How to Get Rid of a Yeast Infection in 24 Hours

Unfortunately, recent decades have seen some species of fungus become increasingly resistant to antifungal treatment because patients do not complete their recommended course of treatment.

How to get rid of a yeast infection in 24 hours

Yeast infections are common fungal infections that can cause uncomfortable symptoms, such as vaginal irritation, pain, and discharge. Most women experience a vaginal yeast infection at least once in their lives due to various causes, including poor hygiene, pregnancy, and antibiotics. Nevertheless, yeast infections are generally mild and easy to treat, with an array of treatment options available.

If you’re wondering how to get rid of a yeast infection, continue reading to learn about the potential treatment options available, including over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medications.

How to get rid of a yeast infection

A vaginal yeast infection, also known as vulvovaginal candidiasis, is caused by a type of yeast or fungus called Candida albicans. It commonly occurs in women, although it can also occur in men . Different factors can affect the natural balance of bacteria and fungi in the vagina, leading to yeast overgrowth. The most common causes and risk factors of a yeast infection include:

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• Use of antibiotics , steroids, or contraceptives
• Pregnancy
• Weakened immune system
• Diabetes

Yeast infection treatment options include prescription and OTC medicines, which may come in brand-name and generic forms. Treatment options also come in different dosage forms, such as oral tablets and vaginal creams.

Mild or uncomplicated yeast infections usually resolve within a few days using a short-course vaginal therapy. Certain OTC topical medications are designed to be used as a single dose to clear a mild infection quickly. However, oral prescription medications may be needed for more severe symptoms of a yeast infection that last for one to two weeks or longer.

Azole antifungals are the main class of drugs used to treat yeast infections . They work by disrupting the fungal cell membrane, which stops the growth of the fungi causing the infection. Topical azole antifungals can be found over the counter, while oral pill forms need a prescription from a healthcare provider.

Can a yeast infection go away in one day?

There is a small chance of a yeast infection going away on its own. However, you’ll want to avoid the infection becoming more severe without treatment. It’s best to consult a healthcare provider and get rid of a yeast infection early with an OTC or prescription treatment.

A single-dose oral drug is one of the fastest ways to clear up a yeast infection. It can be taken in one day, but it may take a few days for symptoms to improve. Single-dose treatments can be obtained over the counter or with a prescription.

Over-the-counter yeast infection treatments

Over-the-counter antifungal medications are available in creams or suppositories for internal application. They can be purchased as one-, three-, and seven-day treatments at local drug stores. These treatments are also available online for those who are uncomfortable buying them in the store.

With numerous OTC medications out there, it can be confusing to choose the best treatment. Some anti-itch creams or herbal remedies may seem attractive because of their cost and ease of use. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend treating vaginal yeast infections with intravaginal imidazoles, such as Monistat or Vagistat.

The following are OTC medicines you can buy at pharmacies or online:

• Monistat-1 (miconazole)
• Gyne-Lotrimin 3 (clotrimazole)
• Vagistat-3 (tioconazole)

Remember to read the instructions for vaginal suppositories or creams carefully or ask for medical advice from a healthcare provider. Avoid stopping the medicine early, even if symptoms have subsided. While OTC treatments may be helpful, you might need a prescription medication if symptoms worsen or don’t seem to improve.

Prescription yeast infection treatments

Diflucan (fluconazole) is an azole drug that can only be purchased with a prescription from a doctor or healthcare provider. It can be taken as a single-dose oral medication for mild infections or as a single dose every three days for more severe infections. Most cases of vaginal candidiasis typically respond to single-dose therapy with fluconazole.

Oral prescription pills can only be used to treat yeast infections with guidance from a healthcare provider. Azole antifungals may interact with other medications, especially when taken orally. Certain people, such as pregnant women and people with kidney problems, may need to avoid azole antifungals like fluconazole.

Examples of prescription yeast infection medications include:

• Diflucan ( fluconazole )
• ​​Terazol ( terconazole )
• Gynazole-1 (butoconazole)
• Brexafemme (ibrexafungerp)
• Vivjoa (oteseconazole)

Some vaginal yeast infections don’t respond to treatment with usual antifungal agents like fluconazole. For resistant yeast infections, a healthcare provider may recommend boric acid inserted into the vagina or Ancobon (flucytosine) taken orally.

