Why Am I Still Feeling Irritation And Burning After I Treated My Yeast Infection
Someone asked us:
Why even after yeast infection treatment, it still burns and itches?
Most over-the-counter yeast infection treatments work within one to three days, depending on the brand. Your nurse or doctor can also prescribe you a single pill that you swallow to treat your yeast infection.
Even though yeast infections can be really itchy, try not to scratch, because it can make your infection worse. There are over-the-counter creams that you can use on your vulva to help calm the irritation. Your nurse or doctor can also give you tips on relieving burning and itching.
If you finish your treatment and your symptoms persist for more than a week, talk to your nurse or doctor to see whats going on. You may require further treatment or something else may be causing the irritation. You can always schedule an appointment at your local Planned Parenthood health center.
Tags:yeast infections
Planned Parenthood delivers vital reproductive health care, sex education, and information to millions of people worldwide. Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Inc. is a registered 501 nonprofit under EIN 13-1644147. Donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowable under the law.
Is Vagisil Or Monistat More Effective
It is difficult to compare the two drugs because they work differently. Vagisil can help with external itching, but will not cure a yeast infection. Therefore, if the itching is due to a yeast infection, Vagisil may help relieve symptoms temporarily, but will not cure the yeast infection that is causing the symptoms. If you are experiencing itching due to local irritation not associated with a yeast infection, Vagisil may be helpful, while Monistat would not be an effective treatment.
Monistat has been shown to be effective as an antifungal and will help cure a yeast infection. Using the external cream in the combination pack can help relieve symptoms while you wait for the infection to be cured.
You can always check with your doctor to see if Vagisil or Monistat is an appropriate choice for you because he or she should be familiar with your medical condition and history.
Can I Exercise While Taking Monistat
You can exercise while you are taking MONISTAT® 1-Day Treatment Combination Pack. All other treatments should be taken at night when you go to bed, and you can expect some leakage with product use. For best results, lie down as soon as possible after inserting the product. This will reduce leakage. You may want to use panty liners to protect your clothing during the time you are using MONISTAT®.
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Applying Oils Down There Might Not Be The Best Remedy Either
Other natural remedies for yeast infections you may hear about are coconut oil and tea tree oil. But take caution, the docs say. “I would suggest you avoid the tea tree oil or coconut oil in the vaginal area because research doesnt suggest they work, and they may cause more harm than good,” says Dr. Rainford. Tea tree oil can actually be irritating if you put it near your vulva. And coconut oil, while generally safe for your skin, “is not consistently effective at curing yeast,” Dr. Sophocles points out.
Why Is Vaginal Acidity Important
Normal vaginal bacteria produce factors that keep the vaginal environment slightly acidic. The acidic environment helps suppress the overgrowth of abnormal bacteria. When abnormal bacteria overgrow or parasitic infections like Trichomoniasis become established, this results in abnormal vaginal activity yeast infections usually do not result in a change in vaginal acidity. A vaginal pH test can determine your vaginal acidity.
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Best Preventive Treatment: Uqora Promote
The makers of Uqora Promote say the product promotes vaginal health rather than specifically targeting yeast infections. However, it contains Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, and Lactobacillus reuteri, which the company claims can help balance vaginal bacteria.
Some shows that Lactobacilli such as L. acidophilus and L. rhamnosus show promise in preventing vaginal infections.
The company recommends using this product daily with a glass of water.
This product is available for $30.
The product contains calendula, olive extract, beeswax, and olive oil to combat itching and discomfort.
The company recommends using this yeast infection treatment before bed or wearing a panty liner to ensure that it does not leak.
This product is available for $19.97.
What If I Forget To Use It
If you forget to use a pessary or internal cream at bedtime, use it during the night if you remember. If you only remember the next day, wait until bedtime for your next dose. Pessaries and internal cream work best at night.
If you have forgotten for more than 1 day, your infection may not be treated properly. If you still have symptoms after you finish your course, speak to a doctor.
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Will I Experience Any Side Effects While Using Monistat Antifungals
A mild increase in vaginal burning, itching or irritation may occur when you first insert a MONISTAT® antifungal. Abdominal cramping has also been reported. Stop using MONISTAT® antifungal products and consult your healthcare professional if you have abdominal pain, headache, hives, skin rash or if you have severe vaginal burning, itching, irritation or swelling.
When To Talk With A Doctor
If this is your first time experiencing vaginal itching or discomfort, its recommended to speak with a doctor or another healthcare professional to confirm the cause of your symptoms.
Once youve experienced a yeast infection before, a doctor may tell you its OK to use OTC medications to treat them. If your yeast infection symptoms dont start to improve within 3 days after beginning treatment or last longer than 7 days, schedule a visit with a healthcare professional.
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When To See A Doctor For A Yeast Infection
As with any womens health concern, you should always consult a doctor to prescribe appropriate treatment. Insufficient treatment can cause recurring symptoms or chronic infections.
