Yeast Vaginitis (cont.)
What is the treatment for vaginal yeast infection and vulvitis?
Vaginal yeast infection and vulvitis may be treated with antifungal medications
that are applied topically in and around the vagina or with antifungal
medications taken by mouth. Sometimes, mixed infections with more than one
microbe can
require combinations of treatments.
Topically applied antifungal creams include:
The over-the-counter
topical treatments are an option for some women when yeast is the cause of the
infection. However, it should be noted that infection other than yeast can cause
similar symptoms. These include bacterial vaginosis,
chlamydia, and gonorrhea. If symptoms are not eliminated by
over-the-counter products, patients should see their doctor for evaluation.
Antifungal medications that are also available as vaginal tablets include:
Oral medications for yeast vaginitis and vulvitis
include fluconazole (Diflucan).
Most doctors prefer to treat vaginal yeast
infections with vaginal tablets or suppositories rather than oral medications.
Oral antifungal medication can cause side effects such as
headache,
nausea, and abdominal pain
,
while vaginal treatment is unlikely to cause these side effects. Oral antifungal
medications are also not recommended for use during
pregnancy.
Next: If yeast is commonly present in normal women, who should be treated? »
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