Vaginal mycosis: treatments and natural remedies [2025]

The main thing to remember: vaginal candidiasis signals an imbalance in the microbiota caused by Candida albicans, and not a lack of hygiene. Combining medical antifungal treatment with probiotics makes it possible to restore the protective flora and avoid recurrences. A global approach is necessary for this infection affecting 75% of women.

I know how psychologically exhausting it is to endure the itching of a vaginal yeast infection and to endlessly search for ways to treat it naturally to prevent it from coming back. Far from taboos, I decipher for you the biological mechanisms of this infection and compare conventional treatments with gentle approaches in order to restore your inner balance. Whether through the targeted use of probiotics or adjusting your lifestyle, you will find here concrete and verified answers to finally regain control.

Understanding vaginal mycosis: symptoms and realities 🧐
Triggering factors: why me? 🤷‍♀️
Medical treatments: the conventional approach 🩺
Strengthening your defenses: natural approaches as a complement 🌿

Woman consulting a doctor to understand the symptoms of vaginal yeast infection or candidiasis

Understanding vaginal mycosis: symptoms and realities 🧐

What exactly is vaginal candidiasis?

Vaginal mycosis, or candidiasis, results from the proliferation of the fungus Candida albicans. The latter is however naturally present in our body. The problem arises when the balance of the vaginal microbiota is disrupted.

It is not a Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI), according to the Pasteur Institute, although transmission is possible. We must therefore refocus our work on the internal causes of the disruption.

Signs that (almost) don’t mislead

Do you feel any discomfort? Intense itching and burning sensations in the vulva are not harmless. These signals should encourage you to observe the situation closely.

Look at your discharge: if it is whitish, thick and reminiscent of curdled milk, this is a strong indicator. They generally remain odorless, which clearly distinguishes them from other bacterial infections.

Intense vulvar and vaginal itching.
White, thick, lumpy discharge (“curdled milk” appearance).
Burning sensation, especially at the end of urination.
Redness and swelling of the vulva.
Pain during sexual intercourse.

A very common condition, but not inevitable

Near 75% of women are affected at least once in their life. In fact, 20% of us carry this fungus without knowing it.

It’s neither dirty nor shameful. It is simply evidence of an internal imbalance. I firmly believe that we must de-dramatize the situation, while taking the problem seriously to avoid recurrences.

Affecting a large majority of women, vaginal candidiasis is neither a shame nor a sign of poor hygiene, but an internal imbalance that deserves appropriate attention.

Triggers: why me? 🤷‍♀️

Diagram illustrating the triggering factors for vaginal mycoses such as antibiotics and hormones

Now that the symptoms are clear, the burning question is: but why does this happen?

When the internal ecosystem is disrupted

Everything depends on healthy vaginal flora, a territory dominated by lactobacilli. These microscopic guardians produce the acid needed to maintain a protective pH. Vaginal mycosis occurs suddenly when this balance is disrupted and the Candida albicans takes the opportunity to proliferate.

Antibiotics are often the No. 1 culprit in this story. By wanting to do the right thing, they destroy bad bacteria but also destroy your good defenses, leaving the way open to opportunistic fungi.

It is an established fact: 22% of women develop candidiasis immediately after antibiotic therapy.

The influence of hormones and contraception

Hormonal fluctuations are another major risk factor that we often experience. If the cycle plays a role, it is especially pregnancy that changes the situation: estrogens rise and promote the rapid development of Candida.

Let’s also talk frankly about the birth control pill. Certain formulas, due to their specific hormonal dosage, can weaken the vaginal balance and be the cause of recurrent yeast infections in predisposed women.

If you suspect a link, I advise you to discuss it with your doctor or gynecologist to potentially adjust your contraception.

Other avenues not to be overlooked

Uncontrolled diabetes is an open door, because high sugar levels feed the yeast. Likewise, the weakening of the immune system (stress, fatigue, illness) reduces your natural defenses.

Finally, pay attention to inadequate hygiene: excessive personal hygiene or vaginal douches destroy the protective flora, a frequent error highlighted by the WHO.

Medical treatments: the conventional approach 🩺

Identifying the causes is useful, but how can we get rid of them? Let’s see the validated medical solutions.

Synthesis of medical treatments against vaginal mycosis: eggs, creams and tablets

Medical diagnosis, a necessary step

I can’t say it enough: consult a doctor. Self-medication is risky because these symptoms are often confused with those of bacterial vaginosis, which requires different treatment.