People of menstrual age are more likely to experience yeast infections than younger people with vaginas who have not yet started menstruating. This is likely due to many different factors, but the hormonal changes that bring about menstruation can play a role in increasing yeast infection risk for some people.
Among people who get recurring yeast infections, many report experiencing symptoms at the same time every month, in sync with their menstrual cycle. High levels of estrogen can lead to candida overgrowth, and estrogen increases after your period. Yeast infections that occur before your period may be due to changes in vaginal pH that happen during that time as part of your cycle.
Vaginal Yeast Infection: How Can I Prevent It
Wear cotton underwear and change regularly, especially after exercise.
Change your tampons or pads frequently.
Avoid indulging in very hot bubble baths.
Avoid stress and maintain a healthy diet free of high-sugar food.
Avoid heavily perfumed products in and around your intimate area.
Wipe from front to back after going to the toilet.
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Customer Reviews And Brand Reputation
Overall, customers seem to have a positive experience with these products and find them effective for treating yeast infections. Monistat says theyre the No. 1 brand recommended by gynecologists.
However, some people experience negative side effects, like a burning sensation, after using the product. One reviewer who experienced severe burning sensations stated she later learned she had bacterial vaginosis rather than a yeast infection.
Monistat is considered a safe OTC medication. Its only recommended for treating yeast infections, and it wont treat other conditions with similar symptoms.
Only the 7-day treatment option is recommended by the CDC for treating yeast infections in pregnant people.
Here are some other safety tips for using Monistat:
- Dont use tampons, douches, spermicides, or other vaginal products.
- Dont have vaginal intercourse until after finishing treatment.
- Wash hands before and after use.
- Avoid bringing the medication into contact with your face, eyes, or mouth.
Common side effects when using Monistat include:
Coverage And Cost Comparison Of Vagisil Vs Monistat
Because Vagisil and Monistat are available OTC, they are typically not covered by insurance. Occasionally, an insurance plan may cover the generic form of Monistat. You can use a SingleCare card to save on Vagisil or Monistat, but youll need your doctor to write a prescription in order to process the SingleCare savings. Even though the drugs are both OTC, the SingleCare card will only work with a prescription.
| Cost comparison |
| $10-17 per package |
Prescription drug prices often change. These are the most accurate medication prices at the time of publishing.
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Are You Sure Youve Got A Yeast Infection
The symptoms of yeast infection can be easily confused with BV or sexually transmitted diseases, such as trichomoniasis. If its not a yeast infection, Monistat wont work. Before you start your Monistat treatment, its very important to get tested to make sure youre not wasting your time and money.
Some sexually transmitted diseases can lead to serious health complications, so they should be treated swiftly. The best way to get tested is to order an online lab-certified test. MyLabBox offers a selection of vaginal tests and they send you a test kit so you can take your swabs at home.
Once you send them back, in an attached prepaid envelope, youll have to wait for your lab-certified results between 3 to 5 days. They will arrive by email and if theyre positive, youll get a free consultation with a physician to help you get the best treatment. Go ahead and order your vaginal health test today!
Can I Use Monistat While On My Period
Yes, you can use Monistat while on your period. Periods often cause yeast infections to occur due to the hormonal imbalance in the body. However, you cannot use tampons while also using Monistat, as it may remove some of the medication from your body. You should instead use a sanitary napkin or pad.
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What Is Monistat Used For
Monistat is used to treat vaginal yeast infections and manage the symptoms.
If this is your first yeast infection, talk with a healthcare professional before using this product. The symptoms of a yeast infection can be similar to some other conditions, like bacterial vaginosis or sexually transmitted infections.
Monistat wont treat any other condition besides a fungal infection. So, its important to know that you have a yeast infection before using this medication.
The Best Yeast Infection Treatments
The following are some products a person can use to treat their yeast infection at home.
Before starting treatment, individuals should contact a doctor for a diagnosis. Knowing exactly which infection they have ensures that the person uses the appropriate treatment and does not create fungus resistant to future treatments.
Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication.
Medical News Todayfollows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here.
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Are Bv And Trichomoniasis Treated In The Same Way As A Yeast Infection
No. BV is caused by an abnormal growth of bacteria and must be treated with prescription antibiotics. At this time there are no FDA approved over-the-counter treatments for BV.
Trichomoniasis is a parasitic infection and must be treated with prescription antibiotics. At this time there are no FDA approved over-the-counter treatments for Trichomoniasis.
If you think you have a yeast infection and are familiar with the symptoms because you have been previously diagnosed with a yeast infection, you can try an over-the-counter antifungal remedy such as MONISTAT®. If this is your first yeast infection, see your healthcare professional.
