Monistat review: Options, how to use, and considerations

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Vaginal yeast infections are usually a result of an overgrowth of Candida albicans, a fungus naturally present in the vagina. Monistat offers three forms of over-the-counter treatment that can help soothe and treat these infections.
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This article discusses what Monistat is and how to use it. Additionally, it discusses the benefits and drawbacks of using this treatment.
What is Monistat?
Monistat is a brand of azole antifungal medication that treats vaginal yeast infections.
yeast infections
Around 75 out of 100 females will experience a vaginal yeast infection at some point in their lives. Vaginal yeast infections are most commonly due to an overgrowth of Candida albicans, a fungus that is naturally present in the mucus membranes of the genitals.
75 out of 100
Monistat offers three different over-the-counter medications that can help treat these infections:
Monistat 1, which is a 1-day treatment
Monistat 3, which is a 3-day treatment
Monistat 7, which is a 7-day treatment
Learn more about buying over-the-counter vaginal yeast infection treatments online.
Learn more about buying over-the-counter vaginal yeast infection treatments online.
What is Monistat used for?
Monistat can help treat vaginal yeast infections. Its active ingredient is miconazole nitrate, an antifungal that can soothe symptoms. This treatment includes a vaginal insert and external topical cream that people apply for a specified amount of time.
miconazole nitrate
People who have symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection may wish to use this over-the-counter treatment. Symptoms include:
include
itching in and around the vagina
itching
burning sensations in and around the vagina
burning sensations
pain in and around the genitals
pain
redness and swelling of the vagina and labia
redness and swelling
However, miconazole can cause side effects. If a person experiences an itching or burning sensation or a rash where they have applied the cream, they should discontinue use immediately and contact a doctor.
side effects
How to use Monistat
Those using Monistat should carefully read and follow all product instructions. Typically, individuals use an applicator to insert Monistat directly into the vagina in the form of a tablet, cream, ointment, or suppository. People may also use a topical cream to soothe irritation around the external genitals.
The company states that people should apply the treatment just before going to bed. People who purchase Monistat will use the product for one, three, or seven nights, depending on the version of the product they buy.
Those using Monistat should apply the medication for the number of days on the packet, even if their symptoms lessen or they begin menstruation. If a person does not complete the treatment, the yeast infection may remain.
Monistat comes in different forms, including:
Ovule®, an egg-shaped capsule that people insert into the vagina
an internal cream, which people insert with an applicator, much like a tampon
an external cream, which people apply around the external genitals
Monistat product options
Please note that the writer has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication.
Monistat topical yeast infection medication comes in 1-day, 3-day, and 7-day treatment options.
The company states that a person should contact a doctor if they do not feel some relief after 3 days, or total relief after 7 days, of using any of its products.
The table below provides an at-a-glance comparison of the three Monistat products.
Monistat 1
Monistat 3
Monistat 7
Monistat 1
This product is the most highly concentrated treatment the company offers, with a 1200 mg dose of miconazole nitrate in an Ovule® form.
People can insert the internal component of this product at any time during the day or night. People have the choice of purchasing a product with or without an external 2% miconazole nitrate cream.
At the time of publishing, Monistat 1 had a list price of around $17.

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Monistat 3
This Monistat product contains 200 mg of miconazole nitrate in each vaginal applicator. The company states that this regular-strength product is suitable for those who want consistent relief.
People must insert one applicator each night for three nights. The company also includes an external 2% miconazole nitrate cream that may help soothe external itching.
At the time of publishing, Monistat 3 had a list price of around $24.
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Monistat 7
This Monistat product contains 100 mg of miconazole nitrate in each vaginal applicator. Unlike other Monistat products, the company does not prefill the applicators. Additionally, people will also receive a 2% miconazole nitrate external cream.
People must insert one applicator each night for seven nights. The company states that this lower-dose product is suitable for those who want even relief throughout the week.
At the time of publishing, Monistat 7 had a list price of around $14.
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Pros and cons of Monistat
A person may wish to consider the advantages and disadvantages of Monistat’s products before purchasing.
The products are available in three different strengths.
People can choose to purchase external cream for symptoms around the external genitals.
The products may be less expensive than visiting a doctor and receiving a prescription.
The products are available over the counter in most pharmacies and online.
Customer reviews
The reviews of Monistat’s products are mostly positive. Below are some of the positive and negative reviews that customers wrote about each treatment.
Monistat 1 has an average of 4.6 stars out of 5 on its Amazon page.
