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While yeast infections are uncomfortable, they can be treated. Cleveland Clinic experts share 5 do's and don'ts to help you get the relief you need

If you’ve ever had a vaginal yeast infection, you know how uncomfortable it can be. And you’re not alone. Each year, over 1 million women in the United States suffer from the burning, itching, redness and thick white discharge that typically accompanies one.

And getting rid of a yeast infection…fast…is definitely top of mind. So…what is the best way to treat it?

More about Yeast Infections

How to Treat Yeast Infections

While yeast infections are uncomfortable, they can be treated. Cleveland Clinic experts share 5 do's and don'ts to help you get the relief you need.

If you’ve ever had a vaginal yeast infection, you know how uncomfortable it can be. And you’re not alone. Each year, over 1 million women in the United States suffer from the burning, itching, redness and thick white discharge that typically accompanies one.

And getting rid of a yeast infection…fast…is definitely top of mind. So…what is the best way to treat it?

First, if you haven’t had a yeast infection before, but all your symptoms seem to point in that direction, it’s important to have a doctor confirm your self-diagnosis. Itch doesn’t always mean yeast. You could have a bacterial or sexually transmitted infection, allergic reaction, hemorrhoids or a number of other skin conditions.

But if you’ve been down this path before, and there’s no doubt in your mind that you have a yeast infection, here are 5 Do’s and Don’ts for treating it.

1. Your doctor can prescribe a pill called Fluconazole, which can treat most yeast infections with just 1 dose, although symptoms may take a few days to disappear. If you are unable to take a pill, or if you may be pregnant, your doctor may prescribe a 3- or 7-day treatment of Terconazole, an antifungal vaginal cream.
2. If you’d rather try an over-the- counter treatment first, Miconazole is a topical antifungal cream, available in 1, 3 and 7 day options. It’s a little messy but pretty quick to bring relief, often faster than the prescription pill. Keep in mind, however, that there are all different types of yeast. The best way to make sure you’re treating your infection in the most effective way is to talk with your doctor first.
3. DON’T put yogurt “down there.” While eating yogurt is a healthy source of probiotics, live bacteria and yeasts that are good for you, applying yogurt topically to the vulva or inserting it into the vagina does nothing to make a yeast infection go away. In fact, the natural sugars in yogurt (even the unsweetened kind) can actually fuel yeast growth and make matters even worse.
4. DONT sit in vinegar. Vinegar is not your friend, at least when it comes to curing a yeast infection. Contrary to popular thought, there is little evidence that sitting in a vinegar bath reduces vaginal pH. It actually can be painful, causing more burning or irritation. Needless to say, old fashioned vinegar douches are also a big no-no. They can disrupt natural healthy bacteria and increase the risk of infections.

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