Before knowing about the pills for yeast infections, here is a quick and easy breakdown of the infection.

What is a yeast infection?

All vaginas have a naturally healthy balance of yeast and bacteria. Candida albicans, or the yeast that is a part of our natural microbiota, plays a vital role in the well-being of the human body. Normally, when present in a healthy number, the yeast does not cause any problem. However, when it begins to overgrow and fall out of balance, it results in a yeast infection—Candidiasis.

There is another important factor resulting in a yeast infection. Lactobacillus is a good bacteria growing in our gut. This good bacterium plays a role in controlling the pH of the vagina and preventing overgrowth of the yeast, Candida albicans. However, if the lactobacillus gets thrown off balance, the yeast begins to take advantage and grows exponentially, resulting in a yeast infection.

Now, moderate yeast infections can be bothersome, but not dangerous. If left untreated, however, the yeast could potentially enter the bloodstream, resulting in a widespread systemic or invasive yeast infection. Taking a pill for yeast infections, at the earliest signs, is the best recourse.

What are the symptoms of a yeast infection?

Depending on the extent of overgrowth of Candida albicans, the symptoms of the infection will vary in severity from person to person. The most common symptoms, however, include the following

• Intense itching and burning. This is one of the first set of observed symptoms. Indicating the start of a yeast infection, one feels intense itching around the vulva and the vagina.

• Irritation of the vagina and vulva. If the infection worsens, the itching leads to irritation around the vulva and inside the vagina, experienced as soreness inside the vagina.

• Swelling of the vulva. The soreness of the vulva and vagina may lead to swelling of the two.

• Burning sensation when urinating or during intercourse. Swelling and irritation in the vagina often lead to painful urination and intercourse.

• Thick discharge. Characteristic of a yeast infection, a thick, white, odorless, and uncomfortable discharge is a common symptom.

Best treatments for yeast infection: mild to moderate symptoms

Once again, depending on the severity of your symptoms, the treatment of your yeast infection will vary. Additionally, the frequency of your symptoms will also dictate the course of treatment needed. For mild to moderate symptoms that occur infrequently, typical treatments include the following.

Short-course vaginal therapy

You may take anti-fungal pills for yeast infection for nearly a week. The available anti-fungal medications include oral antifungal pills, antiviral creams, and suppositories (boric acid). The most common of these medications are Fluconazole, Miconazole, and Clotrimazole.

Treatments yeast infection: severe symptoms and frequent episodes

Long-course vaginal therapy

You can easily secure a prescription for anti-fungal pills for yeast infections. The medication must be taken each day for up to two weeks, then once a week for six months.

Multi-dose oral medication

Instead of vaginal therapy, you may get a prescription for two or three doses of an anti-fungal medication that you may take orally. Please make note, however, that this type of treatment is not recommended for pregnant women.

Azole-resistant therapy

In case of anti-fungal resistant infection, the physician may prescribe boric acid capsules to be inserted into the vagina. This type of medication can be fatal if taken orally, therefore, pay close attention to the instructions received from a medical professional before you begin any treatments.

Certainly, yeast infections are more than bothersome. If you have been experiencing symptoms of yeast infection frequently, fret not. The treatment options listed above will surely ease your symptoms and provide quick relief from the infection too.