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Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:- Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
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Yeast infection treatments may include pills or topical medications with over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription options available. Several companies sell OTC or prescription treatments online.
- Best pill: Wisp Fluconazole | Skip to review
- Best preventive treatment: Uqora Promote | Skip to review
- Best range of treatments: Monistat | Skip to review
- For rapid treatment: FemiClear Yeast Infection 2-Day Treatment | Skip to review
- Best preventive suppository: Love Wellness The Killer | Skip to review
- Best budget treatment: CVS Health Miconazole 7-Day Vaginal Treatment | Skip to review
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.
The table below compares each of the products for price, ingredients, and more.
List price | Active ingredients | Treatment time | Supply | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Generic Fluconazole | $15 a month $65 one-time | generic fluconazole | 2 days | up to two pills |
Uquora | around $30 | • L. acidophilus • L. rhamnosus • L. reuteri | ongoing preventive treatment | 30 days |
Monistat | around $15.50 | miconazole nitrate | 1–7 days | one to seven prefilled applicators |
FemiClear | around $18 | • olive oil • melaleuca • calendula • lavender essential oil | 2 days | two suppositories |
Love Wellness | around $18 | boric acid | ongoing preventive treatment | up to 14 days |
CVS Health | around $11 | miconazole nitrate | 7 days | seven prefilled applicators |
Doctors typically
Antifungal medications come in a variety of forms, including:
- creams
- tablets
- ointments
- vaginal suppositories
Treatments may come as
Some of the products in this article are classed as homeopathic treatments.
There are
Medical News Today’s methodology
MNT chose yeast infection treatments that meet the following criteria:
- Reputable brands: Our medical and business teams have thoroughly researched all brands in this article to ensure their safety and reputability. This means the brands we chose do not make unsupported health claims and their products do not contain unsafe ingredients.
- Accessibility: MNT chose widely available brands in-store, online, and over the counter.
- Cost: MNT selected nonprescription items with some of the most budget-friendly prices. For prescription products, MNT ensured multiple payment options, including health savings accounts (HSAs) and flexible savings accounts (FSAs).
- Treatment times: MNT chose products that claim to treat yeast infection symptoms in as few days as possible.
- Treatment type: MNT chose products with various treatment types, such as pills, probiotics, and suppositories.
Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here.
People can take some steps to help prevent yeast infections. For example, they can try:
- avoiding irritating soaps
- not using vaginal douches
- regularly changing tampons and sanitary napkins
- keeping the outer genital area dry and clean
- not using panty liners every day
- avoiding scented products for use around the vagina
- only using antibiotics when a doctor prescribes them
- wiping from the front to the back after using the toilet
- changing into dry clothes immediately after swimming
- wearing loose-fitting cotton underwear
- maintaining a stable blood sugar level
Learn more about preventing yeast infections.
People should be aware of the following advice when taking medication for yeast infections:
- Dosage: It is important to take the entire course of medication to clear an infection. For example, with a 7-day suppository, a person should insert suppositories daily for the full 7 days, even if symptoms begin to clear before the 7-day period ends.
- Birth control: The oils in certain suppositories and creams can interfere with barrier birth control methods. They can weaken the materials in condoms, making them less effective. When using these yeast infection treatments, a person should use a different form of birth control or abstain from sex during the duration of the treatment if they would typically use a condom.
- Pregnancy: Pregnant people should always consult a doctor before using any prescription or nonprescription medication to treat an infection.
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.
There are some home remedies a person can try for a yeast infection. We look at six common home remedies below and suggest some products people can try.
Greek yogurt
One systematic review from 2019 suggests that yogurt and honey were effective treatments for yeast infections. Some Greek yogurt contains Lactobacillus, making it a probiotic and a
People can apply the yogurt to their vulva, insert it into their vagina with a clean tampon, or eat it as part of their everyday meals.
Yogurt to try
- 365 by Whole Foods Market Plain Greek Yogurt, around $5 on Amazon
- Stonyfield Organic Greek Whole Milk Yogurt, around $8 on Amazon
Boric acid
The
Oregano oil
Wild oregano oil
However, people should not ingest essential oils, and they should mix them with carrier oil, such as coconut oil, before applying them to the skin. Additionally, individuals should not put fresh oregano inside the vagina.
Oregano oil to try
- Plant Therapy Oregano Essential Oil, around $9 on Amazon
Probiotics
Some probiotic supplements may be beneficial for vaginal health. Probiotics
According to research, probiotics have a variety of health benefits, including reducing symptoms relating to vaginal yeast infections.
Probiotics to try
- Garden of Life Raw Probiotics Vaginal Care, around $30 on Amazon
- Love Wellness Good Girl Probiotics, $29.99 on Love Wellness
Coconut oil
Coconut oil is
People should only use pure, organic coconut oil on their skin and speak with a doctor if it does not work or causes a reaction.
Coconut oil to try
- Happy Belly Organic Unrefined Virgin Coconut Oil, around $12 on Amazon
- Pura D’Or Organic Fractionated Coconut Oil, around $16 on Amazon
Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar
Older 2017 research recognized the popularity of apple cider vinegar as a home remedy but warned that scientific studies are lacking. The authors wrote that it is most effective at 25% concentration but did not work as well against Candida yeasts as other strains.
A
Apple cider vinegar to try
- Bragg Organic Apple Cider Vinegar, around $5 on Amazon
A person should contact a doctor if they suspect a yeast infection, as symptoms can be similar to those of other conditions. The doctor can properly diagnose and treat a yeast infection.
The person should seek further medical advice if a yeast infection does not clear up with treatment. They may need to adjust their medications to treat any itching and discomfort.
Recurring yeast infections
According to the
The OWH also says that some people develop recurring yeast infections.
Risk factors for recurring yeast infections, or recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (RVVC), include having diabetes or a compromised immune system.
However, individuals can develop recurring yeast infections even if they do not have any risk factors.
If a person experiences RVVC, a doctor will likely recommend or prescribe antifungal medications for up to 6 months to help keep the fungus under control.
Below, we answer the top frequently asked questions about yeast infection treatments.
What’s the easiest way to get rid of a yeast infection?
The easiest way to eliminate a yeast infection is to use an antifungal medication on the skin or inside the vagina. People can also get oral pill treatments for yeast infections.
Can I treat myself for a yeast infection?
Treating a yeast infection at home may be possible, but home remedies may not be as effective or well-researched as prescription or OTC medication. Yeast infections may also be more likely to reoccur with home remedies.
Some home remedies include Greek yogurt with live cultures, oregano oil, or probiotics.
What is the best and fastest way to treat a yeast infection?
The fastest way of treating a yeast infection is to use an OTC antifungal medication, which can clear yeast infections in several days to a week.
What’s the main cause of yeast infection?
The main cause of a yeast infection is an overgrowth of Candida albicans fungus.
Yeast infections are often mild, and a person can typically treat them using OTC medications. Medications come in different forms and doses, so it is important to follow the instructions on the package.
A person should not self-diagnose a yeast infection, as many symptoms are similar to those of other illnesses and conditions.
Once a doctor diagnoses this infection and a person treats it, they should notice symptom improvement.