How to Use MONISTAT® Yeast Infection Treatment
How do you treat a yeast infection without a prescription? It’s easy! You reach for the #1 gynecologist recommended OTC brand, MONISTAT®. MONISTAT® offers 1-day, 3-day and 7-day yeast infection treatments— which come in a variety of formats, and some which come with external itch cream, called a “Combination Pack.” The number of “days” of treatment corresponds to the number of doses– so a “3-Day” treatment means you’ll use 3 doses to treat your yeast infection. Although the number of “days” of treatment varies with the 1-day, 3-day and 7-day products, all doses cure most vaginal yeast infections in the same amount of time, equally and effectively.
An important note, before we explain the directions for how to use MONISTAT® treatments: While our products can be used by adults and children over 12, do not self-treat with MONISTAT® if this is your first yeast infection.
If a doctor has told you in the past that you had a vaginal yeast infection and you have the same symptoms now (such as vaginal discharge, itching or burning), then MONISTAT® products may work for you.
If you have another medical condition, like diabetes, or are pregnant, please talk to your doctor before buying and using MONISTAT®.
You can use these treatments while you have your period. However, do not have sex or use tampons, douches, spermicides, condoms or diaphragms until after you have completed the treatment and your symptoms are gone.
Below you will find instructions on how to apply each MONISTAT® yeast infection product. However, once you buy Monistat®, you should read the entire leaflet that comes in the box.
MONISTAT® 1 products are maximum strength, single-dose yeast infection treatments designed to be an easy solution for busy women with active lifestyles. The one-day ovule has been formulated so you can apply the treatment during the day or at night, whereas all other Monistat® treatments should be used at night Below you’ll find MONISTAT® 1-Day directions for use for both MONISTAT® 1 products.
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The Monistat 1-Day Treatment Combination Pack includes a single Ovule insert that goes directly in the vagina with an applicator and a cream to relieve external itching and irritation. It’s important to keep the Ovule insert dry before use.
How to insert the ovule: When ready, open the pouch and put the Ovule in at the top (wider) end of the applicator. (See the illustration in the instructions.) Once the Ovule is secure in the applicator, hold the applicator at the bottom end and insert the top end into your vagina as far as it will comfortably go, like you would a tampon. Push in the moveable plunger with your finger so the Ovule gets inserted in your vagina. Gently pull out the empty applicator and throw it away (do not flush). The ovule gradually melts to deliver medicine directly to the site of the infection.
The MONISTAT® 1 Ovule® stays in place and can be used day or night, making it a great solution for women who don’t want to wait until bedtime to begin treating their yeast infection, or for those who exercise frequently or engage in high levels of activity.
How to apply the external itch cream: To relieve external itching and irritation, you can use the included itch cream on the skin outside your vagina for up to 7 days. Apply the cream once in the morning and once before bedtime, as needed.
You can find and download full instructions here..
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This MONISTAT® 1-Day treatment uses a different ingredient than the combination pack above. Because some women may be sensitive to the high dose of miconazole nitrate used in the other Monistat 1-Day treatment, this prefilled ointment uses tioconazole 6.5%.
This vaginal antifungal product includes one dose of ointment in a ready-to-use, convenient, pre-filled applicator. First remove the pre-filled applicator from its wrapper. Unscrew and remove the purple cap from the applicator. Then insert the plunger into the prefilled applicator by placing the small end of the plunger into the gray hole at the end of the applicator (see illustration on instructions). Gently insert the applicator into the vagina as far as it will go comfortably. This can be done while lying on your back or standing. As you would with a tampon, use a finger on the other hand to push the plunger in all the way. This action will place the ointment as far back in the vagina as possible. Then remove both parts of the applicator from the vagina and throw away—do not flush. You should use this product right before bedtime and wear a pad or pantiliner.
You can find and download full instructions here.
MONISTAT® 3 products spread out the dosage of yeast infection treatment over three days. This selection is a great option for women who want consistent treatment and relief at moderate dosage levels, instead of a one-day higher dose. Below you’ll find directions for using four different MONISTAT® 3-Day products.
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This pack comes with 3 vaginal suppository inserts and disposable applicators. It also includes itch cream for external itch relief. You should use this product right before bedtime and wear a pad or pantiliner.
How to insert the suppositories: Take one suppository out of the packaging and put it in the top of the applicator so it won’t fall out. Hold the applicator from the bottom end where the moveable plunger is, and insert the applicator into your vagina as far as it will comfortably go. Push the plunger in to release the suppository, as you would normally insert a tampon. Pull out both parts of the applicator and throw it away (do not flush). Wash your hands, then lie down as soon as possible to minimize any leakage. Repeat these steps over the next 2 nights with the remaining suppositories.
How to apply the external itch cream: To relieve itching and irritation, you can use the included external itch cream on the skin outside your vagina for up to 7 days. Apply the cream once in the morning and once before bedtime, as needed.
Download full instructions here.
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This regular strength yeast infection treatment comes with 3 Ovule® inserts and contoured disposable applicators for easy use. Plus it includes a cream for external itch relief.
How to insert the ovule: When ready, open the pouch and put the Ovule in the top (wider) end of the applicator. (See the illustration in the instructions.) Once the Ovule is securely placed, hold the applicator at the bottom end and insert the top end first into your vagina as far as it will comfortably go, like you would a tampon. Push in the moveable plunger using a finger on your other hand to place the Ovule in your vagina. Gently pull out the empty applicator and throw away (do not flush). You should use this product right before bedtime and wear a pad or pantiliner. Repeat these steps over the next 2 nights.
