How long does antifungal treatment take to work for vaginal thrush?

Itching, soreness, redness, and thick discharge may improve at different speeds. The medicine must be used in the form and duration recommended for you; symptoms alone cannot confirm that the infection has cleared. If this is your first episode, if the symptoms are unusual, or if treatment does not help, another condition may be responsible and an examination can prevent unnecessary repeat treatment.

Use the full prescribed course and read the instructions for creams, pessaries, or tablets carefully. Wash gently with water or a mild unscented product, pat dry, and avoid douching, fragranced products, and tight clothing. Some vaginal products can weaken latex condoms or diaphragms, so check the product information and ask a pharmacist about contraception during treatment.

Arrange a review if symptoms are not beginning to improve after treatment, return soon afterwards, or keep recurring. Seek prompt care for lower abdominal pain, fever, foul-smelling discharge, sores, unusual bleeding, or symptoms during pregnancy. These signs can have causes other than uncomplicated vaginal thrush.

Ask whether the symptoms need testing, which treatment form suits you, when sex and contraception are safe, and what to do if irritation remains after the course.