How to get rid of a yeast infection in 24 hours

Yeast infections can be uncomfortable, learn how to get rid of a yeast infection in 24 hours

By Gerardo Sison, Pharm.D. | Dec. 16, 2022

How to get rid of a yeast infection | Over-the-counter treatments | Prescription treatments | How long will a yeast infection last without treatment? | When to see a doctor

Yeast infections are common fungal infections that can cause uncomfortable symptoms, such as vaginal irritation, pain, and discharge. Most women experience a vaginal yeast infection at least once in their lives due to various causes, including poor hygiene, pregnancy, and antibiotics. Nevertheless, yeast infections are generally mild and easy to treat, with an array of treatment options available.

If you’re wondering how to get rid of a yeast infection, continue reading to learn about the potential treatment options available, including over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medications.

How to get rid of a yeast infection

A vaginal yeast infection, also known as vulvovaginal candidiasis, is caused by a type of yeast or fungus called Candida albicans. It commonly occurs in women, although it can also occur in men. Different factors can affect the natural balance of bacteria and fungi in the vagina, leading to yeast overgrowth. The most common causes and risk factors of a yeast infection include:

Use of antibiotics, steroids, or contraceptives
Pregnancy
Weakened immune system
Diabetes

Yeast infection treatment options include prescription and OTC medicines, which may come in brand-name and generic forms. Treatment options also come in different dosage forms, such as oral tablets and vaginal creams.

Mild or uncomplicated yeast infections usually resolve within a few days using a short-course vaginal therapy. Certain OTC topical medications are designed to be used as a single dose to clear a mild infection quickly. However, oral prescription medications may be needed for more severe symptoms of a yeast infection that last for one to two weeks or longer.

Azole antifungals are the main class of drugs used to treat yeast infections. They work by disrupting the fungal cell membrane, which stops the growth of the fungi causing the infection. Topical azole antifungals can be found over the counter, while oral pill forms need a prescription from a healthcare provider.

Can a yeast infection go away in one day?

There is a small chance of a yeast infection going away on its own. However, you’ll want to avoid the infection becoming more severe without treatment. It’s best to consult a healthcare provider and get rid of a yeast infection early with an OTC or prescription treatment.

A single-dose oral drug is one of the fastest ways to clear up a yeast infection. It can be taken in one day, but it may take a few days for symptoms to improve. Single-dose treatments can be obtained over the counter or with a prescription.

Over-the-counter yeast infection treatments

Over-the-counter antifungal medications are available in creams or suppositories for internal application. They can be purchased as one-, three-, and seven-day treatments at local drug stores. These treatments are also available online for those who are uncomfortable buying them in the store.

With numerous OTC medications out there, it can be confusing to choose the best treatment. Some anti-itch creams or herbal remedies may seem attractive because of their cost and ease of use. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend treating vaginal yeast infections with intravaginal imidazoles, such as Monistat or Vagistat.

The following are OTC medicines you can buy at pharmacies or online:

Monistat-1 (miconazole)
Gyne-Lotrimin 3 (clotrimazole)
Vagistat-3 (tioconazole)

Remember to read the instructions for vaginal suppositories or creams carefully or ask for medical advice from a healthcare provider. Avoid stopping the medicine early, even if symptoms have subsided. While OTC treatments may be helpful, you might need a prescription medication if symptoms worsen or don’t seem to improve.

Prescription yeast infection treatments

Diflucan (fluconazole) is an azole drug that can only be purchased with a prescription from a doctor or healthcare provider. It can be taken as a single-dose oral medication for mild infections or as a single dose every three days for more severe infections. Most cases of vaginal candidiasis typically respond to single-dose therapy with fluconazole.

Oral prescription pills can only be used to treat yeast infections with guidance from a healthcare provider. Azole antifungals may interact with other medications, especially when taken orally. Certain people, such as pregnant women and people with kidney problems, may need to avoid azole antifungals like fluconazole.

Examples of prescription yeast infection medications include:

Diflucan (fluconazole)
Terazol (terconazole)
Gynazole-1 (butoconazole)
Brexafemme (ibrexafungerp)
Vivjoa (oteseconazole)

Some vaginal yeast infections don’t respond to treatment with usual antifungal agents like fluconazole. For resistant yeast infections, a healthcare provider may recommend boric acid inserted into the vagina or Ancobon (flucytosine) taken orally.

The duration of treatment with prescription medications is typically longer than that of OTC medications. Prescription vaginal therapy could last for more than a week. For recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis, or yeast infections that occur more than three or four times per year, a healthcare provider may recommend weekly doses of fluconazole. Vivjoa (oteseconazole) is a prescription antifungal medicine approved for chronic or recurrent yeast infections.

How long will a yeast infection last without treatment?

Yeast infections with mild itching or irritation may go away on their own within a few days. More serious yeast infections can take one to two weeks or longer to clear up and will often require a prescription medication. The severity and symptoms of the infection will determine the best course of action. However, if a vaginal yeast infection is left untreated, symptoms could worsen.

Some people may prefer home remedies to treat yeast infections. Although they may seem convenient, the scientific evidence for their use is lacking. Common alternative treatments for yeast infections include apple cider vinegar, coconut oil, tea tree oil, garlic, cranberry juice, plain yogurt, and probiotic supplements. Consult a healthcare provider before using a home remedy.

After a yeast infection resolves, it’s a good idea to take steps to prevent it from happening again. Ways to prevent a yeast infection include:

Using proper hygiene, such as wiping from front to back after using the toilet
Avoiding tight-fitting clothing
Wearing breathable clothing, such as cotton fabrics
Managing high blood sugar levels or diabetes
Avoiding scented or irritating feminine products
Avoiding douching, excessive sweating, and stress

When to see a doctor

Schedule an appointment with a doctor if symptoms worsen despite using an appropriate treatment, such as an OTC antifungal cream. You may be experiencing a resistant or more serious yeast infection that requires a prescription medication to treat.

In some cases, the infection may be caused by bacteria or other microbes. Other vaginal infections or medical conditions can cause similar symptoms of a yeast infection, such as vaginal itching or a burning sensation. These conditions include bacterial vaginosis, allergic reactions, sexually transmitted infections, such as trichomoniasis, and skin conditions, such as lichen sclerosis or eczema. A healthcare provider can evaluate your symptoms and perform tests to identify what is causing the problem.

You may need a doctor’s assessment and diagnosis if:

You experience pelvic pain or a fever
It is your first yeast infection
You have recurring infections
You are pregnant
You are concerned about STIs (sexually transmitted infections)

During a diagnosis, a doctor or healthcare provider may ask about your medical history, sexual activity, and medications you are currently taking. They may also perform a pelvic exam and take a sample of vaginal discharge to pinpoint the cause of your symptoms. After determining the cause of the infection, a healthcare provider can recommend an effective treatment plan tailored to your symptoms.