The duration of treatment with prescription medications is typically longer than that of OTC medications. Prescription vaginal therapy could last for more than a week. For recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis, or yeast infections that occur more than three or four times per year, a healthcare provider may recommend weekly doses of fluconazole. Vivjoa (oteseconazole) is a prescription antifungal medicine approved for chronic or recurrent yeast infections.

How long will a yeast infection last without treatment?

Yeast infections with mild itching or irritation may go away on their own within a few days. More serious yeast infections can take one to two weeks or longer to clear up and will often require a prescription medication. The severity and symptoms of the infection will determine the best course of action. However, if a vaginal yeast infection is left untreated, symptoms could worsen.

Some people may prefer home remedies to treat yeast infections . Although they may seem convenient, the scientific evidence for their use is lacking. Common alternative treatments for yeast infections include apple cider vinegar, coconut oil, tea tree oil, garlic, cranberry juice, plain yogurt, and probiotic supplements. Consult a healthcare provider before using a home remedy.

After a yeast infection resolves, it’s a good idea to take steps to prevent it from happening again. Ways to prevent a yeast infection include:

• Using proper hygiene, such as wiping from front to back after using the toilet
• Avoiding tight-fitting clothing
• Wearing breathable clothing, such as cotton fabrics
• Managing high blood sugar levels or diabetes
• Avoiding scented or irritating feminine products
• Avoiding douching, excessive sweating, and stress

When to see a doctor

Schedule an appointment with a doctor if symptoms worsen despite using an appropriate treatment, such as an OTC antifungal cream. You may be experiencing a resistant or more serious yeast infection that requires a prescription medication to treat.

In some cases, the infection may be caused by bacteria or other microbes. Other vaginal infections or medical conditions can cause similar symptoms of a yeast infection, such as vaginal itching or a burning sensation. These conditions include bacterial vaginosis , allergic reactions, sexually transmitted infections, such as trichomoniasis, and skin conditions, such as lichen sclerosis or eczema . A healthcare provider can evaluate your symptoms and perform tests to identify what is causing the problem.

You may need a doctor’s assessment and diagnosis if:

• You experience pelvic pain or a fever
• It is your first yeast infection
• You have recurring infections
• You are pregnant
• You are concerned about STIs (sexually transmitted infections)

During a diagnosis, a doctor or healthcare provider may ask about your medical history, sexual activity, and medications you are currently taking. They may also perform a pelvic exam and take a sample of vaginal discharge to pinpoint the cause of your symptoms. After determining the cause of the infection, a healthcare provider can recommend an effective treatment plan tailored to your symptoms.

How to Get Rid of a Yeast Infection in 24 Hours

As gross as it might sound, fungus is everywhere around us whether we can see it or not – including on top and inside of our bodies. Common types of fungus can cause infections like athlete’s foot or jock itch, which are uncomfortable, inconvenient, and itchy. Another common infection, known as candidiasis, or yeast infection, is another type of fungal infection caused by microscopic yeasts.

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• Bridget Reed
• January 6, 2023
• Reviewed By: Medical Team
• Medical Check: Dr. Rivera
• Publishing Principles

Common types of fungus can cause infections like athlete’s foot or jock itch, which are uncomfortable, inconvenient, and itchy.

Another common infection, known as candidiasis, or yeast infection, is another type of fungal infection caused by microscopic yeasts.

Although yeast infections are mostly uncomfortable, they can also become more serious infections if left untreated.

More than 3.6 million healthcare visits each year in the United States are the result of yeast infections, causing an estimated 3 billion dollars to be spent on direct medical costs, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Unfortunately, recent decades have seen some species of fungus become increasingly resistant to antifungal treatment because patients do not complete their recommended course of treatment.

This provides the fungus with enough exposure to a medication to allow it to adapt and change to improve its immunity to the antifungal medication but not enough exposure to cure the infection.

The last thing you want to hear when you have a yeast infection is that it might take a while to cure it– everyone wants to know how to get rid of a yeast infection in 24 hours.

What is a yeast infection?

