Preserving Gut Health While Treating Your Vaginal Yeast Infection
What happens to the good yeast in other parts of your body when you treat a vaginal yeast infection with an oral drug? Small amounts of Candida yeast species exist naturally in the body’s digestive, genital and urinary tracts. But changes in vaginal acidity or hormonal balance can lead to Candida overgrowth, causing a yeast infection.1 When treating a vaginal yeast infection, it’s important to avoid disrupting the natural balance of yeast and bacteria that exist in other areas of the body, like in the gut, where yeast helps with food digestion and immune system function.2
With systemic vaginal yeast infection treatments like oral fluconazole (Diflucan®), the medicine kills yeast in the entire body as it is released throughout the bloodstream. Most probiotics won’t help because they typically only restore bacteria, not yeast.
A topical antifungal may be a good choice for women who want to preserve gut health. Because MONISTAT® works in the vagina at the infection site, it treats only the yeast overgrowth in the vagina—not in the gut or other areas of the body, so in that way, it doesn’t disturb gut yeast and immune system function.
Do you have a yeast infection?
Answer a few questions and find out what your symptoms mean.
Which MONISTAT® Product is Right for You?
MONISTAT® 1
Monistat® 1 Combination Pack is a single-dose product (1200 mg of miconazole nitrate) may be the perfect solution for busy women with active lifestyles. Available in Ovule® form. Use as directed.
MONISTAT® 3
MONISTAT® 3 is a great treatment option for women who want a less concentrated treatment (200 mg of miconazole nitrate per dose) that provides consistent treatment and relief at moderate dosage levels. Available in Ovule®, cream and suppository forms. Use as directed.
MONISTAT® 7
The MONISTAT® 7 suite of products is the original formula (100 mg of miconazole nitrate per dose), with smaller doses of the active ingredient evenly distributed throughout the week at bedtime. The CDC recommends 7-day treatment for pregnant women and diabetic women (consult a doctor before use). Available in cream form. Use as directed.
All MONISTAT® products can take up to 7 days to fully cure a yeast infection.
References:
1. Samra-Latif OM. Vulvovaginitis. Published March 27, 2014. Accessed March 21, 2018.
2. Moslehi-Jenabian S, Line Lindegaard P, and Jespersen L. Beneficial effects of probiotics and food-borne yeasts on human health. Nutrients. 2010 Apr; 2(4): 449–473. Accessed March 21, 2018.
Monistat FAQ
Get answers to questions from women just like you.