You can use these treatments while you have your period. However, do not have sex or use tampons, douches, spermicides, condoms or diaphragms until after you have completed the treatment and your symptoms are gone.
How to Use MONISTAT® Yeast Infection Treatment
How do you treat a yeast infection without a prescription? It’s easy! You reach for the #1 gynecologist recommended OTC brand, MONISTAT®. MONISTAT® offers 1-day, 3-day and 7-day yeast infection treatments— which come in a variety of formats, and some which come with external itch cream, called a “Combination Pack.” The number of “days” of treatment corresponds to the number of doses– so a “3-Day” treatment means you’ll use 3 doses to treat your yeast infection. Although the number of “days” of treatment varies with the 1-day, 3-day and 7-day products, all doses cure most vaginal yeast infections in the same amount of time, equally and effectively.
An important note, before we explain the directions for how to use MONISTAT® treatments: While our products can be used by adults and children over 12, do not self-treat with MONISTAT® if this is your first yeast infection.
If a doctor has told you in the past that you had a vaginal yeast infection and you have the same symptoms now (such as vaginal discharge, itching or burning), then MONISTAT® products may work for you.
If you have another medical condition, like diabetes, or are pregnant, please talk to your doctor before buying and using MONISTAT®.
You can use these treatments while you have your period. However, do not have sex or use tampons, douches, spermicides, condoms or diaphragms until after you have completed the treatment and your symptoms are gone.
Below you will find instructions on how to apply each MONISTAT® yeast infection product. However, once you buy Monistat®, you should read the entire leaflet that comes in the box.
Maximum Strength
This selection of single-dose products may be the perfect solution for busy women with active lifestyles.
MONISTAT® 1 products are maximum strength, single-dose yeast infection treatments designed to be an easy solution for busy women with active lifestyles. The one-day ovule has been formulated so you can apply the treatment during the day or at night, whereas all other Monistat® treatments should be used at night Below you’ll find MONISTAT® 1-Day directions for use for both MONISTAT® 1 products.
The Monistat 1-Day Treatment Combination Pack includes a single Ovule insert that goes directly in the vagina with an applicator and a cream to relieve external itching and irritation. It’s important to keep the Ovule insert dry before use. How to insert the ovule: When ready, open the pouch and put the Ovule in at the top (wider) end of the applicator. (See the illustration in the instructions.) Once the Ovule is secure in the applicator, hold the applicator at the bottom end and insert the top end into your vagina as far as it will comfortably go, like you would a tampon. Push in the moveable plunger with your finger so the Ovule gets inserted in your vagina. Gently pull out the empty applicator and throw it away (do not flush). The ovule gradually melts to deliver medicine directly to the site of the infection. The MONISTAT® 1 Ovule® stays in place and can be used day or night, making it a great solution for women who don’t want to wait until bedtime to begin treating their yeast infection, or for those who exercise frequently or engage in high levels of activity. How to apply the external itch cream: To relieve external itching and irritation, you can use the included itch cream on the skin outside your vagina for up to 7 days. Apply the cream once in the morning and once before bedtime, as needed. You can find and download full instructions here..
This MONISTAT® 1-Day treatment uses a different ingredient than the combination pack above. Because some women may be sensitive to the high dose of miconazole nitrate used in the other Monistat 1-Day treatment, this prefilled ointment uses tioconazole 6.5%. This vaginal antifungal product includes one dose of ointment in a ready-to-use, convenient, pre-filled applicator. First remove the pre-filled applicator from its wrapper. Unscrew and remove the purple cap from the applicator. Then insert the plunger into the prefilled applicator by placing the small end of the plunger into the gray hole at the end of the applicator (see illustration on instructions). Gently insert the applicator into the vagina as far as it will go comfortably. This can be done while lying on your back or standing. As you would with a tampon, use a finger on the other hand to push the plunger in all the way. This action will place the ointment as far back in the vagina as possible. Then remove both parts of the applicator from the vagina and throw away—do not flush. You should use this product right before bedtime and wear a pad or pantiliner. You can find and download full instructions here.
Regular Strength
This selection is a great treatment option for women who want consistent treatment and relief at moderate dosage levels.