Amazon page
Positive reviews mention that the treatment worked effectively, with people’s symptoms lessening after a few days. Other reviews mention that purchasing the product was convenient.
However, several reviewers state that they experienced intense itching after inserting the vaginal suppository. Some reviewers say they had to apply ice to their genitals to relieve the itching and burning sensations.
Monistat 3 has an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars on its Amazon page.
Amazon page
Positive reviews mention that the vaginal applicators were easy to use, and users felt relief from symptoms within a few days.
However, more negative reviews mention that users experienced extra discharge, and the internal cream leaked into their underwear. Additionally, some customers experienced an itching and burning sensation after using this product.
Monistat 7 has an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars on its Amazon page.
Amazon page
Positive reviews state that customers found the applicators easy to insert and reported relief from symptoms after a few days. Some users also say the 7-day treatment has fewer side effects than the 1- or 3-day products.
However, more negative reviews state that customers experienced extra discharge and the product leaked into their underwear. Additionally, several people say the product caused intense itching during the first night.
Side effects and precautions
Monistat states that people may experience the following side effects while using its products:
the following side effects
increase in vaginal itching
increase in vaginal burning
headache
headache
abdominal cramps
The company also recommends that a person stop using the products immediately and contact a healthcare professional if they experience any of the following:
abdominal pain
abdominal pain
rash
rash
hives
hives
severe burning sensation in the vagina
vaginal itching, irritation, or swelling
headache
Monistat also recommends the following precautions:
Do not use while using tampons, douches, spermicides, or other vaginal products.
Do not rely on barrier contraception, such as condoms and dental dams, as the products can damage their integrity and increase the chances of sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
condoms
dental dams
sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
Do not have vaginal intercourse.
Do not scratch at the skin around the vagina.
People should contact a healthcare professional before using this product to ensure it is the right treatment for their circumstances.
Alternatives to Monistat
One alternative to an over-the-counter treatment such as Monistat is fluconazole, a prescription oral antifungal medication. Doctors may recommend taking either fluconazole or an over-the-counter treatment, as both of these options are similarly effective.
similarly effective
People can purchase prescription fluconazole online through telehealth companies such as Wisp and Hers. These companies deliver prescription medications to a local pharmacy or a person’s house after a healthcare professional reviews and approves the request.
Wisp
Hers
Learn more about Hers.
Learn more about Hers.
People may also choose to use home remedies, such as inserting yogurt or garlic into the vagina. However, there is not enough evidence to suggest that these remedies are effective treatments.
not enough evidence
Learn more about home remedies for yeast infections.
Learn more about home remedies for yeast infections.
When to contact a doctor
A person should always contact a healthcare professional if they are experiencing symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection for the first time. A healthcare professional will determine whether the symptoms are a result of a yeast infection or another condition, such as bacterial vaginosis or an STI.
bacterial vaginosis
Learn more about how to tell the difference between bacterial vaginosis and a yeast infection.
Learn more about how to tell the difference between bacterial vaginosis and a yeast infection.
Additionally, healthcare professionals can advise a person whether an over-the-counter treatment will interact with any other medications a person takes.
A person should also contact a healthcare professional if over-the-counter treatments do not relieve symptoms of a yeast infection or make the symptoms worse.
Frequently asked questions
Below are the answers to some frequently asked questions about Monistat.
A person who is pregnant should speak with a healthcare professional before using Monistat.
A healthcare professional will discuss the benefits and risks of taking any medication while a person is pregnant.
A person should choose the Monistat product that is most suitable for their requirements.
People who would prefer a one-time treatment may prefer to purchase Monistat 1. Those who would prefer the dosage of miconazole spread throughout several days may prefer to purchase Monistat 3 or Monistat 7.
When using any Monistat product, a person can expect to have symptoms lessen after 3 days and resolve after 7 days.
If a person’s symptoms do not go away, they should contact a healthcare professional for further advice.
Learn more about how long it takes for a yeast infection to resolve.
Learn more about how long it takes for a yeast infection to resolve.
People who have symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection may use Monistat.
However, a person should contact a healthcare professional to ensure Monistat is the right product to use before purchasing and using any of the company’s products.
Summary
Monistat offers three products that use miconazole nitrate to treat vaginal yeast infections. People can choose either a 1-day, 3-day, or 7-day treatment course.
While Monistat is generally safe for most people, those who experience side effects should stop using the product immediately and contact a healthcare professional for further advice and treatment.