Self-Care Beats the yeast beast 

If you think you have a yeast infection, how do you decide whether to treat it yourself with an over- the – counter medication or to see a doctor for a prescription?  This three- step assessment can be your guide.

1)  What are your symptoms?

a) If you have a cottage – cheese – like discharge, itching, redness, irritation or burning, go to question 2.

 

 b) If you have a foul – smelling discharge, fever, frequent or  painful urination, or pain in the back, abdomen or shoulder, consult your doctor.

2)    What’s your health history?

a) Are you pregnant?

    If no, go to 2b.

    If yes, consult your doctor.

 

b) Is this your first yeast infections?

    If no go to2c.

    If yes, consult your doctor.

 

c) How often do you get yeast infections?

    If you get fewer than two or three per year, an over - the – counter

    anti fungal medication is a good option. Go to question-3 

 

    If you get more than three per year or have a recurrence  within

    two weeks of treatment with an over–the –counter antifungal       

    medication, consult your doctor , you may need  further tests or  

    prescription medication.

 

3) What form of antifungal medication is best ?

a) Do you have external irritation?

    If no, go to 3b, 

    If yes, try a combination pack ( suppositories plus

    cream to soothe external symptoms)

b) Do you have vaginal dryness?

   If no , buy the medication you’ve  previously used or prefer.

   If yes, try the cream formulation .