WHAT IS THE TREATMENT FOR A YEAST INFECTION?
* Be aware that the recommended treatments of illnesses are always being improved. This website was last update on 11/1/2024. The best treatment option MIGHT have changed since that time.
Pills for Yeast Infection:
1. Diflucan 150 mg once. * For resistive cases, 150 mg every third day for three doses. Pregnant women, especially those who are in their first trimester, should NOT be prescribed or take Diflucan because it increases the chance of a miscarriage and a fetal heart defect.
Over The Counter Vaginal Creams and Suppositories Antifungal Medication:
A.Intravaginal Butoconazole * “Femstat-3” Sustained-release preparation of 2% cream
5 g as a single application
B. Intravaginal Clotrimazole * “Gyne-Lotrimin” 1% cream 5 g once a day for 7 to 14 days or 2%
C. Intravaginal Miconazole * “Monistat” 2% cream 5 g once a day for 7 days or 4% cream 5 g for 3 days
OR
Vaginal suppository 100 mg once a day for 7 days or 200 mg once a day for 3 days or 1200 mg, only once
D. Intravaginal Tioconazole * “Vagistat 1” 6.5% ointment 5 g once
E. Intravaginal Terconazole “Terazol 7” 0.4% cream 5 g once a day for 7 days
Or “Terazol 3” 0.8% cream 5 g once a day for 3 days
Or “Terazol 3” Vaginal suppository 80 mg once a day for 3 days
F. Nystatin intravaginal tablet
External Measure to Reduce Yeast Infections
A. Avoidance of excess moisture accumulation in the vulva area
B. Keep the vulva clean and wear loose
C. Wear cotton underwear and clothing that allows air and absorbs moisture
CAUTION:
1. Pregnant women, especially those who are in their first trimester, should NOT be prescribed or take Diflucan because it increases the chance of a miscarriage and a fetal heart defect.
2. Only about of 1/3 of women reporting that have a yeast infection, actually have a yeast infection. However, about 70% of women will have a yeast infection sometime in their life. For this reason, it is best for a women to have a pelvic exam, and a laboratory test to determine if they have a true candidiasis infection that will respond to antifungal medication.
3. Because there are resistive candidiasis infections, a typical short term treatment with antifungal medication will not always work. Sometimes a different medication or a longer course of medication is required for effective treatment.
4. Fluconazole (Diflucan) has a possible side effect of prolonging a particular part of the electrical signal to the heart, called the Q-T segment. This prolonged Q-T segment can, in some rare circumstances, causes ventricular fibrillation of the heart, basically a heart attack, and death.
5. All medication, including all antifungal medications, have a risk of side effects.
6. Possible mild side effects are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, itching, and light and moderate skin rash.
7. Possible severe side effects are a severe rash, or an anaphylactic allergic reaction (leading to the inability to breathe and subsequent death if not treated rapidly).
6. Intravaginal antifungal creams and suppositories have a risk of irritating the mucosa of the vagina, and even causing an allergic reaction.
Consult “Epocrates.com” for each Specific Medication’s possible “Adverse Reactions.” Side effects are also referred to as “Adverse Reactions.” Epocrates.com will tell you both “common reactions” and “serious reactions.” You will have to create an account, but it is simple, fast, and free.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF VULVOVAGINAL CANDIDIASIS (COMMONLY CALLED A YEAST INFECTION)?
The most common symptoms of a Yeast Infection (Vulvovaginal Candidiasis) are itching and burning in the vulva and the vagina. Other symptoms are the following: A white cottage cheese like discharge from the vagina, redness and swelling of the vulva, vaginal pain and soreness, vaginal rash, and a watery vaginal discharge.
WHAT CAUSES A VAGINAL YEAST INFECTION?
The most common cause of a yeast infection is Candida Albicans (about 90% of cases), with most of the remaining cases caused by Candida Glabrata. Although these are normal yeast organism in the vagina for some reason (perhaps because they occur in an excess number), they attach themselves in mucosal lining of the vagina, causing inflammation and other subsequent symptoms.
HOW IS YEAST INFECTION DIAGNOSED?
The diagnosis can be made by a careful history alone. But a physical exam of the vagina, and testing of the vaginal secretions is a better method to make this diagnosis. The vaginal secretions usually have a pH of < 4.5, meaning the secretions are very acidic. A small amount of secretions should be examined for yeast cells under a microscope. If they are there, this supports the diagnosis of a yeast infection. Sometimes vaginal secretions can also be sent a laboratory for a culture to further identify and verify the existence of yeast cells.