Can I Safely Use Monistat Antifungals If I Am Pregnant
Only 7-day topical yeast infection treatments are recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for the treatment of yeast infections in pregnant women. If you are pregnant and think you have a vaginal yeast infection, talk to your healthcare professional before using any product to treat the infection.
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 won’t respond to these medications,” she adds. In these cases, you’d wanna call up your doc to get a prescription for an oral medication like fluconazole.
Symptoms Of A Uti Vs A Yeast Infection
An infection in your urinary tract can manifest in any of the following symptoms, according to the Mayo Clinic.
- A constant and powerful urge to pee
- A burning sensation when urinating
- Only releasing small amounts of urine when peeing
- Blood in the urine
- Strong-smelling urine
- Pain in the pelvic area, specifically in the center of the pelvis and around the pubic bone
If these are sounding way too familiar and your pain is not subsiding after a couple of days, it may be time to see your doctor, Dr. Malik says.
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The symptoms of a yeast infection are very similar to those of a UTI, but there are a few characteristics that differentiate it from other conditions. Here are the symptoms you may be experiencing if you have a yeast infection, per the Mayo Clinic.
- Itching and irritation in the vaginal region
- A burning sensation, especially during sex or while using the bathroom
- Redness and swelling of the vulva
- Thick, white, odor-free discharge that has been compared to cottage cheese
- Watery discharge
An over-the-counter medicine may be the simple solution you’re looking for however, if you don’t feel better shortly after using this treatment, definitely check in with your gyno.
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What Increases My Risk Of Getting A Yeast Infection
Certain factors make you more likely to get a vaginal yeast infection.
Certain factors can increase your risk of getting a vaginal yeast infection. Some of those are:
Certain lifestyle risk factors also increase your risk of a vaginal yeast infection, such as:
- Sitting in a wet bathing suit.
- Not changing out of sweaty clothes.
- Wearing scented tampons or using a vaginal deodorant.
When Is A Longer
When treating complicated vaginal yeast infections, an initial treatment is typically followed by maintenance treatment. In the initial phase of treatment,
- creams or suppositories are used for 1 to 2 weeks, or
- instead, one oral tablet is taken every three days for about a week.
This is usually followed by maintenance treatment, where you take one antifungal tablet per week over a period of six months. If you cant take tablets for instance, due to a pregnancy or interactions with other drugs you can use only creams or suppositories for the whole treatment period.
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Best For Varying Treatment Options: Monistat
Monistat is available in several pharmacies and retail stores, including Walmart, throughout the United States. It provides treatment options that include 1, 3, and 7 days worth of doses.
This product comes in the form of internal suppositories and external creams with applicators that help people place the yeast infection treatment in the right area. Some of the packs include additional topical itch medications to help ease symptoms.
Each applicator contains 200 milligrams of miconazole nitrate, a medication that treats fungal infections.
This product is available starting from $13.97.
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Much like athletes foot, an infection caused by another type of fungus , Green says yeast can turn up on feet, too. Sweaty socks or shoes could be to blame, so keep your feet clean and free of extra moisture to prevent yeast from growing between your toes. These are best treated with an antifungal over-the-counter cream.
Watch a hot doctor explain whether you have to treat yeast infections or not:
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What Are The Main Differences Between Vagisil And Monistat
The active ingredients of Vagisil are benzocaine and resorcinol, that act as local anaesthetics helping to relieve itching. However, as Vagisil does not contain an antifungal, it does not treat the infection but may help alleviate symptoms only.
Monistat contains miconazole, which is an antifungal. The vaginal formulations can be used both internally and externally to treat yeast infections. Monistat is available in different forms, such as Monistat 1, Monistat 3, or Monistat 7. In addition, internal vaginal cream and suppositories are available over the counter.
Monistat Treats A Wider Breadth Of Yeast Infections
Yeast infections are not all created equal. In fact, there are many different species of yeast that may be responsible for causing a vaginal yeast infection. In choosing a yeast infection treatment, you want an antifungal that will be effective on the most common type of yeastcalled Candida albicans, as well as non-albicans species. Non-albicans species are often found in women who experience recurrent yeast infections, are taking antibiotics, suffer from diabetes or lupus, or routinely use prescription fluconazole. Did you know that not all yeast infection treatments cover all species of yeast?
MONISTAT® provides the broadest treatment of yeast infection1 occurrences, more than Diflucan® and Terazol®. Recent data from the International Society for the Study of Vulvovaginal Disease shows that miconazole, the active ingredient in MONISTAT®, is the only recommended azole treatment for C. glabrata, the most prevalent non-albicans yeast species.
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What Other Drugs Interact With Miconazole Vaginal
If your medical doctor is using this medicine to treat your pain, your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor, health care provider, or pharmacist first.
