Yeast infections are uncomfortable—in more ways than one. They cause itching or burning. The area of the body they most commonly affect makes many people feel embarrassed to seek treatment. But the reality is that vaginal yeast infections are a common women's health issue. Don't let a little uneasiness stop you from seeking the appropriate treatment.
What is a yeast infection?
Vulvovaginal candidiasis, also known as a vaginal yeast infection, is caused by the growth of Candida in the vaginal tissue or vulva. Candida is a fungus that causes a yeast infection where it grows. Most vaginal yeast infections are caused by the fungus Candida albicans. Vaginal yeast infections cause bothersome symptoms such as itching, pain with sex, or a thick, white discharge from the vagina.
“Yeast infections are extremely common and are the result of an overgrowth of the yeast that normally lives on body surfaces,” says Amesh Adalja, MD, a board-certified infectious disease physician and senior scholar at the John Hopkins Center for Health Security. There are approximately 1.4 million cases of outpatient treatment for vaginal yeast infections yearly in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Because yeast infections occur so frequently, treatment tends to be widely available. Antifungal medications and dietary supplements can treat vaginal yeast infections.
How is a yeast infection diagnosed?
If you suspect you may have a vaginal yeast infection, you should visit a healthcare professional for a diagnosis. Although, in some cases, it is possible to self-diagnose a yeast infection, it is important to understand the severity of the infection and gain access to the appropriate treatment through a physician. If you suspect you have a yeast infection, you will want to avoid douching, using tampons, and having sexual intercourse before your appointment so your healthcare provider can make a proper assessment.
You can visit either your primary healthcare provider or an OB/GYN for a diagnosis. During your visit, the healthcare professional will take a small sample of the vaginal discharge. This sample will either be evaluated in the office or sent to a lab to be checked under a microscope for the presence of Candida. According to the CDC, this doesn’t always mean a yeast infection is occurring, as Candida can be present without symptoms. Your healthcare professional will work with you to determine whether or not you have a yeast infection.
Yeast infection treatment options
The good news is that vaginitis, or vaginal yeast infections, are treatable and typically cured within a short time frame. However, there are cases of severe vaginitis and recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis that can be more difficult to treat. After your diagnosis, your healthcare provider will recommend a treatment plan for your symptoms.
Short-term treatments are commonly used and can be prescribed by your doctor or purchased over the counter. These are antifungal treatments that come in the form of tablets, creams, ointments, and vaginal suppositories. Treatments in this category will be used for several days until the infection and medication are gone. Typically, you will need to use caution when taking these medications, as activities such as vaginal and oral sex can stop the effectiveness of the medication(s) or make the condition worse. Talk to your doctor and consult the medication’s insert to determine what activities may be restricted when taking it.
One common drug used to treat yeast infections is a prescription oral antifungal tablet known as fluconazole or Diflucan. In most cases, one powerful dose will eliminate the infection. In severe cases, you may need more than one dose. It works similarly to short-term treatments, and many patients prefer the convenience and ease of the single-dose pill versus messy creams.
Longer-term or multidose treatments may be recommended for patients with recurrent yeast infections. These treatments can last up to six months at a time to try to fully eliminate the fungal presence in the vaginal tissue. Sometimes, these treatments can also involve oral medications and are typically not recommended for pregnant women.
Additionally, there are lifestyle changes and home remedies that some use to treat or prevent yeast infections.
Yeast infection medications
Because vaginitis is so common, treatment is streamlined. Meaning, the drug classes and ingredients used to treat yeast infections tend to be the same or similar—though the forms of these medications may change.
Antifungal
Candida is a fungus, which means the easiest way to combat it is with antifungal, or fungus-fighting, medications. These medications can come as ointments, creams, tablets, or vaginal suppositories. Depending on their form, length of use, and dosage, they may be available over the counter or by prescription. Commonly used antifungal medications for vaginal yeast infections include Gynazole-1 (butoconazole), Diflucan (fluconazole), Monistat (miconazole), and Gyne-Lotrimin 3 (clotrimazole). Side effects of these medications include headache, rash, hives, and vaginal burning or irritation.
Best medications for yeast infection
What are common side effects of yeast infection medications?
Because all of the medications used to treat vaginitis are antifungals, they tend to have similar side effects. However, they will vary due to the different administration routes. Of course, these side effects will not be the same for everyone, and their presence or severity may vary. This is not a complete list and you should always consult your doctor or gynecologist regarding your potential risks when starting a new medication. Potential side effects of vaginal yeast infection medication can include:
Stomach pain
Burning, itching, and/or irritation of the vagina or application site
Headache
Dizziness
Nausea
Missed menstrual period (rare)
What are the best home remedies for a yeast infection?
