Apple cider vinegar is a home remedy that some believe can effectively treat a yeast infection (also known as vagin*l candidiasis). A yeast infection is a common condition that occurs when Candida albicans, a type of fungus normally found in the vagin*, suddenly overgrows.
Some test-tube studies have suggested that apple cider vinegar can neutralize fungi like C. albicans due to its high acidity. But due to the lack of research, there is little evidence that drinking apple cider vinegar or applying it topically can treat yeast infections.
This article reviews what the current body of research says about the effectiveness of apple cider vinegar in treating vagin*l yeast infection, including the possible risks and benefits.
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How Apple Cider Vinegar Affects vagin*l Yeast
Under normal circ*mstances, there is a natural balance of bacteria and fungi in the vagin* that keep each in check. When there's an imbalance—possibly caused by pregnancy, antibiotics, or oral contraceptives—C. albicans may grow out of control causing an infection.
Apple cider vinegar is thought by some to treat yeast overgrowth by creating a hostile environment for C. albicans. However, most evidence comes from a small number of laboratory studies or small case reports—not human clinical studies—to support this hypothesis.
A 2015 study found that apple cider vinegar was able to kill a Candida strain associated with a mouth infection known as denture stomatitis. According to lab tests, apple cider vinegar was as effective in neutralizing the fungi as the antibiotic nystatin (although the antibiotic was longer-lasting).
By contrast, a 2019 study concluded that apple cider vinegar was not substantially effective in killing C. albicans when compared to certain bacteria found normally in the body.
Human studies investigating the use of apple cider vinegar in Candida infections are even less common.
A 2018 case study reported that apple cider vinegar applied twice daily to the mouth of a single individual with oral candidiasis (oral thrush) reduced C. albicans by 94%.
A similar case study reported that a 32-year-old woman with chronic vagin*l candidiasis was able to clear the infection with applications of apple cider vinegar. However, it was not reported how often or how long the treatment was applied.
The Verdict
Due to the lack of research, there is little evidence that apple cider vinegar can treat yeast infections by drinking it or when applied topically.
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How to Use Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is said to have other health benefits besides treating yeast infections. If you’d like to try apple cider vinegar for any health reason, there are several ways you can try using it.
Taking Apple Cider Vinegar Orally
If you decide to use store-bought apple cider vinegar, you will need to dilute it before drinking. To be safe, limit your intake to one tablespoon taken twice daily and mixed with at least 8 ounces of water. This amount has been shown in some studies to be safe.
Other ways to incorporate apple cider vinegar include:
- As a dressing for salads and vegetables
- Mixed into tea for a hot or cold beverage
- Blended into a smoothie
Apple cider vinegar is available in supplement form as a capsule, gelcap, or gummies. There is no approved dosage so follow the instructions on the package label.
Topical Use
To use apple cider vinegar on your skin, you can try mixing it with 100% coconut oil and applying it to the skin. This combination may help reduce skin inflammation and irritation, but evidence is limited and it may be that the coconut oil is responsible for the benefits, not the apple cider vinegar.
This is recommended for external skin, not vagin*l tissues, as there is little evidence it is effective and may be harmful to the vagin*. It is best to dilute apple cider vinegar because it is very acidic. At full concentration, it may cause skin irritation.
Risks and Side Effects
Although apple cider vinegar is generally safe, several side effects are possible.
Apple cider vinegar is acidic, so drinking it may cause a burning sensation in the throat and may wear down tooth enamel, causing tooth pain and sensitivity.
Applying apple cider vinegar to the vagin*l tissues can be harmful and may even increase the risk of vagin*l infections by disrupting the pH balance of the vagin*. Douching with apple cider vinegar or using a tampon soaked with apple cider vinegar is not recommended.
Mixing apple cider vinegar with coconut oil and applying to the vagin* can break down the latex in condoms, increasing the risk of pregnancy.
Even apple cider vinegar diluted to 0.5% can be irritating to the skin. So, adding apple cider vinegar to a soaking bath is not recommended.
Health Warning
Drinking excessive apple cider vinegar may cause stomach upset, heartburn, sore throat, nausea, tooth decay, and hypocalcemia (low calcium). It can also interact with drugs like insulin, Digox (digoxin), Lasix (furosemide), Demadex (torsemide), and diuretics ("water pills") like warfarin.
Other Treatment Methods
If you decide to try apple cider vinegar, consider using over-the-counter (OTC) antifungal cream or ointment at the same time. These medications are available for both internal and external use.
Although, it won't cure a vagin*l yeast infection, taking a cool bath (without apple cider vinegar) may help reduce the burning and itching symptoms.
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When to Call a Healthcare Provider
Most OTC yeast infection preparations take several days to work. If you see no results after three days, call your healthcare provider. In some cases, your "yeast infection" may actually be another condition.
According to the Office of Women's Health in Washington, D.C., up to two-thirds of women who buy OTC yeast infection products don't have a true yeast infection.
It's important, therefore, to know the signs and symptoms of a yeast infection which may include:
- vagin*l itching or burning
- vagin*l redness
- A thick, white discharge that looks like cottage cheese
- Pain with sexual intercourse
- Pain or burning with urination
These symptoms can occur with other vagin*l infections. Speak to your healthcare provider if an OTC treatment fails to provide relief or if symptoms recur.
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Summary
Studies have shown that apple cider vinegar can lower levels of Candida albicans (the fungus that causes yeast infections) in test tubes. However, there isn't yet enough human research to recommend it as a safe and effective treatment for a yeast infection.
If you want to add apple cider vinegar to your diet for health reasons, be sure to dilute it in water. Never put apple cider vinegar into your vagin* as it can cause irritation and tissue injury.
If symptoms of a yeast infection last more than three days despite OTC treatments, contact your healthcare provider.
