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6 Best Yeast Infection Treatments To Consider For 2023
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Yeast infection treatments may include pills or topical medications with over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription options available. Several companies sell OTC or prescription treatments online.
Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication.
*Price is accurate as of the date of publication.
MNT's reviewFluconazole is a generic version of the prescription pill Diflucan, which people can take to treat yeast infections.
Individuals need to take a single pill first. If symptoms do not improve after 2 days, they can take a second pill.
Online pharmacies, such as Wisp, offer quick delivery of fluconazole. It can also provide same-day or rushed prescriptions to a person's local pharmacy.
A one-time purchase costs $65, while a quarterly subscription costs $15 a month.
Read our review of Wisp.
Wisp offers subscriptions for those who regularly have yeast infections and accepts FSA and HSA cards as payment.
This product may be most suitable for individuals who regularly experience yeast infections or when creams have not worked.
Pros & cons*Price is accurate as of the date of publication.
MNT's reviewThe makers of Uqora Promote say the product promotes vaginal health rather than specifically targeting yeast infections.
It contains Lactobacillus acidophilus (L. Acidophilus), Lactobacillus rhamnosus (L. Rhamnosus), and Lactobacillus reuteri, which the company claims can help balance vaginal bacteria.
Some research suggests that Lactobacilli such as L. Acidophilus and L. Rhamnosus show promise in preventing vaginal infections.
The company recommends taking this supplement daily with a glass of water.
Uqora Promote may be suitable for people who regularly get yeast infections as a preventive treatment. It is vegan-friendly and gluten-free, meaning it may also suit people following certain diets.
Read our review of Uqora.
Pros & cons*Price is accurate as of the date of publication.
MNT's reviewMonistat is available in several pharmacies and retail stores, including Walmart, throughout the United States. It provides treatment options that include 1, 3, and 7 days' worth of doses.
This product comes in the form of internal suppositories and external creams with applicators that help people place the yeast infection treatment in the right area. Some packs include additional topical itch medications to help ease symptoms.
Each applicator contains 200 milligrams (mg) of miconazole nitrate, a medication that treats fungal infections.
This product is most suited to individuals who currently have a yeast infection and would like to try multiple methods to treat it. However, the 1-day dose can be too potent for some people, adding to the irritation of the vulva. In these cases, the 3- or 7-day options may be more suitable.
Read our review of Monistat.
Pros & cons*Price is accurate as of the date of publication.
MNT's reviewFemiClear's 2-day yeast infection treatment includes two suppositories that a person inserts into their vagina and an external anti-itch ointment for symptom relief.
The product contains calendula, tea tree oil, olive extract, beeswax, and olive oil to combat itching and discomfort.
The company recommends using this yeast infection treatment before bed or wearing a panty liner to ensure that it does not leak.
The FDA classes this product as an unapproved homeopathic treatment and states it has not tested it for safety or efficacy. The FDA writes that it is not aware of scientific research that supports the effectiveness of homeopathic remedies.
This may best suit individuals who currently have a yeast infection and prefer to use organic ingredients. However, it is unsuitable for vegans because it contains beeswax.
Read our review of Femiclear.
Pros & cons*Price is accurate as of the date of publication.
MNT's reviewThe Killer by Love Wellness aims to prevent yeast infections from developing and claims to keep vaginal bacteria healthy.
The capsule contains boric acid, which may be effective in treating recurrent yeast infections that have not responded to to anti-fungal treatments.
Learn more about using boric acid to treat yeast infections.
The brand recommends inserting this vaginal suppository once a day before bed for up to 14 days, as necessary. The brand also recommends that the best times to use The Killer might be after sex, after a period, or when a person is experiencing symptoms of a pH imbalance.
The FDA classes this product as an unapproved homeopathic treatment and states it has not tested it for safety or efficacy. The FDA writes that it is not aware of scientific research that supports the effectiveness of homeopathic remedies.
