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What are Yeast Suppositories?

J.S. Metzker Erdemir
J.S. Metzker Erdemir

Yeast suppositories are anti-fungal medication used for the treatment of vaginal yeast infections. The suppository is inserted into the vagina and allowed to dissolve slowly. Yeast infections are usually caused by an abundance of candida albicans. Symptoms include burning, itching, irritation, and discharge.

Vaginal yeast infections are quite common. They are caused by an imbalance of naturally-occurring bacteria and yeasts in the body. This imbalance causes the yeast to grow out of control, which creates uncomfortable symptoms. An imbalance of vaginal flora can be caused by diet, lifestyle, or medications such as antibiotics or oral contraceptives. A yeast infection may also be the result improper drying, or can be caused by wearing synthetic fabrics or tight pants.

Yeast suppositories.
Yeast suppositories.

Suppositories are a way of administering medication directly where it is needed. While a very serious or systemic yeast infection may require oral medication, most are treatable with non-prescription, anti-fungal medicine. A wide range of yeast suppositories are commercially available in the US and abroad, with treatment times varying between one day and one week.

Women taking birth control pills are at a higher risk for developing yeast infections.
Women taking birth control pills are at a higher risk for developing yeast infections.

Yeast suppositories are usually inserted at night to prevent messes from the medication leaking out, and to give the medication time to absorb into the skin. Some suppositories come with an applicator for ease and comfort of insertion, though most can be inserted with a finger. In general, yeast suppositories are smaller than a tampon, usually no longer than one inch (2.5cm) and no wider than .5 inch (1.3 cm)

A severe yeast infection may require a prescription for oral medication.
A severe yeast infection may require a prescription for oral medication.

Some yeast infection medications employ a syringe to apply anti-fungal cream inside the vagina. Most yeast suppositories are made of the same type of cream, but they are hardened with gelatin to make them solid and easier to insert. Others may be sold as capsules or tablets. Some contain emollients or other ingredients to soothe irritation. An external anti-fungal cream is often used alongside yeast suppositories to offer more immediate relief from the discomfort of the infection.

Yeast suppositories are inserted into the vagina.
Yeast suppositories are inserted into the vagina.

Most conventional yeast suppositories contain an anti-fungal ingredient, such as miconazole, tioconazole, or clotrimazole. These medications are similar to those used in the topical treatment of other fungal infections such as athletes' foot. Suppositories containing natural medications might include garlic, tea tree oil, or lactobacillus, the active culture found in yogurt. Homeopathic suppositories are also available and generally contain trace amounts of candida albicans along with other anti-inflammatory ingredients.

Discussion Comments

anon344228

If you get good probiotics in capsule form, can you use that as a suppository?

bluedolphin

@SarahGen-- I agree that probiotics are great for maintaining a healthy environment with a balanced pH. I don't know where the suppositories can be found though. I wonder if you can take the oral probiotic tablets and use them as suppositories?

I've even heard of women who use raw garlic as a suppository, so I'm sure that someone has tried probiotic tablets. The important part is that it must dissolve.

Maybe it would be better to just get a yeast guard suppository with anti-fungal medication. All these other natural suppositories sound like a hit or miss.

candyquilt

@SarahGen-- I have no idea if there are probiotic suppositories but I know that some women use regular yogurt or kefir to re-balance bacteria and kill yeast infections in the vagina. I do understand why you want suppositories though because yogurt is going to be very messy to deal with.

The only suppository I used for a yeast infection was a boric acid suppository. Boric acid is an anti-fungal substance and works very well against yeast. I used it for a week and it treated my infection completely, all my yeast symptoms went away. You might want to look into this if you can't find probiotic suppositories.

SarahGen

Are there yeast infection suppositories that contain probiotics?

I heard that probiotics are very helpful in treating yeast infections but it's better to apply them directly rather than consume them. Has anyone heard of or has seen probiotic suppositories?

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    • Yeast suppositories.
      By: sheval
      Yeast suppositories.
    • Women taking birth control pills are at a higher risk for developing yeast infections.
      By: Kimberly Reinick
      Women taking birth control pills are at a higher risk for developing yeast infections.
    • A severe yeast infection may require a prescription for oral medication.
      By: Andres Rodriguez
      A severe yeast infection may require a prescription for oral medication.
    • Yeast suppositories are inserted into the vagina.
      By: isyste
      Yeast suppositories are inserted into the vagina.
    • Yeast suppositories are typically smaller than a tampon.
      By: noci0114
      Yeast suppositories are typically smaller than a tampon.