If You’re Diabetic Always Monitor Your Blood Sugar Levels
People who have diabetes may also have higher risks of yeast infections, says Dr. Sophocles. If yeast infections are persistent for you, it’ll be helpful to manage your blood sugar closely, adds Dr. Sophocles. Why? Well the yeast feed on sugar, so the more sugar that’s in your bloodstream, the more that yeast can thrive.
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Figure Out If It’s Really A Yeast Infection
As Dr. Brandye pointed out, there are many things that you might confuse for a yeast infection, like BV, a UTI, or STIs like herpes. Here are some telltale signs to help you differentiate, especially if you’re not sure if you should pick up some Monistat, drink cranberry juice, or call your doc.
Yeast infections vs. Bacterial Vaginosis
Yeast infections have lots of itching and irritation and don’t usually have a lot of discharge, but if there is, it’s white and looks like cottage cheese, explains Dr. Brandye. A more severe yeast infection might cause you discharge with a greenish tint to it. On the other hand, bacterial vaginosis will usually have discharge with a fishy odor.
Yeast infections vs UTIs
Dr. Brandye also adds that sometimes urine coming into contact with the vulva may cause burning, which makes women think they’re experiencing a UTI and not a yeast infection, but UTIs have different symptoms, such as pelvic pain, pain when you urinate, and super frequent urination with with only a small amount of pee coming out.
Yeast infections vs STIs
If you notice any new bumps or lesions, it might not be a yeast infection and could be an STI. These bumps might not always be painful, but things like herpes can cause pain and irritation that may mimic a yeast infection, Dr. Brandye says. However, the pain from these lesions would be more localized to where the lesions are.
What Is Monistat 1
Monistat 1 consists of one dose of 1200 mg of Miconazole nitrate and is designed for women who dont want to wait until bedtime to start treatment.
This ovule adheres to vaginal walls and does not leak, so you can insert it anytime during the day and go about your day as normal, you can even exercise! Your symptoms should ease from 3 to 7 days after inserting the ovule if you see no improvement make sure you see your doctor.
Monistat 1 has got a whopping 38% of one-star reviews on Amazon. Due to the high dosage of Miconazole, many women experience an allergic reaction with intense burning and pain. If you think you may be sensitive to Miconazole, choose Monistat 3 or Monistat 7 instead.
Ingredients: Miconazole Nitrate 1200 mg, Gelatin, Glycerin, Lecithin, Mineral Oil, Titanium Dioxide, White Petrolatum
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Are There Any Side Effects To Monistat
You may experience mild side effects when you initially use the product, including vaginal burning, irritation, or itching. Some people have also experienced headaches or abdominal cramps. Overall, it is rare to experience any severe side effects or allergic reactions to this product. You should seek immediate medical attention if you experience any kind of rash, swelling, or trouble breathing.
Common Side Effects Of Vagisil Vs Monistat
The most common side effects of Vagisil include local skin irritation or inflammation and skin peeling. Other, less common side effects that may occur include itching or redness, hives, stinging, and an allergic reaction.
The most common side effects of Monistat include headache, local burning sensation or irritation, and lower stomach cramping. An allergic reaction is very rare, but you should seek immediate medical attention if symptoms occur. Symptoms can include swelling of the face, tongue, or throat, trouble breathing, dizziness, and/or rash.
Other side effects may occur. Consult your gynecologist for a full list of side effects.
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Ditch The Tight Pants
“Yeast likes warm, moist places,” says Dr. Brandye, so you should leave any tight-fitting pants or shorts out of your wardrobe rotation to avoid moisture and heat as much as possible until the situation is all-clear. On vacay with a yeast infection? Switch out of your wet bathing suit ASAP after swimming. And you don’t have to skip your workout, Dr. Sophocles says. “If you want to keep rocking your Lululemon leggings, just change into a non-sweaty pair right away!” You want to aim to keep the area as well-ventilated as you can.
Monistat 1 Vs Monistat 3 Vs Monistat 7
If youre suffering from a vaginal yeast infection and looking for the most effective treatment, you may be wondering which of the Monistat vaginal cream applicators to choose.
In this article, Ill explain what is the difference between Monistat 1, Monistat 3 and Monistat 7 to help you choose the most suitable option for yourself and get rid of a yeast infection for good. Ill tell you which Monistat is the best when it comes to treating vaginal yeast infections with Monistat.
Monistat contains Miconazole, an antifungal compound that is very effective in treating vaginal yeast infections. You can buy Monistat with different concentrations of Miconazole and duration of treatment.
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As a seasoned health writer, Jennifer Nied understands how vital quality product recommendations are for treating symptoms safely and effectively at home. For over 10 years, she has reviewed products, interviewed experts, scrutinized ingredients, and pored over research studies and claims, to help readers like you understand what works for your specific conditions. Every product in this piece was selected taking into account recommendations from doctors, published research, and real customer reviews.
Additional reporting to this story by Brittany Leitner
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