The Killer is suitable for anyone who may be prone to vaginal yeast infections. Love Wellness does not recommend a person to have sexual intercourse while using this product.
Pros & cons*Price is accurate as of the date of publication.
MNT's reviewThis CVS Health treatment comes with seven doses of disposable internal applicators and external cream.
Each applicator contains 100 mg of miconazole nitrate. The manufacturer recommends that people insert an applicator before going to bed. Individuals should dispose of the applicator immediately after use.
The treatment is available both in-store and online. It may best suit individuals who would prefer a product that works while they sleep. However, a person should not use this if they have not received a diagnosis of a yeast infection from a doctor.
Pros & consThe table below compares each of the products for price, ingredients, and more.
Doctors typically recommend OTC antifungal medications to treat a vaginal yeast infection.
Antifungal medications come in a variety of forms, including:
Treatments may come as one single dose or a daily dose over several days. A person should read the dosing instructions carefully to ensure they use the correct dosage.
Some of the products in this article are classed as homeopathic treatments.
There are no FDA-approved homeopathic products. This means that any product sold in the U.S. And marketed as homeopathic is not FDA-approved, and the FDA has not tested it for safety or effectiveness.
People can take some steps to help prevent yeast infections. For example, they can try:
Learn more about preventing yeast infections.
People should be aware of the following advice when taking medication for yeast infections:
Before starting treatment, individuals should contact a doctor for a diagnosis. Knowing exactly which infection they have ensures that the person uses the appropriate treatment and does not create fungus resistant to future treatments.
There are some home remedies a person can try for a yeast infection. We look at six common home remedies below and suggest some products people can try.
Greek yogurtOne systematic review from 2019 suggests that yogurt and honey were effective treatments for yeast infections. Some Greek yogurt contains Lactobacillus, making it a probiotic and a potential treatment for a yeast infection.
People can apply the yogurt to their vulva, insert it into their vagina with a clean tampon, or eat it as part of their everyday meals.
Boric acidThe Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggest boric acid is a useful treatment for vaginal yeast infections. This is especially true for people with more severe yeast infections that are not clearing up and those with recurring infections.
Oregano oilWild oregano oil contains two antifungals: thymol and carvacrol. Although research is inconclusive, a study from 2021 tested various essential oils to treat yeast infections. The researchers concluded that oregano oil, specifically Origanum onites, was the most effective in inhibiting these types of infections.
However, people should not ingest essential oils, and they should mix them with carrier oil, such as coconut oil, before applying them to the skin. Additionally, individuals should not put fresh oregano inside the vagina.
ProbioticsSome probiotic supplements may be beneficial for vaginal health. Probiotics play a key role in maintaining the correct vaginal environment and improving the immune defense.
According to research, probiotics have a variety of health benefits, including reducing symptoms relating to vaginal yeast infections.
Coconut oilCoconut oil is antifungal, making it a possible treatment for yeast infections. Older research found coconut oil to be effective against Candida albicans, with the authors claiming it is comparable to ketoconazole — an OTC medication. However, limited research confirms coconut oil is safe and effective for yeast infections.
People should only use pure, organic coconut oil on their skin and speak with a doctor if it does not work or causes a reaction.
Apple cider vinegarApple cider vinegar may have antimicrobial properties, and it is a popular home remedy for yeast infections. People often add half a cup of apple cider vinegar to their baths as diluting this product before using it on the skin is important.
Older 2017 research recognized the popularity of apple cider vinegar as a home remedy but warned that scientific studies are lacking. The authors wrote that it is most effective at 25% concentration but did not work as well against Candida yeasts as other strains.
A 2018 study found that apple cider vinegar may help reduce Candida populations, but it was only effective in undiluted solutions, which would be unsuitable on the skin.
A person should contact a doctor if they suspect a yeast infection, as symptoms can be similar to those of other conditions. The doctor can properly diagnose and treat a yeast infection.
