Your guide to vaginal yeast infection treatments

Vaginal yeast infections happen due to the growth of fungus in your vagina. They’re medically known as candidiasis, or you may commonly know them as thrush. They can cause uncomfortable symptoms, including:

• itching
• burning
• unusual discharge
• an unusual odor

Some people may feel embarrassed by yeast infections because they affect such an intimate area. But it’s important to speak with a healthcare professional to find the right treatment for you.

You can manage various yeast infections with OTC antifungal remedies, but more severe cases might need prescription medications. There are also some home remedies that may ease your symptoms.

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OTC treatments for a yeast infection

Because yeast infections are caused by fungus growth, the medications used for treatment are known as antifungals. These drugs often work by stopping an enzyme inside the fungus that helps it grow. Many antifungal yeast treatments are available OTC.

These OTC antifungals are generally available as a cream, ointment, or tablet, or they might be in suppository form that you insert into the vagina. The course of treatment is usually 1 to 6 days. If the infection hasn’t cleared up by then, consider speaking with a doctor.

OTC remedies are considered effective at managing simple yeast infections. What’s more, some 2018 research into OTC antifungals given to people by doctors found that 95% of people reported being satisfied with the OTC remedy.

OTC remedies are generally well-tolerated. But like any medication, they may cause side effects, including burning after use or an allergic reaction.

Some examples of OTC medications for yeast infections include:

• clotrimazole (Lotrimin)
• miconazole (Monistat)
• terconazole (Terazol)

If you have any concerns, you can speak with a pharmacist when you’re buying the OTC medication. They can advise you on how to use it correctly and whether you should make an appointment with a doctor.

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Prescription treatments for a yeast infection

If OTC remedies aren’t enough to get rid of the infection, doctors may prescribe medications to treat it. There are different kinds of prescription drugs for vaginal yeast infections.

Doctors might prescribe the same OTC medications at higher doses or for longer courses. They might also prescribe oral medications.

Fluconazole (Diflucan) is a type of medication called a fungistatic, which means it slows the growth of the yeast rather than killing it. Doctors prescribe it as a single oral tablet that you take once. It may take a few days to help treat your infection. But you might notice your symptoms feeling better in as little as 24 hours.

Fluconazole might cause some side effects, including:

• headache and dizziness
• nausea and vomiting
• diarrhea
• stomach pain

There’s also a newer medication that doctors might prescribe, known as ibrexafungerp (Brexafemme). This type of medication is called fungicidal, meaning it actually kills the fungus. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends taking ibrexafungerp twice per day for 2 days.

According to a 2023 review, most people taking this drug felt better within 2 weeks. However, it may cause side effects similar to those of fluconazole.

Natural remedies for a yeast infection

Alongside medications, you may consider home remedies to help relieve your symptoms. However, evidence is mixed about what actually works. Examples of home remedies include the following:

• Probiotics: Probiotics, which are often found in natural yogurts, are types of healthy bacteria that can boost your immune system. According to 2024 research, some probiotics can promote a healthy vaginal microbiome. The researchers found that while probiotics may help manage vaginal yeast infections with a low risk, they may not be as effective as fluconazole. Treatment with a combination of both probiotics and fluconazole may be most helpful.
• Garlic: You may have heard that garlic can help treat yeast infections, but evidence of its effectiveness is light. Research from 2022 suggests that garlic has antifungal properties and may stop or slow the growth of a fungus that can cause yeast infections.
• Vitamin C: Vitamin C can be beneficial in boosting your immune system and reducing your risk of infections. It also has antimicrobial functions. This means adding vitamin C to your diet may help treat an overgrowth of the fungus Candida albicans, which causes the infection.
• Coconut oil: Some research suggests that coconut oil has antifungal effects that can slow or stop the growth of Candida albicans. You can apply pure, organic coconut oil directly to affected areas.

Can a yeast infection go away on its own?

Milder yeast infections may clear up on their own with time. But the infection generally goes away faster if you start treatment. Finding the right treatment is important to avoid complications.

For example, if left untreated, vaginal yeast infections can cause broken skin and sores. The infection may also spread to other parts of your body, resulting in a condition known as invasive candidiasis. If it spreads to the bloodstream, this is called candidemia, which can cause hospitalization.

Online care for yeast infections

While yeast infections may go away on their own, it’s important to seek treatment to speed up the process and prevent complications. Some people may feel embarrassed about having vaginal yeast infections as they affect such an intimate area.

Online care services, including Optum Perks Online Care, may make getting treatment easier. With these services, you can submit an online form answering a few questions about your symptoms, and a US-licensed healthcare professional will respond soon after to prescribe a treatment plan.

Summary

Vaginal yeast infections are very common, and most cases can be treated with OTC medications. These medications are usually in the form of creams, ointments, and suppositories.

In more severe cases, doctors might prescribe oral medications. These should clear up your infection quickly.

You may also have heard of several home remedies that help manage yeast infections. But evidence is mixed on how effective these are.

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