Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhat the Research SaysUsesRisksOther Treatment MethodsWhen to Call a Healthcare Provider
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
What the Research Says
Uses
Risks
Other Treatment Methods
When to Call a Healthcare Provider
Apple cider vinegaris a home remedy that some believe can effectively treat ayeast infection(also known asvaginal candidiasis). A yeast infection is a common condition that occurs whenCandida albicans, a type of fungus normally found in the vagina, suddenly overgrows.
Some test-tube studies have suggested that apple cider vinegar can neutralize fungi likeC. albicansdue 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 vaginal yeast infection, including the possible risks and benefits.
Verywell / Jessica Olah
How Apple Cider Vinegar Affects Vaginal Yeast
A 2015 study found that apple cider vinegar was able to kill aCandidastrain associated with a mouth infection known asdenture stomatitis. According to lab tests, apple cider vinegar was as effective in neutralizing the fungi as the antibioticnystatin(although the antibiotic was longer-lasting).
By contrast, a 2019 study concluded that apple cider vinegar was not substantially effective in killingC. albicanswhen compared to certain bacteria found normally in the body.
Human studies investigating the use of apple cider vinegar inCandidainfections are even less common.
A similar case studyreported that a 32-year-old woman with chronic vaginal 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
Vaginal Discharge: What Is Normal and Abnormal?
How to Use Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is said to haveother health benefitsbesides 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:
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 vaginal tissues, as there is little evidence it is effective and may be harmful to the vagina. 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.
Mixing apple cider vinegar with coconut oil and applying to the vagina 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 WarningDrinking excessive apple cider vinegar may cause stomach upset, heartburn, sore throat, nausea, tooth decay, andhypocalcemia(low calcium). It can also interact with drugs like insulin, Digox (digoxin), Lasix (furosemide), torsemide, and diuretics (“water pills”) like warfarin.
Health Warning
Drinking excessive apple cider vinegar may cause stomach upset, heartburn, sore throat, nausea, tooth decay, andhypocalcemia(low calcium). It can also interact with drugs like insulin, Digox (digoxin), Lasix (furosemide), torsemide, and diuretics (“water pills”) like warfarin.
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 vaginal yeast infection, taking a cool bath (without apple cider vinegar) may help reduce the burning and itching symptoms.
Can Apple Cider Vinegar Treat Gout?
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 thesigns and symptoms of a yeast infectionwhich may include:
These symptoms can occur with other vaginal infections. Speak to your healthcare provider if an OTC treatment fails to provide relief or if symptoms recur.
Bacterial Vaginosis or Yeast Infection?
Summary
Studies have shown that apple cider vinegar can lower levels ofCandida 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 vagina 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.
12 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Office on Women’s Health.Vaginal yeast infections.Yagnik D, Serafin V, Shah A.Antimicrobial activity of apple cider vinegar againstEscherichia coli,Staphylococcus aureusandCandida albicans; downregulating cytokine and microbial protein expression.Scientific Reports. 2018 Jan;8(1732). doi:10.1038/s41598-017-18618-xMedlinePlus.Yeast infections.Mota AC, de Castro RD, de Araújo Oliveira J, de Oliveira Lima E.Antifungal activity of apple cider vinegar on Candida species involved in denture stomatitis.J Prosthodont. 