Yeast infection treatment online available today

With our same-day yeast infection treatment service, you can meet with a top online doctor, get diagnosed, and receive the treatment you need. Our doctors can determine whether you have a yeast infection and prescribe the best yeast infection treatment plan for you.*

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*Prescriptions are provided at the doctor’s discretion. Learn more about our controlled substances policy and how you can save up to 80% with our prescription discount card. PlushCare doctors cannot treat all cases of yeast infections. Our primary care physicians can conduct an initial evaluation of your symptoms but may need to refer you to a specialist or for in-person treatment. If you are experiencing life-threatening symptoms, seek emergency medical attention immediately.

What Is a yeast infection?

A yeast infection, also known as candida vulvovaginitis, is a common infection that 3 out of 4 women will experience throughout their lives. Yeast infections are not considered sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Every woman's vagina has a delicate balance of live bacteria and yeast cells. When this balance is thrown off, yeast cells can multiply, which may result in a yeast infection. 

Common yeast infection causes include:

  • Lifestyle habits

  • Environmental changes

  • Skin-to-skin contact with someone who has a yeast infection

  • Health conditions

  • Other cyclical changes in a woman's body

The most common bacteria found in a healthy vagina are Lactobacillus acidophilus, which moderates the growth of yeast cells and helps susceptible parts of your body fight off infections. If your body's natural balance of yeast levels is thrown off, you will likely experience various uncomfortable symptoms.

While yeast infections may go away independently, treatment with yeast infection medicine can provide faster, more effective relief.

Failing to treat a yeast infection prolongs discomfort and may lead to various health complications.

Fortunately, treatments for yeast infections are easy to access and simple to use.

Yeast infection causes

  • The overgrowth of the yeast candida typically occurs when the vagina's environment is imbalanced. A change in the pH or a disruption of the bacteria that keep yeast in check can cause an overgrowth of yeast, causing a vaginal yeast infection.

    Yeast infections often occur after taking a course of antibiotics. This happens because antibiotics can kill off important bacteria in the vagina that keep yeast from growing out of control. Many doctors can prescribe yeast infection medication along with antibiotics, if you know that taking a round of antibiotics will give you a yeast infection. Yeast infections can also be passed on to men from their sexual partner.

How do I know I have a yeast infection?

Yeast infections are one of the most common types of vaginal infections. The most common yeast infection symptoms include:

  • What does a yeast infection feel like?

    • Stinging sensations in the vagina or vulva

    • Persistent itchiness in the genital area

    • Pain during intercourse

    • Pain during urination

    • Stinging sensations in the vagina or vulva

    • Pain during intercourse

    What does a yeast infection look like?

    • Thick, lumpy vaginal discharge

    • Redness in the vagina and vulva

    • Swelling of the labia and vulva

    What does a yeast infection smell like?

    • Strong, musty odor

    • Fishy, sour odor

    • Otherwise, abnormal smell

    Yeast infection symptoms are similar to other vaginal infections and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), according to the Office on Women's Health. If you have a more serious infection and not a yeast infection, it can lead to major health problems.

    You should contact a doctor to ensure that you are experiencing a yeast infection.

    Treatment for yeast infections is relatively straightforward, but self-diagnosing may make the problem worse.

What is the fastest way to get rid of a yeast infection?

The fastest way to get rid of a yeast infection is to schedule a doctor's appointment and get prescription yeast infection medicine. One of the best prescription options is Diflucan. Over-the-counter treatment, such as Monistat (Miconzaole), is also an effective treatment option.

Many women wonder, will a yeast infection go away on its own? The answer depends on how serious it is.

If you experience mild symptoms, you may let the yeast infection run its course or use a home remedy to relieve your symptoms.

However, if your symptoms are uncomfortable or last more than 3 days, you may want to speak with your doctor and decide on a treatment plan.

Yeast infection medication

  • Prescription medication

    Oral antifungal medications are used to clear acute symptoms quickly. Prescription strength antifungal creams can also be used if oral antifungal medications are ineffective.

    Oral fluconazole is a powerful prescription antifungal used to treat yeast infections from the inside out. It’s not recommended for pregnant women due to the potential harm it could cause the fetus.

  • Over the counter yeast infection treatment

    Non-prescription vaginal creams and suppositories can help treat yeast infections. Monistat, Vagisil, and AZO Yeast are the most common brands, which contain ingredients designed to kill yeast upon contact.

    (Refrain from using condoms as a main form of birth control while on these regimens, as the ingredients may also weaken latex).

    Creams are applied topically, while suppositories are inserted into the vagina where they dissolve.

