A A mild increase in vaginal burning, itching or irritation may occur when you first insert a MONISTAT® antifungal. Abdominal cramping has also been reported. Stop using MONISTAT® antifungal products and consult your healthcare professional if you have abdominal pain, headache, hives, skin rash or if you have severe vaginal burning, itching, irritation or swelling.
Monistat 1 (Tioconazole) Ointment – Uses, Side Effects, and More
This medication is used to treat vaginal yeast infections. Tioconazole ointment reduces vaginal burning, itching, and discharge that may occur with this condition. This medication is an azole antifungal. It works by stopping the growth of yeast (fungus) that causes the infection.Ask your doctor before using this medication for self-treatment if this is your first vaginal infection. This medication only works for vaginal fungal infections. You may have a different type of infection (such as bacterial vaginosis) and may need a different medication.If you have fever, chills, flu-like symptoms, stomach/abdominal pain, or a bad-smelling vaginal discharge, do not use this medication. Contact your doctor right away because these may be signs of a more serious infection.
How to use Monistat 1 (Tioconazole) Ointment
If you are using the over-the-counter product to self-treat, read all directions on the product package before using this medication. If you have any questions, consult your pharmacist. If your doctor has prescribed this medication, use it as directed.
This product is for vaginal use only. Wash your hands before and after use. Avoid contact of this ointment with your eyes. If it gets into your eyes, wash them right away with plenty of water. Call your doctor if eye irritation lasts.
Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.
This product is usually given as a single dose at bedtime or as directed by your doctor. Learn all preparation and usage instructions in the product package. Lie on your back with your knees toward your chest. Insert the applicator filled with medication into the vagina as far as it will comfortably go. Slowly press the plunger of the applicator in to apply the full dose of the ointment. If you have itching/burning around the outside of the vagina (vulva), you may also apply some ointment to that area.
Do not use tampons, douches, spermicides, or other vaginal products while using this medication. Unscented sanitary napkins may be used for your menstrual period or to protect your clothing from leakage of the medication.
Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve after 3 days or lasts more than 7 days. Tell your doctor if your infection returns within 2 months. You may need a different or additional medication to treat your condition.
How can MONISTAT® help you?
A It is your preference as to which dose you choose. MONISTAT® 1 is our highest strength, one-day, one-dose product that has the highest concentration of medication per dose (1200mg of miconazole). MONISTAT® 3 is a regular strength, three-day, three-dose product that has a lower concentration of medication per dose (200mg of miconazole). MONISTAT® 7 is a low dose, seven-day, seven-dose product that contains the lowest concentration of medication per dose (100mg miconazole). All three dosage strengths are similarly effective in curing yeast infections in the same amount of time. Regardless of which dose you choose, if your symptoms do not get better in 3 days or symptoms last more than 7 days, these may be signs that you may have a more serious medical condition so stop the use of the product and contact your healthcare professional. Need help? Use our product selector tool and answer a few simple questions for a Monistat® recommendation based on your needs and preferences.
Q What are MONISTAT® 1, 3 & 7 antifungals?
- MONISTAT® 1 is the highest dose and is delivered in a single treatment (1 day)
- MONISTAT® 3 is a regular strength dose applied over 3 treatments (3 days)
- MONISTAT® 7 is the low dose applied over 7 treatments (7 days)
All doses will cure in the same amount of time and equally effectively. If you do not feel some relief within 3 days, or complete relief within 7 days, stop using the product and consult your healthcare professional
Q What time of day can I use MONISTAT® yeast infection treatments?
A You can use MONISTAT® 1-Day Treatment Combination Pack day or night. MONISTAT® 3, 7, and the MONISTAT® 1-Day Treatment Prefilled Ointment should be used at bedtime.
Q How do Probiotics work?
A The body, including the vagina and urinary tract, contains complex finely balanced ecosystems where beneficial bacteria keep disease-causing organisms in check. When these systems are thrown out of balance, the result can be conditions like urinary tract infections, yeast infections or bacterial vaginosis. Probiotics introduce friendly bacteria into the body.