Although yeast infections can occur anywhere on the skin, when most people refer to a yeast infection, they are talking about vaginal yeast infections.

Vaginal yeast infections, or vaginal candidiasis, are vaginal infections that can cause discharge, irritation, and intense itching of the tissues at the vaginal opening, including the vagina and vulva.

Although vaginal yeast infections are not a sexually transmitted infection, there is an increased risk associated with developing a vaginal infection when an individual first becomes sexually active. Symptoms of a yeast infection may include:

• Irritation and itching in the vulva and vagina
• Redness of swelling of the vulva
• Vaginal rash
• Watery vaginal discharge
• A burning sensation during intercourse or while using the bathroom
• Vaginal pain and soreness
• Thick, white, odorless vaginal discharge that looks like cottage cheese

Sometimes, yeast infections can become more severe and may be complicated to treat. Symptoms of complicated yeast infections include:

• Severe symptoms, such as extensive swelling and redness or itching that leads to cracks, tears, or sores
• Recurrent yeast infections (four or more in a year)
• A different type of fungus causing the yeast infection
• Development of bacterial vaginosis

Pregnant women, women with uncontrolled diabetes, or women with a weakened immune system due to certain medications or medical conditions are at a higher risk of complicated yeast infections.

These infections may require treatments that are stronger or must be taken for a longer period of time than more simplistic yeast infections.

What medications are used to treat yeast infections?

Yeast infections may be treated quickly with both over the counter and prescription medications, some of which will work to relieve symptoms in as little as 24 hours.

Antifungal creams are available over the counter, while prescription drugs come in the form of both antifungal creams and pills, usually in the form of a suppository but also available as an oral pill.

Over the counter antifungal creams include brand name drugs like Monistat, which is sold under the generic name miconazole nitrate.

Over the counter antifungal creams are available in single-day, three-day, and seven-day dosages and are available at any pharmacy.

Two creams, butoconazole and terconazole, are available by prescription.

Butoconazole is an expensive medication that is available only as a single dose; the convenience and effectiveness of the medication drives its high price.

Terconazole is available in three and seven day doses and is a more cost effective option, costing about ten percent of the price of butoconazole, but it will not get rid of your yeast infection in 24 hours.

Patients who prefer to treat their yeast infection with an oral pill rather than a cream can get a prescription for fluconazole, the generic form of Diflucan, which is a single oral pill that treats yeast infections.

Fluconazole typically takes a day or two longer to begin to work than topical creams, but it remains the most popular option for treating yeast infections because it is both less expensive than over the counter antifungal creams as well as extremely effective and less messy.

Another option is also manufactured by Monistat: vaginal suppositories. Most commonly, vaginal suppositories are also sold in five to seven day treatment regimens, and are also OTC options that generally come with antifungal creams as part of the treatment.

While the side effects of antifungal creams and suppositories may mimic the redness, swelling, and overall irritation of a yeast infection, this is typically normal; however, as always, if either the yeast infection symptoms or the side effects get worse, consult your gynecologist for medical advice as soon as you can.

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Are there any effective home remedies or natural remedies for yeast infections?

People who want to treat vaginal yeast infections at home have several options.

Douching is one of the easiest and most natural remedies to try and combat a yeast infection. Douching involves washing and cleaning out the inside of the vagina.

You can pick up douches from the store that are already premixed with liquids meant to help clean out the inside of the vagina.

A little less invasive, apple cider vinegar baths can also prove helpful to combat candidiasis.

Add one half cup of apple cider vinegar to a lukewarm bath and soak at least your lower half for about 20 minutes.

One of the most popular is vaginal boric acid capsules; treatment involves inserting one 600 mg capsule of boric acid vaginally once per day for 14 days.

Another option is the application of tea tree oil, an essential oil with antifungal properties. Women who use tea tree oil to treat vaginal yeast infections typically apply diluted tea tree oil to a tampon and insert it into the vagina overnight.

However, tea tree oil can be irritating to the skin, so it must be diluted properly and mixed with a carrier oil like coconut oil.

Additionally, some people are allergic to tea tree oil, so it is best to test the oil on another location on the body, such as the forearm, prior to inserting it vaginally.

