6 Best Yeast Infection Treatments and Home Remedies

• Best pill: Wisp Fluconazole | Skip to review
• Best preventive treatment: Uqora Promote | 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

A yeast infection is due to an overgrowth of Candida, most commonly Candida albicans. Around 70% of females will experience a Candida yeast infection at some point, and 8% will have recurrent infections.

When the Candida fungus penetrates the mucosal lining of the vagina, it causes inflammation. This inflammation then leads to symptoms such as thick discharge, itchiness, and swelling.

Doctors typically recommend OTC antifungal medications to treat a vaginal yeast infection.

Antifungal medications come in a variety of forms, including:

• creams
• tablets
• ointments
• vaginal suppositories

Treatments may come as one single dose or a daily dose over several days. A person should 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 no FDA-approved homeopathic products. This means that any product sold in the U.S. and marketed as homeopathic is not FDA-approved, and the FDA has not tested it for safety or effectiveness.

People should be aware of the following advice when taking medication for yeast infections:

• Dosage: It is important to take the entire course of medication to clear an infection. For example, with a 7-day suppository, a person should insert 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 should 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, individuals should contact a doctor for a diagnosis. Knowing exactly which infection they have ensures that the person uses the appropriate treatment and does not create fungus resistant to future treatments.

People can take some steps to help prevent yeast infections. For example, they can try:

• avoiding irritating soaps
• not using vaginal douches
• regularly changing tampons and sanitary napkins
• keeping the outer genital area dry and clean
• not using panty liners every day
• avoiding scented products for use around the vagina
• only using antibiotics when a doctor prescribes them
• wiping from the front to the back after using the toilet
• changing into dry clothes immediately after swimming
• wearing loose-fitting cotton underwear
• maintaining a stable blood sugar level

Learn more about preventing yeast infections.

There are several over-the-counter remedies that may be more convenient and cheaper than antifungals. However, it is important not to use these as a substitute for medication, and to contact a doctor immediately if they do not relieve symptoms.

Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication.

The table below compares each of the products for price, ingredients, and more.

There are some home remedies a person can try for a yeast infection. We look at six common home remedies below and suggest some products people can try.

Greek yogurt

One systematic review from 2019 suggests that yogurt and honey were effective treatments for yeast infections. Some Greek yogurt contains Lactobacillus, making it a probiotic and a potential treatment for a yeast infection.

People can apply the yogurt to their vulva, insert it into their vagina with a clean tampon, or eat it as part of their everyday meals.

Boric acid

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggest boric acid is a useful treatment for vaginal yeast infections. This is especially true for people with more severe yeast infections that are not clearing up and those with recurring infections.

Oregano oil

Wild oregano oil contains two antifungals: thymol and carvacrol. Although research is inconclusive, a study from 2021 tested various essential oils to treat yeast infections. The researchers concluded that oregano oil, specifically Origanum onites, was the most effective in inhibiting these types of infections.

However, people should not ingest essential oils, and they should mix them with carrier oil, such as coconut oil, before applying them to the skin. Additionally, individuals should not put fresh oregano inside the vagina.

Probiotics

Some probiotic supplements may be beneficial for vaginal health. Probiotics play a key role in maintaining the correct vaginal environment and improving the immune defense.

According to research, probiotics have a variety of health benefits, including reducing symptoms relating to vaginal yeast infections.

Coconut oil

Coconut oil is antifungal, making it a possible treatment for yeast infections. Older research found coconut oil to be effective against Candida albicans, with the authors claiming it is comparable to ketoconazole — an OTC medication. However, limited research confirms coconut oil is safe and effective for yeast infections.

People should only use pure, organic coconut oil on their skin and speak with a doctor if it does not work or causes a reaction.

Apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar may have antimicrobial properties, and it is a popular home remedy for yeast infections. People often add half a cup of apple cider vinegar to their baths as diluting this product before using it on the skin is important.

Older 2017 research recognized the popularity of apple cider vinegar as a home remedy but warned that scientific studies are lacking. The authors wrote that it is most effective at 25% concentration but did not work as well against Candida yeasts as other strains.

A 2018 study found that apple cider vinegar may help reduce Candida populations, but it was only effective in undiluted solutions, which would be unsuitable on the skin.

A person should contact a doctor if they suspect a yeast infection, as symptoms can be similar to those of other conditions. The doctor can properly diagnose and treat a yeast infection.

The person should seek further medical advice if a yeast infection does not clear up with treatment. They may need to adjust their medications to treat any itching and discomfort.

Recurring yeast infections

According to the OWH, yeast infections are usually mild. They cause symptoms such as itchiness, pain, and unusual discharge. Most females will develop a yeast infection at some point in their life.

The OWH also says that some people develop recurring yeast infections.

Risk factors for recurring yeast infections, or recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (RVVC), include having diabetes or a compromised immune system.

However, individuals can develop recurring yeast infections even if they do not have any risk factors.

If a person experiences RVVC, a doctor will likely recommend or prescribe antifungal medications for up to 6 months to help keep the fungus under control.

What’s the fastest way to get rid of a yeast infection?

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.

Can I treat myself for a yeast infection?

Treating a yeast infection at home may be possible, but home remedies may not be as effective or well-researched as prescription or OTC medication. Yeast infections may also be more likely to reoccur with home remedies.

Some home remedies include Greek yogurt with live cultures, oregano oil, or probiotics.

How can I naturally flush out a yeast infection?

There are several home remedies that may help relieve yeast infection symptoms. Some of these include using Greek yogurt and apple cider vinegar. However, there is very little evidence that most home remedies are effective.

What does it take to make a yeast infection go away?

The main cause of a yeast infection is an overgrowth of Candida albicans fungus. Antifungals from a doctor are the most effective way of making a yeast infection go away.

Yeast infections are often mild, and 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, as many symptoms are similar to those of other illnesses and conditions.

Once a doctor diagnoses this infection and a person treats it, they should notice symptom improvement.