Q Will I experience any side effects while using MONISTAT® antifungals?
A A mild increase in vaginal burning, itching or irritation may occur when you first insert a MONISTAT® antifungal. Abdominal cramping has also been reported. Stop using MONISTAT® antifungal products and consult your healthcare professional if you have abdominal pain, headache, hives, skin rash or if you have severe vaginal burning, itching, irritation or swelling.
Q What is the difference between MONISTAT® antifungals and other OTC treatments?
A MONISTAT® antifungal products are clinically tested, their safety and effectiveness
have been demonstrated in numerous clinical studies. MONISTAT® has a long term record of success — it has been in use for the treatment of vaginal yeast infections for
over 40 years and is the #1 Gynecologist recommended yeast infection brand.
Q What should I do if it doesn’t clear up?
A If your symptoms do not get better in 3 days or symptoms last more than 7 days, these may be signs that you may have a more serious condition. If this is the case, stop use of the product and contact your healthcare professional.
Q What are some of the benefits of MONISTAT® vs. an oral prescription treatment?
- MONISTAT® relieves yeast infection symptoms 4 times faster
- MONISTAT® cures more of the most common types of yeast infections1,2
- MONISTAT® starts working right at the site of infection (vs. the prescription pill which has to be digested and absorbed into the bloodstream before they start working).
- Women who have had previous yeast infections and are experiencing the same symptoms do not have to wait for a doctor’s appointment to get the relief they need.
- Your health insurance company may now require that you use over-the-counter miconazole/MONISTAT® before a prescription pill
Q Can I exercise while taking MONISTAT®?
A You can exercise while you are taking MONISTAT® 1-Day Treatment Combination Pack. All other treatments should be taken at night when you go to bed, and you can expect some leakage with product use. For best results, lie down as soon as possible after inserting the product. This will reduce leakage. You may want to use panty liners to protect your clothing during the time you are using MONISTAT®.
Q What causes temporary feminine odor?
A Temporary feminine odor can be caused by perspiration, intercourse, your menstrual cycle, and even the use of some soaps or douches can disturb the natural vaginal balance. It’s also very common. If you are experiencing a strong “fishy” odor and abnormal discharge, see your healthcare professional as you may have an infection.
Q Do I have to go to the doctor?
- Have vaginal itching and discomfort for the first time or never had a vaginal yeast infection diagnosed by a healthcare professional. Your healthcare professional can answer any yeast infection questions you have as well as explain how MONISTAT® works.
- Have lower abdominal, back or shoulder pain, fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, or foul-smelling vaginal discharge, as you may have a more serious condition.
- Have vaginal yeast infections often (such as once a month or 3 in 6 months). You could be pregnant or have a serious underlying medical cause for your symptoms, including diabetes or a weakened immune system.
- Have been exposed to the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) that causes AIDS.
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Are taking the prescription blood-thinning medicine warfarin (Coumadin).
Stop using the product and consult your healthcare professional if:
- Symptoms do not get better in 3 days.
- Symptoms last more than 7 days.
- You get a rash or hives, abdominal pain, headache, fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, foul-smelling vaginal discharge or severe vaginal burning, itching, irritation or swelling.
You should also contact your healthcare professional if you have any other medical
questions.
Q If my symptoms clear up before I finish using Monistat®, can I stop treating?
A No. We recommend our product be used as directed in order to fully cure the infection. When using MONISTAT® as directed, you may start to get relief of symptoms in a few hours. If your symptoms do not get better in 3 days or symptoms last more than 7 days, these may be signs that you may have a more serious condition. If you completed the full course of medication and your symptoms do not get better stop use of the product and contact your healthcare professional.
Q Do I need a prescription for MONISTAT® antifungals?
A No. Although MONISTAT® antifungal products used to be prescription, they are conveniently available over-the-counter, and are still prescription-strength.
Q Can I use MONISTAT® while on my period?
