See all "How Long" Section Topics
Article reviewed by: Dr. Noelle King, N.D.
So, how long does a yeast infection last? It depends greatly upon the treatment method you employ. Over the counter products like Monistat, need about 7 days to totally work; and, in a significant number of people who use this product, no cure will be achieved (more on Monistat later on). Many over the counter products speciously label their product as a “one day” treatment. However, as all these product’s fine print will state, it often takes up to 7 days to get better. Prescription antifungals will often require a week of using them, and results can be seen around a week or two after you start the treatment. So, using conventional, synthetic products, you can expect your yeast infection to last about a week—and in some cases, it may stick around for 2 weeks.
Yeast infections almost always will not go away by themselves. Thus, how long a yeast infection lasts without treatment, can be indefinite. Occasionally, mild yeast infections will sometimes resolve during menstruation, and be gone for a few days thereafter (Fischer; 2012). This is due to the vaginal lining containing the yeast cells being mechanically flushed out; and, also a drop in estrogen. Since estrogen is a key aggravater of yeast infections, you may notice your symptoms worsening after ovulation; and, again, resolving at the completion of your menses. For more information on self healing yeast infections, you can check out: Can a Yeast Infection Go Away on its Own?
Natural remedies, however, can be just as good if not better than conventional, artificial drugs. In addition to a lower cost, and generally more gentle experience, mixing natural cures can cause a synergistic effect to occur. According to the renown herbalist, the late Dr. James Duke, in his book The Green Pharmacy; antifungal plant oils, when mixed, create a synergistic effect. According to Dr. Duke, studies have indicated combinations of plant oils have greater antifungal power than individual oils alone. Thus, a great, fast, and natural treatment will involve several herbs or essential oils in a Candida fighting carrier substance (such as coconut oil). One of the best natural therapies, has consistently wiped out all yeast infection symptoms within 12 hours time. We will expound on this treatment towards the end of this discussion!
A 1/2 Day & Yeast is Gone!
Linda Allen suffered from yeast infections for years. Through researching natural medicine & Candida, she found an efficacious solution!
Linda is one expert you want on your side! Let her show you how to get rid of a superficial yeast infection in just 12 hours; AND, keep it gone!
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Visit Official Site!Research Regarding the Time to a Clinical Cure
The first study, published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology [198.2 (2008): 153-160], discussed how long it would take to cure a vaginal yeast infection. The two prescription drug therapies, analyzed by the research, included itraconazole and fluconazole. The research looked at other studies on non-pregnant women who had uncomplicated vaginal Candidiasis. The study states, that topical azoles (Diflucan is the azole drug fluconazole; Monistat is the azole drug miconazole; Sporanox is the azole drug itraconazole), are recommended to be used for 1, 3, 7, or even 14 days. Oral use of azole drugs, is often administered for 1 to 3 days; but, usually, no more than 5 consecutive days. The study cites research that states there is little difference between using these drugs orally and the use of the drugs topically (intravaginally).
The researchers, defined a case of vulvovaginal Candidiasis, by the presence of signs and symptoms, such as: cottage cheese like vaginal discharge, pain during sexual intercourse, burning sensations, vaginal itching, reddened vaginal skin, and pain during urination. When women with the aforementioned symptoms, had a positive laboratory culture for Candida, they were considered to have a yeast infection. A successful cure in the clinical examination, meant a partial or total absence of the classic signs and symptoms of vulvovaginal Candidiasis. Since this study was an evaluation of the scientific literature, the time at which the women were evaluated differed; and, ranged from 5 days to 4 weeks after treatment.
This research evaluation, reported the cure rate for a study with a first checkup at 5 to 16 days after treatment, for both drugs at about 93%. The next study in the evaluation, performed a check up 7 to 10 days after the end of treatment; and, both drugs had a cure rate of about 92%. The next study looked at by the evaluation, had their first checkup 5 to 15 days after treatment; and, reported a cure rate for both drugs around 78%. Another study, analyzed by the evaluation, had a first check up at 7 days after treatment; and, reported a cure rate for both drugs near 99%. Another study examined by the evaluation, had a first check up at 14 days after treatment; and, reported an average cure rate for both drugs of about 67%.
Of the research that included a latter, second visit; these ensuing visits always revealed a drop in cure rates of about 10%. Therefore, according to this study, by using prescription antifungal drugs, you can expect a yeast infection will last around 5 days or more after you get done using the drug. Using the drug, of course, will often take a week of use. But, synthetic azole drugs may not resolve all symptoms and pain, as time progresses; as evidenced by the significant drop in cure rates at later clinical evaluations.
