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.
So What Should I Choose Instead Of Vagisil
If you want to get rid of a vaginal yeast infection for good, youll be much better off using antifungal suppositories and creams or natural remedies, such as aloe vera, coconut oil or boric acid suppositories.
They contain compounds scientifically proven to kill Candida cells and provide a long lasting relief from itching and pain.
How Should I Use Vagisil
Vagisil numbing cream is for external use only. It can be applied using a fingertip to the affected area 3-4 times a day for 7 days.
Warnings related to the use of Vagisil
- Vagisil should be applied externally only to the affected area. Avoid contact with the eyes.
- If there is no improvement in the symptoms within 7 days, consult a doctor.
- Keep out of reach of children.
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When Should I See A Doctor
If youve never had a yeast infection, you should see a doctor for a proper diagnosis before you try any OTC treatments.
You should also talk with a doctor if you dont notice any improvement in your symptoms within 7 to 14 days. In this case, you may need a prescription-strength treatment, or you could have a different infection.
Our Criteria For Choosing The Best Yeast Infection Treatments

Here are the criteria we used to pick the products below:
- Rave reviews. We selected only products that got props from reviewers. All the products below have high ratings from customers.
- Reputable companies. We chose products from well-known companies with a good reputation.
- Readily available. Accessibility is a top priority. Not everyone can get to a doctors office on a dime, so we chose products that are available online and probably at your local pharmacy too.
- Affordable. You shouldnt have to shell out $$$$ to soothe a yeast infection, so we chose low cost products whenever possible.
- Expert input. We also got in touch with an expert to help us better understand how to treat a yeast infection.
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How We Evaluate Health Products And Services
At Innerbody Research, we customize our evaluation criteria depending on the type and nature of the health-related service. For sexual health products and companies, we have five areas that we use for our evaluations, including:
Quality: How well does the company deliver its core service and/or product to the customer? Is the quality of the product and/or telehealth service high enough that we would recommend it to loved ones without hesitation? If not, why not?
User-friendly: How intuitive and user-friendly is the service? Does the device/program/app/website achieve a good degree of user-friendliness for its customers?
Value: Are you getting your moneys worth? Are there any hidden costs or charges? Does the company offer discounts?
Privacy: If health data is stored, will your data be stored securely? Are payments secure?
Customer support: Particularly in situations where one size fits all doesnt make sense, how well does the company help to make the service or product ideal for you?
Who Should Consider Yeast Infection Treatments
If youve never had one before, you should consult with a healthcare professional to confirm that you have a yeast infection.
Its unclear what causes yeast infections and, unfortunately, most women will experience at least one in their lifetime. For many, yeast infections become a chronic issue. If youve had a yeast infection in the past, youll likely know if youve got another one.
Yeast infections are most common in women experiencing a monthly period. Its uncommon for premenstrual girls to get a yeast infection and they are also less prevalent in post-menopausal women.
If you get a regular period and are experiencing the following symptoms, chances are you could have a yeast infection:
- Pain while urinating
- Itching and soreness around the vulva and vaginal opening
- Red, swollen or sore vaginal tissue
- Vaginal discharge that is watery, white and clumpy
Although self-diagnosis and treatment is encouraged for women with chronic yeast infections, you should consult a physician if you are pregnant or taking oral antibiotics or drugs that suppress the immune system. You should also refrain from using tampons, douches and spermicides while you are treating your yeast infection.
Make sure to read all warnings and directions before administering any medication, whether prescription or over-the-counter.
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Why Trust Verywell Health
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
As a health writer with over eight years of experience, Brittany Leitner understands how important access to information is when it comes to making educated health decisions. She has interviewed dozens of medical experts, tested out hundreds of products, and aims to provide quality recommendations that wont break the bank.
Can I Use Vagisil Or Monistat While Pregnant
Yeast infections can be common in pregnancy. According to the American Pregnancy Association, treatment with a vaginal suppository or cream is recommended, under the care of your doctor. Ask your OB/GYN if it is safe for you to use Monistat. The manufacturer of Vagisil states that you should contact your doctor before using Vagisil if you are pregnant.
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Who Can And Cannot Use Clotrimazole
Clotrimazole creams can be used by most adults and children.
Clotrimazole may not be suitable for some people. To make sure clotrimazole is safe for you, tell a pharmacist or doctor if:
- this is the first time you’ve had thrush
- you’ve had thrush more than twice in the past 6 months
- you or your partner have ever had a sexually transmitted infection
- you’re a man with thrush but your sexual partner does not have it
Do not use clotrimazole pessaries if:
- you’re allergicto clotrimazole or any of the ingredients in the medicine
- you have an intolerance to some sugars unless your doctor has said it’s OK
- you’re having your period wait until it’s finished
How Do You Know When A Yeast Infection Is Gone
To know if your yeast infection is going away, you should experience these stages:
- First, you will notice that vaginal discharge has returned to a normal consistency and smell.
- Second, you will notice that itching has gone away, alleviating much of the discomfort associated with the infection.