A Yes, MONISTAT® can be used during your menstrual period. In fact, many women get vaginal yeast infections just before their period because of hormone changes. Using MONISTAT® during your period will not affect how well the product works. If you have started treatment and your period occurs, you should complete the full course of treatment. Do not use tampons while using MONISTAT® because tampons may remove some of the drug from the vagina. Use sanitary napkins or pads instead, and change them often.
Q What types of MONISTAT® products are available?
- Combination Pack products contain the vaginal antifungal cure plus external itch relief cream
- 1-Day, 3-Day and 7-Day Treatment products contain just the vaginal antifungal cure.
Need help? Use our product selector tool and answer a few simple questions for a Monistat® recommendation based on your needs and preferences.
Q Can I safely use MONISTAT® antifungals if I am pregnant?
A Only 7-day topical yeast infection treatments are recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for the treatment of yeast infections in pregnant women. If you are pregnant and think you have a vaginal yeast infection, talk to your healthcare professional before using any product to treat the infection.
Yeast Infection
Q What causes yeast infections?
- Menstruation: Changes in hormone levels during a normal menstrual cycle can result in occasional or recurrent yeast infections.
- Increased estrogen levels: Women who are taking birth control pills that have a high-dose of estrogen as well as those on estrogen hormone therapy are more susceptible to developing a yeast infection.
- Pregnancy: Increased levels of estrogen during pregnancy make women more susceptible to recurrent yeast infections. The CDC recommends treatment with a 7-day topical azole, like MONISTAT®, but never treat without consulting your doctor first.
- Antibiotics: Broad-spectrum antibiotics kill healthy lactobacillus bacteria in the vagina, which enables yeast to overgrow.
- Diabetes: Whether controlled or uncontrolled, diabetes puts women at higher risk for developing a yeast infection.
- Cancer Treatments: Undergoing chemotherapy treatments creates a greater risk for developing a yeast infection.
- Impaired immune system: Women with weakened immunity from corticosteroid therapy or HIV infections are at greater risk for developing a yeast infection.
Importantly, sexual activity is NOT a trigger for yeast infections, though it is a risk factor for other vaginal infections, such as BV and Trichomoniasis.
Lastly, most yeast infections result from a type of Candida fungus known as Candida albicans, which is generally responsive to standard treatments, but other strains exist that are more resistant to common treatment options. If you experience any problems treating or curing your yeast infection, consult a healthcare professional.
Q Do external vaginal pain relievers treat vaginal yeast infections?
A External vaginal pain relievers are sold for the temporary relief of external (outside the vagina) itching, but they won’t cure the yeast infection. Some examples of symptom relief ingredients that will not cure the infection are hydrocortisone and benzocaine. MONISTAT® antifungal products contain an active ingredient that fights yeast and is applied inside the vagina to treat and cure the yeast infection. Most MONISTAT® antifungal products also come with an external itch relief cream for relief of symptoms.
Q What is a yeast infection?
A Vaginal yeast infections, or vulvovaginal candidiasis, are really very common in women. As many as 3 out of 4 will suffer from one in their lifetime. The infection occurs when Candida, a fungus normally found in areas like the mouth, digestive tract and vagina, begins to multiply and invade the vaginal tissue. Normally, Candida functions alongside other microorganisms in a delicate balance. When the balance is disrupted, an overgrowth of Candida can lead to a yeast infection.
Q Do antibiotics cause vaginal yeast infections?
A Certain drugs, including antibiotics, may make it more likely for you to get a vaginal yeast infection as antibiotics will eliminate both ‘good’ and ‘bad’ bacteria in your body, allowing yeast to overgrow. If you are taking antibiotics, do not stop taking them without first asking a healthcare professional.
Q Can I transfer my vaginal yeast infection to my partner?
A Vaginal yeast infections are usually not spread by having intercourse (sex). However, if your partner has a rash, itching or discomfort in the genital area, a healthcare professional should be contacted to find the cause of the symptoms. The healthcare professional should be informed that you are treating a vaginal yeast infection with MONISTAT®.
