Vaginal yeast infections, commonly known as thrush, can be a persistent and uncomfortable issue for many women. While conventional thrush treatments exist, an increasing number of women are turning to holistic approaches to support these treatments and help balance and restore the vaginal microbiome. As part of my approach to thrush treatment, I tend to utilise various holistic treatment options to clearing the thrush while emphasising the importance of restoring and maintaining a healthy vaginal environment.
Understanding Thrush and Its Impact
Thrush is caused by an overgrowth of Candida albicans, a type of yeast that normally coexists with friendly bacteria in the bowel and in smaller numbers in the vagina. When the delicate balance is disrupted, symptoms such as itching, redness, swelling, burning during urination, and a cottage cheese-like discharge may manifest. While yeast infections themselves do not cause infertility, recurrent infections or imbalances in vaginal flora may affect a woman’s ability to conceive.
My Approach is a Wholistic Approach to Thrush Treatment
Natural Antifungal Agents:
Wholistic thrush treatment often involves natural antifungal agents that target the overgrowth of Candida albicans. This involves the use of both oral natural antifungal supplements as well as tea tree oil diluted as a douche. It is important to note that both of these treatment options need to be prescribed and recommended by a health care professional as care needs to be taken with their use.
Probiotics for Vaginal Health:
Probiotics play a crucial role in maintaining a healthy balance of microorganisms in the body. Probiotic pessaries, specifically designed for vaginal use, can introduce beneficial bacteria to the vaginal flora. These “good” bacteria help in restoring balance and preventing the recurrence of thrush. Incorporating probiotic-rich foods into the diet, such as yogurt and fermented foods, can also contribute to overall vaginal health.
Balancing pH Levels / Dietary Adjustments:
The pH level of the vagina is a key factor in maintaining a healthy environment. A slightly acidic pH between 3.8 to 4.5 is ideal for most of the menstrual cycle, becoming more alkaline (7-14) during ovulation. This pH fluctuation helps protect against infections. Holistic approaches to thrush treatment focus on maintaining this balance, and therapies may include dietary changes to support optimal pH levels.
Mind-Body Connection:
Stress and hormonal imbalances can contribute to the recurrence of thrush. Holistic treatments often address the mind-body connection, emphasizing stress-reduction techniques such as meditation, yoga, and deep breathing exercises. Achieving hormonal balance through lifestyle modifications and stress management may positively impact vaginal health.
Further Testing
While holistic approaches offer valuable thrush treatment options, sometimes it is important to get testing done that can identify what is actually going on in the vaginal microbiome as often it is not just one issue but several that need to be identified and treated.
A comprehensive assessment that I use with patients is the Nutripath Vaginal Microbiome test.
In conclusion, recurrent thrush can be a challenging condition, impacting not only physical well-being but also fertility in some cases. Wholistic treatment options, often in conjunction with conventional treatments, offer a multifaceted approach to thrush treatment, addressing the root causes of thrush and promoting overall vaginal health. From natural antifungal agents to dietary adjustments and stress management, my wholistic approach recognizes the interconnectedness of various factors influencing vaginal health.
Individuals experiencing recurrent thrush symptoms should seek professional guidance for a personalised thrush treatment plan as thrush can often be hard to clear. Wholistic options, when integrated with conventional medical advice, can empower women to take control and reduce the incidence of reinfection. By understanding the importance of a balanced vaginal flora and exploring natural remedies, women who have suffered from persistent thrush can hopefully clear their system of the thrush and help their body to be in better balance and health. And for women who are struggling to fall pregnant, treating the candida may be helpful in supporting them in their fertility journey.
Please reach out if you are wanting to address this issue by contacting us or a booking a session online. In clinic, I treat many women for recurrent thrush and I would love to help you!
For more information about the impact of thrush on fertility, my “Is recurrent thrush affecting your ability to fall pregnant?” article goes into more detail. Be sure to check it out.