How to apply the external itch cream: To relieve itching and irritation, you can use the included external itch cream on the skin outside your vagina for up to 7 days. Apply the cream once in the morning and once before bedtime, as needed.
You can find and download full instructions here.
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This MONISTAT® combination pack contains a regular strength yeast infection treatment that comes in 3 prefilled, ready-to-use applicators. It also includes itch cream for external itch relief.
How to insert the cream: First remove the pre-filled applicator from its wrapper. Unscrew and remove the blue cap from the applicator. Then insert the plunger into the prefilled applicator by placing the small end of the plunger into the gray hole at the end of the applicator (see illustration on instructions). Gently insert the applicator into the vagina as far as it will go comfortably. This can be done while lying on your back or standing. As you would with a tampon, use one hand holding the applicator in place, and use a finger to push the plunger in all the way. This action will place the cream as far back in the vagina as possible. Then remove both parts of the applicator from the vagina and throw away—do not flush. Repeat these steps using the other pre-filled applicators over the next 2 nights.
You should use this product right before bedtime and wear a pad or pantiliner.
How to apply the external itch cream: To relieve itching and irritation, you can use the included external itch cream on the skin outside your vagina for up to 7 days. Apply the cream once in the morning and once before bedtime, as needed.
You can find and download full instructions here.
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MONISTAT® 3-Day Treatment Prefilled Cream is a regular strength yeast infection treatment that comes with 3 prefilled, ready-to-use applicators. For the best experience, you should use this product right before bedtime and wear a pad or pantiliner.
First remove the pre-filled applicator from its wrapper. Then remove the blue cap from the applicator, and insert the plunger into the prefilled applicator. Do this by placing the small end of the plunger into the gray hole at the end of the applicator (see illustration on instructions). Gently insert the applicator into the vagina as far as it will go comfortably, as if you are inserting a tampon. This can be done while lying on your back or standing. Use one hand to hold the applicator in place, and use a finger o to push the plunger in all the way. This action will place the cream as far back in the vagina as possible. Then remove both parts of the applicator from the vagina and throw away—do not flush.
Lie down as soon as possible after inserting the cream to help reduce leakage. Repeat these steps using the other pre-filled applicators over the next 2 nights.
You can find and download full instructions here.
Some women want to use a yeast infection treatment that uses a lower dose over a longer time period. For example, the U.S. CDC recommends that women who are pregnant or have diabetes only use a 7-day topical yeast infection treatment instead of higher dose and internal options. (Note, women who are pregnant or diabetic should consult their healthcare provide before using Monistat or any other treatment.)
MONISTAT® 7 is a low dose yeast infection treatment. Learn how to use both of our MONISTAT® 7 treatments, below.
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MONISTAT® 7-Day Treatment Combination Pack Cream is a low dose yeast infection treatment that comes with 7 empty applicators and a tube of cream that you put into each applicator before using. This pack also includes itch cream for external itch relief.
How to insert the cream: Open the tube of miconazole nitrate vaginal cream and press the sharp point of the cap into the sealed end of the tube until the seal breaks open. Attach the applicator to the tube of cream by placing the “A” end of the applicator firmly onto the tube of cream (see picture in instructions). Do not pull out the applicator plunger. Gently squeeze the cream into the applicator until the applicator is full, which you’ll see when the plunger has been fully pushed out. Once it is full, separate the applicator from the tube. Do not release pressure on the tube until you have separated it from the filled applicator. Replace the cap and roll up the empty part of the tube from the bottom. Similar to how you would use a tampon, gently insert the applicator into your vagina as far as it will go comfortably. To do this, you can lie on your back with your knees bent or standing. With one hand holding the applicator barrel, use a finger on your other hand to push the plunger all the way in. This will place the cream as far back in the vagina as possible. Then remove both parts of the applicator from the vagina. Throw away the applicator after use. Do not flush any part of it in the toilet.
Wash your hands and then lie down as soon as possible after inserting the cream. This will help reduce leakage. Over the next 6 days, repeat these steps. You should use this product right before bedtime and wear a pad or pantiliner.
How to apply the external itch cream: To relieve itching and irritation, you can use the included external itch cream on the skin outside your vagina for up to 7 days. Apply the cream once in the morning and once before bedtime, as needed.
You can find and download full instructions here.
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MONISTAT® 7-Day Treatment Cream is a low dose yeast infection treatment that comes with a tube of treatment cream and 7 empty applicators. You fill each one right before you use it. This cream can be used inside the vagina or on the skin outside of the vagina, around the vulva to relieve itching.
How to insert the cream: Open the tube by unscrewing the cap. Press the sharp point of the cap into the sealed end of the tube to break open the seal. Attach the applicator to the tube of cream by placing “A” end of the applicator firmly onto tube of cream (see illustration in instructions). Do not pull out the applicator plunger. Gently squeeze the cream into the applicator until the applicator is full, which you’ll see when the plunger has been fully pushed out. Separate the applicator from the tube. Do not release pressure on the tube until you have separated it from the filled applicator. After each use, replace the cap and roll up the tube over the empty part from the bottom.
Gently insert the applicator into the vagina as far as it will go comfortably, like you would with a tampon. You can do this while lying on your back with your knees bent standing. With one hand holding the applicator barrel, use the other hand to push the plunger all the way in. This will place the cream as far back in the vagina as possible. Then remove both parts of the applicator from the vagina and throw them away—do not flush them in a toilet.
Lie down as soon as possible after inserting the cream to help minimize leakage. Repeat these steps each night before bedtime for the next 6 days.
You can find and download full instructions here.