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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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Home remedies and over-the-counter (OTC) products for yeast infections are readily available. However, there is limited evidence of the effectiveness of some home remedies.
- 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
Medical News Today looked at several yeast infection treatments and chose six that met our rigorous vetting criteria.
Some of the criteria we need brands and products to meet include:
- Health claims: None of the brands or products make unsupported health claims, nor do their products contain unsafe ingredients.
- Accessibility: We know that not everyone can easily access a store or doctor, so we choose products that are widely available in a store over the counter (OTC) or online.
- Treatment times: Yeast infections are uncomfortable, so we choose products that aim to treat symptoms in as few days as possible. Many claim symptoms will disappear within 7 days.
- Treatment type: We choose treatments that come in various forms, such as pills, probiotics, and suppositories.
- Cost: We try only to include effective treatments with the most budget-friendly prices. Where we include prescription products, we try to make sure people can pay in several ways, including health savings accounts (HSAs) and flexible savings accounts (FSAs).
A yeast infection develops from an overgrowth of Candida, most commonly Candida albicans.
The body can usually handle Candida without the fungus causing any problems. However, people with chronic conditions, such as diabetes and HIV, as well as people who have obesity or take antibiotics, are more likely to experience Candida overgrowth.
When the Candida fungus penetrates the mucosal lining of the vagina, it causes inflammation. This inflammation then leads to symptoms such as thick discharge, itchiness, and swelling.
Doctors
Treatments may come as one single dose or a daily dose over several days. A person can read the dosing instructions carefully to ensure they use the correct dosage.
Some of the products in this article are classed as homeopathic treatments. There are
A word on safety
Yeast infection medication is usually safe to take with minimal side effects.
However, it is important to keep in contact with a healthcare professional to ensure the medication effectively treats Candida overgrowth and to monitor any potential side effects.
Other general advice includes:
- Dosage: Take the entire course of medication to clear an infection. For example, with a 7-day suppository, a person inserts 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 needs to 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, people should contact a qualified healthcare professional, such as a primary care doctor, for a diagnosis.
Knowing exactly which infection a person has ensures they get the appropriate treatment and avoids creating fungus resistant to future treatments.
We considered many prescription and OTC yeast infection treatments before choosing our favorites. All of our top picks have scientific evidence of their effectiveness.
However, do not use these as a substitute for medication. People should contact a doctor immediately if these remedies do not relieve symptoms.
The table below compares each of the products for price, ingredients, and more.
| List price | Active ingredients | Treatment time | Supply | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wisp | • $15 per month • $65 one-time | generic fluconazole | 2 days | up to two pills |
| Uqora | $30 | • L. acidophilus • L. rhamnosus • L. reuteri | ongoing preventive treatment | 30 days |
| Monistat | $15.70 | miconazole nitrate | 1–7 days | one to seven prefilled applicators |
| FemiClear | $17.79 | • 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 |
There are some home remedies a person can try for a yeast infection.
We chose five home remedies that may be effective for yeast infections. Some of the home remedies have made it into our top picks, but for those that did not, we have included easy ways to buy remedies online.
Boric acid
The
Oregano oil
Wild oregano oil contains
However, people should not ingest essential oils. They should also mix them with a carrier oil, such as coconut oil, before applying them to the skin to prevent irritation. 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 2018 research, probiotics have a variety of health benefits, including reducing symptoms relating to vaginal yeast infections.
Probiotics to try
- Love Wellness Good Girl Probiotics, $29.99 on Love Wellness
Coconut oil
Coconut oil is
Older research found coconut oil is effective against Candida albicans, with study authors claiming it is comparable to ketoconazole, an OTC medication. However, limited research confirms coconut oil is safe and effective for yeast infections.
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
- Amazon Fresh Organic Virgin Coconut Oil, around $12 on Amazon
- Pura D’Or Organic Fractionated Coconut Oil, around $16 on Amazon
Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar may have
2017 research recognized the popularity of apple cider vinegar as a home remedy but warned that scientific studies are lacking. Researchers 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. A doctor can properly diagnose and treat the issue.
A person can 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 Office on Women’s Health also states 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.
While there is no definite way to prevent yeast infections, there are several steps people can take to reduce their risk.
Clothing and period products
People can opt to wear loose-fitting cotton underwear whenever possible. Cotton is a breathable fabric. It may help prevent the moist environment Candida needs to overgrow.
After swimming or getting clothes wet, such as after a workout, change into dry clothes as soon as possible.
Other ways to help prevent yeast infections are avoiding using panty liners daily and regularly changing tampons and pads.
Personal hygiene
People can avoid vaginal douches and irritating soaps. Many people find that not using scented products around the vagina, such as perfumed soaps or mists, can help reduce yeast infections.
It is important to keep the outer genital area dry and clean. People should always wipe from the front to the back after using the toilet to avoid spreading fecal matter and bacteria into the vagina.
Medication and lifestyle
People can aim to maintain a stable blood sugar level, especially if they have diabetes. People with diabetes are
It is also important to only use antibiotics when a doctor prescribes them, and to use them exactly as directed.
The fastest 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.
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 come back with home remedies.
Some home remedies include oregano oil and probiotics.
A mild yeast infection may go away by itself. However, this is unlikely.
People can only effectively treat fungus overgrowth with prescription antifungals or certain OTC treatments, such as suppositories containing boric acid.
With treatment, most yeast infections go away within a week.
Yeast infections are often mild. 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. Many symptoms are similar to those of other illnesses and conditions.
Once a doctor diagnoses the infection and a person treats it, they should notice symptom improvement.