    These medicines can be purchased at any drugstore and come in various strengths to lengthen or shorten a treatment period.

How to prevent yeast infections

Most of the time, the cause of a yeast infection is unknown. However, there are some common factors that can increase the risk of a yeast infection:

  • Use of broad-spectrum antibiotics can increase likelihood of developing a yeast infection in 25-33% of individuals

  • Increased estrogen levels appear appear to promote candida overgrowth, specifically when using an oral contraceptive that is high in estrogen, during pregnancy, and during estrogen therapy

  • Immunocompromised individuals tend to have higher rates of yeast infection, especially individuals with HIV or those taking corticosteroids

  • Diabetes can increase the likelihood of yeast infections due to high blood sugar—people with diabetes are more likely to acquire a vaginal infection than those who do not have diabetes

There are also some lifestyle changes you can make if you experience frequent yeast infections:

  • Wear cotton underwear: Cotton allows the skin to breathe and won’t trap moisture that can contribute to the growth of yeast and bacteria.

  • Wash and dry off after exercising: Like wearing cotton underwear, staying clean and dry helps prevent yeast overgrowth.

  • Try a probiotic: Taking a daily probiotic helps promote healthy vaginal flora and can help keep yeast in check.

When to see a doctor for a yeast infection

As with any women's health concern, you should always consult a doctor to prescribe appropriate treatment. Insufficient treatment can cause recurring symptoms or chronic infections.

People of menstrual age are more likely to experience yeast infections than younger people with vaginas who have not yet started menstruating. This is likely due to many different factors, but the hormonal changes that bring about menstruation can play a role in increasing yeast infection risk for some people.

Among people who get recurring yeast infections, many report experiencing symptoms at the same time every month, in sync with their menstrual cycle. High levels of estrogen can lead to candida overgrowth, and estrogen increases after your period. Yeast infections that occur before your period may be due to changes in vaginal pH that happen during that time as part of your cycle.

While the naturally occurring yeast in the vagina does not produce an infection under usual circumstances, illness, injuries, certain medication, and stressful events can all lead to an overgrowth of candida.

Yeast infection treatment FAQs

  • How do I get rid of yeast infection in 24 hours?

    The fastest way to get rid of a yeast infection is to get prescription antifungal medication. The most common oral antifungal prescribed to treat yeast infections is oral fluconazole. Often, one dose is enough to get rid of the yeast infection, and symptoms can start to clear up the same day that you take it. Our doctors can send same day prescriptions to your local pharmacy after an initial online consultation.

  • How long does It take to recover from yeast infections?

    Without treatment, recovering from a yeast infection takes 3-7 days. It can take 2 weeks to recover from a moderate to severe yeast infection.

    If you are experiencing symptoms of a yeast infection, it is important to seek medical treatment for the following reasons:

    • It may not be what you think. Yeast infection symptoms are similar to those of other genital infections and sexually transmitted infections. Before you choose not to treat the problem, you need to know exactly what the problem is.

    • It could get worse. Even if your symptoms start out mild, choosing not to treat them could worsen the infection. If the cause of your yeast infection is environmental or because of a lifestyle habit, not treating yourself could make your body more vulnerable to other infections.

    • It could infect your partner. Choosing to opt out of treatment when you have a sexual partner can cause problems for both of you. Yeast infections can be transmitted back and forth through genital contact. Without treatment and with continued sexual contact, your partner may develop a yeast infection. The infection may continue to be transmitted until one of you seeks treatment.

    In mild cases of yeast infection, the problem may go away by itself. However, without knowing the cause of your yeast infection, choosing not to treat it may worsen it.

    You should contact your doctor before you let a yeast infection go away on its own.

  • How do you know when a yeast infection is gone?

    To know if your yeast infection is going away, you should experience these stages:

    • First, you will notice that vaginal discharge has returned to a normal consistency and smell.

    • Second, you will notice that itching has gone away, alleviating much of the discomfort associated with the infection.

    • Third, you will notice that any rash, swelling, or redness has subsided. Your genitals should return to a healthy appearance and feel.

    Other forms of yeast infection, like a yeast infection of the breast (common during breastfeeding), may take longer to disappear completely.

    Talk to your doctor to ensure you choose the right treatment option for your yeast infection.

  • How to get rid of a yeast infection?

    The best yeast infection treatment consists of antifungal medications. Oral antifungal pills are stronger than over the counter antifungal treatments, and are a prescription medication that you can get after a doctor visit. You can consult with one of our board-certified doctors through your phone or computer, and if you qualify, get prescribed yeast infection treatment online.

