Most yeast infections typically last from a few days up to about a week when treated properly with antifungal medication. Mild to moderate infections often clear up within 2 to 7 days of treatment, while more severe infections may take one to two weeks to fully resolve
. Key points on duration and treatment include:
- Mild yeast infections may sometimes resolve in as few as 3 days, and rarely, mild infections might clear without treatment, though this is uncommon and not recommended
- Most yeast infections require antifungal medication, either topical (creams, ointments, suppositories) or oral, which usually clears the infection within a week
- Severe or complicated infections may need longer treatment courses, sometimes up to two weeks, and symptoms take longer to subside
- It is important to complete the full prescribed treatment course to prevent recurrence, as stopping treatment early can cause the infection to return
- Symptoms often begin to improve within 24 to 48 hours after starting antifungal therapy, but full resolution takes longer
If symptoms persist beyond one to two weeks despite treatment, or if infections recur frequently, it is advisable to consult a healthcare provider for further evaluation and possibly stronger or alternative treatments
. In summary, with appropriate treatment, most yeast infections last about a week, but duration varies based on severity and treatment adherence.