Probiotics offer both a treatment and prevention option for vaginal yeast infections. Probiotics consist of healthy bacteria that contribute positively to women’s health both in the vagina and throughout the rest of the body.

Probiotics can be inserted vaginally and can help to restore bacteria and yeast balance within the vagina.

One 2012 study showed that of women with chronic yeast infections who inserted a probiotic pill into the vagina, 87 percent saw an improvement in their symptoms. When no active infection is occurring, women may use probiotics to prevent yeast infections; when used to prevent yeast infections, probiotics may be inserted vaginally once per week on an ongoing basis.

Probiotics may also be obtained by ingesting natural yogurt and fermented foods, especially those containing lactobacillus, one of the most popular probiotics in foods.

References, Studies and Sources:

Bridget Reed ( Medical Writer and Contributor )

Bridget Reed is a Tampa-based content development manager, writer, and editor at GR0; specializing in content related to varying fields including medicine, health, and small businesses. Bridget went to St. Petersburg College and majored in Management and Organizational Leadership.

Recent Publications: Body Acne 101: Prevention and Treatment, Stress Acne: Causes, Prevention, and Treatment, What are the Side Effects of Midol?

Camille Freking ( Medical Writer and Contributor )

Camille is an Editorial Content Manager within the Content Department at GR0. In addition to reviewing content to ensure it meets FDA regulatory compliance guidelines, Camille works to manage content pipelines along with optimizing articles for maximum ranking and outreach potential, working with one of the top digital marketing teams in the world to deliver tangible online presence. Aside from that, Camille has always been rooted in medicine and clinical research throughout her entire academic career, with her most recent academic achievement having graduated Summa Cum Laude at the M.S. Pharmacology program at The Ohio State University.

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11 Home Remedies for Vaginal Yeast Infections

There are a few home remedies that may help relieve vaginal yeast infection symptoms. These include garlic, vinegar, boric acid, and others. That said, it’s important to use them correctly and see a doctor if the symptoms don’t resolve.

A vaginal yeast infection (vaginal candidiasis) is a common condition caused by an overgrowth of a fungus that naturally lives in the vagina, called Candida albicans.

This overgrowth can trigger irritation, inflammation, itching, and painful discharge. Most folks with a vulva and vagina experience a yeast infection at some point during their lifetime.

If this is your first time experiencing the symptoms of a yeast infection, a good first step involves visiting a gynecologist or other healthcare professional to confirm you actually have a yeast infection and not another vaginal health condition.

Symptoms of a yeast infection

Common symptoms of vaginal yeast infections include:

• vaginal discharge, which can appear white or yellowish (it may be watery or have a clumpy texture, similar to cottage cheese)
• vaginal itching
• burning when you urinate or during sex
• pain during sex
• tenderness or swelling around the vagina
• rash

How to diagnose a yeast infection

If you’ve never had a yeast infection before, it’s best to make an appointment with a healthcare professional to get a diagnosis.

Your clinician will ask about your health history and perform a pelvic exam, which involves examining your cervix, the walls of your vagina, and the surrounding area for external signs of infection.

They’ll also recommend some treatment options if they diagnose a yeast infection.

If you’ve previously had a yeast infection and suspect you have another one, you can try several home remedies to get relief. Some of these remedies use ingredients you might already have in your home.

Just keep in mind that the effectiveness of these remedies can vary, and evidence for their success remains mostly anecdotal.

Below, we’ll explore 11 home remedies for yeast infections and how they work.

1. Greek yogurt

Probiotics can be effective against C. Albicans — and yogurt can be considered a probiotic because it contains live bacteria, such as Lactobacillus acidophilus. These bacteria help promote a healthy environment in your vagina, and they can help address an overgrowth caused by an imbalance.

A 2017 study suggests that eating yogurt helps expand your gut microbiome, which can help reduce yeast in your body. If you don’t like yogurt, you can take a probiotic supplement or try other probiotic foods.

When it comes to using yogurt for a yeast infection, opt for plain Greek yogurt. Make sure the yogurt doesn’t contain any added sugar, flavoring, or fruit. Added sugar can fuel the growth of the Candida fungus.

