We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. 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.
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. 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. 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. This treatment includes two suppositories that a person inserts into their vagina and an external anti-itch ointment for symptom relief. Vaginal Health. Yeast Infections.
By Jennifer Nied. Jennifer Nied. Jennifer Nied has written about health, fitness and wellness for over 10 years. Learn about our editorial process. Updated on October 28, Our Top Picks. Best Overall:. Tough on yeast but gentle on sensitive skin, so the burning or discomfort often experienced with strong treatments is avoided. Best Suppository:. Best Preventative:. These easy to swallow capsules go one step further to help prevent future infections. Best Cream:. This cream comes out on top for its fast-acting yeast infection relief and instant soothing power.
Best Budget:. The active ingredient is clotrimazole, which research shows is effective at fighting infections caused by yeast and bacteria. Best for Men:. Cons Only one dose May cause uncomfortable itching. View On Amazon. Pros Helps balance vaginal pH No-mess application Natural, organic, and sustainable formula.
Cons Needs to be taken continuously for seven days Slow acting. Expert Insight "For over-the-counter, they are all vaginal. Pros Relieves burning, itching, and irritation Frequent sufferers may benefit from a daily pill.
Cons Relieves symptoms but does not cure infection. Pros Quick relief Maximum strength available. Cons Not easily absorbed into the skin. Expert Insight "OTC creams were formerly available by prescription, and then, as is common, after the medication went generic, it went into the over-the-counter status.
The 10 Best Period Panties of Pros Kills fungus on site Comes with three disposable applicators Works to cure yeast infections. Cons Can be messy. Potential side effects could include irritation and local burning," — Sophia Yen , M.
Pros Kills fungus on site Easy to use Relieves burning, itching, and irritation. Cons Price. Frequently Asked Questions Does yeast infection medication delay your period? Abdominal cramping has also been reported.
All other treatments should be taken at night when you go to bed, and you can expect some leakage with product use. For best results, lie down as soon as possible after inserting the product. This will reduce leakage.
If this is the case, stop use of the product and contact your healthcare professional. There are also several combination packs available with additional symptom relief items included with the medication:. In fact, many women get vaginal yeast infections just before their period because of hormone changes. If you have started treatment and your period occurs, you should complete the full course of treatment.
Use sanitary napkins or pads instead, and change them often. The difference is in the dose:. All doses will cure in the same amount of time and equally effectively. If you do not feel some relief within 3 days, or complete relief within 7 days, stop using the product and consult your healthcare professional. If this is your first time experiencing a yeast infection or you are unsure as to whether or not you have one, consult your healthcare professional for a diagnosis.
The following are some things that have been associated with preventing yeast infection. Keep the genital area cool and dry by wearing cotton underwear and loose-fitting clothes, change out of damp clothes or a wet bathing suit as soon as possible and change maxi pads or panty liners often when you are not having your period.
Avoid scented hygiene products that are not gynecologist tested like bubble bath, body washes, sprays, pads and tampons.
Also, change tampons and pads often during your period. Talk with your healthcare professional about any drugs you are now taking — you are more likely to get a vaginal yeast infection if you are taking certain drugs such as antibiotics, steroids or certain birth control pills.
Do not stop taking these drugs without first asking your healthcare professional. A healthcare professional may need to see you to make sure that you do not have other medical conditions such as diabetes or a weakened immune system. No, vaginal yeast infections are usually not spread by having intercourse sex. Common triggers for a yeast infection are menstruation, pregnancy, antibiotic use, having diabetes or a weakened immune system, but sex is unlikely to be the cause. However, if your partner has a rash, itching or discomfort in the genital area, a healthcare professional should be contacted to find the cause of the symptoms.
When you have a vaginal yeast infection, you may have one or more of the following symptoms: vaginal itching, vaginal discharge that may be thick, white and lumpy like cottage cheese, vaginal soreness, irritation or burning, rash or redness on the skin outside the vagina vulva , burning upon urination, and painful vaginal intercourse sex.
Vaginal yeast infections do NOT cause fever, chills, lower abdominal, back or shoulder pain, foul smelling vaginal discharge, or a missed period.
These may be signs of a sexually transmitted disease STD or a tubal pregnancy. If you have these symptoms, call your healthcare professional right away. Some examples of symptom relief ingredients that will not cure the infection are hydrocortisone and benzocaine.
Vaginal yeast infections are usually not spread by having intercourse sex. Many things can change the balance of yeast organisms normally present in the vagina. If there are too many, it can trigger a yeast infection.
Triggers include:. Importantly, sexual activity is NOT a trigger for yeast infections, though it is a risk factor for other vaginal infections, such as BV and Trichomoniasis. Lastly, most yeast infections result from a type of Candida fungus known as Candida albicans, which is generally responsive to standard treatments, but other strains exist that are more resistant to common treatment options.
If you experience any problems treating or curing your yeast infection, consult a healthcare professional. If you are taking antibiotics, do not stop taking them without first asking a healthcare professional. Vaginal yeast infections, or vulvovaginal candidiasis, are really very common in women.
As many as 3 out of 4 will suffer from one in their lifetime. The most common side effects of Vagisil include local skin irritation or inflammation and skin peeling. Other, less common side effects that may occur include itching or redness, hives, stinging, or an allergic reaction. The most common side effects of Monistat include headache, local burning sensation or irritation, and lower stomach cramping. An allergic reaction is very rare, but you should seek immediate medical attention if symptoms occur.
Both drugs have very few drug interactions since they are used topically. Vagisil should not be used with retinoids such as adapalene or tretinoin, because the combination could be too irritating to the skin. Monistat should not be used in combination with Coumadin warfarin , an anticoagulant, also known as a blood thinner. The combination could lead to increased levels of warfarin in the body, which could lead to bleeding. Consult your healthcare provider for more information on drug interactions of Vagisil or Monistat.
Vagisil is an OTC cream that contains local anesthetics called benzocaine and resorcinol. It can help relieve vaginal itching, but will not cure an underlying infection. Monistat contains miconazole, an antifungal used to treat vaginal yeast infections. It is available over-the-counter in a variety of formulations for 1-day, 3-day, or 7-day treatment. The internal cream comes with disposable applicators and is used at bedtime.
Some formulations of Monistat also contain a tube of miconazole cream to be used externally. Vagisil helps relieve itching but does not cure infections.
0コメント