There are many over-the-counter treatments available for yeast infections, but knowing the quality of them and how they really work can be tricky to find out. We list some of the best yeast infection treatments in this article.

The itching, irritation, and burning symptoms of a yeast infection can be very uncomfortable. Many over-the-counter (OTC) treatments can effectively treat yeast infections, allowing you to skip the trip to the doctor’s office.

In this article, we rounded up the best yeast infection pills, salves, creams, and other treatments that help provide relief.

There are many factors to consider when choosing an OTC vaginal yeast infection treatment. The products on our list have been vetted to ensure they align with Healthline’s brand integrity standards and approach to well-being.

The products on this list have passed our vetting process, and we also considered the following factors:

  • length of treatment
  • customer reviews
  • type of medication
  • ingredients
  • price

Yeast infections are very common. They develop from an overgrowth of the Candida fungus. Yeast infections can affect any part of the body, but they often occur in the vagina.

A vaginal yeast infection causes irritation, discharge, and intense itchiness of the vagina and the vulva (the tissues at the vaginal opening).

Also called vaginal candidiasis, vaginal yeast infections affect up to 75% of people with a vagina at some point in their lifetime.

Vaginas typically have a balance of good bacteria and yeast. Usually, the good bacteria keep the balance in check. Under some conditions, the balance can be disrupted, allowing the yeast to grow out of control.

Overgrowth of the yeast can result from:

  • antibiotic use
  • pregnancy
  • unmanaged diabetes
  • an impaired immune system
  • taking birth control pills or undergoing hormone therapy that increases estrogen levels

A vaginal yeast infection causes symptoms like:

  • vaginal itching
  • inflammation and swelling around the vagina
  • pain during sex
  • soreness
  • redness
  • rash
  • white or gray clumpy discharge with a cottage cheese-like appearance

Prescription and OTC medications both treat vaginal yeast infections. If this is your first time experiencing a yeast infection, it’s best to talk with a doctor for an official diagnosis.

However, if you’re familiar with the symptoms, you can likely pick up an OTC medication to treat the yeast infection.

Talk with a doctor to assess your symptoms and treatment needs if:

  • your symptoms don’t go away after finishing OTC treatment
  • the infection comes back within 2 months
  • you have four or more yeast infections within 12 months

Prescription yeast infection medications include oral pills, creams, ointments, or gels. Fluconazole (Diflucan) is an oral medication usually prescribed as one dose. For a severe yeast infection, your doctor may recommend a longer prescription course.

Other available OTC or prescription medications include:

  • butoconazole (Gynazole)
  • clotrimazole (Lotrimin)
  • miconazole (Monistat)
  • terconazole (Zazole)

Be sure to always finish the entire treatment course, even if your symptoms resolve before completing the medication.

Most OTC treatments are either topical creams and gels or oral medications. Although they all have the common goal of relieving symptoms, they tend to work differently.

Yeast infection pills

Yeast infection pills typically require a prescription. The most common oral medication is fluconazole (Diflucan), which is a one-dose pill that effectively treats fungal infections. It damages the cell wall of the fungus that creates the infection, making it harder for the bacteria to multiply.

Yeast infection creams and gels

Creams and gels like Monistat and Vagisil usually work to relieve uncomfortable symptoms like burning and itching. They often go inside the vagina to kill the yeast causing the infection. Some creams and gels come with applicators that help you measure the right dose.

Yeast infection probiotics

You can take probiotics to reduce the risk of a yeast infection, but they can also improve symptoms if you already have one. The healthy bacteria in the probiotic works to balance the pH level of the vagina.

Yeast infection treatments are usually sold in 1-, 3-, 7-, and 14-day treatments. Preventive probiotics often have 30 capsules per bottle.

If you’ve never had a yeast infection, visit a doctor for a proper diagnosis before you try any OTC treatments.

Also talk with a doctor if you don’t notice any improvement in your symptoms within 7 to 14 days. In this case, you may need a prescription-strength treatment, or you could have a different infection.

Most pills and topical creams come with their fair share of side effects, though they’re not super common. Some side effects include:

  • burning
  • stinging
  • irritation
  • redness
  • pimple-like bumps
  • tenderness
  • flaking of the skin

If you’re pregnant, talk with a doctor for a diagnosis and treatment. Some OTC antifungal creams may cause birth defects.

If you notice any side effects, stop taking the OTC treatment and talk with a doctor.

Yeast infections aren’t considered to be sexually transmitted infections (STIs), but they can be transmitted to a partner if you have sex without a condom or other barrier method.

It’s also possible for a baby to get a fungal diaper rash at birth if the mother has a yeast infection. However, you will not get a yeast infection from sharing a shower or exchanging saliva with someone.

Yeast infections are common, which makes access to effective treatment important. OTC products can be just as effective as prescription medications for treating many yeast infections.

If you experience frequent yeast infections or if your symptoms don’t resolve after completing the full treatment, talk with a doctor.