To reap the benefits, try:

• eating the yogurt
• applying it to your vulva around your vagina
• inserting it vaginally using a clean tampon applicator or your fingers

Try these products

• 365 by Whole Foods Market Organic Greek Yogurt Plain
• Chobani Non-Fat Plain Greek Yogurt

2. Boric acid

Boric acid is a powerful antiseptic, and some people claim it can help clear up yeast infections resistant to other remedies.

Boric acid vaginal suppositories may be used in combination with medications to treat vaginal infections.

However, boric acid is toxic in large amounts. It can lead to kidney damage, acute circulatory system failure, or death if you absorb too much. Avoid using boric acid on broken skin, and never take it orally.

If you’re pregnant, don’t use boric acid in any form. You may also want to consider another remedy if you have sensitive skin.

Discontinue use if you notice any discomfort.

Try these products

• Love Wellness The Killer Boric Acid Suppositories
• The Honey Pot Company Boric Acid & Herbs Suppositories

3. Essential oil of oregano

Oil of oregano isn’t the same as common oregano, or Origanum marjoram, which you’ll usually find in your grocery store’s spice section.

To ease a yeast infection, search for oregano oil made from wild oregano, or Origanum vulgare.

A 2017 study suggests oregano essential oil may prove effective for altering the growth of C. Albicans.

To use, mix three to five drops of essential oil per ounce of carrier oil, such as olive or sweet almond oil. Then, apply it to your skin by massaging or inhaling it using a diffuser. Don’t apply this essential oil near your vagina.

Never ingest essential oils. Essential oils are meant to be inhaled as part of aromatherapy, or diluted with massage oil to use during massage. They’re also not meant to be used internally–external use only!

Try these products

4. Probiotic suppositories and supplements

Probiotics can help restore the bacteria-yeast balance throughout your body.

Taking oral probiotics that contain strains of the Lactobacillus acidophilus bacteria can offer a number of health benefits, including helping bring your digestive tract and vaginal flora back into alignment.

Oral supplements can take several days to a few weeks to reach full effect, so some people use probiotics as vaginal suppositories to get results more quickly.

Evidence suggests probiotic suppositories can also help treat bacterial vaginosis (BV).

Try these products

• Uqora Promote
• FloraFemme Homeopathic Vaginal Probiotic Suppository

5. Coconut oil

Coconut oil is a fatty oil derived from the flesh of the coconut. The oil has many health benefits, including antifungal properties.

Research suggests coconut oil is effective against C. Albicans, making this home remedy one of the few with supportive evidence behind it.

To treat a vaginal yeast infection using coconut oil, be sure to buy pure, organic coconut oil. You can apply the oil directly to the affected area.

Try these products

• Coco & Co.’s Pure Coconut Oil
• Okay 100% Pure Coconut Oil

6. Tea tree oil

Tea tree oil is an essential oil used to help kill fungi, bacteria, and viruses. In fact, research supports tea tree oil’s antifungal properties.

Research from 2016 suggests a combination of probiotics and vaginal suppositories containing tea tree oil may help treat vaginal infections.

More recent lab findings continue to support the antimicrobial activities of tea tree oil.

Tea tree oil is an incredibly powerful essential oil. So, you’ll always want to make sure you dilute it with a carrier oil, such as jojoba or coconut oil, if it’s going to touch your skin — undiluted tea tree oil should never touch your skin. And just as a reminder, essential oils should never be used internally!

If you can, opt to purchase prepared tea tree vaginal suppositories — this is the safest option.

Only use tea tree oil occasionally, and never swallow it. If you have sensitive skin, you’ll generally want to avoid using tea tree oil. Discontinue use if you experience any discomfort or irritation after using it.

Try these products

• NutraBlast Tea Tree Oil Suppositories
• Maple Holistics Tea Tree Essential Oil

7. Apple cider vinegar

One popular yeast infection remedy is an apple cider vinegar bath.

Vinegar has many medicinal uses, some more supported by research than others.

But when you add a half cup of apple cider vinegar to a lukewarm bathtub and soak for 20 minutes, the acidic component of the vinegar may help eliminate any harmful microorganisms, including yeast.

