How to Use Monistat 3

Co-authored by Jessica Gibson | Medically reviewed by Luba Lee, FNP-BC, MS

Last Updated: July 1, 2021 References

If you have an uncomplicated yeast infection (i.e., an infection with mild to moderate symptoms that does not recur frequently and is not associated with any other medical conditions) and want to treat it with an over-the-counter medication, use Monistat 3. Prefilled applicators are easy to use, but messy. Suppositories are quick to insert. Ovules are like suppositories, but they're less likely to leak out and create a mess as they dissolve. Insert 1 prefilled cream applicator, suppository, or ovule into your vagina every day for 3 days. 90% of women get relief from yeast infection symptoms after completing the recommended course of Monistat treatment. Speak to your healthcare provider if you have an allergic reaction, side effects, or if the yeast infection doesn't clear up.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Choosing a Monistat 3 Product

1
Purchase Monistat 3 prefilled cream applicators for a cheap option. The box will come with 3 prefilled applicators that contain medicated cream. Each cream applicator has 200 mg of miconazole nitrate. The package may also have a tube of external anti-itch cream.^{[1]
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- The prefilled cream applicators are thought to be the messiest of the Monistat 3 options, but they're usually the least expensive.
2
Get Monistat 3 suppositories for a simple treatment. A package has 3 suppositories that each contain 200 mg of miconazole nitrate. The package will also come with 3 applicators for inserting the suppositories.^{[2]
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- Suppositories often include a tube of anti-itch cream for external application.
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3
Buy Monistat 3 Less Mess ovules for flexible treatment during the day. If you'd like to use the Monistat treatment during the day instead of at night, buy the Less Mess ovules. The ovules aren't as messy as the Monistat suppositories. A package has 3 doses of 200 mg of miconazole nitrate. The package might also include 1 tube of anti-itch cream to use externally.^{[3]
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- The ovules are similar to suppositories, but they aren't as messy since they dissolve more slowly.

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Inserting the Product

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Wash your hands before using any Monistat product. To prevent the spread of disease, wash your hands well with soap and water. Dry your hands thoroughly to make it easier to open the product packaging.^{[4]
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Use 1 treatment per day for 3 days. Regardless of whether you choose the cream, suppository, or ovule, you'll need repeat the treatment once per day for 3 days.^{[5]
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- Only use 1 treatment rather than combining treatments or using multiple treatments.
3
Apply the cream if you don't mind a messy treatment. Take out a prefilled applicator and unscrew the cap. Push the small end of the plunger into the gray hole at the end of the applicator barrel. Insert the applicator into your vagina as far as it can go comfortably. Push the plunger to get the cream into your vagina.^{[6]
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- Remove and throw away the plunger and applicator.
4
Use a suppository for quick and easy insertion. Separate a suppository wrapper to remove 1 suppository. Set the suppository on the end of 1 applicator and insert it directly into your vagina. Insert it as far as it's comfortable and then pull the applicator back out. Discard the applicator.^{[7]
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- Try to lie down immediately after inserting the suppository since it will start to leak out as it dissolves.
5
Opt for the ovules if you are more active. Push 1 ovule out of the foil packet and set it on the end of 1 applicator. Insert the applicator into your vagina as far as it feels comfortable. Push the end of the applicator toward you so the ovule is released into your vagina.
- Throw away the applicator once you pull it out.

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Using Monistat 3 Effectively

1
Use the prefilled cream applicators or suppositories right before bed. Because the treatment will begin to leak out as it dissolves, try to lie down immediately after inserting the cream or suppository. This is why most women use these Monistat treatments right before bed.^{[8]
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- It's also a good idea to wear pantyliners to protect your underwear from any leakage.
- The Monistat 3 ovules will dissolve without leaking, so you can use these during the day.
2
Avoid using tampons while using a Monistat treatment. While you can treat a yeast infection during your period, don't insert tampons after you've used Monistat. The tampons can absorb the medication, so use pads instead.^{[9]
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Avoid using condoms and rubber-based birth control barriers. You should avoid using condoms, diaphragms, or cervical caps until you've finished the treatment. The Monistat 3 medication can weaken these forms of birth control, so use an alternative form of birth control until treatment is complete.^{[10]
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- For example, switch to a hormonal method such as the pill or an intrauterine device (IUD).
4
Stop using Monistat if you have side effects or an allergic reaction. You may experience some abdominal cramping, headaches, hives, or skin rash. If these side effects don't go away or become worse, you may have an allergic reaction.^{[11]
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- Contact your healthcare provider for advice about whether to stop using the Monistat.
5
Switch to Monistat 7 if you experience burning. Some women notice a brief burning sensation when they start using Monistat 3. If you do, you might want to switch to Monistat 7, which is a lower dose.^{[12]
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- Keep in mind that you'll need to take the treatment for 7 full days instead of 3 because of the difference in dosing.
6
Get medical attention if your symptoms don't improve after 7 days. You should notice an improvement in symptoms within 3 days, but talk with a doctor if the yeast infection isn't gone after 1 week. Your healthcare provider may find that the infection wasn't actually a yeast infection and prescribe a different treatment.^{[13]
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- Talk with your healthcare provider if the same symptoms come back within 2 months of treating it. This can mean that something else is causing your infections.

Warnings

If your yeast infection is associated with an underlying chronic medical condition (such as diabetes) or if you receive regular corticosteroid treatments, your yeast infection will probably not respond well to short-term treatments like Monistat 3. Talk to your healthcare provider about alternative options.

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Speak to your healthcare provider to ensure you do have a yeast infection before using an over-the-counter treatment.

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If you're pregnant or nursing, avoid using Monistat 3.^{[14]
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Research source} Instead, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends using a 7-day topical treatment.

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Talk to your healthcare provider if you have 4 or more yeast infections in a year.^{[15]
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Mayo Clinic
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