Yeast Infection Treatment

Antifungal medications, such as butoconazole and miconazole, are commonly prescribed yeast infection treatment options. Some medications are prescribed by a doctor, while others can be purchased over-the-counter. A three-day or seven-day yeast infection treatment is generally effective in curing Candida infections. Women with recurring yeast infections or HIV may need treatment for longer periods of time.

 

Yeast Infection Treatment: An Introduction

Yeast infection treatment generally involves taking antifungal medicines, such as:
 
  • Butoconazole
  • Miconazole
  • Clotrimazole
  • Tioconazole.
 
The medicines are taken by mouth, applied directly to the affected area, or used vaginally.
 
Although these medicines usually work to cure the infection (80 percent 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.
 

Yeast Infection Treatment: The Details

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 yeast infections.
 

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 (the fungus develops resistance to the medications). Therefore, it is important to be certain of the diagnosis before beginning treatment with over-the-counter or other antifungal medications.
 
Women who have chronic or recurring yeast infections may need to have yeast infection treatment with vaginal creams or oral medicines for longer periods of time.
 
HIV-infected women may have severe yeast infections that often do not respond to yeast infection treatment.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
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