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Vaginal Yeast Infection During Pregnancy

Overview

If you are pregnant and have vaginal infection symptoms, see your doctor. Do not use over-the-counter yeast infection medicine unless you discuss it with your doctor first. Your symptoms could be caused by another problem that will need different treatment, such as bacterial vaginosis or a sexually transmitted infection (STI). Your doctor can help find out what is causing your symptoms.

To treat a vaginal yeast infection during pregnancy, experts recommend:footnote 1

  • Vaginal medicines should be used for yeast infection treatment instead of pills. These may be vaginal creams or suppositories.
  • Only certain medicines should be used. Nonprescription medicines include butoconazole (such as Femstat), clotrimazole (such as Gyne-Lotrimin), miconazole (such as Monistat), and terconazole (such as Terazol).
  • Treatment should be used for 7 days. (It can take longer than usual to cure a yeast infection during pregnancy.)

Vaginal yeast infections are a common problem during pregnancy. They may be caused by high estrogen levels. These infections aren't a risk to the pregnancy. But they can cause uncomfortable symptoms.

Related Information

References

Citations

  1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2020). Sexually transmitted infections treatment guidelines, 2020. MMWR, 70(RR-4): 1–187. http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/70/rr/rr7004a1.htm

Credits

Current as of: November 27, 2023

Author: Healthwise Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

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