Adult Yeast Infection Treatment (Vaginal Candidiasis)
Fast MD-only yeast infection care for adults in California by secure online video visit, $49 flat-fee, no insurance required.
Intense vaginal itching, thick white clumpy discharge, and burning around the vulva are classic signs of a vaginal yeast infection (vulvovaginal candidiasis). Our board-certified MDs use guideline-based criteria to distinguish yeast infections from bacterial vaginosis (BV), sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and other causes of irritation, and then prescribe safe, effective treatment when telehealth is appropriate for adults located in California.
- $49 flat-fee visit, no hidden costs
- MD-only care, no mid-level providers
- No insurance required or accepted
- Available for adults in California (and 25+ states)
- Secure, encrypted video visits from home
Online Yeast Infection Care by California-Licensed MDs
- Typical visit length: 10–15 minutes
- Most uncomplicated cases treated same day
- Guideline-based oral and topical options
- No urgent care waiting room or exposure
For adults only (18+). You must be physically located in California at the time of your video visit. We do not prescribe controlled substances or long-term hormone regimens by telehealth.
What Is a Vaginal Yeast Infection (Vaginal Candidiasis)?
A vaginal yeast infection, also called vulvovaginal candidiasis, is an overgrowth of Candida species (most commonly Candida albicans) in the vagina. This imbalance leads to inflammation of the vaginal and vulvar tissues, causing itching, burning, redness, and a thick, white, “cottage cheese-like” discharge.
Many adults have at least one yeast infection in their lifetime. Common triggers include recent antibiotic use, tight or non-breathable clothing, uncontrolled diabetes, high estrogen states, and sometimes no obvious cause. Although uncomfortable, uncomplicated yeast infections are usually not dangerous and respond well to short courses of antifungal medications.
TeleDirectMD focuses on treating uncomplicated vaginal yeast infections in adults. We screen carefully for signs of BV, STIs, pelvic inflammatory disease, pregnancy-related complications, or recurrent or complicated infections, and direct you to in-person evaluation if a video visit alone is not safe.
Common Yeast Infection Symptoms and Red Flags
During your visit, the MD will review your symptoms, medical history, and risk factors to decide whether an uncomplicated yeast infection can be treated by telehealth or whether you need an in-person pelvic exam, testing, or imaging.
| Symptom | What It Suggests | Telehealth appropriate? | Red flag requiring urgent in-person care |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intense vulvar itching | Very common in uncomplicated vaginal yeast infection | Yes, if symptoms are localized and mild to moderate | Severe pain, open sores, or concern for skin breakdown |
| Thick white “cottage cheese” discharge | Classic discharge description for yeast infection | Yes, if no strong odor and typical symptoms | Green, gray, or frothy discharge or strong fishy odor suggesting BV or STI |
| External burning with urination | Irritation of inflamed vulvar skin by urine | Yes, if burning feels external and there is no true urinary frequency | Internal burning, urinary urgency and frequency suggesting UTI |
| Vulvar redness and swelling | Inflammation from candidiasis or contact irritation | Yes, if mild and no systemic symptoms | Extensive swelling, blistering, or suspected allergic reaction |
| Pelvic or lower abdominal pain | Less typical for simple yeast infection | Maybe, requires careful history | Significant pelvic pain, fever, or tenderness concerning for PID or other pathology |
| Fever ≥ 100.4°F (38.0°C) | Uncommon in uncomplicated yeast infection | No | Needs urgent in-person or ER evaluation |
| New bleeding between periods or after sex | May suggest cervical, endometrial, or structural causes | No, not for first evaluation | Requires in-person pelvic exam and further testing |
| Pregnancy with vaginal symptoms | Higher-risk group; requires careful evaluation | Often no; may require in-person care | Any concerning symptoms in pregnancy, especially pain or bleeding |
| Recurrent infections (≥ 4 per year) | Recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis that may need workup | Limited telehealth management only | Needs comprehensive in-person evaluation and long-term plan |
| Severe immunosuppression or uncontrolled diabetes | Higher risk for complicated or atypical infections | Often no; depends on case details | In-person evaluation and possible lab testing recommended |
Conditions That Can Mimic a Yeast Infection
Several other conditions can cause vaginal symptoms similar to a yeast infection. Part of your TeleDirectMD visit is carefully screening for these possibilities and directing you to the right level of care when needed.
- Bacterial vaginosis (BV): Often causes thin gray or white discharge with a fishy odor, usually with less intense itching than yeast.
- Trichomoniasis: A sexually transmitted infection that can cause frothy yellow-green discharge, odor, and irritation.
- Chlamydia or gonorrhea cervicitis: Can cause discharge, bleeding after sex, and pelvic discomfort, sometimes with few symptoms.
- Genital herpes: Painful vesicles or ulcers rather than simple itching, sometimes with flu-like symptoms.