  • What are the signs that a yeast infection is something else?

    If you decide to let a yeast infection go away on its own, you should be especially wary of these symptoms which may indicate a more serious problem. If you experience any of the following symptoms, you should contact your doctor and seek treatment immediately.

    • Vaginal discharge with a sour, pungent odor may indicate a sexually transmitted infection or disease, including genital herpes and trichomoniasis.

    • Itching near your anus may be a sign of hemorrhoids or other genital infections.

    • Blood in your stool/near your vulva is also a symptom of hemorrhoids. Contact your doctor immediately should you experience this.

    • Fishy white or gray discharge is a strong odor associated with thin white or grey discharge that could indicate Bacterial Vaginosis, a bacterial infection of the vagina.

    • Prolonged itchiness

       

      is associated with the use of a new hygiene product or detergent, allergic reactions to ingredients in soaps or detergents could cause itchiness in the vaginal area. Changing your hygiene regimen may relieve these symptoms.

3 simple steps to get yeast infection treatment online today

Step 1

Book a yeast infection treatment appointment.

Book a same day appointment from anywhere.

Step 2

Talk to your medical provider regarding your yeast infection symptoms.

Visit with a doctor on your smartphone or computer.

Step 3

Pick up a prescription for your yeast infection.

We can send prescriptions to any local pharmacy.

Related conditions to yeast infections

Vaginal concerns can be a common occurrence. Sometimes the cause is obvious, such as changes in menstrual cycle, sexual activity, or a new product you may be using. Other times, the cause may not be as clear. If you've had a yeast infection before, it may be easy to assume your yeast infection symptoms have the same cause, but that is not always the case. There are a few conditions with symptoms that can be mistaken for yeast infection symptoms.

  • Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

    Sexually transmitted infections often have similar symptoms to yeast infections, as they may cause vaginitis, an irritation of your vagina or vulva. Other symptoms may include vaginal discharge, burning, itching, painful sex, bleeding, and vaginal odor. These are the most common STIs that cause these symptoms:

    • Trichomoniasis is caused by the organism Trichomonas vaginalis. If you do experience symptoms, they may include vaginal itching, discharge, burning, painful sex or lower abdominal pain.

    • Gonorrhea and chlamydia can also be either symptomatic or asymptomatic. If you have symptoms, they can include vaginal discharge, burning, or lower abdominal pain.

    • An unfamiliar but common STI is called mycoplasma genitalium (MG). You can also have MG without any symptoms, however common symptoms include vaginal discharge, bleeding or pain with sex, and lower abdominal pain.

    The symptoms mentioned above can also appear in the rectal or oral areas. Since STIs can be asymptomatic, it’s important to follow up with your physician regularly and undergo routine STI testing in addition to when you have symptoms.

  • Bacterial vaginosis

    Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is an extremely common cause of vaginal discharge in women. BV occurs when there is an imbalance in the bacterial environment in the vagina. Symptoms of bacterial vaginosis include having thin, white vaginal discharge that is sometimes described as having a fishy odor. While bacterial vaginosis isn’t a sexually transmitted infection, being sexually active or having multiple sexual partners can increase your risk for it.

  • Other skin conditions

    Skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis as well as lichen sclerosus, an inflammatory condition that is more common in postmenopausal people, can appear similar to symptoms of a yeast infection. The main symptom of lichen sclerosus is severe itching.

Yeast infection treatment pricing details

How pricing works

To request yeast infection treatment and get a new prescription or refill on your prescription, join our monthly membership and get discounted visits.

Paying with insurance

Membership

$16.99/month

First month free

Visits

Copay

30 days of free membership

  • Same-day appointments 7 days a week

  • Unlimited messages with your Care Team

  • Prescription discount card to save up to 80%

  • Exclusive discounts on lab tests

  • Free memberships for your family

  • Cancel anytime

Visit price with insurance

Often the same as an office visit. Most patients with in-network insurance pay $30 or less!

  • We accept these insurance plans and many more:

    • Humana
    • Aetna
    • United Healthcare

Paying without insurance

Membership

$16.99/month

First month free

Visits

$129

30 days of free membership

  • Same-day appointments 7 days a week

  • Unlimited messages with your Care Team

  • Prescription discount card to save up to 80%

  • Exclusive discounts on lab tests

  • Free memberships for your family

  • Cancel anytime

Visit price without insurance

Initial visits are $129.

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If we're unable to treat you, we'll provide a full refund.

Sources:

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PlushCare content is reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, nutritionists, and other healthcare professionals. Learn more about our editorial standards and meet the medical team. The PlushCare site or any linked materials are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment.