Confirm it’s a yeast infection (common signs include thick white “cottage cheese” discharge, intense itching, redness, and burning with urination or sex)
Use an over-the-counter antifungal:
Vaginal miconazole (e.g., 3- or 7-day treatments)
Vaginal tioconazole (single-dose option)
Vaginal clotrimazole (e.g., 3- or 7-day treatments)
If symptoms are outside typical yeast infection patterns, get checked before treating
Avoid douching and scented products in the genital area
Wear loose, breathable underwear (cotton preferred)
Keep the area dry; change out of wet clothing promptly
Avoid sexual activity if it worsens symptoms; use condoms if you do have sex
Do not use leftover antibiotics or antifungals unless directed
Consider prescription options if OTC doesn’t work or symptoms recur:
Fluconazole by mouth (single dose or multi-dose regimen as prescribed)
Other topical antifungals as prescribed
If symptoms recur (e.g., 4 or more episodes in a year), ask a clinician about a longer-term prevention plan
Seek urgent care if you have:
Fever, lower abdominal/pelvic pain, or vomiting
Symptoms during pregnancy with significant discomfort
Sores, blisters, or severe swelling
Foul-smelling discharge or bleeding not related to your period
Painful urination with back pain, or you think you have a UTI
See a clinician if:
Symptoms don’t improve within 3 days of starting treatment
Symptoms return within 2 months after treatment
You have diabetes, are immunocompromised, or have had recurrent infections
You’re unsure the cause or have had a recent new sexual partner