Yeast infection treatment

A vaginal yeast infection is a fungal infection that causes irritation, discomfort and intense itching of the vagina. Yeast infections can be irritating but are seldom dangerous.

Abnormal vaginal discharge (usually white) along with itching and burning of the vagina and labia are the most common symptoms of a yeast infection. Other symptoms of a yeast infection include:

• Burning sensation during sex and/or urination
• Redness
• Soreness
• Unpleasant odor

The symptoms of a yeast infection can be similar to those of other infections, including sexually transmitted infections (STIs, sometimes referred to as a sexually transmitted disease or STDs).

1. You may have to answer a few questions about symptoms to help us prepare for your visit prior to scheduling your appointment.

2. Check-in varies depending on how you scheduled your appointment.

   If you made your appointment online
   Check in using the email or text message we sent to confirm your appointment. If you prefer to check in using the electronic kiosk, make sure you have your confirmation code.

   If you made your appointment in the clinic
   Sign in at the electronic kiosk.

   If you made a MinuteClinic Virtual Care® appointment
   To join your virtual visit, use the link in the email or text message we sent you to confirm your appointment. Please join 15 minutes before your scheduled visit time. You will need your date of birth and zip code to join the visit.

3. When it's time for your appointment, a provider will call your name.
4. Your provider will conduct a thorough examination based on your reason for visit, presenting symptoms and health history. Charges will be based on examination and services provided during the visit.
5. At the end of your visit, you are provided with a visit summary, receipt and educational material about your diagnosis. At your request, we can send your primary care provider information about your visit.

Vaginal yeast infections are caused by a type of fungus called Candida albicans. These fungi live on most people, but only become a problem when the body’s defense system gets out of balance. Causes include:

• Immune system problems
• Obesity
• Pregnancy
• Tight or moist clothing worn for extended periods such as workout clothing and swimsuits
• Uncontrolled diabetes
• Use of antibiotics for another infection
• Use of steroids for medical reasons such as prednisone

Yeast infections can be transmitted through sexual contact, but they’re not sexually transmitted diseases. They can happen after sex because sex (particularly if using certain contraceptives, like spermicide) can disrupt the natural balance in the vagina that usually keeps Candida yeast under control.

Yeast infections can be transmitted through sexual contact, but they’re not sexually transmitted diseases. They can happen after sex because sex (particularly if using certain contraceptives, like spermicide) can disrupt the natural balance in the vagina that usually keeps Candida yeast under control.

Yeast infections can be treated with over-the-counter and prescription medications and usually go away after a week. Most medications are topical, which means they’re placed directly into the vagina. Sometimes oral medications are used as well. Your MinuteClinic® provider can help you determine which treatment is appropriate for you.

Yeast infections are usually diagnosed by their symptoms. If you’ve had 4 or more yeast infections in a year or have symptoms that suggest a more serious problem (such as stomach pain, fever, vaginal bleeding or painful sex), you may be referred to another health care provider for further evaluation.

If you think you might have a yeast infection, a MinuteClinic provider can assess your symptoms and discuss your health history. They can determine if you have a yeast infection or another vaginal infection. Your provider can develop a treatment plan and help you prevent yeast infections in the future.