An apple cider vinegar bath is not the same as douching, which aims to flush out all bacteria (good and bad) from your vagina. Douching leaves you more prone to a recurrence of the yeast infection, so avoid douching with apple cider vinegar — or any other substance.

You’ll want to dilute vinegar in water before it touches your skin. In addition, you could also try adding apple cider vinegar to your diet.

Try this product

8. Garlic

Evidence suggests garlic may also help kill Candida, though some strains may prove more effective than others.

While more studies are needed, research from 2019 examined the effect of using a garlic solution on sores of the mouth and found it could effectively help curb the growth of Candida. That said, garlic was less effective than nystatin (Nystop), an antifungal medication.

If you want to try garlic to treat a yeast infection, it’s best to simply add more garlic to your diet.

Some websites recommend inserting garlic into your vagina, but we do not recommend this approach. That’s because the active compounds in garlic can cause burns and pain when applied to your skin or mucosa. Mucosa, or mucous membrane, is the type of moist tissue that lines your mouth, and yes, the walls of your vagina.

9. Hydrogen peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is an antiseptic that can kill bacteria and yeast. Lactobacillus bacteria in your vagina produce hydrogen peroxide as part of natural biological activity.

Some people swear by using hydrogen peroxide topically when they get a yeast infection.

Adding it to a bath or diluting in water before applying to your skin may help with yeast growing on the genitals. You can dilute by combining equal amounts of water and hydrogen peroxide.

Just keep in mind that hydrogen peroxide may not work on every species of yeast, and no strong research supports the use of hydrogen peroxide to treat vaginal infections.

Always avoid douching with hydrogen peroxide, never use hydrogen peroxide internally, and avoid using it for an extended period of time.

Try these products

• Medline Hydrogen Peroxide
• Swan Hydrogen Peroxide Topical Solution

10. Vitamin C

Vitamin C is an immune system booster that also has a role in skin health. A strong immune system allows your body to bring itself back into balance.

Vitamin C, also called ascorbic acid, has antimicrobial components, so some people add it to their diet to treat Candida overgrowths.

Try increasing your intake of vitamin C to boost your body’s ability to beat the yeast infection. Don’t apply the acidic vitamin C to the sensitive vaginal tissue.

Try these products

• Nature’s Bounty Vitamin C, 500 mg
• Nature Made Extra Strength Vitamin C Chewable, 1,000 mg

11. Vitamin E

Some doctors recommend vitamin E for certain types of vaginal inflammation. In fact, lab research suggests vitamin E can help reduce inflammation caused by Candida albicans.

Evidence also suggests vitamin E suppositories may help address atrophic vaginitis (aka, vaginal atrophy), which is the thinning of the vaginal walls caused by a lack of estrogen. Atrophic vaginitis causes changes to the vagina’s acidic environment, increasing the risk for bacterial and yeast infections.

You can also purchase vitamin E suppositories intended for vaginal use, or apply vitamin E oil to your vulva or vagina. Vitamin E may help soothe itching, burning, and inflammation.

If vitamin E doesn’t seem to help, a good next step involves asking a healthcare professional for more guidance.

Try these products

• Nature Made Vitamin E, 180 mg
• Femally Organic Vitamin E Melts Vaginal Moisturizing Suppositories, 14 count

The main cause of a yeast infection is the overgrowth of yeast on an area of the body.

You could get a yeast infection for any number of reasons, including:

• Hormones: Changes during pregnancy, nursing, your menstrual cycle, or menopause can change the balance of yeast in your vagina.
• Sex: Yeast can be passed from person to person during physical sexual contact. Plus, sexual intercourse can change the bacterial balance of your vagina.
• Diabetes: An increase in sugar in the mucus membranes of your vagina can create a place for yeast to grow.
• Antibiotics: These drugs can kill off many of the “good” bacteria that live in your vagina.
• Douches and vaginal sprays: These products can change the balance of yeast in your vagina.
• A weakened immune system: If you are HIV-positive or have another immune system disorder, the yeast may also grow uncontrolled.

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It may take several days to notice results when using a home remedy to improve your yeast infection.

It’s always wise to connect with a healthcare professional if your symptoms get worse or if you notice new symptoms appear at any time during treatment. You’ll also want to make an appointment if you have persistent irritation that’s separate from yeast infection symptoms.