- Miconazole Vaginal has severe interactions with the following drugs:
This information does not contain all possible interactions or adverse effects. Visit the RxList Drug Interaction Checker for any drug interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist about all your products. Keep a list of all your medications with you and share this information with your doctor and pharmacist. Check with your health care professional or doctor for additional medical advice, or if you have health questions or concerns.
Wash Using The Gentlest Fragrance
Technically, all you really need to clean the genitals is warm water, says Dr. Brandye, but a gentle bar soap could also work. Dr. Brandye prefers bar soap over liquid, as bar soaps tend to have less additional ingredients that could cause potential irritation compared to liquid soaps.
Dr. Brandye likes the Dove Beauty Bar for Sensitive Skin for this. And while it’s technically not a “soap”, Dr. Brandye says it doesn’t matter as the Dove bar is a mild cleanser and moisturizer, which can help maintain skin integrity.
For her patients with recurring infections of either yeast or BV, Dr. Brandye recommends RepHresh Pro B, which is a probiotic specifically meant for maintaining a healthy vaginal pH . “It is a tablet that you take by mouth every day, and used along with good perineal hygiene habits, works really well,” she says. Just remember, you still gotta treat the yeast infection, but the probiotic is a good extra step in case you want to prevent recurring future ones.
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Why Should I Be Concerned About Bacterial Vaginosis Or Trichomoniasis
If left untreated, BV and Trich may lead to a serious infection of the reproductive organs called pelvic inflammatory disease. BV and Trich may lead to complications in pregnant women, including serious infections and premature birth. Trich can also increase the risk of getting or spreading other sexually transmitted infections.
You May Want To Wait To Have Sex Until Your Symptoms Clear
You’re probably wondering how long to wait for sex after a yeast infection treatment. But honestly, if you actually have one, you may not want to do anything because of the dry, irritating feeling. “You can also spread yeast between partners, as it typically grows on moist surfaces,” says Dr. Shirazian. Once you feel the treatment start to kick in, that should be your green light for any kind of sexual activity. “You can be active when you no longer feel irritated and youre not noticing the thick signature discharge,” Dr. Shirazian adds.
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Holistic Treatments For Yeast Infections
Since yeast infections are common, dealing with them is part of being a woman, among many other things. So whats the best natural yeast infection cure? Surprising to some, Monistat and Vagisil may not be the best when compared to some yeast infection alternatives.
Using the old yeast infection standby Monistat may lead to unpleasant burning and irritation. Unfortunately, using Monistat can also lead to drug resistance.
Vagisil is also another potential yeast infection pitfall when it comes to womens health. It actually doesnt have any effect on yeast. Vagisil also contains potentially harsh ingredients like methylparaben and propylene glycol. So if you are looking for at-home yeast infection treatment, here are a few plausible options.
Is Monistat Or Diflucan More Effective
Monistat and Diflucan are each effective treatment options for vaginal yeast infections and have been compared in a variety of ways. In some women, vaginal yeast infections may be recurrent and bothersome, and the simplicity of a one-day treatment option may be the most appealing. In a study comparing the single-dose treatment of Monistat and Diflucan, Diflucan was found to have slightly higher cure rates, verified by lab tests and symptomatic improvement, though these differences were not statistically significant. More importantly, short term clinical cure was achieved in 94% of Monistat patients and 100% of Diflucan patients. Therefore, both Monistat and Diflucan are highly effective treatment options for vaginal yeast infections.
Only your physician can diagnose a vaginal yeast infection and decide what course of treatment is best for you in treating initial and recurring infections.
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How To Use Monistat 7 Cream With Applicator
If you are using the over-the-counter product to self-treat, read all directions on the product package before using this medication. If you have any questions, consult your pharmacist. If your doctor has prescribed this medication, use it as directed.
Read the Patient Information Leaflet available from your pharmacist. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
This product is for vaginal use only. Wash your hands before and after use. Avoid contact of this product with your eyes. If it gets into your eyes, wash them right away with plenty of water. Call your doctor if eye irritation persists.
Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Use the medication usually once daily at bedtime for 1 to 7 nights depending on the product used, or as directed by your doctor. If you are using the single dose tablet, it may be used during the daytime or at bedtime.
If using the vaginal cream, follow the package instructions on how to fill/use the applicator with the cream. Lie on your back with your knees toward your chest. Insert one applicator filled with cream into the as far as it will comfortably go. Slowly press the plunger of the applicator in to apply the cream. Make sure to insert the correct cream for use inside the , not the skin cream for use on the outer genital area .
