Treatment FAQ

how treatment for vaginal infection

by Brooklyn Predovic Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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How are vaginal infections treated?
  1. metronidazole (in tablet, cream, or gel form) or clindamycin (in cream or gel form) to treat a bacterial infection.
  2. antifungal creams or suppositories to treat a yeast infection. ...
  3. metronidazole or tinidazole tablets to treat trichomoniasis.

What are the best antibiotics for vaginal infections?

What’s the Treatment for BV?

  • Clindamycin. It sells under the brand names Cleocin and Clindesse.
  • Metronidazole. This medication sells under the brand names Flagyl and Metrogel-Vaginal. Secnidazole, available as a single pill you take once.
  • Tinidazole. It’s sold under the brand name Tindamax. It’s important to take your medication for as long as your doctor prescribes it.

Can BV go away on its own?

Can bacterial vaginosis go away on its own? BV will often go away on its own within a few days, but it also tends to come back. If you take antibiotics to treat BV, the symptoms may disappear within a day or two, but it’s important to take the full course of pills, which is usually seven days.

How to treat bacterial vaginosis naturally at home?

How to use garlic as one of the strongest home remedies for bacterial vaginosis:

  • Make a mixture of some drops of garlic oil with a half teaspoon of coconut and vitamin E oil. ...
  • Add garlic to your cooking daily as well as consume few cloves of garlic on a daily basis.
  • Take garlic supplementary pills after consulting the doctor.

What antibiotics treat vaginal infections?

Antibiotics are the mainstay of therapy for bacterial vaginosis. Medications include metronidazole (Flagyl), clindamycin (Cleocin) oral or vaginal suppositories, and metronidazole vaginal gel (MetroGel-Vaginal). Metronidazole and clindamycin are the preferred medications used to treat Gardnerella infections.

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What can I take for Viginal infection?

Use a medication specifically for yeast infections that you can get without a prescription. Options include one-day, three-day or seven-day courses of cream or vaginal suppositories. The active ingredient varies, depending on the product: clotrimazole, miconazole (Monistat 1) or tioconazole (Vagistat).

What causes vaginal infection?

The fungus candida albicans is responsible for most vaginal yeast infections. Your vagina naturally contains a balanced mix of yeast, including candida, and bacteria. Certain bacteria (lactobacillus) act to prevent an overgrowth of yeast.

What are the five signs of an infection?

Know the Signs and Symptoms of InfectionFever (this is sometimes the only sign of an infection).Chills and sweats.Change in cough or a new cough.Sore throat or new mouth sore.Shortness of breath.Nasal congestion.Stiff neck.Burning or pain with urination.More items...

What are the 4 types of infections?

The four different categories of infectious agents are bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. When studying these agents, researchers isolate them using certain characteristics: Size of the infectious agent.

What is the best treatment for a vaginal infection?

Treatment for vaginal infections will depend on what’s causing your infection. For example: Metronidazole tablets, cream, or gel, or clindamycin cream or gel may be prescribed for a bacterial infection. Antifungal creams or suppositories may be prescribed for a yeast infection.

How effective is vaginal infection?

Treatment for vaginal infections is generally very effective. Proper diagnosis will ensure that you receive the right treatment. If you have any new or concerning symptoms, always speak to a doctor to ensure you get the right treatment. Last medically reviewed on September 4, 2019.

What does yeast infection look like?

Yeast infections typically produce itching. If discharge is present, it may be thick and white and look like cottage cheese. Trichomoniasis is a condition that can produce vaginal itching and odor. Discharge from this infection is typically greenish-yellow and may be frothy. Vaginal infections aren’t life-threatening conditions.

What is the best treatment for trichomoniasis?

Metronidazole or tinidazole tablets may be prescribed for trichomoniasis. Estrogen creams or tablets may be prescribed for vaginal atrophy. If your infection is caused by an irritant, such as soap, your doctor will recommend a different product to reduce irritation.