If your infection goes away with a home remedy but then returns, it’s best to contact a doctor for advice. You may need a prescription-strength treatment to get rid of the infection for good.

Keep in mind that some yeast infections can be severe. You’ll typically want to make a doctor’s appointment if:

• you’re pregnant
• you’ve had more than four yeast infections over the last year
• you have a weakened immune system from medications
• you have uncontrolled diabetes
• you have HIV
• you’re experiencing redness, swelling, or itching severe enough to create sores or tears in your vaginal tissue

For more serious yeast infections, your doctor may recommend:

• several doses of fluconazole, an oral tablet or suspension used to treat candidiasis, a fungal infection
• treatment with a topical antifungal medication, like miconazole (Monistat)
• a prescription suppository or tablet vaginal treatment, like terconazole (Terazol)

These tips may help prevent future yeast infections:

• Limit the amount of sugar and processed foods you consume. Yeast thrives on sugar.
• Include yogurt or supplements with Lactobacillus in your diet.
• Wear loose-fitting, cotton underwear. When doing laundry, wash them in hot water, using mild, unscented detergent.
• Avoid spending extended periods of time wearing wet bottoms or bathing suits. Yeast grows in warm, moist environments.
• Only use antibiotics when necessary.
• Don’t use douches unless advised by a doctor, and avoid vaginal deodorant sprays and scented vaginal lotions. These products may alter the balance of good bacteria and yeast in your vagina.

What is the fastest way to get rid of a yeast infection?

The fastest — and most reliable — way to get rid of a yeast infection is to visit a doctor if you suspect you have one. They will likely prescribe fluconazole, an oral treatment that may take 1 week to get rid of the infection.

Can yeast infections go away on their own?

A mild yeast infection may go away on its own, but this is rare. It’s always a good idea to treat a yeast infection, even if it’s mild. If yeast infections are not treated properly, they’re more likely to return.

What happens if a yeast infection is left untreated?

It may go away, but it is likely to return. Your symptoms may also get worse without treatment.

How do I know if it’s a yeast infection or a urinary tract infection (UTI)?

Yeast infections and UTIs occur in the same area, but they have very different symptoms.

With a vaginal yeast infection, you may have unusual, generally odorless, vaginal discharge that has a thick and milky appearance. You may also have pain or itchiness in your genital area.

With a UTI, you may notice pain and burning when urinating and foul-smelling urine, as well as fever, chills, nausea, and pain in your pelvis.

What is the difference between a yeast infection and bacterial vaginosis?

BV and vaginal yeast infections have similar symptoms, but different causes and treatments. Both cause inflammation of the vagina, or vaginitis.

One of the differences between BV and a yeast infection is that BV produces a foul-smelling, fishy odor, while a yeast infection produces no vaginal odor. Additionally, a yeast infection may cause redness and inflammation of the vulva, while BV doesn’t produce such symptoms.

To determine whether a vaginal infection is BV or a yeast infection, a doctor may:

• ask about your medical history, including previous vaginal infections
• perform an examination to look for signs of infection and vaginal discharge
• take a sample of the discharge for analysis to check for an overgrowth of harmful bacteria or fungi
• test the pH of your vagina — a pH of 4.5 or above can point to BV

Can I take over-the-counter (OTC) medicine for my yeast infection?

Yes. Most simple vaginal yeast infections improve with OTC vaginal creams or suppositories. You can find these products in 1-day, 3-day, and 7-day treatments.

Home remedies may or may not work to treat a yeast infection. If you use herbs, supplements, or essential oils, be aware that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn’t monitor these for safety, purity, and quality. That’s why it’s always best to purchase them from a reputable source.

The effectiveness of a home remedy varies depending on the person, the severity of your infection, and the quality of the treatment used. For recurring vaginal infections, talk with a doctor about additional natural approaches to prevention and treatment. It’s also best to consult a healthcare professional if you’ve never had a yeast infection before.

Keep in mind that any product, natural or otherwise, may irritate sensitive vaginal skin. Stop using the remedy and call a doctor if you experience any irritation or discomfort.

Last medically reviewed on January 19, 2023