- Third, you will notice that any rash, swelling, or redness has subsided. Your genitals should return to a healthy appearance and feel.
Other forms of yeast infection, like a yeast infection of the breast , may take longer to completely go away.
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Some Candida Species Are Resistant To Drugs
Though azoles work well against C. albicans, some other Candida species are resistant to these first-line drugs.
For example, about half of C. glabrata strains isolated from recurrent yeast infections are far less susceptible to fluconazole than C. albicans, and C. krusei is completely resistant to it.
To treat non-albicans yeast infections, your doctor may prescribe a Mycostatin vaginal cream or tablet, which you must apply or take daily for 14 days.
With treatment, your yeast infection will pass after one to seven days .
If a week is too long for you, you can also try a single dose of a powerful azole oral medication fluconazole, if appropriate.
Other antifungals, such as amphotericin B and flucytosine, are also available for the treatment of non-albicans yeast infections.
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Conditions That Can Mimic A Yeast Infection
Six possible causes of symptoms that may masquerade as yeast infections include:
If you arent getting relief from the usual measures, or you arent quite sure of the diagnosis, its worth a trip to the office to get checked out, says Dr. Zanotti. Call your doctor to be sure youre addressing any problems with appropriate treatment.
Yeast Infection Treatment Providers
Since yeast infections often clear up with over-the-counter treatments, most drugstores, pharmacies and online healthcare providers offer treatment options. Make sure to review the active ingredients list on the box before you purchase. While yeast infection treatments are prevalent, there are also many products intended to treat the symptoms, but not the underlying infection.
For example, Vagisil – a well-known feminine care product – relieves itch, but isnt an antifungal treatment. This means that it can help with your yeast infection symptoms, like pain and itching, but will not cure the infection itself. The active ingredient in Vagisil and its competitors is benzocaine, which is a topical, local anesthetic that dulls nerve endings.
Look for azole as part of the active ingredient list in the product you choose, in order to ensure youre treating your yeast infection and not just its symptoms.
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Safety Guide For Clotrimazole
Clotrimazole is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and is safe and effective when used according to the Drug Facts label directions. Here are some safe use tips:
- If you are treating a yeast infection, remember these products are for vaginal or external vulva use only. Read the educational pamphlet enclosed with the medicine for complete directions and information. You should use the applicator enclosed with the medicine if one is provided. Condoms or diaphragms may be damaged and fail to prevent pregnancy or sexually transmitted diseases.
- If you are treating athletes foot, you should pay special attention to spaces between the toes wear well-fitting, ventilated shoes and change your socks and shoes at least once daily. These products are not effective on the scalp or nails. These products are for external use only and you should avoid getting the medicine into your eyes. Make sure to wash the affected area and dry thoroughly before use.
How Yeast Infections Are Treated
While some yeast infection treatments are oral, meaning you take a pill or liquid by mouth, well focus on how to apply topical azole cream.
This should be done prior to bedtime, which will help prevent leakage. Depending on the medication you choose, youll be administering the cream once daily for one, three, or seven days in a row.
Always thoroughly read the directions that come with any over-the-counter or prescription medication.
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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.
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Symptom Relief And More
If you’re experiencing a burning and itching sensation, vaginal anti-itch creams and yeast infection tablets can help. You can even freshen and cleanse with feminine wipes that can help cool and soothe. Choose from yeast infection cures that include suppositories and creams to get rid of the infection.
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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.
Local Pharmacy Or Drugstore

If you have a yeast infection and need immediate relief, the quickest solution is to head to the pharmacy section of your local grocery or drugstore. Theyll have a variety of creams that you can try
The most common, name-brand yeast infection treatment is Monistat 1, 3, or 7 – the numbers indicate how many days youll need to apply the treatment. Keep in mind, even with one- or three-day treatments, it could take up to seven days to see results.
If youre hoping to avoid the expense of a name-brand, you can look for generic competitors. Just ensure the primary active ingredient is an azole antifungal and you can be confident youre treating your yeast infection.
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Does Vagisil Work For Yeast Infections
No. Vagisil will help relieve itching but does not contain an antifungal to help the source of the infection. There is a product called Vagistat, from the manufacturers of Vagisil, which contains miconazole in an internal and external cream and is similar to Monistat 3. If you are looking to cure a yeast infection, you will want to choose a product that contains an antifungal agent , but not Vagisil.
Look For Otc Yeast Infection Medications Ending In Azole Miconazole Clotrimazole
Dr. Brandye says these are easily accessible and will treat a yeast infection. However, sometimes there can be resistance, or a different species of yeast that wont respond to these medications, she adds. In these cases, youd wanna call up your doc to get a prescription for an oral medication like fluconazole.
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Knowing When To Seek Help
What Will Happen If A Yeast Infection Is Left Untreated
If a mild yeast infection is left untreated, it may go away on its own in a few days. More severe yeast infections could take up to 2 weeks to clear without treatment.
If your infection is causing painful and uncomfortable symptoms for more than 3 days, you should seek medical treatment.
The length and type of treatment for a yeast infection vary greatly from person to person and depend on the individual symptoms and severity.
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