The diagnosis is based on a clinical examination and sometimes a vaginal sample. This is the only way to confirm the presence of the fungus with certainty.

Confusing a yeast infection with bacterial vaginosis is a common mistake. Only medical advice guarantees the correct diagnosis and truly effective treatment.

Antifungals: first-line solutions

The reference remains the antifungals of the azole family. They exist in several forms to adapt to each case.

Two options dominate: local treatment (ovules, creams) and the oral route. local treatment is often favored as first intention by the HAS.

Processing type	Examples	Main indication	Benefits
Local treatment	Ovas, antifungal creams	Simple, uncomplicated mycosis	Rapid and targeted action
Oral treatment	Fluconazole tablet	Extensive or recurrent mycoses	Ease of use

Manage repeat offenses and resistance

Recurrent mycosis (four episodes per year) requires in-depth treatment to find the cause, sometimes including treatment of the partner.

Beware of poorly conducted treatments that promote resistance to antifungals. Tougher strains, such as Candida glabrata, are now emerging.

Strengthen your defenses: natural approaches as a complement 🌿

Serene woman choosing natural solutions like probiotics to prevent vaginal mycosis

Probiotics, guardians of your intimate flora 🛡️

I see probiotics as an essential fundamental strategy. These “good” bacteria, lactobacilli, work to restore the balance of your flora and maintain a protective acidic pH.

They are more of an aid to rebuild the terrain than an attack treatment for the acute crisis.

Their strength lies in prevention of recurrences. You have the choice: local route (ovules) or oral route. It is proven that bacteria migrate from the intestine to colonize the intimate area.

Lactobacillus strains studied for their effectiveness: Lactobacillus crispatus, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus reuteri.

Tea tree essential oil: caution and proper use 💧

Tea tree essential oil is a recognized antifungal. But be careful, its intimate use requires extreme caution and never pure, otherwise it will violently attack your mucous membranes.

I recommend indirect use instead, such as a few drops for using tea tree oil in laundry. For any body application, medical advice is imperative.

Adopt the right actions on a daily basis ✨

Finally, prevention is the key to stopping the cycle of infections. Impeccable lifestyle constitutes an effective shield against inconveniences.

Adopt these simple reflexes to follow the best prevention advice and maintain a healthy environment:

Use a mild soap with a neutral or acidic pH for external washing only.
Wear cotton underwear and loose clothing.
Dry yourself thoroughly after showering.
Avoid douching, daily panty liners and wet clothing.

In short, vaginal mycosis, although annoying, is not inevitable. I emphasize the importance of listening to your body: a medical diagnosis remains essential to target the right treatment. Finally, don’t forget that prevention, via probiotics and appropriate hygiene, is your best ally in regaining lasting intimate comfort.

FAQ

How did I get this intimate fungus?

I would first like to reassure you: this is generally not linked to a lack of hygiene, quite the contrary. Mycosis occurs when the fragile balance of your vaginal flora is disrupted, leaving the naturally present fungus Candida albicans to proliferate uncontrollably. Recent antibiotic use, hormonal variations or even excessive personal hygiene are often the real culprits for this disorder.

What are the signs that should alert me?

The symptoms are often unequivocal and particularly uncomfortable. If you feel intense itching (pruritus) in the vulva and a burning sensation, especially when urinating, this is a strong signal. In addition, the appearance of thick white discharge, resembling curdled milk but odorless, often confirms that it is a fungal infection.

How to effectively treat vaginal yeast infection?

To eradicate the infection, it is essential to undergo an antifungal treatment, generally in the form of ova to be inserted into the vagina, supplemented by a cream for the external area. I strongly advise you to then combine it with vaginal probiotics: this is, in my opinion, the best strategy to rebuild your protective flora and avoid recurrences.

How can you be sure that it is indeed a yeast infection?

It’s easy to confuse a yeast infection with bacterial vaginosis or a simple irritation, because the signs can look similar. To avoid the wrong treatment, I recommend that you consult a doctor or midwife. Only a clinical examination, sometimes accompanied by a sample, will make it possible to make a 100% reliable diagnosis.

How long does an episode of yeast infection last?

With appropriate treatment, relief is fortunately quite rapid. In general, the itching subsides significantly within 24 to 48 hours after taking the antifungal. However, for complete and lasting healing, it often takes about a week, provided that treatment is not interrupted too early.