Q Does eating yogurt help cure a vaginal yeast infection?
A There is no convincing evidence that eating foods with lactobacillus organisms, such as yogurt or acidophilus milk, will cure a vaginal yeast infection.
Q Do I have to go to the doctor?
- Have vaginal itching and discomfort for the first time or never had a vaginal yeast infection diagnosed by a healthcare professional. Your healthcare professional can answer any yeast infection questions you have as well as explain how MONISTAT® works.
- Have lower abdominal, back or shoulder pain, fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, or foul-smelling vaginal discharge, as you may have a more serious condition.
- Have vaginal yeast infections often (such as once a month or 3 in 6 months). You could be pregnant or have a serious underlying medical cause for your symptoms, including diabetes or a weakened immune system.
- Have been exposed to the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) that causes AIDS.
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Are taking the prescription blood-thinning medicine warfarin (Coumadin).
Stop using the product and consult your healthcare professional if:
- Symptoms do not get better in 3 days.
- Symptoms last more than 7 days.
- You get a rash or hives, abdominal pain, headache, fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, foul-smelling vaginal discharge or severe vaginal burning, itching, irritation or swelling.
You should also contact your healthcare professional if you have any other medical
questions.
Q How do I treat a yeast infection?
A If this is your first time experiencing a yeast infection or you are unsure as to whether or not you have one, consult your healthcare professional for a diagnosis. If you know that it is a yeast infection from past experience and are familiar with the symptoms you can try MONISTAT®. MONISTAT® can begin to relieve symptoms soon after the first dose, with a full cure after several days. Use our product selector tool and answer a few simple questions for a Monistat® recommendation based on your needs and preferences.
Q Can I use a condom while treating my vaginal yeast infection?
A Do not have vaginal intercourse while using MONISTAT®. When using MONISTAT® do not use tampons, douches, spermicides or other vaginal products. Condoms and diaphragms may be damaged and fail to prevent pregnancy or sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
Q Can pregnancy cause vaginal yeast infections?
A Women who are pregnant are more likely to get a vaginal yeast infection due to the increased estrogen levels. Only 7-day topical yeast infection treatments are recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for the treatment of yeast infections in pregnant women. If you are pregnant and think you have a vaginal yeast infection, talk to your healthcare professional before using any product to treat the infection.
Q How do I prevent yeast infections?
A The following are some things that have been associated with preventing yeast infection. Keep the genital area cool and dry by wearing cotton underwear and loose-fitting clothes, change out of damp clothes or a wet bathing suit as soon as possible and change maxi pads or panty liners often when you are not having your period. Avoid scented hygiene products that are not gynecologist tested like bubble bath, body washes, sprays, pads and tampons. Also, change tampons and pads often during your period. Talk with your healthcare professional about any drugs you are now taking — you are more likely to get a vaginal yeast infection if you are taking certain drugs such as antibiotics, steroids or certain birth control pills. Do not stop taking these drugs without first asking your healthcare professional. A healthcare professional may need to see you to make sure that you do not have other medical conditions such as diabetes or a weakened immune system.
Q What are the symptoms of a yeast infection?
A When you have a vaginal yeast infection, you may have one or more of the following symptoms: vaginal itching, vaginal discharge that may be thick, white and lumpy like cottage cheese, vaginal soreness, irritation or burning, rash or redness on the skin outside the vagina (vulva), burning upon urination, and painful vaginal intercourse (sex). Vaginal yeast infections do NOT cause fever, chills, lower abdominal, back or shoulder pain, foul smelling vaginal discharge, or a missed period. These may be signs of a sexually transmitted disease (STD) or a tubal pregnancy. If you have these symptoms, call your healthcare professional right away. Use our symptom checker to determine what your symptoms may mean.
Q Are vaginal yeast infections like a STD?
