Vaginal Yeast Infection Treatment

How to cure your yeast infection

Vaginal yeast infections can be treated successfully and quickly in a variety of ways. Topical creams and ointments, vaginal suppositories, oral tablets, or a combination of methods are the most common. In some cases, a single dose can clear up a yeast infection quickly; in others, three to seven days may be required. Appropriate treatment helps to cure the majority of vaginal yeast infections within a few days or one to two weeks at the most.

Many women who treat their condition with over-the-counter antifungal medications are not actually suffering from yeast infections at all, but from some other form of vaginitis. In these cases, they may experience no relief at all as they are not treating the correct infection. In fact, bacterial vaginosis, atrophic vaginitis, and trichomoniasis require prescription medication.

It is best to abstain from sex for about a week after your yeast infection treatment ends, to avoid transferring the infection to your partner. If a male partner develops irritation of the penis or other symptoms of candida balanitis, he may be treated with an antifungal cream.

Women who have weakened immune systems are normally given more than one dose of oral medication and/or a longer course of topical medication.

Women who suffer from more than four vulvovaginal infections in a year are said to have developed RVVC, recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis. Their treatment usually relies on oral medication. However, the dosage varies from that of women with normal immune systems.

Topical Creams

A wide variety of antifungal creams and ointments are the popular choice of women. Many of these are available without a doctor’s prescription. These creams are massaged into the labia and opening of the vagina. Examples of such creams are Femstat 3, Lotrimim, Mycostatin Cream, Monistat, Micatin, Nizoral, Terazol 3, Vagisil, and Vagi-Soothe. The advantage of over-the-counter medications is that they save time and money, and offer relief of painful symptoms almost immediately. The disadvantage is that you might not be treating the right type of vaginal infection; if proper diagnosis and treatment is delayed, it could lead to unnecessary complications.

Vaginal Suppositories

Most doctors prefer to treat yeast infections with antifungal vaginal suppositories, as they have fewer side effects than oral medications. The suppositories are inserted into the vagina with an applicator that comes with the package. Examples of vaginal tablets or suppositories are Lotrimim, Mycelex, Monistat, Micatin, Terazol, Mycostatin, and Yeast Away.

Oral Yeast Infection Tablets

Oral medications can take slightly longer to relieve symptoms of vaginal yeast infections but they are also considered effective. The most commonly prescribed oral medication is Fluconazole, given in one 150mg dose. Possible side effects include nausea, headache, and pain in the abdomen. Oral antifungal medications may interact with other drugs. Make sure your doctor or pharmacist is aware of any other medicines or herbal products you are taking at the time.

Homeopathic Treatments

Homeopathy is a holistic system of medicine which has a number of plant-based remedies which can soothe the discomfort of vaginal yeast infections. A homeopathic doctor should be consulted to confirm the diagnosis and to select the right treatment for the patient's condition. Examples of homeopathic cures for vaginal yeast infections include kali bich, calcarea carb, pulsatilla, sulphurm sepia, and natrum mur.

Probiotics

Probiotics are another effective way of dealing with a yeast infection. They can be used as a douche or a suppository. Examples of such products are Complete Probiotics, Custom Probiotics, and CP-1 or Culturelle.