What are the symptoms of a vaginal infection?

a change in the color of your vaginal discharge. pain or burning during urination. pain during intercourse. vaginal bleeding or spotting. The symptoms of vaginal infections will also vary based on the cause of your infection: ...

What causes a spotting smell after sex?

vaginal bleeding or spotting. The symptoms of vaginal infections will also vary based on the cause of your infection: Bacterial infections typically cause grayish-white or yellow discharge. This discharge may have a fish-like odor that’s easily noticed after sex. Yeast infections typically produce itching.

Why does my vagina itch?

Reduced hormone levels can cause vaginal thinning and dryness. These can lead to vaginal inflammation. Irritants. Soaps, body washes, perfumes, and vaginal contraceptives can all irritate your vagina. This can cause inflammation. Tight-fitting clothes may also cause heat rashes that irritate your vagina.

What is the best medicine for bacterial vaginosis?

To treat bacterial vaginosis, your doctor may prescribe one of the following medications: Metronidazole (Flagyl, Metrogel-Vaginal, others). This medicine may be taken as a pill by mouth (orally). Metronidazole is also available as a topical gel that you insert into your vagina.

How to boost the number of good bacteria in your vagina?

A self-help approach is lactobacillus colonization therapy — which attempts to boost the number of good bacteria in your vagina and re-establish a balanced vaginal environment — possibly accomplished by eating certain types of yogurt or other foods containing lactobacilli.

How long does it take for bacterial vaginosis to recur?

It's common for bacterial vaginosis to recur within three to 12 months, despite treatment. Researchers are exploring treatments for recurrent bacterial vaginosis. If your symptoms recur soon after treatment, talk with your doctor about treatments. One option may be extended-use metronidazole therapy.

How long does Clindamycin last in vagina?

This medicine is available as a cream that you insert into your vagina. Clindamycin cream may weaken latex condoms during treatment and for at least three days after you stop using the cream. Tinidazole (Tindamax). This medication is taken orally.

How to diagnose bacterial vaginosis?

Open pop-up dialog box. Close. Pelvic examination. Pelvic examination. In a pelvic exam, your physician inserts two gloved fingers inside your vagina. While simultaneously pressing down on your abdomen, he or she can examine your uterus, ovaries and other organs. To diagnose bacterial vaginosis, your doctor may: ...

How to make the best use of your time with your doctor?

To make the best use of your time with your doctor and prevent you from forgetting an important question: Make a list of any symptoms you're experiencing. Include all of your symptoms, even if you don't think they're related. Make a list of any medications, vitamins, herbs or other supplements you take.

What is the best treatment for vaginal vaginosis?

For this type of vaginitis, your doctor may prescribe metronidazole (Flagyl) tablets that you take by mouth or metronidazole (MetroGel) gel or clindamycin (Cleocin) cream that you apply to your vagina.

How to treat labial fungus?

Follow package directions and complete the entire course of treatment, even if you're feeling better right away. Apply a cold compress, such as a washcloth, to the labial area to ease discomfort until the antifungal medication takes full effect .

What is the instrument used to check for vaginal inflammation?

During the pelvic exam, your doctor may use an instrument (speculum) to look inside your vagina for inflammation and abnormal discharge. Collect a sample for lab testing. Your doctor might collect a sample of cervical or vaginal discharge for lab testing to confirm what kind of vaginitis you have. Perform pH testing.

What is the best medicine for yeast infections?

Yeast infections. Yeast infections usually are treated with an over-the-counter antifungal cream or suppository, such as miconazole (Monistat 1), clotrimazole, butoconazole or tioconazole (Vagistat-1). Yeast infections may also be treated with a prescription oral antifungal medication, such as fluconazole (Diflucan).

Can you take fluconazole for yeast infection?

Yeast infections may also be treated with a prescription oral antifungal medication, such as fluconazole (Diflucan). The advantages of over-the-counter treatment are convenience, cost and not waiting to see your doctor. However, you might have something other than a yeast infection.

Can estrogen be used for menopause?

