An Introduction to Yeast Infection Treatment
Treating
yeast infection generally involves taking antifungal medicines, such as:
- Butoconazole
- Miconazole
- Clotrimazole
- Tioconazole.
These medicines are taken by mouth, applied directly to the affected area, or used vaginally.
Although these medicines usually work to cure the infection (80 to 90 percent success rate), infections that do not respond to
yeast infection treatment are becoming more common, especially in
HIV-infected women receiving long-term antifungal therapy.
What You Need to Know About Treatment for Yeast Infection
Women can buy antifungal creams to be applied directly to the area, tablets to be taken orally, or suppositories for use in the vagina. Because
bacterial vaginosis,
trichomoniasis, and
Candida yeast infections are difficult to tell apart on the basis of symptoms alone, a woman with vaginal symptoms should see her healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis before using these products.
Both three-day and seven-day yeast infection treatment may be effective for many cases.
Other Considerations Regarding a Yeast Infection Treatment
There are currently a number of over-the-counter (OTC) yeast infection treatments available. As a result, more women are diagnosing and treating themselves for yeast infections. However, misdiagnosis is common. Studies have shown that as many as two-thirds of all yeast infection treatment medications sold are used by women without the disease.
Overuse of these antifungal medications can increase the chance that they will eventually not work, because the fungus develops resistance to the medications. Therefore, it is important to be certain of the diagnosis before beginning treatment for yeast infection with over-the-counter or other antifungal medications.
Women who have chronic or recurring yeast infections may need to be treated with vaginal creams or oral medicines for longer periods of time.
HIV-infected women may have severe infections that often do not respond to yeast infection treatment.
