What is yeast infection?
Vaginal yeast infections (vulvovaginal candidiasis) are caused by overgrowth of Candida yeast — usually Candida albicans, which lives normally on skin and mucous membranes. About 75% of women have at least one in their lifetime; many have several.
Symptoms include intense itching, burning, redness, swelling, and a thick, white, cottage-cheese-like discharge. It's not a sexually transmitted infection, though sexual activity can sometimes trigger it.
Most uncomplicated yeast infections are very treatable — often with a single-dose oral pill (fluconazole) or a short course of topical antifungal. Recurrent cases need a longer course and workup.
Do I have yeast infection? Common signs
If most of these describe what you're experiencing, telehealth may be a good next step:
What causes it
Disruption of the normal vaginal flora that allows Candida to overgrow. Triggers include recent antibiotics, hormonal changes (pregnancy, hormonal birth control), high estrogen states, uncontrolled diabetes, immunosuppression, douching, and tight non-breathable clothing.
Is it contagious?
Vaginal yeast infections are usually not sexually transmitted, but partners can occasionally develop symptoms (itching, redness) from contact. Treatment of asymptomatic partners isn't routinely needed.
The thick, cottage-cheese discharge with intense itch is fairly distinctive — most uncomplicated cases respond to a single-dose pill.
Can it be treated online?
Uncomplicated vaginal yeast infections in non-pregnant women with classic symptoms are well-suited to telehealth. A clinician evaluates your history and symptoms and prescribes fluconazole or a topical antifungal. Telehealth is NOT appropriate if you have fever, pelvic pain, recurrent infections (>4 in a year), pregnancy, severe immunosuppression, or if this is your first yeast infection (would benefit from confirmation by exam).
How yeast infection is treated
Single-dose fluconazole 150mg orally is the most common Rx — convenient and effective for most uncomplicated cases. Topical options include miconazole, clotrimazole, or terconazole creams/suppositories (3–7 days). Severe or recurrent cases may need longer fluconazole courses (3 doses 72 hours apart) or maintenance therapy.
Self-care while you wait
- Wear breathable cotton underwear
- Avoid tight-fitting pants and damp clothes
- Don’t douche or use scented vaginal products
- Wipe front to back
- Probiotics with Lactobacillus may help prevent recurrence (moderate evidence)
- Manage blood sugar if diabetic
- Consider discussing birth control options if recurrence is linked to hormonal contraceptives
How long does it last?
With single-dose fluconazole, most uncomplicated yeast infections clear within 1–3 days. Topical antifungals take 3–7 days. Recurrent cases need a longer course plus a search for underlying triggers.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know it's yeast vs BV (bacterial vaginosis)?
Yeast: thick white cottage-cheese discharge, intense itching, usually no odor. BV: thin grey/white discharge with strong fishy odor, milder itching. A clinician can usually sort it out from your symptom pattern but sometimes confirmation by exam/lab is needed.
Will OTC creams work as well as a prescription?
Yes for most uncomplicated cases — OTC miconazole and clotrimazole are effective. Many women prefer the convenience of a single-dose oral pill (fluconazole), which requires a prescription.
Should my partner be treated?
Usually not. Routine partner treatment doesn't reduce recurrence. If your male partner has itching or rash on the penis, a topical antifungal helps. For female partners, treat if symptomatic.
Why do I keep getting them?
More than 4 in a year is 'recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis' and warrants workup. Common causes: undiagnosed diabetes, hormonal contraceptives, frequent antibiotics, immunosuppression, or non-albicans yeast species needing different treatment.
Is yogurt or boric acid helpful?
Probiotic-rich yogurt has weak evidence. Boric acid suppositories (600mg vaginally for 14 days) have moderate evidence for recurrent cases and non-albicans species — but they require prescription monitoring and aren't safe in pregnancy.