Genitourinary syndrome of menopause (vaginal atrophy). Estrogen — in the form of vaginal creams, tablets or rings — can effectively treat this condition. This treatment is available by prescription from your doctor, after other risk factors and possible complications are reviewed. Noninfectious vaginitis.

How to treat yeast infection in vagina?

Get an over-the-counter gel or cream. Most of the gels and creams for vaginal yeast infections that you can get over-the-counter are almost as effective as anti-fungal medications. Examples include Monistat and Gyne-Lotrimin. Use as directed. If you have recurrent infections, use for seven days.

How to treat BV in vagina?

Use periodontal gel. Use Curasept periodontal gel and apply in and around the vagina. Curasept contains 0.5% cyclohexadiene, a disinfectant which has been shown to be effective in treating BV. ...

What to do if you keep getting yeast infections?

2. See your doctor about recurring or long-lasting vaginal infections. If you keep getting vaginal infections, or your infection won't go away, make an appointment to see your doctor. Recurrent yeast infections can be a sign of a more serious underlying disorder such as diabetes, cancer or HIV-AIDs.

Why won't my vaginal infections go away?

Vaginal infections—especially those caused by yeast—that won't go away or continually return may suggest a more serious underlying cause, including diabetes, cancer, or certain STIs. While this won't always be the case, it's important to rule out the possibility by asking your doctor to test you.

What does it mean when your vagina is a discharge?

An abnormal vaginal discharge. The discharge can be a watery, white discharge to a thick, white, and chunky discharge. This is often described as looking like cottage cheese. Itching and burning of the vagina and labia.

How to get rid of yeast infection?

For yeast infections, try douching with two to three drops of essential tea tree oil in eight ounces of distilled water. Repeat twice a day for one week. Repeat twice a day for four days and then daily until all symptoms disappear.

What is the discharge test for?

The discharge will be tested for the presence of bacteria, yeast or other organisms such as Trichomonas. It’s important to get a specific diagnosis from your doctor. The approaches for treating vaginal infections differ depending on the type of infection.

How to diagnose yeast infection?

Diagnosis. To diagnose a yeast infection, your doctor may: Ask questions about your medical history. This might include gathering information about past vaginal infections or sexually transmitted infections. Perform a pelvic exam. Your doctor examines your external genitals for signs of infection. Next, your doctor places an instrument (speculum) ...

How long does it take for a yeast infection to clear?

Taking an antifungal medication for three to seven days will usually clear a yeast infection.

Can you take antifungal pills while pregnant?

However, this therapy isn't recommended for pregnant women . Azole resistant therapy. Your doctor might recommend boric acid, a capsule inserted into your vagina.

Do you need to see a doctor for yeast infection?

Preparing for your appointment. If you've been treated for a yeast infection in the past, your doctor may not need to see you and may prescribe a treatment over the phone. Otherwise, you're likely to see a family medicine doctor or gynecologist.

Can you take azole for candida?

Azole resistant therapy. Your doctor might recommend boric acid, a capsule inserted into your vagina. This medication may be fatal if taken orally and is used only to treat candida fungus that is resistant to the usual antifungal agents.

Can you take fluconazole while pregnant?

Your doctor might prescribe a one-time, single oral dose of fluconazole (Diflucan). Oral medication isn't recommended if you're pregnant.

Can you treat yeast infection in your vagina?

No alternative medicine therapies have been proved to treat vaginal yeast infections. Some complementary and alternative therapies may provide some relief when combined with your doctor's care. Talk to your doctor about what alternative treatments for vaginal yeast infection may be safe for you.

How to prevent yeast infection in vagina?

Preventing vaginal yeast infections 1 Limit the amount of sugar and processed foods you consume. Yeast thrives on sugar. 2 Wear loose-fitting, cotton underwear. 3 Don’t spend extended periods of time in wet clothes or bathing suits. Yeast grows in warm, moist environments. 4 Only use antibiotics when necessary. 5 Don’t use douches unless advised by your doctor, and avoid vaginal deodorant sprays and scented vaginal lotions. They may alter the balance of good bacteria and yeast in your vagina.

How to increase probiotics in vagina?

