There are other infections which can affect the vagina and it is helpful to know the symptoms of these so that you don't go and treat yourself for a yeast infection that you don't necessarily have. Bacterial infections, urinary tract infections and trichomoniasis all have symptoms which could be confused with the symptoms of yeast infection, yet they require different treatments. It is important therefore when you are experiencing symptoms for the first time to get an accurate medical diagnosis to make sure that you don't commence an incorrect course of treatment which could exacerbate the symptoms you already have.

When it comes to treating yeast infections there traditionally have been three avenues available: do-It- yourself; over-the-counter and prescription remedies. It is important to stress again that if you are a first or second time sufferer you should not start any course of treatment without first confirming with your doctor that you are suffering a yeast infection. Women who have had had yeast infections before will recognise the symptoms and will be able to treat accordingly.

Do-it-yourself or home remedies include the direct application or consumption of yoghurt, acidophilus tablets or salves, probiotics and you can even use lightly crushed cloves of garlic, which yield allicin, an antifungal agent. Boric acid can also been used to treat yeast infections (by inserting gelcaps filled with boric acid powder into your vagina at bedtime for three to four consecutive nights). Eating a diet consisting primarily of green, fresh, raw vegetables also may give you relief.

Over the counter treatments are specifically designed for the treatment of yeast infection, so once again you need to be absolutely sure you have a yeast infection before purchasing these treatments. If you use one and you don't really have a yeast infection, you run the risk of creating a strain of drug-resistant yeast in your vagina, meaning that next time you have a yeast infection these drugs won't work