Medications for Vaginal Yeast Infections

When a vaginal yeast infection is present, the most common treatment is to prescribe antifungal medication. These medications come in two forms. You can either put a suppository or antifugal cream into your vagina or you can swallow a pill. One treatment that is beginning to gain popularity is the use of vaginal boric acid capsules.

If you swallow an antifungal pill, you need to know it will target any yeast in the body, which means it is an effective treatment for oral yeast infections or any other kind of yeast infection. If you choose the cream or suppository, it will only target the yeast in the vagina. If you are pregnant, you should only be using a cream or suppository to treat your vaginal yeast infection.

What are my choices?

1. Vaginal antifungal medications can be obtained in 1-day, 3-day, or 7-day treatments, which are based on how strong the medicine is.

2. Oral antifungal medications are simple to take, but they cannot be taken by women who are pregnant.

3. Vaginal boric acid capsules are available in a dose of 600 mg in a size 00 gelatin capsule and are taken one time per day for 14 days.

Considerations

If you are looking for something that does not offer a lot of side effects, you are better off using an antifungal cream or suppository rather than a pick that you swallow. The reason for this is that the vaginal medications are concentrated in the affected area and not spread out to the rest of your body. Usually, the side effects of oral pills are not very common with a single dose. However, if side effects do exist they are likely to be an upset stomach, abdominal discomfort, or headaches. Swallowing a pill is very easy and it does not make a mess. Vagina medications might not be very comfortable and are harder to apply.

You should never use a diaphragm or condom for birth control if you are using an antifungal suppository or cream. The reason for this is because the majority of these medications contain oil, which breaks down latex.

You should speak to your physician prior to using any antifungal medication if you are currently on the anticoagulant medication warfarin. This can lead to more bruising and excessive bleeding.

Pros and Cons

Certainly, if you are the one to select your treatment based on your preferences, you are more apt to perform it properly and complete the full course of treatment. You should consult with your physician about the benefits and drawbacks of each kind of treatment. Some of these are:

1. The way in which the medication is applied. The majority of vaginal treatments come in suppository from, cream form, or tablet form.

2. Which form is suggested for you. Your strain of yeast infection might be more resistant to one form or another. Also, you might rather take a pill than use a medication that you have to put inside you.

3. If you should not have sex during the course of treatment. Women who use vaginal treatments are typically asked to avoid sexual intercourse throughout treatment.

4. If you should stop taking your medication when you have your period. Tampons will absorb the medications. If you have to continue the treatment during your period, wear a pad.

Find out from your physician if there is a generic form of the medication you have been prescribed available. These typically will save you some money.