When a yeast infection go away?

HI, I had a yeast infection about a week and a half ago. I was prescribed a cream for three days. Right after I finished the treatment, I had my period. Is it possible that my period interfered with my treatment? My main question is, how long does is it take for a yeast infection to healed? i have no itch anymore and no discharge but yesterday I tried to have sex but it was so painful that I couldn't really have it. How long do I have to wait until I can have sex again? it's been a week since I finished the treatment.
Thank you very much for your help.

[Elaine Brown, MD]

Hi!
The yeast should have (and sounds like it did) clear up by now.  You may have had a mild reaction to the cream however -- which is common.  When my patients have yeast infections, I like to treat with Diflucan to avoid this possibility.  If it is a mild dermatitis, it should clear up fairly soon on its own.  If it does not, a steroid cream might be necessary to calm it down.  If you were my patient, I would also do a wet mount to be sure there was no more yeast, and also no other abnormal bacteria/vaginosis.
Good luck!
Dr B