5 of the best yeast infection treatments - Medical News Today

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Yeast infections result in itchiness and pain. Most yeast infections are mild, and people can usually treat them with over-the-counter (OTC) medications. In other cases, a doctor may suggest a prescription medication for long-term use.

This article explains the different options a person has to treat their vaginal yeast infection at home following diagnosis.

Yeast infections occur due to an overgrowth of Candida. This is a type of fungus that normally lives on areas of the body such as the vagina and mouth.

According to the Office of Women's Health (OWH), most females will experience a vaginal yeast infection at some point in their life.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) explain that some common symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection include:

The CDC adds that risk factors for developing an overgrowth of Candida include:

The OWH adds that a person may develop a yeast infection due to sexual intercourse. However, when this happens, doctors do not classify this as a sexually transmitted infection.

Since yeast infection symptoms are similar to those of other infections and conditions, such as contact dermatitis, a person should contact a doctor before taking any OTC medications. The doctor can test for yeast or other infections to provide the appropriate treatment.

To treat a vaginal yeast infection, doctors typically recommend antifungal medications. In most cases, a person can purchase these medications over the counter following diagnosis.

Antifungal medications come in a variety of forms, including:

• creams
• tablets
• ointments
• vaginal suppositories

Treatments may come in one dose or up to one daily dose forms. A person should read the dosing instructions carefully to ensure that they use the correct dosage.

The following are some of the options a person has to treat their yeast infection at home.

Before starting treatment, the person should contact a doctor for a diagnosis. Knowing exactly which infection they have ensures that the person uses the appropriate treatment and does not create fungus resistant to future treatments.

Please note that the writer of this article has not tried any of these products. All information presented here is purely research-based.

FemiClear 2-Day Yeast Infection Treatment

FemiClear offers a 2-Day Yeast Infection Treatment. This treatment includes two suppositories that a person inserts into their vagina and an external anti-itch ointment for symptom relief.

This product contains calendula, olive extract, beeswax, and olive oil to combat itching and discomfort.

The company recommends using this yeast infection treatment before going to bed or using a panty liner to ensure that the product does not leak.

Monistat

Monistat is available in several pharmacies and retail stores, including Walmart, throughout the United States. It provides treatment options that include 1, 3, and 7 days of doses.

This product comes in the form of internal suppositories and external creams with applicators that help people place the yeast infection treatment in the right area. Some of the packs include additional topical itch medications to help ease symptoms.

Each applicator contains 200 milligrams (mg) of miconazole nitrate, which is a medication that treats fungal infections.

Azo Yeast Tablets Dual Action

For symptom relief during treatment, a person could use Azo Yeast Tablets. This oral medication can help relieve itchiness, burning, odor, and discharge.

However, it is important to note that the tablets only treat the symptoms and will not cure the infection itself. A person will also need to use another medication to cure the infection.

Each packet contains 60 pills. This homeopathic treatment contains 35 mg of calcium per pill.

This treatment option is available to buy from several retailers online, including Walmart.

CVS Health Miconazole 7-Day Vaginal Treatment Cream

CVS Health's Miconazole 7-Day Vaginal Treatment Cream comes with seven doses of disposable internal applicators and external cream.

Each applicator contains 100 mg of miconazole nitrate. The manufacturer recommends that people insert an applicator before going to bed. Individuals should dispose of the applicator immediately after use.

This treatment is available both in-store and online.

Fluconazole (Diflucan) For Yeast

Fluconazole is a prescription pill that people can take to treat yeast infections. A person must have a prescription for this medication.

Individuals need to take one pill first. If, after 2 days, the symptoms do not improve, they can take a second pill.

Online pharmacies, such as Wisp, offer quick delivery of fluconazole. They can also provide same-day or rushed prescriptions to a person's local pharmacy.

Wisp offers subscriptions for those who regularly have yeast infections. This company also accepts flexible spending account and health savings account cards as payment.

According to the OWH, yeast infections are usually mild. They cause symptoms such as itchiness, pain, and unusual discharge. Most females will develop a yeast infection at some point in their life.

The OWH also says that some people develop recurring yeast infections. Risk factors for recurring yeast infections, or recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (RVVC), include having diabetes and having a compromised immune system. However, individuals can develop recurring yeast infections even if they do not have any risk factors.

If a person experiences RVVC, a doctor will likely recommend or prescribe antifungal medications for up to 6 months to help keep the fungus under control.

People can take some steps to help prevent yeast infections. For example, they can try:

• avoiding irritating soaps
• not using vaginal douches
• regularly changing tampons and napkins
• keeping the outer genital area dry and clean
• not using panty liners every day
• avoiding scented products for use around the vagina
• only using antibiotics when a doctor prescribes them
• wiping from the front to the back after using the toilet
• changing into dry clothes immediately after swimming
• wearing loose-fitting cotton underwear
• maintaining a stable blood sugar level

Some people may find that consuming probiotic yogurt helps prevent yeast infections. A 2013 pilot study found that eating yogurt with probiotics reduced fungal activity, which may help prevent future infections.

The researchers noted that additional studies are necessary to help determine how effective probiotic yogurt is for preventing yeast infections.

Learn more about preventing yeast infections here.

A person should contact a doctor if they suspect that they have a yeast infection. The symptoms can be similar to those of other conditions. The doctor can properly diagnose and treat a yeast infection.

If a yeast infection does not clear up with treatment, the person should seek further medical advice. They may need to adjust their medications to treat any itching and discomfort.

Yeast infections are often mild, and a person can typically treat them using OTC medications. Medications come in different forms and doses, so it is important to follow the instructions on the package.

A person should not self-diagnose a yeast infection, as many of the symptoms are similar to those of other illnesses and conditions.

Once a doctor diagnoses this infection, a person can often treat it with OTC medications, and they should see symptom improvement.