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.
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.
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)
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.
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.
