Is the Monistat staying in there long enough?

January 3, 2010 7:59 AM

Question about using Monistat for the first time - is the medicine staying in there long enough?

I called my GYN with a suspected infection of some sort - vaginal itching and a heavier than normal (but clear) discharge, but no unusual odor. I've never had an infection before. The nurse told me to use Monistat 7 for a week and if it didn't get better, call back for an appointment.

The kind I'm using is a cream that comes in an applicator. The problem is, even if I pee immediately beforehand, once I use it I have a strong urge to go again. Usually within half an hour I have to give in, and I see some of the cream in the toilet. Then I'll go again anywhere from 2-6 hours later (I usually put it in before bed) and more cream will be in the toilet. My question is, is enough of the medicine staying in there long enough to do its job properly?

posted by anonymous to health & fitness (8 answers total)

It should be fine. That stuff is as drippy as hell, so I'd recommend a liner or a pad while you're using it. Next time, try the pearl one. It's more expensive, but not as squicky-drippy.
posted by mynameisluka at 8:17 AM on January 3, 2010

Strive to put it in at bedtime, since being horizontal is best, too.

Are you sure don't have a UTI, as well?
posted by Riverine at 9:54 AM on January 3, 2010

I'm really surprised your dr. is making you wait. Usually if you've never had a yeast infection before, they want to check it before you so anything. The messiness is nothing to worry about but you might wait to call back and insist on getting checked, for a UTI as well.
posted by debbie_ann at 10:15 AM on January 3, 2010

I'll ditto debbie_ann - I'm surprised they didn't just have you come in to do a culture before they told you to use anything. It's all of ten minutes, if that. I *think* there's an OTC test now for it, usually near the treatment stuff. I'm not sure it's valid once you've started self-treatment.

Now, for if it's confirmed: When I was on the pill I used to get them all the time. The cream is a goddamn bother. You don't need the fancy name-brand 'pearl' - the three and seven day varieties come in suppository form, in generic if you find the right drugstore, which works better and is less messy. General rule of thumb is more days of treatment = cheaper. That being said, before bed and with a liner is never a bad idea.
posted by cobaltnine at 10:39 AM on January 3, 2010

I called my GYN with a suspected infection of some sort - vaginal itching and a heavier than normal (but clear) discharge, but no unusual odor. I've never had an infection before. The nurse told me to use Monistat 7 for a week and if it didn't get better, call back for an appointment.

This is really surprising, because this doesn't sound like a yeast infection. I can't imagine why they didn't have you come in for a quick check. I've never been to a gyn that would have allowed a nurse to give this kind of advice over the phone.

Yeah, the creams are drippy as heck. I don't like the pearl types, because instead of dripping, it tends to pop out after about a day.
posted by desuetude at 10:46 AM on January 3, 2010

Yeah, it'll probably be fine. Your symptoms should be improving, though--are they?
posted by kathrineg at 2:10 PM on January 3, 2010

I used to get yeast infections all the time, and my doctor said that now that there is a pill (Diflucan, also available generic) they don't recommend Monistat anymore because it isn't super-effective. See if your doc will prescribe Diflucan. Or go buy the "suppository" Monistat, which stays in better.
posted by radioamy at 4:57 PM on January 3, 2010

See if your doc will prescribe Diflucan.

It doesn't work for all strains of yeast, and some women experience some seriously unpleasant side effects. So yeah, doctors still recommend Monistat.

But most importantly, don't go getting yourself a scrip when you aren't even sure you have a yeast infection! Go in and get diagnosed, especially if your symptoms aren't improving.
posted by desuetude at 7:35 PM on January 3, 2010