MONISTAT® 3 products spread out the dosage of yeast infection treatment over three days. This selection is a great option for women who want consistent treatment and relief at moderate dosage levels, instead of a one-day higher dose. Below you’ll find directions for using four different MONISTAT® 3-Day products.
This pack comes with 3 vaginal suppository inserts and disposable applicators. It also includes itch cream for external itch relief. You should use this product right before bedtime and wear a pad or pantiliner. How to insert the suppositories: Take one suppository out of the packaging and put it in the top of the applicator so it won’t fall out. Hold the applicator from the bottom end where the moveable plunger is, and insert the applicator into your vagina as far as it will comfortably go. Push the plunger in to release the suppository, as you would normally insert a tampon. Pull out both parts of the applicator and throw it away (do not flush). Wash your hands, then lie down as soon as possible to minimize any leakage. Repeat these steps over the next 2 nights with the remaining suppositories. How to apply the external itch cream: To relieve itching and irritation, you can use the included external itch cream on the skin outside your vagina for up to 7 days. Apply the cream once in the morning and once before bedtime, as needed. Download full instructions here.
This regular strength yeast infection treatment comes with 3 Ovule® inserts and contoured disposable applicators for easy use. Plus it includes a cream for external itch relief. How to insert the ovule: When ready, open the pouch and put the Ovule in the top (wider) end of the applicator. (See the illustration in the instructions.) Once the Ovule is securely placed, hold the applicator at the bottom end and insert the top end first into your vagina as far as it will comfortably go, like you would a tampon. Push in the moveable plunger using a finger on your other hand to place the Ovule in your vagina. Gently pull out the empty applicator and throw away (do not flush). You should use this product right before bedtime and wear a pad or pantiliner. Repeat these steps over the next 2 nights. How to apply the external itch cream: To relieve itching and irritation, you can use the included external itch cream on the skin outside your vagina for up to 7 days. Apply the cream once in the morning and once before bedtime, as needed. You can find and download full instructions here.
This MONISTAT® combination pack contains a regular strength yeast infection treatment that comes in 3 prefilled, ready-to-use applicators. It also includes itch cream for external itch relief. How to insert the cream: First remove the pre-filled applicator from its wrapper. Unscrew and remove the blue cap from the applicator. Then insert the plunger into the prefilled applicator by placing the small end of the plunger into the gray hole at the end of the applicator (see illustration on instructions). Gently insert the applicator into the vagina as far as it will go comfortably. This can be done while lying on your back or standing. As you would with a tampon, use one hand holding the applicator in place, and use a finger to push the plunger in all the way. This action will place the cream as far back in the vagina as possible. Then remove both parts of the applicator from the vagina and throw away—do not flush. Repeat these steps using the other pre-filled applicators over the next 2 nights. You should use this product right before bedtime and wear a pad or pantiliner. How to apply the external itch cream: To relieve itching and irritation, you can use the included external itch cream on the skin outside your vagina for up to 7 days. Apply the cream once in the morning and once before bedtime, as needed. You can find and download full instructions here.
MONISTAT® 3-Day Treatment Prefilled Cream is a regular strength yeast infection treatment that comes with 3 prefilled, ready-to-use applicators. For the best experience, you should use this product right before bedtime and wear a pad or pantiliner. First remove the pre-filled applicator from its wrapper. Then remove the blue cap from the applicator, and insert the plunger into the prefilled applicator. Do this by placing the small end of the plunger into the gray hole at the end of the applicator (see illustration on instructions). Gently insert the applicator into the vagina as far as it will go comfortably, as if you are inserting a tampon. This can be done while lying on your back or standing. Use one hand to hold the applicator in place, and use a finger o to push the plunger in all the way. This action will place the cream as far back in the vagina as possible. Then remove both parts of the applicator from the vagina and throw away—do not flush. Lie down as soon as possible after inserting the cream to help reduce leakage. Repeat these steps using the other pre-filled applicators over the next 2 nights. You can find and download full instructions here.
Monistat® 7 is a low dose yeast infection treatment which is evenly distributed throughout the week.
Some women want to use a yeast infection treatment that uses a lower dose over a longer time period. For example, the U.S. CDC recommends that women who are pregnant or have diabetes only use a 7-day topical yeast infection treatment instead of higher dose and internal options. (Note, women who are pregnant or diabetic should consult their healthcare provide before using Monistat or any other treatment.)
