Vaginal Infections

The cause is usually a change in the balance of vaginal bacteria or an infection. Reduced estrogen levels after menopause and some skin disorders also can cause vaginitis.

Treatment for yeast infections depends on the severity and frequency of your conditions.For mild to moderate symptoms and infrequent episodes, we might recommend the following:

• Short-course vaginal therapy. Antifungal medication for three to seven days will usually clear a yeast infection. Antifungal drugs — available as creams, ointments, tablets, and suppositories — include miconazole (Monistat 3) and terconazole. Some of these medications are available over-the-counter and others by prescription only.
• Single-dose oral medication. We might prescribe a one-time, single oral dose of fluconazole (Diflucan). Oral medication isn't recommended if you're pregnant. You might take two single doses three days apart to manage more-severe symptoms.
  
  We'll talk again if treatment doesn't resolve your symptoms or if your symptoms return within two months.
  
  If your symptoms are severe, or you have frequent yeast infections, we might recommend the following:
  
  

• Long-course vaginal therapy. We might prescribe an antifungal medication taken daily for up to two weeks, followed by once a week for six months.
• Multidose oral medication. We might prescribe two or three doses of antifungal medication to be taken by mouth instead of vaginal therapy. However, this therapy isn't recommended for pregnant women.
• Azole-resistant therapy. We 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 resistant to the usual antifungal agents.

‍