How to Treat Vaginal Yeast Infections: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options
Vaginal yeast infections affect millions of women, with three out of four women experiencing at least one yeast infection during their lifetime. These common fungal infections occur when Candida albicans, a naturally occurring yeast in the female reproductive system, overgrows and disrupts the vaginal microbiome balance. Most yeast infections can be effectively treated with over-the-counter antifungal medications or prescription treatments.
Who is at higher risk for developing yeast infections?
Certain factors increase your likelihood of developing a vaginal yeast infection by altering vaginal pH levels or disrupting the natural balance of vaginal flora:
- Antibiotic use: Destroys beneficial bacteria that normally control yeast growth
- Hormonal contraceptives and intrauterine devices: Can disrupt the body's natural balance of estrogen and progesterone
- Pregnancy: Hormonal changes create favorable conditions for yeast overgrowth
- Immunocompromised conditions: Result in a weakened immune system
- Diabetes: Elevated blood sugar levels promote yeast growth
- Sexual activity: This can introduce bacteria and alter the vaginal environment
- Menstruation: Causes hormonal fluctuations
- Breastfeeding: Hormonal changes affect the vaginal environment.
What are the symptoms of a yeast infection?
Common vaginal yeast infection symptoms are:
- Intense vaginal itching. This is usually the most common symptom
- Vaginal burning sensation with redness and swelling
- Painful urination (dysuria)
- Thick, white vaginal discharge (often described as "cottage cheese-like" texture with minimal odor)
- Vulvar irritation and discomfort
- Pain during sexual intercourse.
How are yeast infections diagnosed?
Proper yeast infection diagnosis is crucial since symptoms can mimic other vaginal infections like bacterial vaginosis or sexually transmitted infections. Healthcare providers typically:
- Perform a pelvic examination
- Collect vaginal discharge samples for microscopic analysis in a laboratory
- Test vaginal pH levels
- Rule out other vaginal infections based on other symptoms or the results of laboratory tests.
At-home yeast infection test kits are available at pharmacies and can help confirm diagnosis. However, consult with healthcare providers or pharmacists for proper evaluation, especially for first-time infections or recurrent yeast infections.
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Yeast infection treatment options: OTC vs. prescription medications
Over-the-Counter Antifungal Treatments:
Several effective OTC antifungal medications treat vaginal yeast infections:
- Miconazole (Monistat) - Available as vaginal creams, suppositories, and combination packs
- Monistat 1: Single-dose treatment
- Monistat 3: 3-day treatment course
- Monistat 7: 7-day treatment regimen
- Tioconazole (Vagistat) - Single-dose vaginal ointment treatment
- Clotrimazole (Trivagizole) - Available as 3-day or 7-day vaginal cream treatments.
Proper application tips for topical yeast infection treatments:
- Wash hands thoroughly before and after application
- Use panty liners to protect underwear from discharge
- Avoid sexual intercourse during treatment period
- Continue treatment during menstruation (avoid tampons)
- Apply treatments before bedtime while lying down
- Complete full course even if symptoms improve
Prescription Yeast Infection Treatment:
Fluconazole (Diflucan) - Single-dose oral antifungal medication prescribed for:
- Severe yeast infections
- Recurrent vaginal yeast infections
- Patients who prefer oral treatment over topical applications
Fluconazole side effects may include headaches and gastrointestinal upset. Discuss potential drug interactions and contraindications with your healthcare provider.
Preventing recurrent yeast infections:
- Maintain proper vaginal hygiene
- Wear breathable, cotton underwear
- Avoid douching and scented feminine products
- Manage underlying conditions like diabetes
- Complete prescribed antibiotic courses appropriately
- Probiotics may help maintain healthy vaginal flora
When to see a healthcare provider:
Consult medical professionals for:
- First-time yeast infection symptoms
- Recurrent yeast infections (4+ episodes annually)
- Symptoms that don't improve with OTC treatments
- Severe symptoms or complications
- Pregnancy-related yeast infections.
References
- Vaginal Yeast Infections. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/5019-vaginal-yeast-infection
- Vaginal Yeast Infections. Office on Women's Health. https://womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/vaginal-yeast-infections
Read next
Do you wash Monistat out in the morning?
You may shower in the morning, but it is not required. Monistat 3- and 7-day topical yeast infection treatments (miconazole cream, ointment, ovule or suppositories) are inserted into the vagina before bedtime. Lie down as soon as possible after inserting the product to help reduce leakage. During the day, you may want to wear deodorant-free pads or panty shields to protect your clothing as needed. Continue reading
Can I use Monistat while pregnant?
Yes, you can use Monistat during pregnancy. The CDC recommends that only topical preparations are used to treat vaginal yeast infections during pregnancy, and Monistat is available as a vaginal cream in a prefilled applicator or a vaginal suppository with an applicator. Topical preparations expose the developing baby to less medication than oral preparations (such as fluconazole tablets). Continue reading
Does fluconazole flush out yeast/discharge?
Fluconazole inhibits the growth of the yeast Candida albicans, which is most commonly responsible for Vaginal yeast infections. This allows our body’s defenses to eliminate the fungus and resolve the discharge. It does this by blocking the effects of an enzyme called lanosterol 14-α-demethylase which is responsible for the formation of ergosterol, an important component of the yeast’s cell wall. This causes toxic substances to build up inside the yeast, reducing its ability to build up and cause an infection. Continue reading
See also:
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