A No, vaginal yeast infections are usually not spread by having intercourse (sex). Common triggers for a yeast infection are menstruation, pregnancy, antibiotic use, having diabetes or a weakened immune system, but sex is unlikely to be the cause. However, if your partner has a rash, itching or discomfort in the genital area, a healthcare professional should be contacted to find the cause of the symptoms. The healthcare professional should be informed that you are treating a vaginal yeast infection with MONISTAT®.
Q When can I resume having sex after treating my yeast infection?
A You can resume having sex after 7 days if your symptoms have been relieved.
Using Monistat
Q What time of day can I use MONISTAT® yeast infection treatments?
A You can use MONISTAT® 1-Day Treatment Combination Pack day or night. MONISTAT® 3, 7, and the MONISTAT® 1-Day Treatment Prefilled Ointment should be used at bedtime.
Q Will I experience any side effects while using MONISTAT® antifungals?
A A mild increase in vaginal burning, itching or irritation may occur when you first insert a MONISTAT® antifungal. Abdominal cramping has also been reported. Stop using MONISTAT® antifungal products and consult your healthcare professional if you have abdominal pain, headache, hives, skin rash or if you have severe vaginal burning, itching, irritation or swelling.
Q What is the difference between MONISTAT® antifungals and other OTC treatments?
A MONISTAT® antifungal products are clinically tested, their safety and effectiveness
have been demonstrated in numerous clinical studies. MONISTAT® has a long term record of success — it has been in use for the treatment of vaginal yeast infections for
over 40 years and is the #1 Gynecologist recommended yeast infection brand.
Q What are some of the benefits of MONISTAT® vs. an oral prescription treatment?
- MONISTAT® relieves yeast infection symptoms 4 times faster
- MONISTAT® cures more of the most common types of yeast infections1,2
- MONISTAT® starts working right at the site of infection (vs. the prescription pill which has to be digested and absorbed into the bloodstream before they start working).
- Women who have had previous yeast infections and are experiencing the same symptoms do not have to wait for a doctor’s appointment to get the relief they need.
- Your health insurance company may now require that you use over-the-counter miconazole/MONISTAT® before a prescription pill
Q Can I exercise while taking MONISTAT®?
A You can exercise while you are taking MONISTAT® 1-Day Treatment Combination Pack. All other treatments should be taken at night when you go to bed, and you can expect some leakage with product use. For best results, lie down as soon as possible after inserting the product. This will reduce leakage. You may want to use panty liners to protect your clothing during the time you are using MONISTAT®.
Q If my symptoms clear up before I finish using Monistat®, can I stop treating?
A No. We recommend our product be used as directed in order to fully cure the infection. When using MONISTAT® as directed, you may start to get relief of symptoms in a few hours. If your symptoms do not get better in 3 days or symptoms last more than 7 days, these may be signs that you may have a more serious condition. If you completed the full course of medication and your symptoms do not get better stop use of the product and contact your healthcare professional.
Q Do I need a prescription for MONISTAT® antifungals?
A No. Although MONISTAT® antifungal products used to be prescription, they are conveniently available over-the-counter, and are still prescription-strength.
Q Can I use MONISTAT® while on my period?
A Yes, MONISTAT® can be used during your menstrual period. In fact, many women get vaginal yeast infections just before their period because of hormone changes. Using MONISTAT® during your period will not affect how well the product works. If you have started treatment and your period occurs, you should complete the full course of treatment. Do not use tampons while using MONISTAT® because tampons may remove some of the drug from the vagina. Use sanitary napkins or pads instead, and change them often.
Q Can I safely use MONISTAT® antifungals if I am pregnant?
A Only 7-day topical yeast infection treatments are recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for the treatment of yeast infections in pregnant women. If you are pregnant and think you have a vaginal yeast infection, talk to your healthcare professional before using any product to treat the infection.
Q Should I use MONISTAT® 1, 3 or 7?
