Vaginal Yeast Infection Treatment
How is Vaginal Yeast Infection Treated?
Vaginal yeast infection is treated with the use of antifungal drugs that come in topical and oral forms. In some instances, medical health professional will recommend a mixed treatment approach if there is a strong indication that the infection is caused by more than one pathogenic micro-organism.
The antifungal creams used in treating vaginal yeast infections include the following:
• Terconazole – Terazol-3
• Miconazole – Monistat
• Butoconazole – Femstat-3
• Clotrimazole – Lotrimin
The topical medications that are available over the counter are good options for women whose infections are caused by candida fungus. However, you must remember that there are other pathogenic microorganisms that can cause infections other than candida fungus. These include Chlamydia, gonorrhea and bacterial vaginosis. If there are no significant improvements after taking OTC medications in 48 hours, you must have to refer the problem to a medical health professional.
Tablet Medications Used in Vaginal Yeast Infection Treatment
The antifungal tablets used in treating vaginal yeast infections include the following:
• Nystatin – Mycostatin
• Terconazole – Terazol
• Mixonazole – Micatin; Monistat
• Clotrimazole – Mycelex; Lotrimin
There are also other oral medications that are indicated for vulvitis and vaginitis and these include Fluconazole.
Most medical health professionals prefer to use vaginal tablets over the oral medications in treating vagina yeast infection. The oral types of antifungal medications generally cause side effects that include abdominal pain, nausea and headache, and which are not present when oral antifungal medications is used. Further, the oral antifungal medication cannot be used by pregnant women.
Self-Medication of Vaginal Yeast Infection
Most of the vaginal yeast infections can be managed and treated at home using either the antifungal drugs that are available over the counter or the prescription antifungal medications. When treated properly, the infection can be resolved in one week. However, if the immune system of the infected person is compromised as a result of other concurrent infections, then it is essential for you to immediately seek medical attention.
OTC Antifungal Medications used in Vaginal Yeast Infection Treatment
The OTC antifungal medications used in treating vaginal yeast infection include the following:
• Clotrimazole – Gyne-Lotrimin, Femizole-7
• Butoconazole – Femstat
• Tioconazole – Vagistat Vaginal
• Miconazole – Monistat Vaginal, Monistat-Derm
Side Effects of Vaginal Yeast Infection Treatment
In general, major medications used to treat vagina yeast infection produce minimal side effects although there are instances where it can cause allergic reactions such as closing of the throat, swelling of the tongue, face or lips, and shortness of breath. When these conditions occur, you must immediately seek medical attention. The more common vaginal yeast infection treatment side effects include itchiness, skin irritation and burning sensation, and mild cases of polyuria.
You must also remember that medications for vaginal yeast infections can damage a diaphragm or a condom. This renders both the diaphragm and condom ineffective in preventing pregnancy. And for the case of condoms, this can also increase the incidence of sexually transmitted disease. Further, if you are on vaginal yeast infection medication, tampons cannot be used. However, you can use sanitary pads or napkins while on medication.