Vaginal Yeast Infections
Yeast infections, also known as candidiasis, are caused by an overgrowth of a fungus called candida. The candida fungus usually lives harmlessly on the skin and inside the body. When the fungus becomes too prolific, however, it can cause an infection.
Symptoms of a Yeast Infection
Yeast infection symptoms can vary from mild to moderate in severity. If you have a vaginal yeast infection, you may experience:
Itching and discomfort of the vagina or vulva
Pain or a burning sensation, especially while urinating or during sex
Red and swollen vulva
Vaginal rash
Discharge that is thick, white and odorless, with an appearance similar to cottage cheese
What causes yeast infections?
The most common area for a yeast infection is the vagina. In fact, three out of four women get at least one vaginal yeast infection during their lives. While the symptoms can be uncomfortable, most yeast infections disappear quickly with the right treatment.
A yeast infection can happen when the conditions within your vagina change in a way that promotes the growth of the candida fungus. This often occurs when there is a depletion of the beneficial bacteria in the vagina that kill harmful organisms.
While a yeast infection can happen anytime, several risk factors can make a yeast infection more likely to occur.
Antibiotics
Antibiotics kill many types of bacteria, including helpful ones. When you take antibiotics, many of the good bacteria living in your vagina may die, allowing harmful organisms to grow in their place.
Immune System Disorders
Immune system disorders like HIV can make your body less effective at fighting off harmful organisms like candida.
Changes in Hormones
Changes in hormones can upset the balance in your vagina. Birth control pills, pregnancy, breast-feeding and menopause can affect levels of estrogen, a hormone that helps some beneficial bacteria grow.
Sexual Activity
Sexual activity can sometimes spread a yeast infection. However, yeast infections are not considered sexually transmitted infections (STIs) because they usually develop for other reasons.
Vaginal Products
Vaginal products like douches and vaginal sprays can put you at a higher risk for a yeast infection by upsetting the balance between bacteria and fungi in your vagina.
How will an urgent care medical provider treat my vaginal yeast infection?
Many yeast infection medications are available over the counter. These may be in the form of anti-fungal creams, suppositories or ointments. These medications usually need to be applied for up to 7 days to clear up the infection.
Another yeast infection treatment is fluconazole, which comes in a pill form. With this prescription-only yeast infection medication, sometimes just one dose is all that is needed to fight the infection.
What should I expect at my appointment for yeast infection treatment?
At WellNow clinics, the medical provider attending you will ask several questions to understand your symptoms and your medical history. A full medical exam will be conducted to check your general health and diagnose your condition.
This may include a pelvic exam, where the medical provider examines the vulva, cervix, uterus, etc. for possible signs of illness or abnormality. During this exam, the provider may perform a swab, where a small sample of cells is taken from the cervix and/or fluid in the vagina. The sample will be sent to the lab to test for bacterial and fungal cultures.
Based on your medical history and the results of the medical exam and lab tests, your medical provider will recommend the best treatment for you.
When should you visit urgent care for vaginal yeast infection treatment?
If you are experiencing vaginal discomfort and are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, check in online or walk in to a WellNow location nearest you.
This medical information has been reviewed for accuracy by Dr. Robert Biernbaum, Chief Medical Officer for WellNow Urgent Care.
Illnesses We Treat
WellNow Urgent Care treats a variety of illnesses, infections and diseases along with their
associated symptoms. If you are feeling uncomfortable or unwell, our dedicated medical
team is prepared to deliver a personalized and tailored treatment plan to help you get
better, faster.
This list contains our most commonly treated illnesses and symptoms. If you are
experiencing an illness not listed or are unsure of the source of your discomfort, visit a
WellNow location near you or start a virtual care session.