A It is your preference as to which dose you choose. MONISTAT® 1 is our highest strength, one-day, one-dose product that has the highest concentration of medication per dose (1200mg of miconazole). MONISTAT® 3 is a regular strength, three-day, three-dose product that has a lower concentration of medication per dose (200mg of miconazole). MONISTAT® 7 is a low dose, seven-day, seven-dose product that contains the lowest concentration of medication per dose (100mg miconazole). All three dosage strengths are similarly effective in curing yeast infections in the same amount of time. Regardless of which dose you choose, if your symptoms do not get better in 3 days or symptoms last more than 7 days, these may be signs that you may have a more serious medical condition so stop the use of the product and contact your healthcare professional. Need help? Use our product selector tool and answer a few simple questions for a Monistat® recommendation based on your needs and preferences.
Stay Fresh Gel
Q Is Stay Fresh Gel messy?
A No. The amount of Stay Fresh Gel used per application is very small, about the size of a nickel. The gel stays in place once it is applied, so it’s discreet and never messy.
Q Is Stay Fresh Gel safe?
A Yes! The ingredients in Stay Fresh Gel from MONISTAT® CARE™ have been clinically tested and shown to be safe. Also, the gel contains no fragrances, parabens, colorants, deodorizers, or drugs of any kind.
Q How is Stay Fresh Gel unique?
A Most vaginal odor remedies only mask the odor with fragrance, they don’t eliminate it. With regular use, just a small amount of Stay Fresh Gel from MONISTAT CARE® provides long-lasting freshness for days. It coats the vaginal area with a specifically-formulated gel designed to protect vaginal balance and work with your body to restore feminine freshness.
Q What causes temporary feminine odor?
A Temporary feminine odor can be caused by perspiration, intercourse, your menstrual cycle, and even the use of some soaps or douches can disturb the natural vaginal balance. It’s also very common. If you are experiencing a strong “fishy” odor and abnormal discharge, see your healthcare professional as you may have an infection.
Q Can I have intercourse while using Stay Fresh Gel from MONISTAT CARE®?
A Yes, intercourse is safe while using Stay Fresh Gel.
Q How often can I use Stay Fresh Gel?
A Because it lasts for 3 days, there is no reason to use it more often. NOTE: Do not use more frequently than once every 3 days.
Q When is the best time to use Stay Fresh Gel?
- After your period
- After sex
- After exercise
- After perspiring
- For freshness any time
Q Can I use Stay Fresh Gel while I’m having a period?
A No. Use Stay Fresh Gel for 3 days before and immediately after your period for best results.
Vaginal Health
Q If I have vaginal itching, burning, and/or abnormal discharge, and receive a result of normal acidity detected with the vaginal health test, what should I do?
A You may have a yeast infection. If this is your first yeast infection, talk to your healthcare professional. However, if you are in good health, have been previously diagnosed with a yeast infection and are familiar with the symptoms, you can try an over-the-counter antifungal remedy such as MONISTAT®. MONISTAT® is prescription-strength and can begin to relieve symptoms soon after the first dose, with a full cure after several days.
Q If I have vaginal itching, burning, and/or abnormal discharge, and receive a result of abnormal acidity detected with the vaginal health test, what should I do?
A You should discuss your symptoms with your healthcare professional to help determine the best treatment for your vaginal discharge and symptoms. Do not self-treat with an antifungal. You can get fast, temporary itch relief with Instant Itch Relief Cream from MONISTAT® CARE™ while waiting to see your healthcare professional.
Q Are BV and Trichomoniasis treated in the same way as a yeast infection?
A No. BV is caused by an abnormal growth of bacteria and must be treated with prescription antibiotics. At this time there are no FDA approved over-the-counter treatments for BV. Trichomoniasis is a parasitic infection and must be treated with prescription antibiotics. At this time there are no FDA approved over-the-counter treatments for Trichomoniasis. If you think you have a yeast infection and are familiar with the symptoms because you have been previously diagnosed with a yeast infection, you can try an over-the-counter antifungal remedy such as MONISTAT®. If this is your first yeast infection, see your healthcare professional.
Q How does the screening kit for vaginal infections work?