Yeast Infection: Explanation And Causes
A yeast infection is basically an imbalance in your body between the yeast and good bacteria. A healthy person has a good balance of yeast and good bacteria in their body. As soon as either goes off balance , your body reacts.3
Basically: If theres too much yeast, you have a yeast infection. If theres too much bacteria, you have a bacterial infection. Here are some reasons you might be having a yeast infection:
- Using antibiotics? Why are we prone to yeast infections after using antibiotics? Antibiotics kill all the bacteria in your bodyâboth the good and bad. Since they kill the bad bacteria, they also skew the ratio between the good bacteria and the yeast heavily toward the yeast. This increases the odds of a yeast infection.
- Pregnant? High estrogen levels can encourage excess growth of yeast.
- Diabetic or eating a diet high in sugar? High blood sugar can provide a welcome environment for the growth of yeast.
Also, being overweight, stressed out, lacking sleep, having an impaired immune system, and using corticosteroids can also increase your chances of getting a yeast infection.4
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How Do I Know For Sure If Its A Yeast Infection And Not Something Else
Vaginal yeast infection symptoms can sometimes be confused with bacterial vaginosis or more serious infections, such as sexually transmitted diseases.
These infections require a completely different treatment and they can pose a serious health risk if left untreated. Thats why its crucial to get tested for a yeast infection before you start your treatment.
There are two ways can do it:
- Get seen by a doctor to get your vaginal discharge swabs taken. The doctor will then look at them under the microscope or send them to the laboratory for more accurate results.
- Order a yeast test kit online and send your swabs to the laboratory.
Online STD and yeast infection testing is becoming more and more popular these days because of its convenience. It allows you to order the test you need online and take your swabs from the comfort of your home.
Once youre ready, you have to send the swabs back to the laboratory in a prepaid envelope and wait a few days for your results.
With MyLabBox it usually takes from 3 to 5 days and youll get your results via email. If you test positive, youll get a free medical consultation to help you choose the best treatment.
MyLabBox offers a wide variety of vaginal tests. The most popular is V-Boxwhich tests for yeast infection, BV and the most common STDs: Trichomoniasis, Gonorrhea, and Chlamydia.
Are Monistat And Diflucan The Same
While both Monistat and Diflucan are antifungal medications used to treat vaginal yeast infections, they are not the same. Monistat is available for purchase without a prescription and is used locally in the vaginal area. Diflucan is a prescription medication and is taken orally for systemic absorption.
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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.
There Are Dozens Of Treatments For Vaginal Yeast Infections Which One Is Right For You
Yeast infections are caused by the Candida genus of yeasts , most often Candida albicans.
Research shows that C. albicans colonizes the vaginas of about 20 percent of women and 30 percent of pregnant women.
Though this colonization doesnt cause symptoms, symptomatic yeast infections can develop when the balance of microbial communities within the body gets thrown off by things like medication , hormonal changes, and the overuse of feminine hygiene products.
There are numerous drugs that can be used to treat vaginal yeast infections.
They can be purchased over-the-counter or with a prescription, and take the form of an antifungal cream, ointment, suppository, or medicated tampon. An oral tablet is also available.
Its important to get diagnosed by your doctor before trying OTC drugs especially if youve never had a yeast infection before because the symptoms of yeast infections are similar to other types of vaginal infections, including bacterial vaginosis and trichomoniasis .
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How Can I Reduce My Risk Of A Yeast Infection
You can often prevent vaginal yeast infections by making a few lifestyle changes. These changes can include:
- Not douching douching can kill bacteria that actually control fungus.
- Avoiding the use of feminine deodorants.
- Not using scented tampons or pads.
- Changing out of wet clothing, like bathing suits or gym clothes, as soon as you can.
- Wearing cotton underwear and loose-fitting clothes.
- Using water-based sexual lubricants.
- Keeping your blood sugar levels in a normal range if you have diabetes.
The symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection are similar to other conditions. If you have any questions, a physical exam by your healthcare provider will help.
Treating A Yeast Infection
If you know that it is a yeast infection from past experience and are familiar with the symptoms, you want an effective and convenient medicine one that works at the site of the infection. Try MONISTAT®, the #1 OTC antifungal.
MONISTAT® comes in 3 doses: highest dose MONISTAT® 1, regular strength MONISTAT® 3, and low dose MONISTAT® 7. Regardless of which product you choose, you should begin to experience some symptom relief after 3 days, and complete relief in 7 days.
Highest Dose MONISTAT® 1 may be the perfect solution for busy women with active lifestyles. This powerful single-dose product is available in the Ovule® form for use day or night and will stay in place during daily activities, even during exercise.
Regular Strength MONISTAT® 3 is a great option for women who want a less concentrated treatment that provides consistent treatment and relief at moderate dosage levels.
Low Dose MONISTAT® 7 has smaller doses of the active ingredient evenly distributed throughout the week at bedtime. Only 7-day topical yeast infection treatments are recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for the treatment of yeast infections in pregnant and diabetic women .
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