The next study we will look at, examined Monistat 1 Day Combination Pack (1200 mg miconazole nitrate vaginal insert ovule, and a topical cream for external use consisting of 2% miconazole nitrate), and Monistat 7. The research analyzed the cure rate and the time it took for these products to manifest results. The study was published in the Journal of Women's Health & Gender-Based Medicine [9.4 (2000): 421-429]. To produce the desired data, two randomized, controlled, single-blind, comparative studies were conducted on the two Monistat products. All 558 participating women had been diagnosed with vaginal Candidiasis. The participants were seen on admission (day 1), at the first check up (15 to 19 days into the study), and at a final check up (35 to 43 days into the study).
The study did define a “clinical cure” in a somewhat unusual way. If a patient was simply improving, in terms of signs and symptoms at the first check up, these women were considered as clinically cured at this time. However, this is quite ambiguous, because an average woman who has seen some improvement in her yeast infection, but still has significant symptoms, wouldn’t consider her yeast infection to be cured. Fortunately, the study defined another criteria as “therapeutic cure.” A therapeutic cure was when a woman qualified as a clinical cure AND had a negative mycological test result (the laboratory didn’t find any yeast cells in her vagina). Thus, we will ignore this sketchy definition of a ‘clinical cure’ during the first visit. According to the study, the 1 Day Monistat treatment had a therapeutic cure rate at the first check up of 84% in the first group, and 74% in the second group. Monistat 7 had a therapeutic cure rate of 90% in the first group, and 72% in the second group. When the data from the second return visit was taken into consideration, the therapeutic cure rates were, generally, significantly lower.
Concerning the time it took to achieve complete relief of symptoms, the study found that Monistat 1 Day was faster than Monistat 7 by about 1 day. Monistat 1 relieved all symptoms in about 4 days, and Monistat 7 relieved all symptoms in about 5 days. Thus, this is how long your yeast infection will likely last, if you use a product like Monistat. But, remember, a good chunk of the women were not cured by this product.
Another journal article, discussed treatment length with antifungal drugs. The study was published in the New England Journal of Medicine [337.26 (1997): 1896-1903]. According to the journal, women who have an aggravated vaginal yeast infection are not as likely to respond to short duration antifungal therapy. It is suggested, these women will require 10 to 14 days of taking an antifungal drug, to treat their condition. The study also addresses recurrent vaginal yeast infections. For recurrent infections, defined as 4 or more episodes in a year, the author states multiple studies have shown a suppressive maintenance therapy, that lasts 6 months, can get rid of the vaginal yeast. The suppressive therapy includes a regimen of some prescription antifungal (usually a 100mg dose) that is taken on a daily basis. Clotrimazole 500 mg vaginal suppositories are used once a week. Yet, despite this intense drug use, the study states that treatment failure is commonplace with Candida glabrata infections.
Another study, published in Mycoses [47.9 10 (2004): 422-427], also analyzed clinical cure rates at one week after treatment, and four weeks after treatment. The treatment used in the study, was an oral dose of 400 mg itraconazole; taken only one time at the start of the study. The patients involved in the study, had acute vaginal Candidiasis. Additionally, any women who were pregnant, had an immune system deficiency, had used corticosteroids, had diabetes mellitus, had a negative laboratory result for Candida cells, were infected with trichomoniasis, had bacterial vaginosis, had recurrent yeast infections, or had used an antifungal or antibacterial drug within the past month were excluded from participating. All of the participating women were married and between the ages of 20 and 47 years.
The results of the study only included 52 patients; as 12 participants failed to return for the first or second examination. Of the 52 remaining women, 77% had Candida albicans infections and 10% had Candida glabrata infections. Following treatment, the majority of women saw significantly reduced signs and symptoms of vaginal Candidiasis in the first week. By the last 4 week examination, nearly all of the women were clinically cured.
Another study, looked at Candida glabrata (referred to in the study by its former name: Torulopsis glabrata) infections, which characteristically doesn’t respond well to azole antifungals. The modality of treatment in the study was 600 mg of boric acid delivered intravaginally via a gelatin suppository filled with boric acid powder. The study found, that using the 14 day course of boric acid; clinical symptom improvement, or total cure, happened in 81% of the patients with Candida glabrata infections. Classic azole drugs only produced a clinical response, and negative laboratory findings, in less than 50% of the patients. The study shows that a Candida glabrata infection can take 14 days of treatment with boric acid to dissipate. Thus, you are looking at around 2 weeks before you will get rid of this problem via boric acid.
