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Diseases & Conditions

Ask the doctor: Can I treat myself for a yeast infection?

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w0914b16207251051944I recently took antibiotics to treat an oral infection and as a result developed a vaginal yeast infection. Can I treat it myself, and what are the most effective options?glabrata or C. tropicalis

Prescription fluconazole (Diflucan) is most effective for treating infrequent yeast infections, and it is now available in an inexpensive, single-dose generic form. However, you can first try an over-the-counter antifungal cream such as miconazole nitrate (Monistat), clotrimazole (Gyne-Lotrimin), or tioconazole (Vagistat-1), especially if it has worked for you in the past. These products usually come in one-to-three-day regimens. For complicated infections, you may need to stay on one or more antifungal drugs for seven to 14 days.

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