Yeast infection treatments usually start to relieve symptoms within about a day, but it can take up to a week for the infection to fully clear, depending on the medicine and how severe the infection is. If symptoms are not improving at all after 3 days or are still present after 7 days, it is important to contact a healthcare provider.

Pill treatments (fluconazole)

• A common oral pill (fluconazole 150 mg) often starts easing itching and discomfort within 24 hours.

• Symptoms usually improve clearly over 1–3 days, and the infection is typically cleared within about 7 days, though more severe or recurrent infections may need extra doses or longer treatment.

Vaginal creams and suppositories

• Products like miconazole or clotrimazole inserted in the vagina (for 1-, 3-, or 7-day courses) may begin reducing itching and irritation within about 24 hours, with noticeable improvement by 3 days.

• Even with a “1-day” product, it can still take the full 7 days for the infection to be completely cured.

When to seek medical help

• See a clinician if symptoms are severe, you have fever, pelvic pain, foul-smelling discharge, or if this is your first suspected yeast infection, because it might be another condition that needs different treatment.

• Also get checked if symptoms don’t improve within 3 days, are not gone in 7 days, or if infections keep coming back, as you may need a different diagnosis or a longer treatment plan.