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What is the Best Yeast Infection Treatment?

Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen

Yeast infections are unfortunately easy to get. Women may note them if they have white discharge from the vagina, and vaginal itching that doesn’t seem to resolve. Itching may feel like it is inside the vagina, and it may also itch on the exterior tissue of the vagina. Some women note a burning sensation when they urinate.

Fortunately, yeast infection treatment is easy to obtain, and there are many over the counter medications that will treat the majority of these infections, approximately 90%. There are still some important guidelines to follow when treating a yeast infection. These include rules about when to contact a doctor and when to make the decision to self-treat.

Women suffering from a yeast infection may experience a burning sensation when they urinate.
Women suffering from a yeast infection may experience a burning sensation when they urinate.

If a woman has never had a yeast infection before, it’s important to confirm diagnosis with a doctor prior to using any form of yeast infection treatment. Some conditions may be similar in symptoms to fungal infections, and these can include several sexually transmitted diseases. Confirmation of the infection is thus valuable, as is seeing a doctor if any yeast infection treatment doesn’t resolve the condition within a week or two. Some women are prone to getting these frequently and may need stronger medicines or prescription treatments to help eliminate the issue.

It is important to consult with a doctor before using any form of yeast infection treatment.
It is important to consult with a doctor before using any form of yeast infection treatment.

When women are reasonably sure the condition is a yeast infection and not something else, the best yeast infection treatment is generally using an over the counter yeast infection medicine. These are anti-fungal medications and usually are one of the following medications: miconazole, clotrimazole, tioconazole, or butoconazole. For appropriate yeast infection treatment, these medications must be used exactly as prescribed.

Eating yogurt regularly may reduce the likelihood of developing a yeast infection.
Eating yogurt regularly may reduce the likelihood of developing a yeast infection.

When medication packaging recommends a certain length of use, this should be followed to the letter, and not just stopped when itching ends. There are many of these medications that may only require a single application, and may come in vaginal suppository form, but others will need to be used for a few weeks. When the infection is still present after use, it is time to see a doctor. A physician might recommend switching from one yeast infection treatment med to another, or may suggest a longer period of use.

Miconazole can come in suppository form for easier vaginal application.
Miconazole can come in suppository form for easier vaginal application.

Sometimes creams or suppositories don’t take care of recurrent yeast infections. In this case the best yeast infection treatment may be to take an oral anti-fungal medication. This treatment may be recommended when infection persists after topical anti-fungal medications have been tried. Many doctors may recommend using an anti-itch cream with low dose anti-fungal meds, with oral medication, to address vaginal itching especially on the vagina’s exterior.

There are some people who swear by using other methods to cure infections. Some women eat yogurt regularly as this may slightly increase natural yeast fighting agents. Others douche with yogurt or with vinegar solutions.

Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen

Tricia has a Literature degree from Sonoma State University and has been a frequent TheHealthBoard contributor for many years. She is especially passionate about reading and writing, although her other interests include medicine, art, film, history, politics, ethics, and religion. Tricia lives in Northern California and is currently working on her first novel.

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Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen

Tricia has a Literature degree from Sonoma State University and has been a frequent TheHealthBoard contributor for many years. She is especially passionate about reading and writing, although her other interests include medicine, art, film, history, politics, ethics, and religion. Tricia lives in Northern California and is currently working on her first novel.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

anon338294

These ten tips changed my life: stay dry and loose; practice good hygiene; avoid harsh soaps and feminine hygiene products; use yogurt; bring on the boric - boric acid is safe; try over-the-counter natural anti-fungal creams; drink unsweetened cranberry juice; go natural; treat both partners; avoid routine douching.

anon150179

Nice article. This is what exactly I'm looking for. I'm a health conscious guy and your post will be my new resource from now on. thanks!

elizabeth23

I have known people with even mild symptoms of what seemed like a yeast infection, but turned out to be something else. If you think you have any sort of infection in that area, go to the doctor. It really is not worth the risk of it being something much more serious.

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    • Women suffering from a yeast infection may experience a burning sensation when they urinate.
      By: mitev
      Women suffering from a yeast infection may experience a burning sensation when they urinate.
    • It is important to consult with a doctor before using any form of yeast infection treatment.
      By: Edyta Pawlowska
      It is important to consult with a doctor before using any form of yeast infection treatment.
    • Eating yogurt regularly may reduce the likelihood of developing a yeast infection.
      By: Anton Maltsev
      Eating yogurt regularly may reduce the likelihood of developing a yeast infection.
    • Miconazole can come in suppository form for easier vaginal application.
      By: FirstBlood
      Miconazole can come in suppository form for easier vaginal application.
    • Some yeast infection treatment creams can be purchased over-the-counter without a prescription.
      By: Tyler Olson
      Some yeast infection treatment creams can be purchased over-the-counter without a prescription.