What is a Yoghurt Tampon?
A tampon is a menstrual product designed to absorb blood and vaginal secretions by insertion into the vagina during menstruation. Unlike a pad, it is placed internally, inside of the vaginal canal. Once inserted correctly, a tampon is held in place by the vagina and expands as it soaks up menstrual blood. A yoghurt tampon is a type tampon used in treating vaginal infections especially yeast infections.
A yoghurt tampon is dipped in yoghurt, as yoghurt contains lactic acid bacteria and cools the infected vagina. Natural lactic acid bacteria are important for a healthy vagina since they maintain the acidity of the vaginal milieu and ward off any unwanted pathogens. But a tampon covered in yoghurt has just one problem: The lactic acid bacteria in the vagina and those found in yoghurt are not the same. This is because there are various types of lactic acid bacteria, and every type of bacteria has its own tasks to perform.
What type of yogurt should you use?
Not all yogurt is created equal. Check the ingredients to make sure it contains lactobacillus. Make sure to get plain yogurt. Even vanilla yogurt has extra sugar. If you plan on eating the yogurt, go with a low-fat version. Several of the studies conducted on yogurt for yeast infections involved mixing the yogurt with bee’s honey. Honey has strong antimicrobial properties, which seem to enhance the effects of the yogurt.
Common yogurt brands that contain lactobacillus include:
- Chobani
- Dannon
- Yoplait
- Fage
- Stonyfield
- Siggi
Why use yogurt to treat a yeast infection?
Applying yogurt to the vulva or into the vagina may soothe symptoms.
Some women prefer natural remedies for a yeast infection because:
- they are concerned about side effects from antifungal treatments
- they are worried about developing a resistance to antifungal treatments
- a home remedy is more convenient or less expensive than medical treatments
Yogurt may be an effective remedy because it contains Lactobacillus bacteria. This healthful type of bacteria lives in the gut, urinary tract, and vagina without irritating these areas.
It is believed that using yogurt containing good bacteria restores a healthful yeast balance in the vagina. Lactobacillus releases hydrogen peroxide, which kills Candida, combatting infection.
Applying cold yogurt may also sooth itching or burning sensations.
What the research says
A combination of yogurt and honey worked well as an alternative to antifungal treatment in pregnant women with vaginal yeast infections, according to a 2012 study.
Another study suggested that therapeutic effects of yogurt may be more effective than clotrimazole (Canesten), an antifungal cream. The Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database classifies yogurt containing Lactobacillus as a “possibly effective” treatment for yeast infections.
It is important to note that evidence supports the use of yogurt for internal or topical treatment, as opposed to dietary use. A 2006 review found that probiotics, microorganisms that provide health benefits to their host, have shown promise in preventing yeast infections. However, it concluded that more research is needed before probiotics can be recommended as treatment.
Can I Use Yoghurt Tampon Overnight?
There is nothing wrong with using a yoghurt tampon overnight. At night before bedtime, simply insert the tampon after being soaked in yogurt, into your vagina leave overnight and remove it in the next morning.
How long does it take to work?
Expect to use the yogurt tampon for about seven days. Generally, you’ll want to continue using it until your symptoms have disappeared.
Risks of this treatment
The only risk related to this treatment is that it may not relieve itching as quickly as commercial vaginal creams can. Talk to your doctor if you have a yeast infection that isn’t improving.
When to see a doctor
You can get treatment for a yeast infection from your primary care doctor or gynecologist, or at a women’s health or family planning clinic. The symptoms of a yeast infection are similar to the symptoms of other conditions, including STDs. If you’ve recently had unprotected sex with a partner, especially a new partner, you might want to see your doctor for a pelvic exam.
Note that there are some physicians that do not agree with the yogurt treatment for vaginal yeast infections, so check with your doctor if you have any doubts. There are different strains of lactobacilli in yogurt, so be sure you read the labels and purchase one that has lactobacilli acidophilus strains and no sugar.
Otherwise, make an appointment with your doctor when:
- you get a yeast infection for the first time
- you’re not sure whether you have a yeast infection
- your symptoms don’t improve after using OTC antifungal creams or suppositories
- you develop other symptoms, such as blisters, fever, or foul-smelling discharge
