What causes a yeast infection, and how can I treat one?

What is a yeast infection? The short answer:

1. Yeast infections are caused by an overgrowth of Candida fungus. This can happen anywhere on the body, but it often happens in the vagina.
2. Anyone can get a vaginal yeast infection. But using antibiotics, periods of hormonal change and conditions like diabetes can increase yeast infection risk.
3. Yeast infections are diagnosed by licensed medical providers through pelvic exams and samples taken from the infected area. Yeast infection prescription treatments include vaginal suppositories and oral medications.

Vaginal yeast infections can trigger uncomfortable vaginal itching and vaginal irritation. Without the right treatment, you may end up with a stubborn yeast infection that won’t go away.

If you’re wondering if stress can cause a yeast infection or worry that you may be getting a yeast infection before your period, we’ve got your back. Here’s what to know about the causes of vaginal yeast infections. Plus, how Dr. B can help you get a prescription vaginal yeast infection treatment online through a virtual consultation.

So, what is a yeast infection exactly?

A yeast infection is a common fungal infection caused by an overgrowth of the Candida fungus. The Candida family of yeast naturally lives on the skin and inside the body. A yeast infection happens when an imbalance of hormones causes it to grow unchecked. When this happens, uncomfortable symptoms can follow.

Common symptoms of a yeast infection in the vagina include:

• Burning around the vagina
• An itchy vagina or itchy vaginal lips
• A thick, white vaginal discharge
• Pain or soreness around the vagina
• Redness or swelling of the vulva
• Vaginal rash
• Small cuts or cracks in the skin of the vulva
• Pain or burning during intercourse or urination

These symptoms can be similar to other vaginal conditions. To find out which infection you have, seek a diagnosis from a medical provider.

What is the main cause of a yeast infection?

Candida is a family of yeast found naturally in small amounts on the skin and in areas like the throat and vagina. In most cases, Candida is harmless. But when the yeast overgrows, it can upset the healthy balance of bacteria and cause an infection.

Yeast infections can happen to anyone. Vaginal yeast infections are common, affecting up to 75% of people with vaginas at least once in their lifetime. But an overgrowth of Candida can also trigger symptoms on and around the penis.

Factors that can increase your risk of yeast infection include:

• Hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy, breastfeeding or menopause
• Taking birth control pills
• Having uncontrolled diabetes
• Using antibiotics that kill “good” bacteria in the vagina
• Having a compromised or weak immune system
• Using vaginal sprays and douches

Are yeast infections contagious?

It’s uncommon, but a yeast infection can be transmitted through vaginal, oral or anal sex.

Sexually active people with recurrent infections may wonder if sperm can cause a yeast infection. It is possible to have an allergic reaction to your partner’s semen. And sexual activity can disrupt the balance of bacteria in the vagina and lead to a yeast infection. But sperm (on its own) does not cause yeast infections.

People with penises can get yeast infections, too. This is most common when a partner already has a yeast infection. And it happens more often in those who are not circumcised.

Are yeast infections a sexually transmitted illness (STI)?

Yeast infections are not an STI. But they can share similar symptoms with STIs, including herpes and genital warts.

Because they share similar symptoms, you may worry that a yeast infection can cause a false positive herpes test result. But yeast infections are not a common cause of a false positive herpes test.

False results are more likely if:

• You get tested too soon after infection 
• You’re at low risk for infection (you don’t have a partner with herpes)
• You receive results that are near the cutoff levels for positivity 

You can have both a yeast infection and genital herpes at the same time. If you think you have both, see an in-person provider to get the most accurate testing and treatments.

How is a yeast infection diagnosed?

To properly diagnose a yeast infection, a medical provider may:

• Ask about your medical history. This includes your history of vaginal infections, risk factors like diabetes or medications like birth control pills and antibiotics.
• Perform a pelvic exam. To check for signs of infection, your provider may examine your genital area by inserting a speculum into the vagina.
• Take a sample of your vaginal discharge. Your provider may test a sample of vaginal fluid to identify the type of fungus causing the infection. This way, they can determine the best way to treat your yeast infection or another condition

How to treat a yeast infection online

Whether it’s your first or fifth infection, a vaginal suppository or pill for yeast infection can clear up symptoms fast. And Dr. B can help you get those prescription treatments online with a discreet consultation!

Just take a streamlined, chat-like online consult. A licensed provider will review your medical information. If they determine that an online yeast infection prescription medication is appropriate, they’ll send it to your chosen local pharmacy.

Dr. B treats conditions across primary care, dermatology, sexual health and reproductive health. Most patients pay only $15 per consultation. (Some conditions and state telehealth rules require you to meet you provider via video. So those consults cost just a little bit more.) We also have a No-Cost Care program for those who qualify based on financial need.

So don’t wait for relief. Get started today!

How much does online yeast infection treatment cost?

Total yeast infection treatment costs will include an online consultation cost and a medication cost.

With Dr. B, online consultations reviewed independently by a licensed medical provider start at only $15. That’s lower than most doctor copays, and the lowest among telehealth companies!

Some state telehealth laws require patients and providers to meet via video in order for treatment to be prescribed. And sometimes, a provider may need to ask some specific questions about your health history, so they have the details they need to prescribe care. In these cases, patients will meet with a provider briefly via video for review. This consultation cost is a little higher than $15, and providers often have same-day availability.

Medication costs are determined by the type of medication and whether you use insurance coverage or self-pay. With every consultation, Dr. B will display medication costs at pharmacies near you and provide a drug discount card to help you secure that low cost.

For example, the oral yeast infection treatment Diflucan costs around $131.07 at Walmart with our drug discount card—but insurance coverage can bring that down to a copay. For those who self-pay, the generic version of the same medication, Fluconazole, costs less than $4 at Walmart with our drug discount card.

Ready to treat those itchy, burning symptoms ASAP? Take an online consult today!

A recap of yeast infection causes and treatments:

1. Yeast infections are caused by an overgrowth of yeast in the vagina. They can happen because of hormonal changes, using too many antibiotics that kill “good” bacteria, having a weak immune system, and using vaginal douches or sprays.
2. Common treatments include antifungals like Diflucan and Terconazole. These prescription medications come in tablet and vaginal suppository form. 
3. You can treat a yeast infection online with Dr. B. Consultation costs are as low as $15. And we’ll help you find the cheapest yeast infection medication at your local pharmacies.