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Theresa H. DNP, FNP-BC

A yeast infection or candidiasis, is one of the most common types of vaginal infections with an estimated 75% of people with vaginas experiencing at least one yeast infection during their lifetime. Whether you currently have a yeast infection or want to know how to avoid getting one, we’ve got you covered. Keep reading to learn more about how to get online treatment for a vaginal yeast infection, relieve uncomfortable symptoms and prevent future infections.



Signs & Symptoms
What does a yeast infection feel like?


If you develop a yeast infection, you’ll likely know it. That’s because the symptoms can be really uncomfortable. While the severity of symptoms can vary from person to person and even yeast infection to yeast infection, most people will experience some or all of the following symptoms.  

Yeast infection symptoms

  • Vaginal itching

  • Inflammation in and around the vagina

  • Soreness in and around the vagina

  • Changes in vaginal discharge

Often, a yeast infection produces vaginal discharge that is thick and white – think cottage cheese but some people may have discharge that is thin and watery.

Yeast infection symptoms can overlap with those of other common vaginal infections like bacterial vaginosis and some sexually transmitted infections. If you experience itching, inflammation and soreness in your vagina and vulva, it’s important to determine the cause. Thankfully, you can get a diagnosis, treatment plan and prescription medications for several vaginal conditions, and other conditions that affect your sexual health, online.  



Causes & risk factors
What causes a yeast infection?


Various types of bacteria and fungus live in your body – including in the vagina. Lactobacillus acidophilus is the most common type of bacteria that lives in the vagina. This bacteria helps keep your vagina’s microbiome healthy and balanced. But things like taking antibiotics or hormone changes can upset the ratio of Lactobacillus acidophilus to fungus like the yeast, Candida. When that happens, Candida is allowed to grow out of control and you develop a fungal infection that’s more commonly known as a vaginal yeast infection.  

Yeast infection causes and risk factors

  • Hormone shifts (like during your menstrual cycle or pregnancy)

  • Antibiotics

  • Reaction to spermicides / lubricants

  • Underwear or swimwear that traps moisture

  • Uncontrolled diabetes

  • Weakened immune system



Treatment options
How do you get rid of a yeast infection?


There are numerous brands of over-the-counter (OTC) yeast infection medications. But most OTC yeast infection medications come in creams and suppositories – which can be messy and inconvenient to use. Additionally, OTC medications must often be used for several days. And when you’re experiencing symptoms like vaginal itching, swelling and pain, you don’t want to wait days. You want a way to clear up an infection and get relief as quickly as possible. 

Virtuwell provides fast and convenient prescription yeast infection treatment with just one pill. It’s true – no messy vaginal creams or suppositories needed! Just take one pill orally and the antifungal medication goes to work fast – ridding your vagina of the excess yeast that’s causing your infection and helping your body restore balance.  

Image of the Virtuwell website on an iPhone which allows people to answer questions about their BV symptoms so that they can receive a diagnosis and treatment online.

Virtuwell treats yeast infections online every day

  • Tell us about your symptoms

    A simple questionnaire helps us understand more about how you’re feeling.

  • Quick diagnosis by an expert

    A certified nurse practitioner reviews your answers and tailors a treatment plan to your symptoms.

  • Treatment plan and prescriptions

    A text and email are sent to you when your plan is ready. If needed, we’ll send prescriptions to your pharmacy.

A Virtuwell visit is $0-79 with insurance

Your Virtuwell visit includes a diagnosis, treatment plan and follow-up care. If you choose to use insurance, you’ll likely pay less. 

Fast treatment
Get one-pill yeast infection Rx now

Start a visit



Home & self-care tips
Calming yeast infection symptoms


An internet search for yeast infection treatments can lead you down a rabbit hole of at-home remedies. But the truth is that things like yogurt and probiotics won’t fight off an infection. The only way to effectively treat and clear up a yeast infection is with antifungal medication. However, there are things you can do to relieve and reduce uncomfortable symptoms while your body heals.   

Yeast infection self-care tips

  • Take ibuprofen or acetaminophen for pain and to reduce swelling

  • Soak in a sitz bath of lukewarm water and baking soda to relieve itching

  • Avoid having sex as sex can irritate vaginal tissues and worsen an infection



Prevention tips
How can you avoid another yeast infection?


Yeast infections are really uncomfortable. And if you’ve had one, you probably want to know how to avoid another infection. While there’s no way to 100% protect against a future bout of vaginal candidiasis, there are things you can do to reduce your risk of developing another yeast infection.  



Common questions
Answers to common questions about vaginal yeast infections

It’s always important to listen to your body. Having four or more yeast infections within a 12 month timeframe could be a sign of an underlying medical condition. If you’re experiencing recurrent yeast infections, it’s a good idea to see a provider in person.  

When you have a yeast infection, it’s best to avoid having sex. Vaginal or oral sex can further irritate already inflamed vaginal tissues – causing more swelling, discomfort and pain. To avoid worsening a yeast infection, it’s best to wait until your infection clears up to have sex.

The white curd-like or watery vaginal discharge associated with a yeast infection typically does not have an odor. If you’re experiencing symptoms like vaginal itching, irritation and soreness and notice an odor in your genital area, you could have another type of vaginal infection like bacterial vaginosis or a STI

Yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis are both vaginal infections that share several common symptoms. However, they differ in their root cause. While a yeast infection is caused by a fungus known as Candida, BV is a bacterial infection. This distinction is important as you’ll need an antifungal medication to clear up a yeast infection and an antibiotic to clear up BV.  

No. A yeast infection is not a STI and not contagious. But sex can disrupt your body’s natural chemistry – creating an imbalance where yeast is allowed to flourish. If this happens, you can develop a yeast infection. 

It depends. If left untreated, a yeast infection is likely to worsen and could lead to serious health complications that are more difficult to treat. The easiest way to clear up a yeast infection is with a prescription one-dose antifungal pill. At Virtuwell, we prescribe the oral antifungal medication Diflucan (fluconazole). Most people who take this medication notice that their symptoms resolve and infection clears up within one to three days.