What's the best way to treat a yeast infection during pregnancy?Answer From Yvonne Butler Tobah, M.D. Show
You can safely treat a yeast infection during pregnancy with various over-the-counter antifungal vaginal creams or suppositories. However, it's best to confirm with your health care provider that your symptoms are actually due to a yeast infection before starting treatment. Yeast infections are especially common during pregnancy because hormone changes can disrupt the pH balance of the vagina. Common yeast infection symptoms include vaginal itching and a white, thick discharge that looks like cottage cheese. Over-the-counter medications for treating yeast infections — available as creams, ointments or suppositories — include:
These products can be used at any point during pregnancy and don't pose a risk of birth defects or other pregnancy complications. For best results, choose a seven-day formula. Oral medication isn't recommended if you're pregnant. Some commonly prescribed antifungals — such as fluconazole (Diflucan) — should be avoided, especially during the first trimester. If you see a doctor about your yeast infection and are very early in your pregnancy, make sure to tell the doctor that you think you're pregnant. With Yvonne Butler Tobah, M.D. Sign up for free, and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID-19, plus expertise on managing health. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with other information we have about you. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could include protected health information. If we combine this information with your protected health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of privacy practices. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. Jan. 06, 2021
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. Topical azoles are very effective against C. albicans, but far less so against other Candida species — these yeasts are often treated with other antifungal medication, such as amphotericin B (Fungizone), flucytosine (Ancobon), nystatin (Mycostatin), or the oral azole fluconazole (Diflucan). (3,4) Natural Remedies for Vaginal Yeast InfectionsDespite the effectiveness of prescription and OTC medication for yeast infections, some people prefer to treat their ailments with natural or home remedies. For yeast infections, purported natural therapies include:
Though some positive anecdotal reports can be found on the internet, most natural remedies for yeast infections are not (yet) supported by rigorous clinical studies. (5) Yogurt, Probiotics, and ‘Good’ Bacteria for Yeast InfectionThe vagina is home to numerous beneficial microbes, which keep pathogenic (disease-causing) microbes, including Candida, in check. The yeasts grow out of control when something — such as antibiotics, hormones, pregnancy, or health issues like diabetes and HIV or AIDS — disrupts that delicate balance. Because of this fact, one of the most common natural remedies for yeast infections has long involved restoring the vagina’s population of friendly bacteria, especially Lactobacillus acidophilus, by using yogurt or probiotics. Overall, despite a host of research on the topic, the evidence for consuming healthy bacteria to treat or prevent yeast infections is inconsistent, at best. An early report in 1992 found that daily ingestion of yogurt containing L. acidophilus decreases candidal colonization and infection. (6) Another study published in 2010 found that probiotics taken after conventional treatment of vaginal yeast infections may lead to “somewhat fewer recurrences” of the infection. (7) But numerous reviews have found that most clinical trials on the subject had methodological issues, making it difficult to draw reliable conclusions. (8) For instance, a 2009 review found that Lactobacillus strains can help treat bacterial vaginosis, but the bacteria have no clear benefit for yeast infections. (9) A 2017 reviewfound that there may be some evidence showing that probiotics can help cure yeast infections, compared with conventional treatments. But the authors had very little confidence in this conclusion given that the quality of the evidence was low or very low. (10) Either way, regular ingestion of beneficial bacteria poses very little harm, so you can try the remedies without worry (though it may be a waste of money). (8) Probiotic Combination Therapies for Yeast InfectionsWhile taking probiotics in lieu of antifungal medication is not yet supported by science, some other research suggests that women with vaginal yeast infections may benefit from probiotic combination therapies. For instance, a prospective 2012 study found that a mixture of bee honey and yogurt applied to the vagina may help cure yeast infections in pregnant women. (11) Similarly, a 2015 studyfound that a vaginal cream of honey and yogurt was comparable in efficacy with clotrimazole vaginal cream for yeast infections. (12) Additionally, a clinical trial found that a certain probiotic capsule, when combined with conventional antifungal medication, can help provide a long-term cure against recurrent yeast infections. (13) Still, more research is needed to fully reveal the benefits of these alternative therapies. Boric Acid for Treating Yeast InfectionsResearch shows that boric acid suppository capsules appear to be very effective against yeast infections, particularly those caused by non-albicans species. An early study found that boric acid suppositories, when taken nightly for 7 to 10 days, have up to a 92 percent cure rate. (14) More recently, a 2007 article found that boric acid vaginal suppositories were more effective against C. glabrata infections in diabetic women (diabetes is a risk factor for yeast infections) than an oral azole medication. (15) And a 2011 review found that it’s a safe alternative to azole medication for the treatment of recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (four or more infections in a single year) caused by non-albicans Candida. But boric acid can occasionally cause vaginal burning, is toxic when swallowed, and shouldn’t be used frequently or when pregnant. (16) Other Home Remedies and DIY Approaches For Yeast InfectionsGarlic and tea tree oil are also popular natural remedies for vaginal yeast infections. Numerous studies have shown that garlic has antifungal properties. But when taken orally, garlic has no effect on vaginal Candida counts, according to a 2013 study. (17) Some women promote placing garlic cloves in the vagina at night — while this treatment is unlikely to cause any major damage (besides, possibly, allergic reactions and chemical burns), there’s no scientific evidence to show it works. To fight yeast infections, some women suggest applying diluted tea tree oil to the vagina using an applicator-type tampon. While tea tree oils are effective against various Candida species in both laboratory and rat studies, clinical (human) trials are lacking. (5,18) Douching and yeast infections don’t mix. The cleansing may actually help promote yeast infections by removing healthy bacteria from the vagina. And if you already have an infection, douching may spread it to the cervix and into the uterus. Douching with vinegar may be doubly bad because of the potential damage the liquid can cause to the vaginal walls. (19) You can find numerous other natural remedies for yeast infections online, including coconut oil, pomegranate gel, and echinacea purpurea liquid. But before trying any alternative treatments, it’s best to check with your doctor. What can I use to cure a yeast infection while pregnant?You can safely treat a yeast infection during pregnancy with various over-the-counter antifungal vaginal creams or suppositories. However, it's best to confirm with your health care provider that your symptoms are actually due to a yeast infection before starting treatment.
What can I use at home for yeast infection itch while pregnant?Healthline's picks of 11 home remedies for treating yeast infections. Greek yogurt. Probiotics can be effective against C. Albicans. ... . Boric acid. ... . Essential oil of oregano. ... . Probiotic suppositories and supplements. ... . Coconut oil. ... . Tea tree oil. ... . Apple cider vinegar. ... . Garlic.. What is the fastest way to get rid of a yeast infection?The best treatment to get rid of most yeast infections comes down to medicated creams or a pill. Studies show that these creams and the oral pill, fluconazole, both work more than 90% of the time. Uncomplicated yeast infections usually respond to treatment within a couple of days.
Can yeast infection hurt baby?No, a yeast infection won't hurt or affect your developing baby. But it's important to rule out other causes for your symptoms, because other kinds of infections can affect your pregnancy and your baby.
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Natural remedy for yeast infection during pregnancy
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