A If the yellow tip comes into contact with vaginal discharge that has an abnormal acidity, the tip’s color will change to either blue or green. The color change creates a stain that is darker and easily observed over the yellow background.
Q How accurate is the screening kit for vaginal infections?
A In a clinical study of pre-menopausal women where the physicians used the test kit, the kit detected over 90% of cases with an abnormal pH associated with a bacterial or Trichomoniasis infection. In 92.9% of cases of no bacterial infection, the kit indicated normal vaginal acidity. In another study where women used the test, there was over 90% agreement between the patient and physician reading of the results.
Q Are all vaginal infections yeast infections?
A No, in fact, the most common vaginal infection is bacterial vaginosis (BV), which is an infection caused by an imbalance of bacteria in the vagina. Bacterial vaginosis is distinguished by a foul fishy odor, a thin, grayish-white discharge and a change in vaginal acidity. BV is caused by an abnormal growth of bacteria and must be treated with prescription antibiotics. By contrast, yeast infections do not usually cause an odor, and the discharge will often be thick, white, and lumpy with associated vaginal itching and irritation. If left untreated, BV may lead to a serious infection of the reproductive organs called pelvic inflammatory disease and complications in pregnant women, including premature birth. See your healthcare professional if you’re experiencing symptoms like a fishy odor, change in discharge, or sudden irritation within 48 hours after a new sex partner to make sure you do not have a sexually transmitted disease or BV. Another common vaginal infection is Trichomoniasis (Trich), which is a parasitic infection. Symptoms of Trichomoniasis may include itching, burning, redness or soreness of the genitals; discomfort with urination; or a thin discharge with an unusual smell. The discharge can be clear, white, yellowish, or greenish. Like BV, Trichomoniasis must be treated by a healthcare professional. There are also non-infectious causes of vaginal inflammation and irritation. These are usually caused by an allergic reaction or irritation from vaginal sprays, douches, spermicidal products, soaps, detergents, or fabric softeners. Burning, itching, or vaginal discharge may be present even if there is no infection.
Q Are there any other factors that can affect my results?
A Yes. Besides infections such as BV and Trich, other factors that may affect vaginal acidity (pH) levels include blood, semen, menopause and perimenopause (low estrogen).
Q Why is vaginal acidity (pH) important?
A Normal vaginal bacteria produce factors that keep the vaginal environment slightly acidic. The acidic environment helps suppress the overgrowth of abnormal bacteria. When abnormal bacteria overgrow or parasitic infections like Trichomoniasis become established, this results in abnormal vaginal activity — yeast infections usually do not result in a change in vaginal acidity. A vaginal pH test can determine your vaginal acidity.
Q Can I take a shower before using the Monistat Care Vaginal Health Kit test?
A Yes. Showering before use will not affect the results; however, make sure you are completely dry before using the test as excess water may affect the test result.
Q Can I have more than one type of infection at one time?
A Yes. In one study 21.1% of the women with presumed yeast infection actually had mixed infection (a combination of yeast or bacterial infection and/or Trichomoniasis).
Q Why should I be concerned about Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) or Trichomoniasis (Trich)?
A If left untreated, BV and Trich may lead to a serious infection of the reproductive organs called pelvic inflammatory disease. BV and Trich may lead to complications in pregnant women, including serious infections and premature birth. Trich can also increase the risk of getting or spreading other sexually transmitted infections. For more information visit the CDC website on BV. For more information visit the CDC website on trichomoniasis.
Q Are BV and Trichomoniasis treated in the same way as a yeast infection?
A No. BV is caused by an abnormal growth of bacteria and must be treated with prescription antibiotics. At this time there are no FDA approved over-the-counter treatments for BV. Trichomoniasis is a parasitic infection and must be treated with prescription antibiotics. At this time there are no FDA approved over-the-counter treatments for Trichomoniasis. If you think you have a yeast infection and are familiar with the symptoms because you have been previously diagnosed with a yeast infection, you can try an over-the-counter antifungal remedy such as MONISTAT®. If this is your first yeast infection, see your healthcare professional.
