What is a vaginal yeast infection?
A vaginal yeast infection (vulvovaginal candidiasis) is one of the most common causes of vaginal itching and discharge in women. It happens when a yeast called Candida — normally present in small amounts — overgrows in the vagina. Typical symptoms include intense itching, a thick white "cottage-cheese" discharge, redness and swelling of the vulva, and burning during urination or sex. A yeast infection is not a sexually transmitted infection. Most uncomplicated cases clear with a single dose of an oral antifungal or a short course of a topical antifungal.
How online yeast infection prescriptions work
You complete a secure online assessment describing your symptoms, allergies, medications, pregnancy status, prior yeast infections, and pharmacy preference. A licensed physician reviews the information and may follow up if more detail is needed. If your symptoms fit an uncomplicated yeast infection and there are no safety concerns, the clinician can send an electronic prescription to your selected pharmacy for same-day pickup in most cases.
Vyta.co does not automatically prescribe. If your answers suggest pregnancy, a first-ever undiagnosed infection, frequent recurrences, fever or pelvic pain, a possible sexually transmitted infection, a medication allergy, or another complicating factor, the clinician may recommend in-person care or testing instead.
Pharmacy pickup
Clinician-reviewed
No charge if not prescribed
When online treatment is appropriate
Telehealth may be appropriate for adult patients with typical yeast infection symptoms — itching, a thick white discharge, and irritation — especially in someone who has had a yeast infection diagnosed before and recognizes the pattern.
Because these symptoms can overlap with bacterial vaginosis and sexually transmitted infections, your clinician reviews the full intake before deciding whether an antifungal is clinically appropriate.
When to see a doctor in person
Online care is not right for every vaginal symptom. Seek in-person care if any of the following apply.
- Pregnancy, fever, or pelvic or lower abdominal pain
- A first-ever suspected yeast infection that has never been diagnosed, or a possible sexually transmitted infection
- Four or more infections in a year (recurrent), or symptoms that do not improve after treatment
First-line therapies for a yeast infection
For an uncomplicated yeast infection, clinicians commonly consider a single 150 mg oral dose of fluconazole, or a topical azole antifungal such as clotrimazole or miconazole used over 1 to 7 days, in line with CDC guidance. Terconazole vaginal cream is an alternative prescription option. Oral fluconazole is convenient because it is a single dose; topical options can be a good fit during pregnancy or when an oral antifungal is not preferred.
Common side effects are usually mild and can include headache, nausea, or stomach upset with oral fluconazole, and local irritation with topical antifungals. Oil-based vaginal creams can weaken latex condoms and diaphragms. Your clinician chooses the medication and duration based on your symptoms, allergies, pregnancy status, and prior treatment.
What causes a yeast infection?
Yeast infections develop when Candida overgrows in the vagina. Recent antibiotic use, uncontrolled diabetes or high blood sugar, pregnancy and hormonal changes, and a weakened immune system all raise the risk. A yeast infection is not a sexually transmitted infection and is not caused by poor hygiene. Once symptomatic, an antifungal is usually needed to clear it.
What if yeast infections keep coming back?
Recurrent yeast infections usually mean four or more episodes in a year. Repeated episodes deserve a fuller evaluation because they may need testing to confirm the diagnosis, a longer course, or maintenance therapy. For recurrent cases, the CDC describes an induction course followed by maintenance — often weekly oral fluconazole for up to six months — to keep symptoms from returning. Vyta.co can help with appropriate simple episodes, but frequent recurrences may be better handled by an in-person primary care clinician or OB-GYN. Read more about recurrent yeast infections →