Many people prefer to treat their vaginitis at home for a variety of reasons. Some find that visiting a doctor is too costly or too embarrassing. While these home remedies for yeast infections may work, they aren’t guaranteed to eliminate symptoms. It’s important to monitor your condition and seek medical attention if your condition worsens, as prolonged or severe vaginal yeast infections can become serious. However, some home remedies for yeast infections include:
Probiotics as supplements and suppositories. There is some evidence that shows probiotics taken orally or used as vaginal suppositories can be used to treat yeast infections. Taking probiotics orally, such as lactobacillus acidophilus, can promote the growth of good bacteria and can help to prevent infections—although there is less evidence to support that. However, it has been said that using probiotics as a vaginal suppository in addition to medications may work to treat and prevent recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis.
Tea tree oil. This oil has been shown to have antimicrobial and antifungal properties. This research even concluded that vaginal suppositories containing tea tree oil may help treat vaginal fungal infections, including Candidiasis. You should be very careful if you’re considering tea tree oil to treat your vaginal yeast infection, as it can cause irritation to sensitive skin. Premade suppositories that use tea tree oil are available online and can be used as a home remedy.
Boric acid. This is a more powerful home remedy that many people have reported success with and is even recommended by the CDC for vaginal yeast infections that are not caused by Candida albicans. Boric acid is another home remedy that is typically used in concurrence with OTC medications but has been reported to work on its own. Use caution with boric acid as it can be toxic at high levels and is not recommended for use while pregnant.
Lifestyle changes. In order to prevent recurrent vaginal yeast infections, you may need to make some lifestyle changes. This can include maintaining a healthier diet, avoiding scented body washes, wearing cotton underwear, keeping your vagina clean and dry, as well as avoiding douching. Making these changes may help prevent yeast infections from coming back.
Frequently asked questions about yeast infections
What is the best treatment for a yeast infection?
Each patient will need different treatment depending on their needs and the severity of their vaginitis symptoms. There isn’t a one-size-fits-all medication out there, but there are commonly used options. Many patients find success with antifungal medications such as Gynazole-1 (butoconazole), Diflucan (fluconazole), Monistat (miconazole), and Gyne-Lotrimin 3 (clotrimazole). There are also a variety of home remedies that some patients turn to such as tea tree oil, probiotics, or boric acid.
Will a yeast infection go away on its own?
While it is possible for a yeast infection to go away on its own, this isn’t likely. Vaginal infections are caused by Candida fungus growth, which is a result of an imbalance within the vagina. If a severe yeast infection occurs, then it may cause serious harm if left untreated for too long. If you leave a yeast infection untreated, then the Candida will continue to multiply, worsening the infection over time.
How long does a yeast infection last?
This depends on a few different factors. The severity of your yeast infection and the medication or treatment you use for it will determine the length of the infection period. Some medications are used for three to seven days while some cases of vaginitis require treatment that can take six months due to recurrence. Your doctor will be able to give you the best idea of how long to expect treatment to last.
What will happen if a yeast infection is left untreated?
Typically, a yeast infection will worsen if left untreated. The Candida fungus will multiply the longer it is not treated, and balance is not restored to the vaginal tissue. In some cases, the infection can become severe or life-threatening if left for too long. It is important to seek medical attention or treat vaginal infections when they occur.
What is the best natural cure for a yeast infection?
Just like with medications, there isn’t a perfect natural cure for everyone. Tea tree oil vaginal suppositories are popular for some, but those with sensitive skin may not be able to use them. Boric acid is recommended by the CDC as a more natural approach in patients with non-albicans vaginitis, but pregnant women cannot use it. You may need to consult a natural healthcare professional or gynecologist to find an appropriate solution.
What are the symptoms of a yeast infection?
The symptoms of a yeast infection include soreness, burning, or itching of the vagina or vulva, as well as white discharge. Unlike ovulation, this discharge is more unusual in appearance, and some patients have compared it to a cottage cheese consistency. Other symptoms can include pain with sex and/or urination. If you are experiencing any symptoms of vaginitis, you should make an appointment with your gynecologist or another healthcare professional to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment.
What is the strongest medicine for yeast infection?
One of the strongest medications used to treat yeast infections is Diflucan (fluconazole), which is typically only taken once. This is an oral medication that kills fungus and yeast throughout the body and is not safe for pregnant women. It is usually strong enough to only be taken once, but patients with recurrent yeast infections may need to take more than one dose over the course of a few days or months to combat a vaginal infection.
What is the best over-the-counter medicine for a yeast infection?
Medications work differently for women, but there are a few popular OTC yeast infection medications. Monistat (miconazole) is one of the more commonly used over-the-counter medicines.
Related resources for yeast infections
