Boric acid is a powerful antiseptic. In some small studies , a boric acid solution successfully eliminated strains of yeast that cause yeast infections. You can use this treatment two times per day for up to two weeks. If the mixture is too irritating, stop using it and see your doctor. Women who have infrequent, mild to moderate yeast infections may find OTC options beneficial. If you have chronic yeast infections, talk with your doctor about more powerful treatment options.
Antifungal drugs known as azoles are the first-line treatment for yeast infections. Short-course treatments are typically available in three- and seven-day doses. Although you should avoid sex while you have a yeast infection, use a backup birth control method, such as the patch , while taking these medications. Oil-based creams and suppositories can weaken condoms and diaphragms.
If your yeast infection is more severe, skip the home remedies and OTCs and see your doctor. As with short-course vaginal therapy, azoles are the standard for long-term antifungals. Your doctor will likely prescribe a 7- or day course of medication. These medications also have oil-based formulas, so you should consider alternative birth control methods. The oils in these medications may weaken latex in condoms or diaphragms. Although fluconazole Diflucan is typically used as a long-term medication, it can also be prescribed as a one-time oral dose.
Normally, the yeast infection will have cleared in this time. A range of yeast infection treatments are available for purchase over the counter or online.
For more severe yeast infections, a doctor may prescribe a longer course of prescription azole treatment. Prescription azole treatment typically lasts between 7 and 14 days. The yeast infection should clear up within this time frame. Science has not backed all home remedies, but recent studies have medically tested the following methods:. Tea tree oil is another promising home remedy for yeast infections.
A study found that tea tree oil is effective in fighting off all types of Candida fungus. To use tea tree oil for a yeast infection, pour a few drops across the top and sides of a tampon and insert the tampon into the vagina. Leave in place for a few hours and then remove.
Tea tree oil is available for purchase online. The topical or internal application of yogurt is an effective home treatment for yeast infections. Natural yogurt contains healthful bacteria called Lactobacillus. These bacteria produce hydrogen peroxide that kills the excess Candida. A study found that yogurt might be more effective than clotrimazole Canesten , an antifungal cream. Using a yogurt without any added sugar is essential.
Sugar can cause Candida to multiply more, making the infection worse. Some women find inserting an unused tampon applicator filled with yogurt works well. Freezing it first may bring additional cooling relief. Others simply use their fingers to apply the yogurt. A research review found boric acid to be a safe alternative remedy for yeast infections.
Boric acid suppositories are available for purchase in pharmacies and online. Moderate yeast infections are more uncomfortable and the pain and itching can interfere with your daily life. Moderate infections can often be treated at home using anti-fungal creams that are inserted into your vagina.
The medications often follow 1-day, 3-day, or 7-day timelines and if your yeast infection lasts beyond this, you may need to contact your doctor. Severe yeast infections can cause more intense pain and itching and your vulva may swell up, turn red, or develop tears or sores. Severe infections may require a prescription anti-fungal medication like fluconazole Diflucan from your doctor. These medications often come as an oral tablet and can work after one or two doses, Dweck says. If your yeast infection keeps coming back, you may need to take oral medication for weeks or even months to fully clear it up.
For infections that don't respond to treatment at all, your doctor may need to do testing to see if your infection is caused by a rarer, harder to treat type of candida. The best treatment for yeast infection is to prevent them in the first place, Dweck says.
She advises that to avoid yeast infections, you should:. Yeast infections usually don't last more than a few days if they're very mild, or if you use over the counter treatments. Infections that last longer than a week may be a sign of something more serious that should be seen by your doctor. World globe An icon of the world globe, indicating different international options. Get the Insider App. Sometimes mild yeast infections will go away on their own within a few days.
But most times, yeast infections get worse without treatment. So as soon as you start noticing symptoms, your best bet is to contact your healthcare provider. They can diagnose you and suggest an over-the-counter or prescription antifungal treatment. Once you start taking this, your yeast infection should clear up within about a week.
If your yeast infection is mild, it might go away on its own. Additionally, most home remedies for yeast infection are not proven to work. If you do not properly treat a yeast infection, you risk having the infection come back a few weeks or months later. You also risk ending up with a complicated yeast infection, where your symptoms become more severe and harder to treat. 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.
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