Vaginal Yeast Infection During Pregnancy

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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.

The Health Encyclopedia contains general health information. Not all treatments or services described are covered benefits for Kaiser Permanente members or offered as services by Kaiser Permanente. For a list of covered benefits, please refer to your Evidence of Coverage or Summary Plan Description. For recommended treatments, please consult with your health care provider.