PlanetRx - Learn More - Product Advice - Yeast Infection Treatments

Treat yourself carefully

Women of the world, you know what we're talking about: that itchy, scratchy, uncomfortable feeling that won't go away. Not only does a vaginal infection itch on the outside, it itches on the inside, too.

More than 20 million cases of yeast infections (Candida albicans) are diagnosed each year. It's not uncommon, because the organisms that cause it are normal residents of a healthy vagina. When they get out of control, though, they make their presence known with a white, odorous discharge. You can get them back under control with over-the-counter antifungals applied vaginally, and hydrocortisone anti-itch creams applied topically for symptomatic relief. If it's your first case of a fungal or yeast infection, have your doctor diagnose it. After that, when the itching starts again, you'll know how to stop it in its tracks.

Know Your Enemy

The first time you get a yeast infection, have a doctor diagnose it. Other vaginal infections can mimic the same signs. The Candida albicans -- or yeast -- infection is not the only vaginal infection. Women can also have bacterial vaginosis and trichomoniasis (a sexually transmittable disease). These conditions cannot be treated with over-the-counter yeast infection antifungals and require medical attention and prescription drugs.

If you have not improved in three days or if symptoms recur twice within two months, see your doctor. Stop using the over-the-counter yeast medication because you may not have a yeast infection.

About seven percent of patients using antifungal medications experience side effects, including burning, itching, and irritation. If your yeast infection symptoms worsen upon initial application, your medication may be the cause. See your doctor.

Are You Prone to Yeast Infections?

Women falling under any of these categories can be more susceptible to yeast infections:

Pregnant
Diabetic
Take birth control pills, antibiotics, cortisone-type drugs, or immune-suppressing medicines
Douche frequently (douching is not recommended at all)
Often wear nylon pantyhose

Prevention Better Than Cure

There are ways to help prevent future yeast infections. Try some of these:

Keep your vagina and vulva area clean; after a bowel movement wipe from front to back, not back to front.
Allow air to enter the area. Wear cotton underpants and loose pants; avoid pantyhose without a cotton crotch.
Keep your vaginal area dry by making sure your underpants are dry; also, change your bathing suit immediately after use.
Avoid perfumed toilet paper and vaginal sprays.
Active cultures in yogurt can help restore the natural balance to your system; eat some each day along with a balanced diet.
Avoid steroids or antibiotics unless absolutely necessary.

Antifungals

Imidazoles are the only class of nonprescription antifungal compounds available to treat vaginal yeast infections. They include butoconazole, clotrimazole, miconazole, and tioconazole. All imidazoles are about 85% to 90% effective. They kill fungi by preventing cell-wall formation, which results in a leaky membrane and cell death. Currently, the seven-day regimens of clotrimazole and miconazole and the three-day regimen of butoconazole are available without a prescription for vaginal yeast infections.

Ingredient		Description
Antifungals
Clotrimazole	?	At 1% concentration, it's effective against vaginal yeast infections, athlete's foot, jock itch, and ringworm. Depending on the infection, treatment may take two to four weeks. For vaginal yeast infections, a seven-day regimen is required (the three-day regimen requires a prescription).
Tioconazole	?	Available in a 6.5% concentration, it was formerly prescription-only. Effective for short-term treatment of yeast infections.
Miconazole	?	At 2% concentration, it's a highly effective, broad spectrum antifungal that works quickly and effectively against yeast infections, jock itch, athlete's foot, and ringworm.
Butoconazole		At 2% concentration, this formerly prescription-only agent is also effective for short-term treatment of yeast infections.

Using Vaginal Antifungal Creams

Clean the entire vagina and vulva with a mild soap before starting antifungal treatment.
It is recommended that you start treatment before going to bed. Lie face-up during sleep, not on your side or stomach. This will reduce the chance that the product might leak from the vagina.
Uncap the tube, invert the cap, and puncture the tip of the tube with the pointy end.
Attach the applicator to the tube.
Squeeze from the bottom of the tube to fill the applicator full of ointment. Then remove the tube.
Stand with your legs apart and your knees slightly bent. Alternatively you may lay down facing up with your legs apart and knees slightly bent. Then place the applicator into your vagina as far as it will go without causing irritation. Press the applicator plunger all the way down to spread cream as far into the vagina as possible.
Place the cap back on the tube and clean the applicator.
You may want to use a sanitary napkin because leakage will likely occur during treatment.
It is important to use all of the medication as directed on the package to prevent reinfection and fungal resistance. Do not interrupt treatment.
Use even during menses.
Having sexual intercourse is not advised during treatment. Antifungals contain chemicals which may dissolve the materials in condoms, diaphragms, cervical caps, and other barrier methods.
If your symptoms worsen or do not improve within three days, or if your symptoms are still present after treatment is completed, consult your physician. This may be a sign of a more serious condition.

Using Vaginal Antifungal Tablets or Suppositories

Clean the entire vagina and vulva with a mild soap before starting antifungal treatment.
It is recommended that you start treatment before going to bed. Lie face up during sleep, not on your side or stomach. This will reduce the chance that the product will leak from the vagina.
Unwrap the product.
Put tablet or suppository at the end of the applicator barrel.
Stand with your legs apart and your knees slightly bent. Alternatively, you may lay down, facing up with your legs apart and knees slightly bent. Then put the applicator as far back as possible into the vagina without causing irritation. Deposit the tablet or suppository.
You may want to use a sanitary napkin because leakage will likely occur during treatment.
It is important to use all of the medication as directed on the package to prevent reinfection and fungal resistance. Do not interrupt treatment.
Use even during menses.
Having sexual intercourse is not advised during treatment. Antifungals contain chemicals which may dissolve the materials in condoms, diaphragms, cervical caps, and other barrier methods.
If your symptoms worsen or do not improve within three days, or if your symptoms are still present after treatment is completed, consult your physician. This may be a sign of a more serious condition.

Warnings

Antifungals

Consult a physician before using or do not use if you have:

Allergy to any antifungal agent or any component of antifungal products
Kidney impairment
Liver impairment
Skin sores, lesions, or any other pre-existing tissue damage

Or if you:

Are a pregnant or nursing mother
Plan to administer to a child
Develop rash, hives, or other skin complications, headache, or abdominal cramping
Experience increased vaginal discharge
Experience vaginal burning or other irritations
Are experiencing vaginal itch or discomfort for the first time
Have symptoms that do not improve after treatment or after three days; consult a physician
Plan on having sexual intercourse while using the product
Plan to use tampons simultaneously

Common Side Effects

Antifungals