How Long Can Candida Last Using Natural Cures
One study looked at how a natural essential oil made from the Zataria multiflora (Shirazi thyme) plant would treat a vaginal Candida infection. The study was published in International Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics [101.2 (2008): 201-202]. The study stated that Zataria multiflora essential oil contains thymol, carvacrol, and eugenol; and, two studies cited by this paper demonstrated these chemicals possess anti-Candida properties via in-vitro tests. The study used a cream containing 0.1% Zataria multiflora and had participants administer this cream for 7 days. After treatment, the patients were followed up for 2 weeks. The administration of the 0.1% Zataria multiflora oil cream resulted in a reduction in vaginal discharge in 90% of patients, urinary burning in 100% of patients, vaginal itching in 65.5% of patients, painful sexual intercourse in 92.6% of patients, and vaginal burning in 73.9% of patients.
The study also used the antifungal drug clotrimazole in its tests. The rate of improvement overall for Zataria multiflora cream was 90%; and, the rate of overall improvement for clotrimazole was 74.8%. The study concluded, by recommending the cream containing this essential oil to be considered as an antifungal treatment in women with vaginal yeast infections. So, we can speculate a weak concentration of essential oil, with similar chemicals, will take 7 days for treatment; and, the infection will likely be resolved within two weeks after treatment.
The chemical constituents of the essential oil from the plant Zataria multiflora were analyzed by a study published in Planta Medica [63.4 (1997): 371-372]. The study used steam distillation on the aerial parts of the plant. Both dried and fresh samples of this plant used to derive essential oil. According the study, the primary components of the fresh plant essential oil were as follows: thymol (48.4%), carvacrol (12.6%), and p-cymene (13.5%). The dried Zataria multiflora essential oil was comprised mainly of carvacrol (61.29) and thymol (25.18%). The study also stated the plant has a history in folk medicine as an analgesic, antiseptic, and carminative; and, carvacrol and thymol have proven antifungal and antimicrobial efficacies.
A study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology, in February 2013, also discusses Shirazi thyme (Zataria multiflora). The study found Shirazi thyme is an important item in the traditional medicine of Iran. Aside from being used as a food condiment, the study relates that this plant possesses important medicinal properties. This is likely due to the chemical composition of Shirazi thyme’s essential oil. The oil contains a high percentage of both thymol and carvacrol. As a result, the essential oil of this Iranian traditional medicine, exhibits exceptional anti-microbial efficacy. Additionally, this plant only grows in the wild in Afghanistan, Iran, and Pakistan. Consequently, this herb may be a novel and very unique natural remedy for Candida infections and other health maladies.
For more information about using regular thyme’s essential oil, feel free to peruse this article: Thyme Essential Oil for Candida.
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Visit Official Site!Research Conclusions
Using an over the counter product to treat a yeast infection, as the small print on the box (or inserted pamphlet) likely states, will take around 7 days to get rid of the problem. The study that looked at two various Monistat products found symptoms would be mostly eliminated in 4 to 5 days. Other prescription antifungal drugs can be expected to take around a week, possibly two weeks, to produce a clinical cure. And, weak concentrations of essential oil, will likely take about a week to work as well; as low dose essential oil treatments should last for about 7 days.
How long a yeast infection will last, is therefore somewhat dependent upon the modality of treatment you choose to employ. The possible harsh side effects of prescription, and over the counter synthetic drugs, is simply not justified in light of natural herbs and essential oils that can remedy this malady. What may drastically reduce the time it takes to get cured, using natural therapies, would be the eclectic nature of the therapy. Using multiple herbs and essential oils concomitantly with a Candida fighting carrier substance (such as apple cider vinegar diluted to about a 1% concentration, honey, or coconut oil) could rapidly heal you. Instead of a week or two of dealing with Candida’s painful symptoms, you could get well much faster via nature’s provision.
For more information on natural items that have proven Candida fighting power, Candida Hub has a wide array of information on this subject. If you have some time, feel free to take a look around and learn all about various natural cures for Candidiasis.
Clair Goodall: Author & Nature Lover
Clair Goodall is a bee-obsessed natural medicine convert from Minnesota. She is one expert you might want to know more about!
Clair will help you protect you and your family from toxic products and chemicals and help you discover solutions from nature.
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Visit Official Site!Linda Allen’s Natural 12 Hour Yeast Infection Cure
You may be one of the many women who routinely are attacked by vaginal and other types of Candidiasis. This condition can destroy quality of life like few others; especially since it can drastically interfere with an individual's sex life. In addition to the obvious pain and agony a localized infection can cause; as Candida begins to grow and invade the body, it can lead to a whole host of problematic consequences. Linda Allen was one of the many people who suffered with recurrent yeast infections and systemic Candida overgrowth. And, this microscopic fungus was devastating her life.
