by Dr. Wendy (OB/Gyn)

Question

How are yeast infections treated?

Answer

Anti fungal medications are the mainstay of treatment for yeast infections. They can be given topically or orally. I favor treating topical infections topically, and will usually give cream in the vagina for a vaginal yeast infection.

Monistat® can be taken vaginally and is over the counter, and covers most candida albicans infections (the most common form of vaginal yeast). More exotic yeast will not be treated by Monistat (such as candida tropicalis or glabrata) and these yeast can be treated by giving 3 or 7 days of vaginal terconazole or a one time dose of gynezole. Alternatively, oral preparations such as diflucan® can be given, but caution should be taken as there are medication interactions (such as coumadin® and anti histamines), so check with your doctor.

Related Q&A:
What is a yeast infection?
Can yeast infections be prevented?

Wendy Fried, M.D., FACOG, FACS, is an OB/Gyn with Northern Obstetrics and Gynecology, PC in North Hills, New York

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