Eating yogurt is one way to increase probiotics. Oral supplements take about 10 days to reach full effect, so some women use probiotics as vaginal suppositories to see results more quickly. If you want to try vaginal probiotics, you can purchase them online.

What is the best antiseptic for yeast infections?

Boric acid. Boric acid is a powerful antiseptic that some women claim is useful for treating yeast infections that are resistant to other remedies. Topical boric acid is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Trusted Source. as treatment for vaginal infections.

What to do if you have yeast infection?

Call your doctor if your symptoms worsen or if new symptoms appear at any time during treatment. Also call your doctor if you have persistent irritation that’s separate from your yeast infection symptoms. If your infection goes away with treatment but then returns, contact your doctor for advice.

How to get rid of yeast on genitals?

Adding it to a bath or diluting in water may help with yeast growing on the genitals. Diluting (half water and half hydrogen peroxide) is recommended before applying it to your genitals, and don’t use it for an extended period of time. 10. Vitamin C. Vitamin C is an immune system booster.

Can you use tea tree oil on your vagina?

Make sure to dilute it with a carrier oil, such as jojoba or coconut oil, if it’s going to touch your skin. Already prepared tea tree vaginal suppositories are the best option. Only use tea tree oil occasionally, and never swallow it. If you have sensitive skin, do not use tea tree oil.

Does hydrogen peroxide work against yeast?

Trusted Source. . While it won’t work on every species of yeast, some women swear by using hydrogen peroxide topically when they get a yeast infection.

How to treat vaginal discomfort?

Treatment. The main form of treatment for vaginal discomfort as a result of irritants is to avoid any known triggers. To find out what triggers a reaction, a doctor may order a patch test. During a patch test, they will apply different substances to the skin to determine which ones cause an allergic reaction.

What is the best treatment for BV?

A doctor will usually prescribe clindamycin or metronidazole for BV. If a person develops recurring BV, they will likely prescribe a second course of antibiotics or treat the condition for a longer period of time.

What are the symptoms of gonorrhea?

Symptoms of gonorrhea include: vaginal discharge that may be green, white, or yellow. pelvic pain. a burning sensation while urinating. swelling and pain of the labia. Learn more about the differences between chlamydia and gonorrhea here.

What is the cause of genital warts?

Viral infections. Some viral vaginal infections include herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2), which causes herpes, and the human papillomavirus (HPV), which causes genital warts. A person can contract these viruses through sexual intercourse or by coming into skin-to-skin contact with a person who has them.

What are the symptoms of a vaginal discharge?

vaginal discharge that has a strong odor. irritation and swelling of the vagina and vulva. pain and burning sensations while urinating.

How long does it take for a woman to show symptoms?

Some people begin to show symptoms within 5–28 days, while others may not develop symptoms until much later. If symptoms are present, they may include: itchy, sore, flushed, or burning genitals. a change in vaginal discharge, such as: an increase in volume. a change in color to clear, yellow, or green.

How do you know if you have yeast infection?

Symptoms. Some symptoms of a yeast infection include: irritation, itching, and burning in and around the vagina. thick, sticky, white discharge. swelling and flushing around the vulva and vagina. Some people may experience a worsening of symptoms just before a menstrual period.

What is the best treatment for bacterial vaginosis?

Boric acid . Boric acid capsules can be used to treat bacterial vaginosis. In an early study, a combination of suppressive antimicrobial therapy and intravaginal boric acid were used to treat recurring bacterial vaginosis in 58 women.

What is the best way to get rid of bad bacteria in your vagina?

1. Yogurt. Yogurt is a natural probiotic, which means it has plenty of healthy bacteria in it. Eating yogurt may help introduce healthy bacteria back into the body. This helps establish a balanced vaginal environment and could help fight off the bad bacteria.

What is a vaginal infection?

Bacterial vaginosis. Bacterial vaginosis is a vaginal infection caused by an overgrowth of bacteria. The vagina naturally has an environment containing “good” and “bad” bacteria. In cases of bacterial vaginosis, there’s an excess of bad bacteria, which throws the vaginal environment out of balance. Bacterial vaginosis is a common condition ...