MONISTAT® 7 is a low dose yeast infection treatment. Learn how to use both of our MONISTAT® 7 treatments, below.
MONISTAT® 7-Day Treatment Combination Pack Cream is a low dose yeast infection treatment that comes with 7 empty applicators and a tube of cream that you put into each applicator before using. This pack also includes itch cream for external itch relief. How to insert the cream: Open the tube of miconazole nitrate vaginal cream and press the sharp point of the cap into the sealed end of the tube until the seal breaks open. Attach the applicator to the tube of cream by placing the “A” end of the applicator firmly onto the tube of cream (see picture in instructions). Do not pull out the applicator plunger. Gently squeeze the cream into the applicator until the applicator is full, which you’ll see when the plunger has been fully pushed out. Once it is full, separate the applicator from the tube. Do not release pressure on the tube until you have separated it from the filled applicator. Replace the cap and roll up the empty part of the tube from the bottom. Similar to how you would use a tampon, gently insert the applicator into your vagina as far as it will go comfortably. To do this, you can lie on your back with your knees bent or standing. With one hand holding the applicator barrel, use a finger on your other hand to push the plunger all the way in. This will place the cream as far back in the vagina as possible. Then remove both parts of the applicator from the vagina. Throw away the applicator after use. Do not flush any part of it in the toilet. Wash your hands and then lie down as soon as possible after inserting the cream. This will help reduce leakage. Over the next 6 days, repeat these steps. You should use this product right before bedtime and wear a pad or pantiliner. How to apply the external itch cream: To relieve itching and irritation, you can use the included external itch cream on the skin outside your vagina for up to 7 days. Apply the cream once in the morning and once before bedtime, as needed. You can find and download full instructions here.
MONISTAT® 7-Day Treatment Cream is a low dose yeast infection treatment that comes with a tube of treatment cream and 7 empty applicators. You fill each one right before you use it. This cream can be used inside the vagina or on the skin outside of the vagina, around the vulva to relieve itching. How to insert the cream: Open the tube by unscrewing the cap. Press the sharp point of the cap into the sealed end of the tube to break open the seal. Attach the applicator to the tube of cream by placing “A” end of the applicator firmly onto tube of cream (see illustration in instructions). Do not pull out the applicator plunger. Gently squeeze the cream into the applicator until the applicator is full, which you’ll see when the plunger has been fully pushed out. Separate the applicator from the tube. Do not release pressure on the tube until you have separated it from the filled applicator. After each use, replace the cap and roll up the tube over the empty part from the bottom. Gently insert the applicator into the vagina as far as it will go comfortably, like you would with a tampon. You can do this while lying on your back with your knees bent standing. With one hand holding the applicator barrel, use the other hand to push the plunger all the way in. This will place the cream as far back in the vagina as possible. Then remove both parts of the applicator from the vagina and throw them away—do not flush them in a toilet. Lie down as soon as possible after inserting the cream to help minimize leakage. Repeat these steps each night before bedtime for the next 6 days. You can find and download full instructions here.
6 Best Over-the-Counter Yeast Infection Medicines of 2023
Jennifer Nied has written about health, fitness and wellness for over 10 years. She has a degree in magazine journalism from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism.
Brittany Leitner is a freelance writer and poet. She has a degree in journalism from Syracuse Univeristy and her book, “23 Emotions” is currently on sale online and in NYC bookstores.
Updated on March 18, 2022
Chris Vincent, MD, is board-certified in family medicine. He is a clinical professor at the University of Washington School of Medicine and practices at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle.
Marley Hall is a writer and fact checker who is certified in clinical and translational research. Her work has been published in medical journals in the field of surgery, and she has received numerous awards for publication in education.
Three out of four people with vaginas will experience yeast infections at some point in their lifetime. “People become symptomatic when an overgrowth of the organism, typically Candida, penetrates the superficial layers of the skin,” says Barbara Frank, MD, an OB-GYN in Brookline, Massachusetts, and medical adviser to Attn: Grace. Because yeast infections can cause itching burning, and redness, it’s important to have over-the-counter yeast infection medicines on hand.
