Vaginal Yeast Infections

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 Reference a different condition, such as Reference bacterial vaginosis Opens New Window or a Reference sexually transmitted infection (STI) Opens New Window.
• Have been exposed to a sexually transmitted infection (STI), which would require a medical exam.
• Are having a Reference recurrent infection.

Opens New Window Vaginal Yeast Infection: Should I Treat It Myself? Opens New Window

Using nonprescription medicine

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

• Eat a Reference 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.
• 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. The oil in antifungal creams or suppositories can weaken latex. This means condoms and diaphragms may break, and you may not be protected from STI or pregnancy.
• If the genital area is swollen or painful, sitting in warm water (in a bathtub or Reference sitz bath Opens New Window, 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.

Things to consider

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 infection (STI). 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, Reference gonorrhea Opens New Window, or Reference chlamydia Opens New Window, may increase your risk of complications during pregnancy.

If you have Reference risk factors for an STI, discuss your symptoms with your doctor before using a nonprescription medicine. Risk factors for an STI include having sex without a condom or having more than one sex partner.

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.^{Reference 2} Douching is not recommended, because it can make some infections worse.

© 1995-2011, Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.