The best yeast infection treatments are often available over-the-counter (OTC). Here, we look at the best options including creams, pills, and vaginal suppositories.
Which over-the-counter treatment is the most safe and effective?“Most topical over-the-counter treatments (azols like monistat and Terazol) are equally effective and use of 1, 3 or 7 day therapy should be based on cost, availability and patient preference.” — Valinda Nwadike MD, MPH
- Best pill: Wisp Fluconazole | Skip to review
- Best preventive treatment: Uqora Promote | Skip to review
- Best for balancing the vaginal microbiome: Bonafide Clairevee | Skip to review
- Best range of treatments: Monistat | Skip to review
- For rapid treatment: FemiClear Yeast Infection 2-Day Treatment | Skip to review
- Best preventive suppository: Love Wellness The Killer | Skip to review
- Best budget treatment: CVS Health Miconazole 7-Day Vaginal Treatment | Skip to review
- Best subscription option: Sesame Care | Skip to review
We considered many prescription and OTC yeast infection treatments before choosing our favorites. All of our top picks have scientific evidence of their effectiveness.
However, do not use these as a substitute for medication. People should contact a doctor immediately if these remedies do not relieve symptoms.
A word on safety
Yeast infection medication is usually safe to take with minimal side effects.
However, it is important to keep in contact with a healthcare professional to ensure the medication effectively treats Candida overgrowth and to monitor any potential side effects.
Other general advice includes:
- Dosage: Take the entire course of medication to clear an infection. For example, with a 7-day suppository, a person inserts suppositories daily for the full 7 days, even if symptoms begin to clear before the 7-day period ends.
- Birth control: The oils in certain suppositories and creams can interfere with barrier birth control methods. They can weaken the materials in condoms, making them less effective. When using these yeast infection treatments, a person needs to use a different form of birth control or abstain from sex during the duration of the treatment if they would typically use a condom.
- Pregnancy: Pregnant people should always consult a doctor before using any prescription or nonprescription medication to treat an infection.
Before starting treatment, people should contact a qualified healthcare professional, such as a primary care doctor, for a diagnosis.
Knowing exactly which infection a person has ensures they get the appropriate treatment and avoids creating fungus resistant to future treatments.
The table below compares each of the products for price, ingredients, and more.
| List price | Treatment time | Supply | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wisp | • $15 per month • $65 one-time | 2 days | up to two pills |
| Uqora | $30 | ongoing preventive treatment | 30 days |
| Bonafide | $55 | 1 month ongoing preventive treatment | 15 pills a month |
| Monistat | around $14 | 1 to 7 days | one to seven prefilled applicators |
| FemiClear | around $15 | 2 days | two suppositories |
| Love Wellness | around $18 | ongoing preventive treatment | up to 14 days |
| CVS Health | around $11 | 7 days | seven prefilled applicators |
| Sesame Care | from $29 | depends on medication | depends on medication |
Learn more about other at-home and holistic yeast infection treatment options.
We selected these products based on criteria we think are good indicators of safety, quality, and transparency.
As a part of our vetting process, we consider:
- the product’s composition, ingredients, and overall quality
- any third-party certifications
- the company’s reputation and business practices
- any lab test results
- marketing claims
Read more about how we vet products and brands.
Vaginal yeast infection symptoms are
Signs that a person has a yeast infection can include:
- itching or soreness around the vagina
- pain during sexual intercourse
- pain or discomfort when urinating
- abnormal discharge from the vagina
If a person develops a severe infection, they may experience:
- redness
- swelling
- cracks in the vaginal wall
A person should contact a doctor if they experience any of these symptoms.
A yeast infection develops from an overgrowth of Candida, most commonly Candida albicans.
The body can usually handle Candida without the fungus causing any problems. However, people with chronic conditions, such as diabetes and HIV, as well as people who have obesity or take antibiotics, are more likely to experience Candida overgrowth.
When the Candida fungus penetrates the mucosal lining of the vagina, it causes inflammation. This inflammation then leads to yeast infection symptoms such as thick discharge, itchiness, and swelling.
Doctors
Treatments may come as one single dose or a daily dose over several days. A person can read the dosing instructions carefully to ensure they use the correct dosage.
Some of the products in this article are classed as homeopathic treatments. There are
Monistat is a popular 3-day OTC yeast infection treatment option. There are also several other 3-day OTC yeast infection treatments that include miconazole, an ingredient that can help reduce yeast infection symptoms quickly.
According to Monistat, all of its miconazole yeast infection treatments are just as effective as each other, regardless of whether a person buys the 1-, 3-, or 7-day treatment.
The fastest way to eliminate a yeast infection is to use an antifungal medication on the skin or inside the vagina. People can also get oral pill treatments for yeast infections.
A mild yeast infection may go away by itself. However, this is unlikely.
People can only effectively treat fungus overgrowth with prescription antifungals or certain OTC treatments, such as suppositories containing boric acid.
A person may be able to get rid of a yeast infection without going to a doctor by trying over-the-counter products or alternative therapies.
Some treatments people try at home include over-the-counter antifungal treatments, boric acid, tea tree oil, probiotic supplements, natural yogurt, coconut oil, garlic, and oregano oil.
However, it is important to exercise caution when trying at-home treatments or alternative therapies. People should always speak with a doctor before trying these remedies.
Yeast infections are often mild. A person can typically treat them using OTC medications. Medications come in different forms and doses, so it is important to follow the instructions on the package.
A person should not self-diagnose a yeast infection. Many symptoms are similar to those of other illnesses and conditions.
Once a doctor diagnoses the infection and a person treats it, they should notice symptom improvement.