Best Treatment Yeast Infection Options

With so many treatments, yeast infection sufferers sometimes do not know where to begin.  This article will outline some of the most popular treatments, along with the pros and cons of each.

First, you must be sure you are actually dealing with a yeast infection.  Some women make the mistake of starting treatment, yeast infection turns out to be the wrong diagnosis.  This can be a problem especially if whatever was causing the symptoms was actually a more serious infection.

Usually, women who have been diagnosed once with a yeast infection will have no problem recognizing the signs.  If, however, you are not sure, you should see your doctor before beginning treatment. Yeast infection treatments may include over the counter medications, home remedies and prescription medication.

Over the Counter

Over the counter creams, such as Monistat or Vagistat, offer an effective treatment. Yeast infection treatments such as these were once only available by prescription, but for several years have been available over the counter.

Pros

  • Effective treatment
  • No doctor visit is required
  • Usually comes with a second cream that will relieve the symptoms, such as burning and itching
  • Easy to use as these medications come with an applicator

Cons

  • Some complain this is a messy treatment. Yeast infection sufferers usually don’t mind a little mess if it provides a cure!
  • Will not work in 100% of cases

Home Remedies

Some women swear by home remedies for treatment. Yeast infection sufferers try a variety of home remedies such as the use of yogurt, vinegar and garlic.

Pros

  • Items can be found around the house
  • No doctor visit is required
  • Treatments are easy to try

Cons

  • Most of these remedies have not been subjected to scientific testing
  • Many women say they did not get any results

Prescription Medication

Pros

  • Can be effective when other treatments are not
  • Treatment is under the supervision of a doctor

Cons

  • As with any prescription medication, there are possible side effects
  • A doctor visit is required
  • Doctors will not usually prescribe this treatment until over the counter medications have failed to work.

In addition to finding a cure for the infection, there is another important part of treatment.  Yeast infection sufferers will tell you that treating the symptoms is almost as important as finding a cure.

To treat symptoms while waiting for the cure to come, try applying a cold compress to the affected area.  Another option is a cool sitz bath.  You may also purchase feminine anti itch cream, just be sure to read the package and use only as directed.

It cannot be stressed enough that unless you are certain of the diagnosis, you should see your doctor.  It might seem like an inconvenience, but failing to do so could leave a more serious infection untreated.