Linda’s problems began in her late teen years; around the same time she developed a sinus infection. When Linda realized she had a vaginal infection, she quickly went to the doctor. The physician who examined her diagnosed her with a yeast infection; and, gave her a prescription drug to take. After Linda used the drug, she found she got rid of the infection after a while. However, it was not long before Linda’s yeast infection attacked again. Like before, Linda made a visit to her physician and was given another prescription. Linda used it with success; but, it was only a short while before the yeast were overgrowing in her vagina yet again.
For a period of about 12 years, Linda kept dealing with recurrent yeast infections. If this were not bad enough, the Candida thriving in her body were causing a wide assortment of health problems. She frequently visited the doctor and was just prescribed more and more antibiotics to solve her problems. These antibiotic drugs only served to help her feel better briefly; as they never were real solution. And, the antibiotics likely only inflamed her already chronic Candida overgrowth. When many people were getting a house, Linda found her savings running dry and was forced to stay in a small apartment. Linda’s medical bills were simply too much for her to deal with.
Linda’s life course finally made a positive turn when she eventually consulted a naturopath about her mysterious bad health. Fortunately, the naturopath knew exactly what was wrong with her; and, told Linda she was in fact suffering from systemic Candidiasis. This was quite a revelation. The naturopath was not able to permanently end Linda’s struggle with yeast; but, she did get pointed in the right direction.
After learning about her Candida problem, Linda developed a voracious appetite for medical information on and natural therapies for Candida. Linda devoured stacks of books that dealt with Candida and natural medicine. She consulted natural medicine experts and physicians who were kind enough to lend her their time. Additionally, Linda tried a whole host of alternative therapies that were purported cures for her condition. Nothing she looked at was a perfect, permanent solution. Yet, when Linda saw a promising result from a treatment, or gleaned an important piece of knowledge from her research, she kept track of it.
Eventually Linda would use this hard won information to develop a new, novel approach to getting rid of systemic yeast infections. Towards the end of her near decade long research endeavour, Linda put together a new treatment for dealing with Candida. Linda spent a year refining and perfecting this new therapy before she would give it a try on herself. When Linda had become satisfied with her new therapy, she finally tried it on herself. Linda found that her vaginal yeast infections stopped quickly. As time went on, Linda found the vaginal yeast infections she expected to get were not coming back. With each passing day, Linda’s health was rapidly improving; she was finally feeling like her old, happy self again. Eventually Linda decided she was finally cured; all her hard work and effort had paid off.
When Linda showed her treatment to other people who struggled with Candida, she found they would get rid of their yeast infection symptoms in just 12 hours using her treatment. And, like herself, in a few weeks even chronic, systemic Candida problems would completely dissipate. With such powerful, positive results, Linda decided to write an extensive book to help others who had some type of Candida problem. Linda’s book explains exactly how to get rid of a yeast infection in just 12 hours, and provides the exact method she developed to eliminate systemic Candida. Since Linda first published her book in 2004, over 100,000 individuals from across the globe have successfully used Linda’s unique approaches.
Linda’s book is available as a digital ebook and can be downloaded immediately if you decide to give it a try. Linda publishes her book with one of the world’s largest digital retailers; the publisher is owned by the U.S. based firm Keynetics Incorporated. Linda knows what it is like to try a new therapy only to be disappointed; and, so offers a generous 60 day, 100% money back guarantee on her book. If you don’t see the promised results, you can quickly get all your money back by contacting Linda’s publisher and requesting a refund. And, with the ability to download Linda’s book immediately, you will have a full 60 days to see if the treatment will get rid of your Candida infection in 12 hours time.
To learn more about Linda’s personal struggle with Candida and journey to better health, to see a whole host of testimonies from others who gave Linda’s book a try, or to find out about some of the free bonus books Linda offers with her publication, you can find this information at Linda Allen’s website.
Author: Mr. Nicholas Gross
Nick Gross is a natural medicine enthusiast who has been researching and writing about natural medicine since 2008. Nick is primarily a web developer but also researches and authors written and video content about natural health. Nick has a bachelor’s degree in Management Information Systems from the University of Northern Iowa.
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SOURCES:
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- http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ijgo.2007.11.010 — Khosravi, Ali Reza, et al. "Zataria multiflora cream for the treatment of acute vaginal candidiasis." International Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics 101.2 (2008): 201-202. PubMed
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- https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2012.12.018 — Sajed H1, Sahebkar A, Iranshahi M.. Zataria multiflora Boiss. (Shirazi thyme)—An ancient condiment with modern pharmaceutical uses. Journal of Ethnopharmacology: Volume 145, Issue 3, 13 February 2013, Pages 686-698. PubMed
