Hydrogen Peroxide: 3 Ways it Can Treat Vaginal Yeast Infection

Specialty: MBBS, Family Medicine

Dr. Bhakti Kapse is a General Practitioner with over 10 years of experience in family medicine. She obtained her Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (M.B.B.S) from Government Medical College, Nagpur. She is skilled in diagnosis and... more

Hydrogen peroxide is an excellent treatment for yeast infection. Each year, 1.4 million women in the United States suffer from vaginal yeast infections (1). Many women are affected by this condition. It manifests as intense itching in the vaginal area and discharge.

While medicines can treat vaginal yeast infections, their use may interfere with everyday life. Many of the symptoms can be alleviated by home remedies. The use of hydrogen peroxide has proven effective despite the availability of many herbal remedies.

Hydrogen peroxide appears to ease these symptoms in some cases (2). In this article, we shall examine that topic further. You will also learn how hydrogen peroxide can improve your health. Keep reading.

• How Does Hydrogen Peroxide Help?
• How To Use Hydrogen Peroxide For Treating Yeast Infection
• To Douche Or Not To Douche?

How Does Hydrogen Peroxide Help?

Hydrogen peroxide works by restoring the normal vaginal bacterial flora (3).

It also restores the pH balance of the vagina, which could be another contributing factor to yeast infection.

Hydrogen peroxide also helps remove clue cells. These are cells on the vaginal skin that are covered with the infection-causing microbes (3).

In a healthy vagina, the good bacteria (lactobacillus) produce lactic acid and hydrogen peroxide. These two create an acidic and protective environment, thereby preventing the infection (4).

Using hydrogen peroxide to treat a vaginal yeast infection is simple. But we strongly recommend you use it in addition to your prescribed medications after consulting your doctor.

How To Use Hydrogen Peroxide For Treating Yeast Infection

1. Hydrogen Peroxide With Baking Soda

Baking soda is a mixture of sodium and bicarbonate ions. The mixture dissolves completely in water. It can help remove harmful microbes and odors.

Studies show that baking soda can treat a yeast infection by inducing cell death in the Candida fungus (5).

2. Hydrogen Peroxide With Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar works both as an antibacterial and antifungal agent.

Studies show that apple cider vinegar can fight Candida growth. Its antimicrobial properties help fight the yeast infection (6).

3. Hydrogen Peroxide Soak

This is similar to the previous methods, except that you use hydrogen peroxide alone.

As we are aware, hydrogen peroxide restores the beneficial vaginal bacteria. It also flushes out clue cells, which are cells that carry the infection-causing microbes.

How Often You Should Do This

You can do this once daily.

These are the three most popular and effective methods to treat a vaginal yeast infection. Using these over and above your medications can give you better results.

A 3% hydrogen peroxide solution works best.

There is another method that is quite popular among proponents of hydrogen peroxide. It is using a hydrogen peroxide douche. This remedy is as controversial as it is popular, so we want to dispel the ambiguity surrounding it.

To Douche Or Not To Douche?

Douching is a process that involves the use of water to flush out the inside of your vagina. While some purchase the douche bottles with the readymade solution (of water and hydrogen peroxide), you can prepare the solution at home too.

But we do not recommend you do.

Most studies are against douching for the treatment of vaginal yeast infection. While the process can remove the fungus, it can also flush out the beneficial bacteria. This leads to the eventual overgrowth of pathogens (7).

One may also end up pushing the infectious microbes up into the uterus, fallopian tubes, or even the abdominal activity (7).

The process can also lead to pelvic inflammatory disease, and, in serious cases, even cervical cancer (8).

Surprisingly, in a study, vaginal douching led to an increased prevalence of vaginal yeast infection (9).

So, what’s the verdict? Do not douche.

Using hydrogen peroxide works well in treating vaginal yeast infection. But you may want to exercise caution. Do a patch test first. In some individuals, the substance can cause adverse reactions when it comes in contact with the skin (10).

If you experience any symptoms, like rashes or a burning sensation, please discontinue use and consult your doctor immediately.

Conclusion

Vaginal yeast infection is common. But it can be prevented and treated. Hygiene is key.

Hydrogen peroxide has extensive scientific backing. But it may not always replace over-the-counter medications. Hence, you may use it in addition to prescription medications after consulting your doctor. In case you have recurrent vaginal yeast infections, accompanied by chronic vaginal discharge or redness and tear in the vaginal tissue, and have diabetes, HIV, or are pregnant, consult a gynaecologist for pelvic examination and treatment . Long term treatment with antibiotics reduces lactobacillus and other normal vaginal flora, inviting yeast and bacterial infections. Taking probiotics like yogurt in diet, controlling blood sugar levels, getting good nutrition and sleep, and reducing stress with yoga are all the ways to prevent yeast infections.

Have you used hydrogen peroxide before to treat your yeast infection? What were the results? Do let us know by leaving a comment in the box below.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you get vaginal yeast infection a second time?

Yes. Though it is rare, you may experience it a second time.

How do you prevent yeast infections?

The best way to prevent a vaginal yeast infection is by maintaining a healthy balance of your vaginal bacteria. You can achieve this by keeping your genital areas clean and dry and wearing cotton underwear and loose-fitting pants. Avoid douching as well.

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