- Dermatitis or contact irritation: Reaction to soaps, detergents, wipes, or products leading to itching and redness.
- Lichen sclerosus or lichen planus: Chronic inflammatory skin conditions requiring in-person examination and often biopsy.
- Urinary tract infection: Internal burning, urinary urgency, and frequency rather than primarily vulvar itching.
When a Video Visit Is Appropriate vs. When to Go In-Person
When a Video Visit Is Appropriate
- Adult 18–64 with classic itching and thick white discharge
- No fever, significant pelvic pain, or abnormal bleeding
- No strong fishy odor or frothy discharge suggesting BV or trichomoniasis
- Not pregnant or recently postpartum
- No severe immunosuppression or poorly controlled diabetes
- Symptoms similar to prior diagnosed yeast infections
- Able to use oral or topical medications safely
- Physically located in California at the time of the video visit
Red Flags Requiring In-Person or ER Care
- Fever ≥ 100.4°F, chills, or feeling very ill
- Significant pelvic or lower abdominal pain
- New vaginal bleeding between periods or after sex
- Pregnancy with vaginal symptoms, especially pain or bleeding
- Extensive vulvar wounds, ulcers, or blistering lesions
- Severe pain with insertion of creams or suppositories
- Recurrent infections (≥ 4 per year) needing full workup
- Severe immunosuppression or other major comorbidities with new symptoms
Treatment Options for Adult Vaginal Yeast Infections
Uncomplicated vaginal yeast infections in otherwise healthy, non-pregnant adults usually respond well to short courses of antifungal treatment. At TeleDirectMD, MDs follow guideline-based practice: using the shortest effective regimen, choosing between oral and topical options based on your history and preferences, and avoiding oral azoles in pregnancy or when pregnancy cannot be reasonably excluded.
Supportive Care
- Keep the vulvar area clean and dry; avoid scented soaps, douches, and irritants.
- Wear loose, breathable cotton underwear and avoid tight, non-breathable clothing.
- Avoid over-washing or scrubbing irritated skin, which can worsen symptoms.
- Consider avoiding panty liners or pads unless needed, as they can trap moisture.
Evidence-Based Antifungal Options (Example Regimens)
The exact medication and duration will depend on symptom severity, prior response, pregnancy status, and other medical conditions. Examples of commonly used regimens for uncomplicated vulvovaginal candidiasis include:
| Medication | Dose | Duration | When used |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fluconazole | 150 mg by mouth once | 1 day | Simple, uncomplicated yeast infection in non-pregnant adults; a second 150 mg dose may be considered after 72 hours in more severe cases. |
| Clotrimazole vaginal cream 1% | 5 g intravaginal once daily | 7 days | Topical alternative for those preferring local therapy or avoiding oral medication. |
| Miconazole vaginal cream 2% | 5 g intravaginal once daily | 7 days | Another topical azole option for uncomplicated infections. |
| Terconazole vaginal cream 0.4% | 5 g intravaginal once daily | 7 days | Used in select cases based on MD judgment and medication availability. |
| Topical barrier ointments | Thin layer to external vulva as needed | Short term | To protect irritated external skin and reduce friction; used along with antifungal therapy. |
TeleDirectMD avoids oral fluconazole during pregnancy and does not manage complex or recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis by telehealth alone. If your history suggests a more complicated condition, we will direct you to in-person gynecologic or primary care for examination and long-term planning.
Home Care, Recovery, and Return to Work
Most adults with uncomplicated vaginal yeast infections begin to feel relief of itching and burning within 24–48 hours after starting effective treatment, although discharge and mild irritation can take several days to fully resolve.
- Use prescribed oral or topical medications exactly as directed and complete the full course.
- Avoid sexual intercourse or use condoms until symptoms have resolved to reduce discomfort and irritation.
- Avoid douching or internal cleansing products, which can worsen the imbalance of normal vaginal flora.
- Monitor your symptoms; note any pattern of frequent recurrences that may require in-person evaluation.
Most people can continue working or return to work while being treated, as yeast infections are not typically dangerous, but discomfort may influence your comfort at work. TeleDirectMD can provide a brief work note when medically appropriate as part of your $49 visit.
Seek in-person or emergency evaluation if you develop new fever, significant pelvic pain, heavy bleeding, severe vulvar swelling, or if your symptoms fail to improve or worsen after completing treatment.
What to Expect From Your TeleDirectMD Visit
TeleDirectMD provides adult-only, MD-only virtual urgent care for common conditions such as vaginal yeast infections. Visits are conducted by secure video, last about 10–15 minutes, and cost $49 as a flat cash fee with no insurance involvement. During your visit, the MD will review your symptoms, medical history, medications, and red flags to decide whether telehealth treatment is safe.
