The itching, burning...aghhhh! It's enough to test limits of sanity for any woman. And while yeast infections are thought to be mainly a problem among women, did you know that men can also get them? This is especially true for a man whose wife is suffering from one, since having sex will pass infection back and forth. For a woman, however, problem is a little trickier, since yeast thrives in a dark, moist environment. Simply put, vagina is yeast's dream home!

Many women (and men) suffering from yeast infections resort to remedies found in a drug store: creams, suppositories, and other "medical" remedies. The problem with these is that they tend to help for only a short period of time and then yeast comes back with a vengeance. In my experience, there are other, more effective ways to combat this evil menace. In this article, I will highlight some remedies that have worked for me, as a woman. Most, if not all, of these can be adapted for a man, as well.

Here are some home remedies that have worked for me:

Plain yogurt

The good bacteria in plain yogurt helps fight yeast and yogurt can be used both internally and externally. BUT, be sure you buy plain, unsweetened yogurt. Since sugar feeds yeast, this is a crucial point. You can also make your own, using a yogurt starter. I have done this myself and it is simple and results are quite good. The advantage is that you can use other types of milk, such as soy or almond. While I made mine directly on stovetop, you can also purchase a yogurt maker, if you want to take thinking out of process. Whether purchased or homemade, yogurt is a great thing to eat before meals because it provides "good bacteria" for your stomach to aid in digestion.

For a topical treatment, you can also dip a tampon in plain yogurt and insert it into your vagina or simply rub some on outside. I have found, however, that leaving it on for a prolonged period tends to have opposite effect. It seems that once it has done its job, it is best to wipe it off or you will feel itchier due to moisture.

Garlic

Garlic is a big enemy of yeast! This is one of most effective home remedies I have found for instant relief. Inserting one garlic tab (such as Shaklee's Garlic Tabs) or a garlic clove into vagina every few hours or as needed provides soothing relief. If you use garlic tabs, be sure ingredients are natural and pure. I highly recommend Shaklee garlic tabs. They are what I have always used with great results.

Of course, garlic can be taken internally, as well. Again, Shaklee garlic tabs work great. I have also used Kyolic garlic tabs and liquid in past with good results. Or, if you don't mind smell, you can press a whole garlic clove and drink it down quickly with water. I have found this to be very effective. Do it as often as necessary. Garlic is one of nature's amazing "drugs" that has a number of other health benefits, including lowering blood pressure and reducing bad cholesterol. It is a natural antibiotic. In fact, my Greek father-in-law eats raw garlic everyday and, in his mid-sixties, is very rarely sick.

Apple-cider vinegar (with mother)

Apple-cider vinegar has many health benefits (including aiding in weight loss) and can be used both internally and externally, as well. However, it is very strong, so it is not recommended that you apply it directly on skin. It will kill yeast, but it will burn like nothing you've ever felt! The best external application is to add about a cup of it into your bathwater and take a nice hot bath. This will feel very relaxing and soothing and will help temporarily. I don't find it as effective long-term, however, as garlic suppositories. They provide full-day relief.

The type of vinegar I recommend is Bragg's Apple Cider Vinegar, with Mother. It is important that it have mother, as this is more natural and less processed. Never use plain, white vinegar! This actually feeds yeast instead of killing it.

Water

Stretch marks develop during pregnancy because of rapid and excessive weight gain in areas such as lower abdomen or thighs. As weight increases, collagen and elastin in dermal layer of skin, responsible for retaining shape and firmness, is stretched to point of breaking. The dermis is layer beneath epidermis, or visible layer of skin. The elastic fibres in dermis weaken with stretching and increased cortisone levels normally produced in last trimester. As these fibres separate and skin stretches, collagen is overproduced to form scar tissue which result in striations.