There is a wide variety of over-the-counter yeast infection treatment options on the market. Once you know for sure your symptoms are those of a yeast infection and not another problem, you can begin looking for the best OTC yeast infection treatment for you. To do this, determine how fast you need relief, which method would best fit your daily lifestyle, and whether you prefer a medicated or natural approach.
Using an over-the-counter yeast infection treatment is a quick and easy way to treat a yeast infection. Still, doctors recommend that anyone who’s never had a yeast infection obtain a diagnosis from a doctor before using any kind of yeast infection remedy. Typical yeast infection symptoms often mimic symptoms of other problems, and anyone who’s never had a yeast infection before could find it difficult to tell the difference.
The most common kinds of over-the-counter yeast infection treatment methods include vaginal suppositories and creams designed to be inserted with an applicator. Some applicators are pre-filled with the medicated cream to allow for easier use. Many OTC yeast infection treatment kits come with both internal and external medications. The internal medication is designed to treat the yeast infection, while the external medication, which is usually a cream, is designed to be applied externally to alleviate symptoms such as itching and burning. These kinds of over-the-counter yeast infection treatment kits come in a variety of strengths and are available in one-dose, three-dose, and seven-dose packages.
Similar to many other kinds of medicines, over-the-counter yeast infection treatment kits are available in both generic and name brand forms. Typically, generic medications are less expensive than name brand medications, but that doesn’t mean they’re less effective. If you want to try a generic OTC yeast infection treatment, make sure it includes one of the anti-fungal medications commonly used for treating a yeast infection. Such medications include butoconazole, clortrimazole, miconazole nitrate, and tioconazole. If you’re hesitant about trying a generic brand, choose a name brand instead or ask your doctor for advice.
In addition to over-the-counter yeast infection treatment kits that include creams and suppositories, you can choose from a variety of oral yeast infection treatments. These tablets are less messy than suppositories and creams, but they usually take longer to cure the infection. Too, not all oral treatments actually cure the infection. Some are designed to encourage your body’s natural defenses to cure the infection, while others are meant to simply alleviate the symptoms while some other treatment option cures the infection. Be sure to read the packaging’s fine print before you choose an oral OTC yeast infection treatment.