What happens if you don't treat bacterial vaginosis?

Risks and complications. If home remedies don’t work, bacterial vaginosis could continue and worsen if it’s not treated. Having raw areas of skin in and around your vagina increases a number of risks, including: increased risk of contracting HIV if exposed to the virus.

What to do if bacterial vaginosis is recurrent?

Also, make an appointment with your doctor right away if your bacterial vaginosis is recurrent. You can book an appointment with an OBGYN in your area using our Healthline FindCare tool.

Why do we need condoms?

Safer sex. According to the Office of Women’s Health, using condoms can help reduce your risk for bacterial vaginosis. Having sex with new or multiple sexual partners without using a barrier method can increase your risk. Always use condoms or other barrier methods to help in practicing safer sex.

Is garlic good for bacterial vaginosis?

Garlic has strong antibacterial properties, and it’s long been used as a home remedy for bacterial vaginosis. A 2014 study. Trusted Source. compared the use of garlic tablets and oral metronidazole, an antibiotic, in treating the condition.

What is the most common type of vaginal infection?

The most common types of vaginitis are: Bacterial vaginosis, which results from a change of the normal bacteria found in your vagina to overgrowth of other organisms. Yeast infections, which are usually caused by a naturally occurring fungus called Candida albicans.

When to see a doctor for a vaginal infection?

When to see a doctor. See your doctor if you develop unusual vaginal discomfort, especially if: You have a particularly unpleasant vaginal odor, discharge or itching. You've never had a vaginal infection. Seeing your doctor can establish the cause and help you learn to identify the signs and symptoms. You've had vaginal infections before.

Why does my vagina hurt?

Vaginitis is an inflammation of the vagina that can result in discharge, itching and pain. The cause is usually a change in the normal balance of vaginal bacteria or an infection. Reduced estrogen levels after menopause and some skin disorders can also cause vaginitis. The most common types of vaginitis are:

What causes vaginal overgrowth?

Causes. The cause depends on what type of vaginitis you have: Bacterial vaginosis. This most common cause of vaginitis results from a change of the normal bacteria found in your vagina, to overgrowth of one of several other organisms.

Why are women at greater risk for bacterial vaginosis?

Women with trichomoniasis or bacterial vaginosis are at a greater risk of acquiring sexually transmitted infections because of the inflammation caused by these disorders. In pregnant women, symptomatic bacterial vaginosis and trichomoniasis have been associated with premature deliveries and low birth weight babies.

How to get rid of a swollen genital area?

Avoid irritants. These include scented tampons, pads, douches and scented soaps. Rinse soap from your outer genital area after a shower, and dry the area well to prevent irritation. Don't use harsh soaps, such as those with deodorant or antibacterial action, or bubble bath.

What does it mean when you have a discharge?

Painful urination. Light vaginal bleeding or spotting. If you have vaginal discharge, which many women don't, the characteristics of the discharge might indicate the type of vaginitis you have. Examples include: Bacterial vaginosis.

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Diagnosis

Treatment

Self-treatment: Self- care steps that may be helpful in some less- serious cases:
  • Washing with warm water in regular intervals can relieve pain
  • Use a lubricant during sexual intercourse
  • Heating pads can relieve pain
  • Keep area clean and dry
  • Avoid beans/chocolate, nuts to avoid itching
  • Use mild unscented soaps/detergent
See a doctor if you notice:
  • Vaginal discharge with odor
  • Burning sensation

Clinical Trials

Lifestyle and Home Remedies

  1. Look for symptoms of bacterial vaginosis (BV). If you suspect you have a vaginal infection, pay attention to your symptoms. Not all women with BV have symptoms, but the following symptoms are often associated with BV:[2] X Trustworthy Source US Office on Women's Health U.S. government agency providing resources for women's health Go to source Vagina…
  2. Pay attention to signs of a yeast infection (candidiasis). The symptoms of a yeast infection a…
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Preparing For Your Appointment

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