If your case meets criteria for an uncomplicated yeast infection and no red flags are present, we can send an electronic prescription for appropriate oral or topical antifungal medication to your preferred local pharmacy in California. If you need in-person evaluation, pelvic exam, or lab testing instead, we will explain why and guide you on the safest next step.
We do not prescribe controlled substances, long-term hormone therapy, or complex gynecologic regimens by telehealth.
Yeast Infection Treatment FAQ
Can a vaginal yeast infection be treated through an online visit?
Yes. Many uncomplicated vaginal yeast infections in healthy, non-pregnant adults can be safely managed by telehealth. TeleDirectMD MDs confirm classic symptoms, screen for BV and STIs, rule out red flags such as pelvic pain or fever, and ensure no high-risk conditions are present before prescribing medication. If anything suggests a more serious condition, you will be directed to in-person care instead of receiving treatment online.
How do you know it is a yeast infection and not BV or an STI?
We look closely at your symptom pattern, including the type of discharge, presence or absence of odor, degree of itching, pelvic pain, and sexual risk factors. Thick white clumpy discharge with intense itching and minimal odor is more typical of yeast, while strong fishy odor or frothy discharge can suggest BV or trichomoniasis. If your history is atypical or concerning, we will recommend an in-person pelvic exam and testing rather than treating by telehealth alone.
Do I need a pelvic exam or swab before starting treatment?
Not always. For adults with classic, mild to moderate symptoms and prior similar diagnosed yeast infections, guidelines allow empiric treatment without immediate in-person testing. However, if this is your first episode, if symptoms are severe, if you have pelvic pain, bleeding, or recurrent infections, or if there is concern for BV or an STI, we may recommend an in-person pelvic exam and vaginal swabs before or in addition to telehealth treatment.
How quickly will I feel better after starting treatment?
Many adults notice improvement in itching and burning within 24–48 hours of starting effective therapy, but it can take several more days for discharge and skin irritation to fully resolve. If symptoms are not improving after several days, or if they worsen at any point, you should seek in-person re-evaluation to rule out other causes or a resistant infection.
Which medications do you usually prescribe for a yeast infection?
Common options include a single 150 mg oral dose of fluconazole for uncomplicated infections in non-pregnant adults, as well as topical azole creams or suppositories such as clotrimazole, miconazole, or terconazole for several days. The MD will help choose between oral and topical therapy based on your history, preferences, medication interactions, and whether pregnancy is possible.
Is oral fluconazole safe if I might be pregnant?
Oral fluconazole is generally avoided during pregnancy because of safety concerns and because topical azoles are preferred. If you are pregnant or there is a significant chance you might be pregnant, TeleDirectMD will not prescribe oral fluconazole and will often recommend in-person evaluation and pregnancy-safe topical options coordinated with your obstetric or primary care team.
Can you help with recurrent yeast infections?
TeleDirectMD can often help with occasional recurrences, but frequent infections, typically defined as four or more per year, require a more detailed in-person evaluation to look for underlying causes and to consider longer-term therapy. We can provide initial guidance and short-term relief, but ongoing management of recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis is best handled with an in-person clinician.
Do my sexual partners need treatment for a yeast infection?
Vaginal yeast infections are usually not considered classic STIs, and routine partner treatment is not recommended when partners have no symptoms. If a partner develops irritation or rash, they should speak with their own clinician. TeleDirectMD focuses on treating the patient who has booked the visit and does not typically prescribe empiric medication for asymptomatic partners.
Can I still use over-the-counter creams if I see you online?
Many people try over-the-counter azole creams before or along with a telehealth visit. Your MD will ask which products you have used, for how long, and how your symptoms responded. In some cases we may continue or adjust topical therapy, add oral medication if appropriate, or recommend stopping self-treatment and seeking an in-person exam if symptoms have not improved as expected.
Can you give me a work note for a yeast infection?
If your symptoms significantly affect your comfort or ability to work, TeleDirectMD can provide a brief work note as part of the $49 visit, typically for a short period aligned with symptom severity. We do not complete long-term disability, FMLA paperwork, or complex occupational forms for yeast infections.
What if my symptoms do not improve or get worse after treatment?
If your symptoms fail to improve after completing treatment, or if you develop new fever, pelvic pain, heavy bleeding, severe swelling, or other concerning signs, you should seek prompt in-person care. Persistent or worsening symptoms may indicate BV, an STI, another gynecologic condition, or a more resistant yeast infection that requires examination and lab testing.
Are you available outside California for yeast infection care?
TeleDirectMD currently serves adults located in California and in more than 25 additional states, offering MD-only video visits for uncomplicated conditions such as vaginal yeast infections, UTIs, and BV. During booking, you will confirm that you are physically located in a licensed state at the time of your visit so that our physicians can safely and legally provide care.