care.
Vaginal yeast infections are common, treatable, and not usually a cause for concern.
However, it can be difficult to identify this infection — especially when experiencing it for the first time — as it can share symptoms with other conditions. This is why it is essential to receive a professional diagnosis. Also, a doctor can recommend different treatments if yeast infections develop often or do not improve with over-the-counter treatment.
A person should contact a doctor for diagnosis and possible treatment if:
- Home care or any prescribed treatment has not improved their symptoms.
- The symptoms have worsened, feel severe, or cause concern.
- It is the first time they have had a yeast infection.
- They have repeated symptoms of yeast infections, such as yeast infections several times a year.
- They have other symptoms, like ongoing pain, bleeding, or other vaginal symptoms.
- They have a weakened immune system or a chronic health condition like diabetes, or are pregnant.
It also recommendable for all sexually active people to receive regular STI screenings.
Antifungal tablets, creams, and suppositories are available to treat yeast infections, both over-the-counter and by prescription.
The vagina has a balanced environment of bacteria and yeast. When this balance is disrupted, Candida yeast can multiply extensively, causing an infection.
The following factors can disrupt the natural balance of bacteria and yeast:
- experiencing hormonal changes
- using antibiotics
- having sex
- using soap, intimate washes, or other products with fragrance around the vulva
- changing tampons too infrequently
- wearing underwear that is too tight
While sex can sometimes lead to an overgrowth of Candida, a yeast infection is not a sexually transmitted infection (STI).
Symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection include:
- itchiness in the vulva or vagina
- a burning sensation in the vagina
- thick, white, clumpy discharge
- discharge that may resemble the texture of cottage cheese, with little to no odor
Applying plain yogurt containing Lactobacillus bacteria to the vagina may help improve or soothe symptoms of vaginal yeast infections.
However, research on yogurt’s effectiveness in treating vaginal yeast infections is mixed, and more studies are needed to confirm its usefulness. Some older studies report that applying yogurt can help soothe symptoms and effectively reduce yeast levels, while more recent research reviews report inconsistent benefits.
Anyone with persistent or severe symptoms, or who is experiencing yeast infection symptoms for the first time, should talk with a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment first.