This causes serious discomfort. For example, bacterial vaginosis has almost identical symptoms to a yeast infection. This is why accurate diagnosis is so important. For example, if you think you have a yeast infection but you actually have bacterial vaginosis, an over-the-counter yeast infection medication will make it worse because it allows the bacteria to bloom even more. Similarly, food allergies or an allergy to a new soap, detergent or body product can also cause inflammation, itching and burning in and around the vagina — so you want to make sure you know the specific cause before you jump in and self-administer a treatment.
Symptoms of a yeast infection include:. Typically, a yeast infection is treated with an over-the-counter treatment, using a combination of a topical cream and a vaginal suppository — both of which contain antifungal agents.
There are a range of effective, active ingredients such as butoconazole Gynazole-1 , clotrimazole Gyne-Lotrimin , miconazole Monistat 3 , and terconazole Terazol 3. There really is no reason to use scented bath products or put perfumes and powders in the genital area," she said. So, how's a girl to know the difference between a yeast infection or something else? The most common symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection include:.
Luckily, there's a pretty quick solution for women who suffer from first-time yeast infections and exacerbated yeast infections that don't respond to topical treatment. Studies have shown patients who took prescription yeast infection tablets once a week for several months treated the condition faster. When you need long-term maintenance therapy for yeast infections, this tablet is the only answer. Over-the-counter medications won't provide the same result.
While there are many options available OTC to treat yeast infections, Sulak cautioned against using them for a first-time vaginal infection. You can buy non-prescription yeast infection medications at your local pharmacy in the form of anti-fungal creams, tablets, ointments or suppositories you insert into the vagina. Application methods and length of treatment will depend on the brand you choose.
If you suffer from recurring yeast infections a few times a year, it's probably OK to use these over-the-counter medications as treatment -- but you should still talk to your health care provider just to be safe. Instead, some of these medications only contain a local antiesthetic to alleviate certain symptoms like burning. The good news is when a yeast infection flares up, you're not at risk for any other health conditions. Read on to learn how long it can take a yeast infection to resolve with both OTC and prescription treatments.
These medications include clotrimazole, miconazole Monistat , and terconazole Terazol , among others. These medications are fairly effective for mild yeast infections. Your healthcare provider may also recommend taking antifungal medications regularly if you get frequent yeast infections. Prescription yeast infection medications, such as fluconazole Diflucan , are taken by mouth. Other prescription yeast infection treatments include vaginal antifungal medications you can use for up to two weeks.
If you get a yeast infection while pregnant , OTC topical treatments can provide relief. BV can develop when you have an overgrowth of bacteria in your vagina.
You may be more likely to develop BV after having sex with a new partner or if you have more than one partner. You may need antibiotics to improve persistent symptoms. Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted infection STI.
Some chlamydia symptoms can resemble yeast infection symptoms, but you may not have any symptoms at all. Regular STI testing can identify an infection that shows no symptoms and prevent health problems. Gonorrhea is a common STI. Your healthcare provider will prescribe antibiotics if you have gonorrhea. Trichomoniasis , often called trich, is a common STI. You can get trich from having sex with someone who has the infection without using barrier methods, such as condoms.
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