Reviewed & Approved
Monistat’s 1-Day Yeast Infection Treatment is formulated with 6.5% tioconazole ointment to treat yeast. Vagisil’s Anti-Itch Creme has anti-itch ingredients and provides quick relief.
Yeast infection medications include antifungal cream. However, if the infection spreads to a larger area or you’re one of the few people who experiences them frequently, a doctor’s visit and oral prescription medication may be necessary.
We researched dozens of over-the-counter yeast infection medicines and evaluated them for price, ingredients, uses, and symptoms targeted. Each of the over-the-counter yeast infection medicines chosen in this article was determined to be the best of these factors.
What to Look for in Yeast Infection Treatments
Dosage
Dosage instructions are usually printed clearly on product boxes or packaging. However, Dr. Frank notes that you can use dosages depending on the severity of your symptoms. “The vaginal treatment can be for one, three, or seven days depending on the severity of your symptoms,” says Dr. Frank. “Most people tolerate the oral treatment much better, and it has the added benefit of being much cheaper than over-the-counter.”
However, Felice Gersh, MD, OB-GYN, founder of the Integrative Medical Group of Irvine, in California, and author of PCOS SOS Fertility Fast Track, notes that if you don’t see immediate relief (within one to three days), you should contact a doctor immediately. “Naturally, OTC therapies will not work when the diagnosis is incorrect. Also, OTC therapies will not work well if the yeast is a resistant strain to the medication. When that happens, it’s time to switch to an alternative therapy—whether from the OTC to the oral medication, or the other way,” she says.
Active Ingredients
There are a variety of active ingredients found ineffective yeast infection treatments. “Effective treatment for a yeast infection is typically a type of antifungal,” says Dr. Frank. “Those usually end in -azole, such as fluconazole (for oral treatments) or miconazole (for topical treatments).” She adds that prescription topical medications may also have steroids to help ease inflammation and related discomfort.
Dr. Gersh notes, “Medications that only address the symptoms of burning and itching include the ingredients benzocaine (a numbing agent), resorcinol, and sometimes hydrocortisone (a mild steroid).” She adds, “There is an OTC local anesthetic cream containing benzocaine 5% and resorcinol 2%,” so if you’re looking for something to numb symptoms fast, look for a combination of those two ingredients.
Additionally, “mineral oil is an ingredient that may help as a soothing ingredient,” notes Dr. Gersh. Benzocaine, resorcinol, and hydrocortisone are ingredients that soothe the symptoms.
Form
Here’s where yeast infection medications can get confusing. There are so many different options of yeast infection treatments, including inserts, creams, and oral pills. If you’ve never had a yeast infection before or don’t have any experience taking these medications, something like an insert may be intimidating. If you’re experiencing extreme itch or burning, a cream might sound immediately soothing.
“The most popular varied treatments include vaginal creams and suppositories and oral tablets,” says Dr. Gersh. “Comparing the vaginal therapies to the oral ones, both work fairly well. Unfortunately, there are now resistant strains of yeast that no longer respond well to either therapy.”
Though uncommon, it is possible for men to get yeast infections as well. Dr. Frank says that this can happen “in the glans of the penis (more likely if uncircumcised) or in the groin folds, but it is much less common.” If this is the case, there are certain products for men to manage yeast infection symptoms. Look for products that advertise as relieving “jock itch,” or burning, itching, chafing, etc.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does yeast infection medication delay your period?
Not inherently, but if you get stressed out about it, the stress can delay your period, according to Sophia Yen, MD, MPH, the co-founder and CEO of Pandia Health.
Can you take yeast infection medication if you’re not sure you have a yeast infection?
“I do not recommend it. Your vagina has natural yeast and bacteria that coexist in harmony. You should only use yeast infection medication when the yeast gets out of control. If you use it when the yeast is in harmony, the medication will kill the yeast, and the bacteria may take over, causing bacterial vaginosis,” says Dr. Yen.
Can you drink alcohol while taking yeast infection medication?
You can drink alcohol while using yeast infection medication vaginally. However, if you are using the prescription oral medication for yeast infection (metronidazole), you should not drink alcohol with it. If you do, you risk a disulfiram reaction (nausea, vomiting, etc.), according to Dr. Yen.
Below, you’ll find the best over-the-counter yeast infection medicines on the market today.
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