Created: June 19, 2019; Next update: 2022. Vaginal infections are often caused by an overgrowth of yeast (a type of fungus). Yeast infections in the vagina usually go away after a short course of treatment with antifungal medication.
When will I feel better? — Most yeast infections go away within a few days of starting treatment. However, you may continue to feel itchy and irritated, even after the infection is gone. If you do not get better within a few days after finishing treatment, call your doctor or nurse for advice.
Getting your period won't “flush out” a yeast infection. A mild yeast infection might clear up on its own, but often, you'll need to treat the fungus to get the infection to go away. Antifungal medications treat yeast infections.
Fluconazole, an oral medication that often treats a yeast infection in one dose. Because it's a pill rather than a vaginal insert, Fluconazole is likely the least messy and most convenient option for menstruating yeast infection sufferers, although it does require a doctor's prescription.
Mild yeast infections may clear up in as few as three days. Sometimes, they don't even require treatment. However, moderate to severe infections may take one to two weeks to clear.
When there is an imbalance and yeast overgrows, it can cause a yeast infection. The stages of yeast infections may be classified as mild, moderate, or severe.
Untreated yeast infections can sometimes progress into more serious infections, leading to redness, swelling, and cracks or sores around your vagina. These severe infections are still treatable, but they are much more uncomfortable and take longer to clear up.
If you are using a vaginal medicine, don't have sex until you have finished your treatment. But if you do have sex, don't depend on a latex condom or diaphragm for birth control. The oil in some vaginal medicines weakens latex. Don't douche or use powders, sprays, or perfumes in your vagina or on your vulva.
Even though yeast infections can be really itchy, try not to scratch. It can make irritation worse or cause cuts in your skin, which can spread germs and lead to more infection. There are over-the-counter creams that you can use on your vulva to help calm the irritation.
Foods containing simple sugars, including many fruits. White flour and other glutenous grains. Anything fermented with yeast, such as alcoholic drinks. Some dairy products, including whole milk.
Taking an antifungal medication for three to seven days will usually clear a yeast infection. Antifungal medications — which are available as creams, ointments, tablets and suppositories — include miconazole (Monistat 3) and terconazole.
Untreated yeast infections do not have long-term consequences, such as infertility or scarring. They tend to be uncomfortable, and can cause discharge and burning, but they do not cause permanent damage.
Yeast is most commonly found in processed sugars, gluten-based foods and grains (a candida diet is recommended for people who have a yeast infection). In addition to this, it is also recommended to stay away from meat and starchy vegetables like potatoes and carrots and avoid excessive consumption of alcohol.
Healthy women also naturally have yeast in their vaginas. But sometimes this yeast grows too much and causes a yeast infection. Certain antibiotics, diabetes, a week immune system, and normal changes in your hormone levels can lead to yeast infections.
Women tend to be more likely to get vaginal yeast infections if their bodies are under stress from poor diet, lack of sleep, illness, or when they are pregnant or taking antibiotics.
Burke suggests several potential reasons: The infection may be incompletely treated, or not treated long enough. If you don't feel better after your first treatment, you may need a longer course or you may have a less common species of yeast that doesn't respond to standard medication.
Infections might be the cause. You may have bacterial vaginosis, a yeast infection, or an STI. Menopause-related hormonal changes, diabetes, or skin conditions are other possible causes. Or irritation from and allergic reactions to detergents and other products could be at work.
Apple cider vinegar has long been used as a home remedy to treat candida overgrowth and protect against yeast infections and thrush. Studies show apple cider vinegar has powerful antimicrobial activities and can inhibit the growth of C. albicans and other pathogens.
Yeast infections can be uncomfortable, but they're usually not serious. You may have itching or irritation in or around your vagina, as well as a thick, white discharge. In many cases, an antifungal treatment will clear up your symptoms.
You can treat most vaginal yeast infections with an over-the-counter vaginal cream or suppository. Most large drugstores and supermarkets sell them. Many yeast infection treatments come in 1-day, 3-day, and 7-day strengths.