Vaginal Yeast Infections: Home Treatment

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Home Treatment

Do not self-treat a vaginal yeast infection if you:

• Are pregnant.
• Are not sure your symptoms are caused by a vaginal yeast infection. If you have never been diagnosed with a vaginal yeast infection, see your doctor before treating it with a nonprescription antifungal cream. Sometimes women think they have a vaginal yeast infection when symptoms are caused by a different condition, such as bacterial vaginosis or a sexually transmitted disease (STD).
• Have been exposed to a sexually transmitted disease (STD), which would require a medical examination.
• Are having a recurrent infection.

For more information on self-treatment, see:

Should I self-treat a vaginal yeast infection with a nonprescription medicine?

Using nonprescription medicine

When using a nonprescription vaginal medicine for a vaginal yeast infection, follow the directions on the package insert, as well as these guidelines:

• Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and nonfat dairy products. Eating right helps your body fight off infections. Although there is no clear connection between eating foods with lactobacillus organisms, such as yogurt or acidophilus milk, and reducing symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection, these foods can be part of a healthy diet. Be aware that taking lactobacillus supplements or inserting vaginal forms of lactobacillus have not been shown to prevent yeast infections from developing in women who have recently taken antibiotics.⁶
• Use pads instead of tampons while you are using nonprescription vaginal medicines. Tampons can absorb the medicine.
• Avoid using soap when cleaning the vaginal area—rinse with water only.
• If sexual intercourse is painful, avoid it. Otherwise, use a water-soluble lubricating jelly (such as K-Y Jelly) to reduce irritation. Do not trust a condom or diaphragm for birth control when using an antifungal cream or suppository. Many of the vaginal creams and suppositories used to treat yeast infections are oil-based, which can weaken rubber (latex).
• If the genital area is swollen or painful, sitting in warm water (in a bathtub or sitz bath, not a hot tub) may help. Or instead, you may try putting a cool, damp cloth on the area. Do not rub to try to relieve itching.

Report your symptoms to your doctor if:

• You are not sure that you have a yeast infection.
• Your self-treatment is not working after one complete course of therapy.

Considerations

The risk of self-treatment is that your symptoms may be caused by a type of vaginal infection other than a yeast infection, such as bacterial vaginosis or a sexually transmitted disease (STD). If you have pelvic pain or fever, get an evaluation by a doctor.

If you are pregnant, it is important to be evaluated for vaginal symptoms. Some vaginal infections, such as bacterial vaginosis, gonorrhea, or chlamydia, may increase your risk of complications during pregnancy.

Women who take the anticoagulant medicine warfarin and use a nonprescription vaginal yeast-fighting medicine, such as Monistat, may have increased bruising and abnormal bleeding. If you take warfarin, talk with your doctor before using a yeast-fighting medicine.

If you have risk factors for an STD, discuss your symptoms with your doctor before using a nonprescription medicine.

Talk to your doctor before you try unproven home treatment methods, such as applying tea tree oil in the vagina or taking garlic supplements. These treatments have not been well studied. They may even cause other problems, such as allergic reactions, in some women.⁷ Douching is not recommended because it can make some infections worse.

Last updated:	June 17, 2008
Author:	Sandy Jocoy, RN
Reviewed By:	Joy Melnikow, MD, MPH - Family Medicine, Deborah A. Penava, BA, MD, FRCSC, MPH - Obstetrics and Gynecology
Editors:	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS, Pat Truman, MATC