There are times when an embarrassing condition makes a trip to the local drugstore unavoidable. Most women, over time, understand that they must do whatever is necessary to take care of themselves and their families. That includes having a conversation with the pharmacist about the best way to treat your child’s diarrhea or what is the best, over-the-counter treatment for that irritating, vaginal yeast infection.
Sometimes, because of television ads or something seen in a health and wellness magazine, a brand is so recognizable for what it does, that the embarrassing conversation with the pharmacist is thankfully avoided. Monistat is one of those brands.
What is Monistat?
The main ingredient in the majority of the Monistat product line is, Miconazole Nitrate, which is an antifungal agent. It is available by prescription and over-the-counter in varying strengths. The company website offers three different formulas for fighting a common yeast infection, which are:
Monistat 1
This single dose product has the highest amount of miconazole nitrate (1200 mg.) available without a prescription. It’s the quickest and most convenient with its one-time application.
Monistat 3
This treatment works well for those that want a less concentrated amount of miconazole nitrate (200 mg.) Treatment time is 3 days.
Monistat 7
Contains the lowest concentration of miconazole nitrate (100 mg.) in their line of products. This is intended to be used for 7 consecutive days at bedtime. The original formula that spreads the medicine gradually.
The manufacturer also makes other feminine care products to address associated symptoms like odor and itching. Monistat even has a testing kit to confirm the presence of Candida (yeast), that until recently had to be done in a doctor’s office. Reassuring to know for certain, before treatment.
Symptoms Of A Vaginal Yeast Infection
The Candida type of yeast is a naturally occurring microorganism that can make a woman miserable. There are several strains of Candida, but the most common is Candida Albicans and will affect up to 1 out of 3 women at some point in their lifetime.
In the body, especially in the mucous membranes of the mouth or vaginal area there is a delicate balance between yeast and other microorganisms that can be disrupted and may result in any of the following symptoms:
- Itching
- Burning
- Rash
- Painful Urination
- Painful Sex
- Soreness
- Vaginal Discharge
There are many reasons for one or more of these symptoms to be present, but the most likely culprit will be a garden variety, yeast infection. This type of infection can also be seen manifesting in the mouth and is known as Oral Thrush.
Are Yeast Infections Preventable?
- Avoid wearing pantyhose or tight pants
- Do not sit around in wet clothing (swimsuit)
- Avoid douching
- Do not spend extended time in hot tub or take hot bath.
- Avoid using feminine deodorant
- Do not use scented pads or tampons
- Do wear natural fiber clothing like cotton or silk
- Eat a well balanced diet that includes yogurt
- Wash underwear in hot water
- Change feminine products frequently
Can Monistat Products Treat All Vaginal Infections?
The answer is NO. On the company’s website, they caution that if any severe symptoms such as fever, abdominal, shoulder or lower back pain is present, that a doctor should be consulted as it might be a another type of infection that needs different treatment.
The Monistat website also recommends speaking with a healthcare professional before using their products for any of the following reasons:
- Suspected pregnancy or breastfeeding
- First yeast infection
- Diabetic
- Under 12 years of age
- Taking the prescription drug, Warfarin
- Weakened immune system
- Recurring yeast infections (more than 4 per year)
- Have been exposed to HIV
- Foul-smelling discharge
It is always important to be absolutely certain that a yeast infection is truly the cause of the symptoms. If ever in doubt, consult with a medical professional. The website also cautions using Monistat while taking antibiotics as the two can counteract each other.
Vaginal yeast infections are fungal in origin and are not contagious. Good hygiene is recommended and you should always wash your hands after exposure to the infection site or after using ointment, cream or suppository.
What Are The Benefits Of Monistat When Compared To An Oral Medication?
Another common treatment for a vaginal yeast infection is an oral antifungal that is available only by prescription. Because the oral treatment takes time to travel through the body and be absorbed, symptom relief can take between 16-24 hours. In comparison, Monistat’s topical treatment can improve symptoms in as little as 4 hours.
Monistat does have a web page addressing yeast infections for women experiencing added conditions, including pregnancy and menopause. This could be a good resource when faced with additional medical limitations.
Most Common Side Effects
The most common side effects reported by users after using a product containing miconazole nitrate are:
- Burning
- Swelling
- Irritation
- Redness
- Pimple-like bumps
- Flaking of treated skin
- Headache
- Lower abdominal pain
A Slurpee And Monistat?
This feminine care product designed specifically for the treatment of vaginal yeast infections can be purchased in numerous retail outlets including some of the smaller stores.. There were even some online giggles about the possibility that the local convenience store probably carries it.
All major pharmacies, discount retailers and most grocery chains have at least one of the Monistat product line on their store shelves and many carry all of the Monistat products.
Can Monistat Save The Day?
Yes, it’s true that Monistat is just a product that treats a very common problem experienced by millions of women across the globe. It won’t improve the state of the world, but when that burning and itching sets in, finding relief in the form of Monistat over-the-counter treatment cream will definitely feel like the world is just a little kinder.
Suffering from a vaginal yeast infection is embarrassing, painful and inconvenient. It can strike at anytime and when it does, it’s good to know that while the medicine in Monistat might not save the day, it’s possible that it will at least make it feel better.
