6 best yeast infection pills, creams, and other treatments

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Yeast infections result in itchiness and pain. Most yeast infections are mild, and people can usually treat them with over-the-counter (OTC) medications. In other cases, a doctor may suggest a prescription medication for long-term use.

This article explains different options people have to treat a vaginal yeast infection at home following diagnosis.

Yeast infections occur due to an overgrowth of Candida. This is a type of fungus that normally lives in areas of the body such as the vagina and mouth.

According to the Office of Women's Health (OWH), most females will experience a vaginal yeast infection at some point in their life.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) explains that some common symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection include:

The CDC adds that risk factors for developing an overgrowth of Candida include:

The OWH adds that a person may develop a yeast infection due to sexual intercourse. However, doctors do not classify this as a sexually transmitted infection.

Since yeast infection symptoms are similar to those of other infections and conditions, such as contact dermatitis, a person should contact a doctor before taking any OTC medications. The doctor can test for yeast or other infections to provide the appropriate treatment.

Doctors typically recommend OTC antifungal medications to treat a vaginal yeast infection.

Antifungal medications come in a variety of forms, including:

creams
tablets
ointments
vaginal suppositories

Treatments may come as one single dose or a daily dose over several days. A person should read the dosing instructions carefully to ensure they use the correct dosage.

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.
Accesibility: MNT chose brands that are widely available in-store, online, and over the counter.
Cost: MNT selected nonprescription items with some of the most budget-friendly price points. For prescription products, MNT ensured multiple payment options, including health savings accounts and flexible savings accounts.
Treatment times: MNT chose products that claim to treat yeast infection symptoms in as few days as possible.

The following are some products a person can use to treat their yeast infection at home.

Before starting treatment, a person 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.

Best preventive treatment

Uqora Promote

The makers of Uqora Promote say the product promotes vaginal health rather than specifically targeting yeast infections. However, it contains Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, and Lactobacillus reuteri, which Uqora claims can help balance vaginal bacteria.

Some research shows that Lactobacilli such as Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus rhamnosus show promise in preventing vaginal infections.

The company recommends using this product daily with a glass of water.

This product is available for $30.

Best preventive suppository

Love Wellness The Killer

The Killer by Love Wellness is another product that aims to prevent yeast infections from developing and claims to keep vaginal bacteria healthy.

The capsule contains boric acid, which studies claim can help treat yeast infections.

The brand recommends inserting this vaginal suppository once a day, before bed, for up to 14 days, as needed. The brand also recommends that the best times to use The Killer might be after sex, after a period, or when a person is experiencing symptoms of a pH imbalance.

This product is available for $19.99.

Best 2-day treatment

FemiClear Yeast Infection 2-Day Treatment

FemiClear offers a 2-day yeast infection treatment. This treatment includes two suppositories that a person inserts into their vagina and an external anti-itch ointment for symptom relief.

The product contains calendula, olive extract, beeswax, and olive oil to combat itching and discomfort.

The company recommends using this yeast infection treatment before bed or using a panty liner to ensure that it does not leak.

This product is available for $19.97.

Best for varying treatment options

Monistat

Monistat is available in several pharmacies and retail stores, including Walmart, throughout the United States. It provides treatment options that include 1, 3, and 7 days of doses.

This product comes in the form of internal suppositories and external creams with applicators that help people place the yeast infection treatment in the right area. Some of the packs include additional topical itch medications to help ease symptoms.

Each applicator contains 200 milligrams (mg) of miconazole nitrate, a medication that treats fungal infections.

This product is available starting from $12.97.

Best 7-day treatment

CVS Health Miconazole 7-Day Treatment

CVS Health's Miconazole 7-Day Treatment comes with seven doses of disposable internal applicators and external cream.

Each applicator contains 100 mg of miconazole nitrate. The manufacturer recommends that people insert an applicator before going to bed. Individuals should dispose of the applicator immediately after use.

This treatment is available both in-store and online.

This product is available for $14.99.

Best pill

Fluconazole

Fluconazole is a prescription pill that people can take to treat yeast infections.

Individuals need to take one pill first. If symptoms do not improve after 2 days, they can take a second pill.

Online pharmacies, such as Wisp, offer quick delivery of fluconazole. They can also provide same-day or rushed prescriptions to a person's local pharmacy.

Wisp offers subscriptions for those who regularly have yeast infections. This company also accepts flexible spending accounts and health savings account cards as payment.

The price of this product varies.

According to the OWH, yeast infections are usually mild. They cause symptoms such as itchiness, pain, and unusual discharge. Most females will develop a yeast infection at some point in their life.

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.

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

Some people may find that consuming probiotic yogurt helps prevent yeast infections. A 2013 pilot study found that eating yogurt with probiotics reduced fungal activity, which may help prevent future infections.

The researchers noted that additional studies are necessary to help determine how effective probiotic yogurt is at preventing yeast infections.

Learn more about preventing yeast infections here.

People should be aware of the following advice when taking medication for yeast infections:

It is important to take the entire dosage of medication. For example, if a person is using a 7-day suppository to clear an infection, they should insert the suppository daily, even if their symptoms begin to clear before the 7-day period ends.
The oils in certain suppositories and creams can interfere with barrier birth control methods such as condoms. The oils 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.
People who are pregnant will need to consult a doctor. Pregnant people should always consult a doctor before using any prescription or nonprescription medication to treat an infection.

Below are answers to some frequently asked questions about treating yeast infections.

How quickly do yeast infection treatments work?

Preventive yeast infection treatments have varying time frames, but many come in 30-day supplies. Pill, cream, and suppository yeast infection treatments usually come as 1-, 2-, 3-, 7-, or 14-day treatments.

Do you need a prescription for yeast infection treatments?

Most yeast infection suppositories and preventive probiotics are available as OTC treatments. However, yeast infection pills such as fluconazole are only available through prescription.

A person should contact a doctor if they suspect that they have a yeast infection. The symptoms can be similar to those of other conditions. The doctor can properly diagnose and treat a yeast infection.

If a yeast infection does not clear up with treatment, the person should seek further medical advice. They may need to adjust their medications to treat any itching and discomfort.

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 of the symptoms are similar to those of other illnesses and conditions.

Once a doctor diagnoses this infection and a person treats it, they should see symptom improvement.

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