Vaginal Cream and How to Apply It

Prescription and OTC vaginal creams treat dryness, infections, and more

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Vaginal creams are topical medications inserted into the vagina. Some are used to treat a vaginal infection. There are also hormonal creams that can ease vaginal dryness and itching caused by low estrogen levels during menopause or breastfeeding.

This article describes the various types of vaginal creams and how they are used. It also walks you through the proper application of vaginal creams to get the optimal benefits.

Types of Vaginal Cream and Their Uses

Vaginal creams are available over-the-counter (OTC) and by prescription for different purposes, including the treatment of:

  • Vaginal yeast infection: Typically caused by a fungus known as Candida albicans
  • Vaginal atrophy: The menopause-related thinning of vaginal tissues that causes irritation, itching, burning, dryness, inflammation, and painful intercourse
  • Bacterial vaginosis (BV): A vaginal infection caused by an overgrowth of certain bacteria

In addition to vaginal creams, there are also vaginal gels, ointments, and suppositories.

Antifungal Vaginal Cream

A yeast infection is an overgrowth of the Candida albicans fungus 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 suppositories that treat vaginal yeast infection include:

  • Gyne-Lotrimin (clotrimazole)
  • Gynazole (butoconazole)
  • Monistat (miconazole nitrate)
  • Vagistat (tioconazole)

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).

An estrogen vaginal cream can help by delivering estradiol (the main estrogen hormone) directly to vaginal tissues.

Brand names include:

  • Estrace
  • Estring
  • Femring
  • Imvexxy
  • Ortho Dienestrol
  • Premarin
  • Vagifem

Antibiotic Vaginal Cream

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is an infection caused by the overgrowth of bacteria in your vagina. Your healthcare provider may prescribe an antibiotic vaginal cream, such as:

  • Cleocin (clindamycin)
  • MetroGel-Vaginal (metronidazole)

BV can become a recurring infection, in which case your healthcare provider may prescribe an extended-use metronidazole vaginal gel. The medication is typically used twice daily for 10 to 14 days, followed by twice weekly doses for three to six months.

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. Do not use a tampon because it can absorb the drug.

If you need to apply the cream more than once daily, check the application instructions or ask your gynecologist. You can set an alarm on your phone so you don't miss a dose.

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 of antibiotic resistance, making the infection harder to treat in the future.

How to Apply Vaginal Cream

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:

  1. Wash your hands with soap and water to avoid passing bacteria to the vagina.
  2. Open the tube of medicine and screw on the applicator nozzle.
  3. Gently squeeze the tube from the bottom to push enough cream into the applicator barrel. Most applicators have markings to indicate the dose.
  4. Unscrew the applicator from the tube.
  5. Lie on your back with your knees drawn toward you.
  6. Gently insert the applicator fully into your vagina.
  7. Press the plunger down to discharge the medication.
  8. Wash your hands with soap and water again after application.
  9. Clean the applicator.

Cleaning the Applicator

Reusable applicators should be cleaned by pulling the plunger to remove it from the barrel and washing it with mild soap and warm water. Wipe it dry and allow it to air dry while disassembled. You can reassemble it to store away once it is dry.

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.

Storage and Expiration

Most vaginal creams can be stored at room temperature. 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

Certain vaginal infections should be seen by a healthcare provider rather than self-treating the infection.

See your healthcare provider immediately if you have:

  • A yellowing-green, pus-like, or foul-smelling vaginal discharge
  • Vaginal redness and swelling accompanied by high fever
  • Severe vaginal pain, including pain with sex or pain when urinating
  • Signs of a sexually transmitted infection, including chlamydia and gonorrhea

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 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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By Tracee Cornforth
Tracee Cornforth is a freelance writer who covers menstruation, menstrual disorders, and other women's health issues.