Q Can I transfer my vaginal yeast infection to my partner?
A Vaginal yeast infections are usually not spread by having intercourse (sex). However, if your partner has a rash, itching or discomfort in the genital area, a healthcare professional should be contacted to find the cause of the symptoms. The healthcare professional should be informed that you are treating a vaginal yeast infection with MONISTAT®.
Q Can I use a condom while treating my vaginal yeast infection?
A Do not have vaginal intercourse while using MONISTAT®. When using MONISTAT® do not use tampons, douches, spermicides or other vaginal products. Condoms and diaphragms may be damaged and fail to prevent pregnancy or sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
Q Can pregnancy cause vaginal yeast infections?
A Women who are pregnant are more likely to get a vaginal yeast infection due to the increased estrogen levels. Only 7-day topical yeast infection treatments are recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for the treatment of yeast infections in pregnant women. If you are pregnant and think you have a vaginal yeast infection, talk to your healthcare professional before using any product to treat the infection.
Q Can I safely use MONISTAT® antifungals if I am pregnant?
A Only 7-day topical yeast infection treatments are recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for the treatment of yeast infections in pregnant women. If you are pregnant and think you have a vaginal yeast infection, talk to your healthcare professional before using any product to treat the infection.
Q Are vaginal yeast infections like a STD?
A No, vaginal yeast infections are usually not spread by having intercourse (sex). Common triggers for a yeast infection are menstruation, pregnancy, antibiotic use, having diabetes or a weakened immune system, but sex is unlikely to be the cause. However, if your partner has a rash, itching or discomfort in the genital area, a healthcare professional should be contacted to find the cause of the symptoms. The healthcare professional should be informed that you are treating a vaginal yeast infection with MONISTAT®.
Q Why should I be concerned about Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) or Trichomoniasis (Trich)?
A If left untreated, BV and Trich may lead to a serious infection of the reproductive organs called pelvic inflammatory disease. BV and Trich may lead to complications in pregnant women, including serious infections and premature birth. Trich can also increase the risk of getting or spreading other sexually transmitted infections. For more information visit the CDC website on BV. For more information visit the CDC website on trichomoniasis.
About Us
Family Medicine
In 2024 our team of doctors and nurses provide a comprehensive range of family planning services. Our doctors have expertise in antenatal care, preconception planning, and STD checks. Contraceptive advice including Mirena and Implanon insertion is available.
- Early detection of illness;
- Family planning;
- Promotion of healthy lifestyle;
- Skin cancer checks;
- Sports injuries;
- Weight reduction;
- Workers compensation and third party.
Children's Health
Baby Weighing Service. Babies can be booked with our Nurse for weighing, a doctors appointment is not required to use this service. Contact reception for a appointment to have your baby weighed.
Immunisations. At Tuggeranong Square children's immunisation is regarded an important part of your childs health care. Our doctors take immunising children very seriously. and to ensure all children are immunised Tuggeranong Square Medical Practice doctors BULK BILL for all childhood immunisations. Tuggeranong Square Medical Practice also ensures the Practice Nursing Staff are highly trained in childhood immunisations.
Women's Health
Our practice is dedicated to treating a wide spectrum of women’s health concerns. We offer pre-natal, antenatal and postnatal care, contraceptive options, pap screening, and preventative health care advice. We provide assistance, advice and support through all stages of life, recognising the many issues many women may face from adolescence through to the peri and post-menopausal period.
- Cervical Screening tests;
- Reproductive health. Including Mirena and Implanon insertion;
- Shared antenatal care.
Men's Health
We encourage men to present routinely to their GP to discuss all aspects of their health. We provide comprehensive advice and support for men to address the prevention and management of various health conditions. This may include assessments for cardiovascular risk, diabetes, cancer prevention, mental health assessments, STD screening, sports injuries and the importance of sleep as it relates to other areas of health.
- Preventative Healthcare. Including cardiovascular screening, mental health and cancer checks;
- Prostate examination.
