Ask An Expert: Yeast Infections and Yogurt

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Ask An Expert: Yeast Infections and Yogurt

Question:

Can yeast infections be treated or cured with plain yogurt?

Answer:

There is no evidence that yogurt can treat vaginal yeast infections.

Yeast, called Candida, is normally present in small numbers in the vagina of healthy women. In addition, the vagina is colonized by several bacteria, including the lactobacillus, also present in yogurt. Under normal circumstances, the microorganisms in the vagina compete with each other for nutrients and in the process keep each other's growth in check.

Yeast infections occur when the Candida grow in larger numbers. Infection is characterized by a thick, white vaginal discharge and intense vaginal itch. One risk factor for yeast infection is use of antibiotics, which eliminate the vaginal bacteria, allowing the yeast to grow unabated. It has been speculated that yogurt, either ingested by mouth or applied directly to the vagina, could supplement vaginal lactobacillus to compete with the yeast.

Although this is an interesting theory, no studies support the use of yogurt to treat yeast. When taken by mouth, the lactobacillus in yogurt often does not survive the passage through the strong acid environment of the stomach. Also, the bacteria in yogurt do not readily attach and colonize the gastrointestinal tract or vagina. Instead of yogurt, vaginal yeast infections should be treated by anti-yeast medications such as the imidazoles.

Joan Bengtson, M.D., is assistant professor of obstetrics, gynecology and reproductive biology at Harvard Medical School and a member of the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproduction at Brigham and Women's Hospital.

Last updated:	March 29, 2007
Reviewed By:	Faculty of Harvard Medical School