2015;24(4):296-302. doi:10.1111/jopr.12207Gopal J, Anthonydhason V, Muthu M, Gansukh E, Jung S, Chul S, Iyyakkannu S.Authenticating apple cider vinegar’s home remedy claims: antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral properties and cytotoxicity aspect.Nat Prod Res. 2019;33(6):906-910. doi:10.1080/14786419.2017.1413567Hassan SM.The effect of apple cider vinegar (ACV) as an antifungal in a diabetic patient (type II diabetes) with intraoral candidosis (a case report).Int J Dentist Oral Health. 2018;4(5):54-7.Ozen B, Baser M.Vaginal candidiasis infection treated using apple cider vinegar: a case report.Altern Ther Health Med. 2017;23(7):AT5751.Cobb KM, Chavez DA, Kenyon JD, Hutelin Z, Webster MJ.Acetic acid supplementation: effect on resting and exercise energy expenditure and substrate utilization.Int J Exerc Sci.2021;14(2):222–9.Shino B, Peedikayil FC, Jaiprakash SR, Ahmed Bijapur G, Kottayi S, Jose D.Comparison of antimicrobial activity of chlorhexidine, coconut oil, probiotics, and ketoconazole oncandida albicansisolated in children with early childhood caries: An in vitro study.Scientifica. 2016;2016:1-5. doi:10.1155/2016/7061587Planned Parenthood.Is it safe to use coconut oil as a lube?Luu LA, Flowers RH, Kellams AL, et al.Apple cider vinegar soaks [0.5%] as a treatment for atopic dermatitis do not improve skin barrier integrity.Pediatr Dermatol.2019 Sep;36(5):634-9. doi:10.1111/pde.1388Sirotkin AV.Could apple cider vinegar be used for health improvement and weight loss?New Insights Obesity Genet Beyond.2021 Apr 26:5:14-6. doi:10.29328/journal.niogb.1001016
12 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Office on Women’s Health.Vaginal yeast infections.Yagnik D, Serafin V, Shah A.Antimicrobial activity of apple cider vinegar againstEscherichia coli,Staphylococcus aureusandCandida albicans; downregulating cytokine and microbial protein expression.Scientific Reports. 2018 Jan;8(1732). doi:10.1038/s41598-017-18618-xMedlinePlus.Yeast infections.Mota AC, de Castro RD, de Araújo Oliveira J, de Oliveira Lima E.Antifungal activity of apple cider vinegar on Candida species involved in denture stomatitis.J Prosthodont. 2015;24(4):296-302. doi:10.1111/jopr.12207Gopal J, Anthonydhason V, Muthu M, Gansukh E, Jung S, Chul S, Iyyakkannu S.Authenticating apple cider vinegar’s home remedy claims: antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral properties and cytotoxicity aspect.Nat Prod Res. 2019;33(6):906-910. doi:10.1080/14786419.2017.1413567Hassan SM.The effect of apple cider vinegar (ACV) as an antifungal in a diabetic patient (type II diabetes) with intraoral candidosis (a case report).Int J Dentist Oral Health. 2018;4(5):54-7.Ozen B, Baser M.Vaginal candidiasis infection treated using apple cider vinegar: a case report.Altern Ther Health Med. 2017;23(7):AT5751.Cobb KM, Chavez DA, Kenyon JD, Hutelin Z, Webster MJ.Acetic acid supplementation: effect on resting and exercise energy expenditure and substrate utilization.Int J Exerc Sci.2021;14(2):222–9.Shino B, Peedikayil FC, Jaiprakash SR, Ahmed Bijapur G, Kottayi S, Jose D.Comparison of antimicrobial activity of chlorhexidine, coconut oil, probiotics, and ketoconazole oncandida albicansisolated in children with early childhood caries: An in vitro study.Scientifica. 2016;2016:1-5. doi:10.1155/2016/7061587Planned Parenthood.Is it safe to use coconut oil as a lube?Luu LA, Flowers RH, Kellams AL, et al.Apple cider vinegar soaks [0.5%] as a treatment for atopic dermatitis do not improve skin barrier integrity.Pediatr Dermatol.2019 Sep;36(5):634-9. doi:10.1111/pde.1388Sirotkin AV.Could apple cider vinegar be used for health improvement and weight loss?New Insights Obesity Genet Beyond.2021 Apr 26:5:14-6. doi:10.29328/journal.niogb.1001016