The person should seek further medical advice if a yeast infection does not clear up with treatment. They may need to adjust their medications to treat any itching and discomfort.
Recurring yeast infectionsAccording to the OWH, yeast infections are usually mild. They cause symptoms such as itchiness, pain, and unusual discharge. Most females will develop a yeast infection at some point in their life.
The OWH also says that some people develop recurring yeast infections.
Risk factors for recurring yeast infections, or recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (RVVC), include having diabetes or a compromised immune system.
However, individuals can develop recurring yeast infections even if they do not have any risk factors.
If a person experiences RVVC, a doctor will likely recommend or prescribe antifungal medications for up to 6 months to help keep the fungus under control.
Below, we answer the top frequently asked questions about yeast infection treatments.
What's the easiest way to get rid of a yeast infection?The easiest way to eliminate a yeast infection is to use an antifungal medication on the skin or inside the vagina. People can also get oral pill treatments for yeast infections.
Can I treat myself for a yeast infection?Treating a yeast infection at home may be possible, but home remedies may not be as effective or well-researched as prescription or OTC medication. Yeast infections may also be more likely to reoccur with home remedies.
Some home remedies include Greek yogurt with live cultures, oregano oil, or probiotics.
What is the best and fastest way to treat a yeast infection?The fastest way of treating a yeast infection is to use an OTC antifungal medication, which can clear yeast infections in several days to a week.
What's the main cause of yeast infection?The main cause of a yeast infection is an overgrowth of Candida albicans fungus.
Yeast infections are often mild, and a person can typically treat them using OTC medications. Medications come in different forms and doses, so it is important to follow the instructions on the package.
A person should not self-diagnose a yeast infection, as many symptoms are similar to those of other illnesses and conditions.
Once a doctor diagnoses this infection and a person treats it, they should notice symptom improvement.
What Is A Yeast Infection? Symptoms, Causes And Treatment
There is normally a balance between Candida and other microorganisms in the vagina. When this balance is disrupted, Candida is able to overgrow.
There are several risk factors for developing a vaginal yeast infection. They include:
Hormones. High levels of sex hormones (such as during pregnancy, hormone-replacement therapy or oral contraceptive use) increase the likelihood that Candida will adhere to the vagina and overgrow. High levels of sex hormones also decrease vaginal immune responses.
Antibiotic use. Taking antibiotics kills the good bacteria in the vagina. Elimination of these beneficial microbes means there is less competition for resources, which allows Candida to overgrow.
Weakened immune system. If a person has a weakened immune system – (e.G., HIV), the body does not produce an immune response strong enough to prevent the overgrowth of Candida.
High blood sugars. Uncontrolled diabetes and glucocorticoid (a type of steroid medication) use can lead to high blood sugar levels, which can impair the ability of the body to prevent Candida overgrowth. It can also increase the likelihood that Candida will adhere to the vagina, allowing it to overgrow.
Genetics. Some people are genetically predisposed to getting vaginal yeast infections.
Intrauterine devices. Intrauterine devices (a form of birth control that is inserted into the uterus) act as a reservoir for Candida where they can adhere and form biofilms. Biofilms are a community of microorganisms held together and protected by glue-like materials. They are highly resistant to medications, immune responses and stress.
Spermicide use. Candida are able to feed off one of the compounds used in spermicides, which allows them to adhere to the vagina and overgrow.
Using douches or vaginal sprays. Douching or using vaginal sprays can introduce allergy-causing substances into the vagina. They also wash away the good bacteria in the vagina, which can lead to Candida overgrowth.
10 Ways To Prevent Yeast Infections
Show SourcesSOURCES:
Kidshealth.Org: "Vaginal Yeast Infections"
Mayo Clinic: "Yeast infection (vaginal)"
WomensHealth.Gov: "Vaginal Yeast Infection"
FDA: "Getting Rid of Yeast Infections."
Johns Hopkins Medicine: "Vaginal Yeast Infection."
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