Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsTypesIndicationsApplicationCleaning InstructionsStorage
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Types
Indications
Application
Cleaning Instructions
Storage
Types of Vaginal Cream and Their Uses
In addition to vaginal creams, there are also vaginal gels, ointments, and suppositories.
Antifungal Vaginal Cream
Ayeast infectionis an overgrowth of theCandida albicansfungus that normally reside in the vagina. Most cases can be treated with an OTC antifungal vaginal cream or suppository.
Vaginal yeast infection treatments typically come in one-day, three-day, and seven-day strengths.
OTC vaginal creams or suppositoriesthat treat vaginal yeast infection include:
The Best OTC Yeast Infection Medicines
Estrogen Vaginal Cream
With menopause, vaginal atrophy can develop as estrogen levels drop. This happens when vaginal tissues start to thin, dry, and become inflamed. It can lead to itchiness, burning, dryness, inflammation, and pain during sex (dyspareunia).
Brand names include:
Antibiotic Vaginal Cream
What Is Bacterial Vaginosis?
When to Apply Vaginal Cream
Vaginal cream is easiest to apply just before bedtime. This will help the medication stay in place better than daytime hours when the drug can seep out. You may want to wear a panty liner if you are not going to be going to bed immediately.
If you need to apply the cream more than once daily, check the application instructions or ask your gynecologist about insertion times. You can set an alarm on your phone so you don’t miss a dose.
A Word About AntibioticsIf you’ve been prescribed an antibiotic cream for bacterial vaginosis, complete the course of treatment as directed. Never stop early, even if your symptoms resolve. Incomplete treatment increases the risk ofantibiotic resistance, making the infection harder to treat in the future.
A Word About Antibiotics
If you’ve been prescribed an antibiotic cream for bacterial vaginosis, complete the course of treatment as directed. Never stop early, even if your symptoms resolve. Incomplete treatment increases the risk ofantibiotic resistance, making the infection harder to treat in the future.
How to Apply Vaginal Cream
Verywell / Brianna Gilmartin
Vaginal creams usually come in a tube with an applicator nozzle that looks like a syringe and has a plunger. Find a comfortable place where you can apply the medicine lying down. Place a towel under you to prevent spillage.
To apply vaginal cream:
As mentioned previously, applying vaginal cream right before bed is often suggested. This allows the medicine to stay in place and work more effectively.If you have questions about how long it’s best to remain lying down after application or the best time to use a vaginal cream, speak with your healthcare provider.
Can I Apply Estradiol Cream With My Finger?You can apply topical estradiol using your fingers. However, it is important to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after applying. Topical estradiol can be harmful to men, children, or pets who touch the medicine either on your skin or in the container. If someone at risk comes in contact with this cream, they should wash with soap and water as soon as possible.
Can I Apply Estradiol Cream With My Finger?
You can apply topical estradiol using your fingers. However, it is important to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after applying. Topical estradiol can be harmful to men, children, or pets who touch the medicine either on your skin or in the container. If someone at risk comes in contact with this cream, they should wash with soap and water as soon as possible.
Cleaning the Applicator
Never boil your reusable applicator or use extremely hot water, as this can cause the plastic to melt or deteriorate.
If you are using vaginal cream to treat an infection, you should discard the applicator once you have finished your course of treatment. The used applicator could transfer yeast, bacteria, and other microorganisms if you were to reuse it in the future.
Never Share!Never share a vaginal applicator with others, even if it has been thoroughly sanitized. Doing so increases the risk of transmission of bacteria and other potentially harmful organisms.
Never Share!
Never share a vaginal applicator with others, even if it has been thoroughly sanitized. Doing so increases the risk of transmission of bacteria and other potentially harmful organisms.
Storage and Expiration
Most vaginal creams can be stored at room temperature away from heat and moisture.With that said, many prescription creams are for one use only and are not meant to be saved. Check with your healthcare provider if you are unsure.
If can save a vaginal cream, keep an eye on the expiration date. Dispose of the product if it has expired.
When to See a Healthcare Provider
See your healthcare provider immediately if you have:
Summary
Vaginal creams are medicines inserted into the vagina to treat a bacterial or fungal infection or to deliver estrogen to people with vaginal atrophy (thinning). It is important to apply the cream as directed to get the optimal result. If you have signs of a severe vaginal infection, see a healthcare provider.
6 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Martens M.Patient preferences in the treatment of vaginal candidiasis.Open J Obstet Gynecol. 2018 Oct;8(12):1147-1155. doi:10.4236/ojog.2018.812116Naumova I, Castelo-Branco C.Current treatment options for postmenopausal vaginal atrophy.Int J Women’s Health. 2018 Jul;10(1):387-395. doi:10.2147/IJWH.S158913Faught B, Reyes S.Characterization and treatment of recurrent bacterial vaginosis.J Womens Health (Larchmt). 2019 Sep;28(9):1218-1226. doi:10.1089/jwh.2018.7383MedlinePlus.Clotrimazole Vaginal.SafeMedication.How to Use Vaginal Tablets, Suppositories, and Creams.MedlinePlus.Estradiol Topical.
6 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Martens M.Patient preferences in the treatment of vaginal candidiasis.Open J Obstet Gynecol. 2018 Oct;8(12):1147-1155. doi:10.4236/ojog.2018.812116Naumova I, Castelo-Branco C.Current treatment options for postmenopausal vaginal atrophy.Int J Women’s Health. 2018 Jul;10(1):387-395. doi:10.2147/IJWH.S158913Faught B, Reyes S.Characterization and treatment of recurrent bacterial vaginosis.J Womens Health (Larchmt). 2019 Sep;28(9):1218-1226. doi:10.1089/jwh.2018.7383MedlinePlus.Clotrimazole Vaginal.SafeMedication.How to Use Vaginal Tablets, Suppositories, and Creams.MedlinePlus.Estradiol Topical.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Martens M.Patient preferences in the treatment of vaginal candidiasis.Open J Obstet Gynecol. 2018 Oct;8(12):1147-1155. doi:10.4236/ojog.2018.812116Naumova I, Castelo-Branco C.Current treatment options for postmenopausal vaginal atrophy.Int J Women’s Health. 2018 Jul;10(1):387-395. doi:10.2147/IJWH.S158913Faught B, Reyes S.Characterization and treatment of recurrent bacterial vaginosis.J Womens Health (Larchmt). 2019 Sep;28(9):1218-1226. doi:10.1089/jwh.2018.7383MedlinePlus.Clotrimazole Vaginal.SafeMedication.How to Use Vaginal Tablets, Suppositories, and Creams.MedlinePlus.Estradiol Topical.
Martens M.Patient preferences in the treatment of vaginal candidiasis.Open J Obstet Gynecol. 2018 Oct;8(12):1147-1155. doi:10.4236/ojog.2018.812116
Naumova I, Castelo-Branco C.Current treatment options for postmenopausal vaginal atrophy.Int J Women’s Health. 2018 Jul;10(1):387-395. doi:10.2147/IJWH.S158913
Faught B, Reyes S.Characterization and treatment of recurrent bacterial vaginosis.J Womens Health (Larchmt). 2019 Sep;28(9):1218-1226. doi:10.1089/jwh.2018.7383
MedlinePlus.Clotrimazole Vaginal.
SafeMedication.How to Use Vaginal Tablets, Suppositories, and Creams.
MedlinePlus.Estradiol Topical.
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