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Office on Women’s Health.Vaginal yeast infections.Yagnik D, Serafin V, Shah A.Antimicrobial activity of apple cider vinegar againstEscherichia coli,Staphylococcus aureusandCandida albicans; downregulating cytokine and microbial protein expression.Scientific Reports. 2018 Jan;8(1732). doi:10.1038/s41598-017-18618-xMedlinePlus.Yeast infections.Mota AC, de Castro RD, de Araújo Oliveira J, de Oliveira Lima E.Antifungal activity of apple cider vinegar on Candida species involved in denture stomatitis.J Prosthodont. 2015;24(4):296-302. doi:10.1111/jopr.12207Gopal J, Anthonydhason V, Muthu M, Gansukh E, Jung S, Chul S, Iyyakkannu S.Authenticating apple cider vinegar’s home remedy claims: antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral properties and cytotoxicity aspect.Nat Prod Res. 2019;33(6):906-910. doi:10.1080/14786419.2017.1413567Hassan SM.The effect of apple cider vinegar (ACV) as an antifungal in a diabetic patient (type II diabetes) with intraoral candidosis (a case report).Int J Dentist Oral Health. 2018;4(5):54-7.Ozen B, Baser M.Vaginal candidiasis infection treated using apple cider vinegar: a case report.Altern Ther Health Med. 2017;23(7):AT5751.Cobb KM, Chavez DA, Kenyon JD, Hutelin Z, Webster MJ.Acetic acid supplementation: effect on resting and exercise energy expenditure and substrate utilization.Int J Exerc Sci.2021;14(2):222–9.Shino B, Peedikayil FC, Jaiprakash SR, Ahmed Bijapur G, Kottayi S, Jose D.Comparison of antimicrobial activity of chlorhexidine, coconut oil, probiotics, and ketoconazole oncandida albicansisolated in children with early childhood caries: An in vitro study.Scientifica. 2016;2016:1-5. doi:10.1155/2016/7061587Planned Parenthood.Is it safe to use coconut oil as a lube?Luu LA, Flowers RH, Kellams AL, et al.Apple cider vinegar soaks [0.5%] as a treatment for atopic dermatitis do not improve skin barrier integrity.Pediatr Dermatol.2019 Sep;36(5):634-9. doi:10.1111/pde.1388Sirotkin AV.Could apple cider vinegar be used for health improvement and weight loss?New Insights Obesity Genet Beyond.2021 Apr 26:5:14-6. doi:10.29328/journal.niogb.1001016
Office on Women’s Health.Vaginal yeast infections.
Yagnik D, Serafin V, Shah A.Antimicrobial activity of apple cider vinegar againstEscherichia coli,Staphylococcus aureusandCandida albicans; downregulating cytokine and microbial protein expression.Scientific Reports. 2018 Jan;8(1732). doi:10.1038/s41598-017-18618-x
MedlinePlus.Yeast infections.
Mota AC, de Castro RD, de Araújo Oliveira J, de Oliveira Lima E.Antifungal activity of apple cider vinegar on Candida species involved in denture stomatitis.J Prosthodont. 2015;24(4):296-302. doi:10.1111/jopr.12207
Gopal J, Anthonydhason V, Muthu M, Gansukh E, Jung S, Chul S, Iyyakkannu S.Authenticating apple cider vinegar’s home remedy claims: antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral properties and cytotoxicity aspect.Nat Prod Res. 2019;33(6):906-910. doi:10.1080/14786419.2017.1413567
Hassan SM.The effect of apple cider vinegar (ACV) as an antifungal in a diabetic patient (type II diabetes) with intraoral candidosis (a case report).Int J Dentist Oral Health. 2018;4(5):54-7.
Ozen B, Baser M.Vaginal candidiasis infection treated using apple cider vinegar: a case report.Altern Ther Health Med. 2017;23(7):AT5751.
Cobb KM, Chavez DA, Kenyon JD, Hutelin Z, Webster MJ.Acetic acid supplementation: effect on resting and exercise energy expenditure and substrate utilization.Int J Exerc Sci.2021;14(2):222–9.
Shino B, Peedikayil FC, Jaiprakash SR, Ahmed Bijapur G, Kottayi S, Jose D.Comparison of antimicrobial activity of chlorhexidine, coconut oil, probiotics, and ketoconazole oncandida albicansisolated in children with early childhood caries: An in vitro study.Scientifica. 2016;2016:1-5. doi:10.1155/2016/7061587
Planned Parenthood.Is it safe to use coconut oil as a lube?
Luu LA, Flowers RH, Kellams AL, et al.Apple cider vinegar soaks [0.5%] as a treatment for atopic dermatitis do not improve skin barrier integrity.Pediatr Dermatol.2019 Sep;36(5):634-9. doi:10.1111/pde.1388
Sirotkin AV.Could apple cider vinegar be used for health improvement and weight loss?New Insights Obesity Genet Beyond.2021 Apr 26:5:14-6. doi:10.29328/journal.niogb.1001016
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