Coconut oil for yeast infection provides instant relief to the itching.
A vaginal yeast infection is a common and uncomfortable problem that most women will experience at least once.
It needs to be diagnosed by your doctor to rule out other causes of the symptoms, but it can usually be effectively treated with an over-the-counter product. For severe or frequent yeast infections, your doctor may prescribe a single-dose oral medication instead.
There are many lifestyle changes you can make to help speed the clearing of an infection and prevent a recurrence.
Over-the-Counter Therapies
The OTC products available for vaginal yeast infections typically have one of four active ingredients: butoconazole, clotrimazole, miconazole, and tioconazole.
These drugs are in the same anti-fungal family and work in similar ways to break down the cell wall of the Candida organism until it dissolves. These products are generally considered safe to use if you are pregnant.
When you visit your doctor the first time you have a vaginal yeast infection, ask which product may be best for you and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the different forms the products come in: vaginal suppositories (inserts), vaginal tablets, or creams with special applicators.
Once you start using an OTC anti-fungal medication, your yeast infection symptoms will probably begin to disappear within a few days.
As with antibiotics, it's extremely important to continue to use your medication for the entire number of days recommended. Even if your symptoms have gone away, the fungus may still be active enough to cause a relapse.
When using one of these products, you may want to talk to your doctor about alternatives to prevent sexually transmitted infections and pregnancy.
Some of these OTC options can weaken condom material and spermicide,3 so be sure to read the directions. In addition, vaginal intercourse during treatment could displace medication from the vagina, lessening effectiveness, and cause irritation.
These OTC products are not intended for use by men, nor should they be used for other types of infections, such as fungal infections under the fingernails or inside the mouth (known as thrush).