How long does it take to cure a yeast infection?

[scaredwoman953]

So here's the deal.  Almost 2 months ago I started getting an itching sensation on my vulva.  I was freaked out that it was a STD, and finally got the guts to face the music and go see a NP who said it is very well a yeast infection on the outside of my vagina.  (I have no abnormal discharge).  She gave me a 3 day regim which seemed to cure the itchiness, but made the area more red and irritated.  So then I got more guts and finally went to a gyno who cultured the red irritated area and checked it out.  She told me that she saw nothing abnormal but saw some yeast.  So there it was confirmed.  A yeast infection of the skin surrounding my vagina.  She gave me diflucan, in on pill to take and also gave me monistat 7 to use as well.  So I took the pill 3 days ago today and have been using the cream since.  I feel better with the itching again, but at night, I think I touch the area, so when I wake up in the morning it's red again.  I feel like these treatments aren't working.  
How long do I have to wait for the treatments to work.  Am I just expecting it to cure the yeast infection too soon? Is this something that takes time to heal?  
It's just really irritating.  It's been almost 2 months and I would like it to go away.
Can anyone give me some insights?  
Also, I got to the gym alot and wait to shower and change out of my gym clothes until I get home.  I have been obstaining from the gym since the day I went to the dr in hopes that it will help make the healing process go a little faster.  
Also, I've been using Dial bar soap to clean the area, is this too strong?

[darlingbuds]

These ten tips changed my life..

1: Stay Dry and Loose
2: Practice Good Hygiene
3: Avoid Harsh Soaps and Feminine Hygiene Products
4: Use Yogurt
5: Bring on the Boric - boric acid is safe
6: Try Over-the-counter Natural Fungal Creams
7: Unsweetened cranberry juice
8:Go Natural
9: Treat Both Partners
10:10: Avoid Routine Douching

[RobinMoniz]

I have had my share of yeast infections in my life... coupled with the fact that I have psoriasis "down there" - it takes a different form on different parts of the body... Psoriasis in moist areas present very red and raw looking.

So what I have had to do - due to the itching is combine my psoriasis cream for "down there" with the yeast infection creams (plus the inserts) and it takes the itch and burn right away.

Remember if you scratch or rub too hard you can cause a secondary infection.  If the itching and rubbing become unbearable, I would look for an over the counter corticosteroid cream to help handle that aspect.

Also start taking a B-Complex vitamin and an acidophiliz tablet.

In the UK it is common practice that when a woman gets an antibiotic prescription the pharmacy automatically gives her B12 or B complex vitamins to take for the duration of the antibiotics.

If you are having chronic yeast infections, I would definately have that infestigated further.  They can take a PH balance of your vagina and other tests... perhaps there is an underlying issue.  Forget panties, during this time or you will be washing non stop.  Use pads and change them everytime you go to the bathroom to help keep things clean and sterile.

Also, when you are retrieving the cream from the tube either wear gloves on that hand and alternate fingers or put the cream on a popcycle stick to avoid contaiminating the cream.  Be sure to wash your hands thoroughly INCLUDING scrubbing under your nails.

[Territam]

To all you athletes going to less than hygenic gyms,

I picked up a total body rash in a gym that only went away when I started showering with Fungi Cure.  It's all natural and really worked. It lasts a long time too.  Follow the directions on the bottle. There's also Defense Soap that's excellent.  They both use Tea Tree Oil as one of the ingredients. I learned the hard way that you must shower immediatley after working out.  Those two products will protect you in the nastiest of showers.  But keep complaining--these clubs just don't keep their showers clean enough!

[alexamccourt]

Crap, really? I took Fluconzale back in January and it didn't help. I didn't go to the gyno until March 2013 and I got another Fluconzale. Still nothing. I've been having sex too... Could this be why it isn't cured? I've had it for a long time.

[jololee2012]

I had one for over three years because the "cures" weren't working.  Finally I tried a cup full of honey after a doctor recommended it on a random video I watched. If nothing else is working you can apply a full cup of honey to the affected area and leave it on for approximately 20 minutes.  I suggest taking a timer of some sort into the bathroom and doing this process there.  Be sure to spread towels underneath you before you get started.  Honey is very drippy.  After 20 minutes rinse the honey off in warm water.  It rinses off easily although it is quite gooey.  I noticed the itching and burning disappearing about ten minutes into the process. It totally worked and I'm cured!  Always keep honey in your house just in case.  I have dealt with the open red dots too.  That's nothing serious.  It does come from breaking the skin while wiping or constipation and can be cured with a cortizone cream over the counter.

[dannid722]

Thank you so much for the statement about the soap!  I was starting to feel better, but then I washed with soap today, hoping that would help.  It made it worse and I was getting worried until I read this.