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February 10, 2012

Patient Discussions: Yeast Infection - Effective Treatments

Question:What kinds of treatments have been effective for your yeast infection?

Comment from: 19-24 Female (Patient) Published: January 14

I never had yeast infections before going on “the pill,” but now I have them regularly. I take acidophilus every day, and it really helps. Also, if you're on antibiotics, eat yogurt or take more acidophilus than usual.

Comment from: 19-24 Female (Patient) Published: December 15

I have had recurring yeast infections for years. Finally, my doctor put me on Metronidazole. You take it daily in pill form for seven days. This will work.

Related Reading: Metronidazole

Comment from: 13-18 Female (Patient) Published: December 15

I have had 2 yeast infections in my life so far and both have responded incredibly well to medication. With the first one, I used Monistat, and it worked like a charm. With my most recent one, I used Miconazole, and it also responded well. I find that wearing loose, soft clothing decreases the amount of discomfort. Sleeping in the nude even helps; it "airs it out," so to speak.

Related Reading: Miconazole

Comment from: justme, Female (Patient) Published: December 08

Try Miconazole. It's a brand of Monistat. It's the best. I use the three-day and on the third day, I am so happy it's gone. I was told by a pharmacist to use it the first time. It was embarrassing for me to ask her, but she was so helpful and even told me of her own experiences, which made me feel more comfortable. Now, when I'm in the aisle, and I see someone looking through boxes, I tell them to get Miconazole!

Comment from: Need Help, 45-54 Female (Patient) Published: October 08

I have reoccurring yeast infections, and I don't enjoy sex anymore because it's very painful. I tried the pill Diflucan, and I am taking Nature's Cure. It gives me relief, but it doesn't get rid of it. I tried yogurt, and I still can't shake it. have tried a lot of medicines and spent money going back and forth to different doctors looking for a cure.

Comment from: thesesuck, 19-24 Female (Patient) Published: January 14

I have so much burning and discomfort! It's so embarrassing to talk about, and it lasts for too long! I have had reoccurring yeast infections for the past couple of years, and nothing seems to relieve the irritation until it's cured with medication. I try yogurt, cranberry juice, lots of water, and garlic. I find that if you get the oral pill, it's also good to get the three-day cream as well, depending on how severe the infection is.

Related Reading: cranberry | garlic

Comment from: (Patient) Published: January 14

I have had recurring yeast infections for the past six months that cause my vulva to swell. I have been using boric acid, and I stopped the fluconazole. I'm so frustrated with these yeast infections. I'm going to the doctor tomorrow to see what he says. I just don't know what else to do or what keeps causing them.

Related Reading: fluconazole

Comment from: mamita, 35-44 Female (Patient) Published: December 15

I have had yeast infections for more than 20 years. I found that when I am stressed or take baths, this would trigger the infection. My symptoms would be itching, burning, irritation, and heavy white, creamy discharge. It was suggested to me by a friend to take showers because her doctor told her this was her problem. I tried and it worked; my yeast infections became less frequent. I use the Monistat 7 Day treatment, and it works for me.

Related Reading: itching

Comment from: Crystal, 25-34 Female (Patient) Published: December 01

I have struggled with yeast infections since I was a child. I have always been told my “ph balance” is the cause. Terazol cream (prescription) is the only medication that brings me relief. However, there are times that it doesn't seem to fully rid me of an infection. A few years ago, a doctor took the time to explain the relationship between my diet and yeast growth. Sugar feeds yeast. The less sugar (including carbohydrates) you consume, the less food for the yeast, and the faster your body will recover. Avoid sodas, fruit juices, candy, pastries, etc., and see if you don't see a huge difference.


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Symptom Checker: Your Guide to Symptoms & Signs: Pinpoint Your Pain


Yeast Infection

What is douching?

The word "douche" means to wash or soak in French. Douching is washing or cleaning out the vagina (birth canal) with water or other mixtures of fluids. Most douches are prepackaged mixes of water and vinegar, baking soda, or iodine. You can buy these products at drug and grocery stores. The mixtures usually come in a bottle and can be squirted into the vagina through a tube or nozzle.

Why do women douche?

Women douche because they mistakenly believe it gives many benefits. Women who douche say they do it to:

  • Clean the vagina
  • Rinse away blood after monthly periods
  • Get rid of odor
  • Avoid sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
  • Prevent pregnancy

How common is douching?

Douching is common among women in the United States. It's estimated that 20 to 40 percent of American women 15 to 44 years old douche regularl...

Read the Douching (Vaginal Douche) article »




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