Adult Vaginal Yeast Infection Treatment (Vulvovaginal Candidiasis)
MD-only yeast infection care by secure online video visit, $49 flat-fee, no insurance required.
Vulvovaginal candidiasis is a common vaginal yeast infection that typically causes intense itching, irritation, burning, and thick white discharge. Symptoms can overlap with bacterial vaginosis, trichomoniasis, and sexually transmitted infections. Our MDs use guideline-based evaluation to confirm when a yeast infection is likely, review pregnancy status and risk factors, and prescribe evidence-based treatment when telehealth is appropriate.
- $49 flat-fee adult visit
- MD-only care (no mid-levels)
- No insurance required
- Secure video visits in 25+ states
Last reviewed on January 21, 2026 by Parth Bhavsar, MD
Online MD-Only Yeast Infection Care
- Adult 18+ evaluation for itching, irritation, and discharge
- Symptom-based differentiation from BV and STI patterns
- Evidence-based treatment options, including pregnancy-safe choices
- Clear triage for pelvic pain, fever, or recurrent infections
Adults 18+ only. No controlled substances are prescribed through TeleDirectMD. Fever, pelvic pain, pregnancy complications, or concern for STI exposure with new symptoms may require in-person evaluation and testing.
What Is Adult Vaginal Yeast Infection (Vulvovaginal Candidiasis)?
Vulvovaginal candidiasis is an overgrowth of Candida yeast in the vagina and vulva. It commonly causes itching, irritation, external burning, pain with intercourse, and thick white discharge. Some people develop yeast infections after antibiotics, during pregnancy, or with poorly controlled diabetes. Others may have episodes without a clear trigger.
Typical uncomplicated yeast infections can often be treated via telehealth based on symptom pattern and history. Recurrent symptoms, atypical discharge, pelvic pain, fever, or pregnancy-related concerns often require in-person evaluation and testing to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other causes.
Symptoms and Red Flags in Adult Vaginal Yeast Infection
Many yeast infections are straightforward and can be managed through a virtual visit. Certain symptoms suggest bacterial vaginosis, trichomoniasis, cervicitis, pelvic inflammatory disease, or other problems that require in-person evaluation and testing.
| Symptom or situation | What it suggests | Telehealth appropriate? | Red flag requiring urgent in-person care |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intense vulvar itching and irritation | Common yeast infection symptom | Yes, often appropriate | No |
| Thick white discharge without strong odor | Yeast more likely | Yes | No |
| Fishy odor, thin gray discharge | Bacterial vaginosis more likely | Yes, often appropriate | No |
| Frothy yellow-green discharge, vaginal irritation, new partner | Possible trichomoniasis or STI | Telehealth may triage | Needs in-person testing and partner treatment planning |
| Pelvic or lower abdominal pain, fever, or pain with sex plus discharge | Possible pelvic inflammatory disease | No | Urgent in-person evaluation |
| Pregnancy with new vaginal symptoms | Needs pregnancy-safe treatment choices and caution | Yes, with stricter guardrails | Urgent evaluation if bleeding, severe pain, or fever |
| Recurrent symptoms, 4 or more episodes in 12 months | Recurrent VVC or non-albicans species | Telehealth may triage | In-person evaluation and testing recommended |
| Severe vulvar swelling, sores, ulcers, or blistering | Possible HSV or other dermatologic condition | Telehealth may triage | Prompt in-person evaluation if severe or new |
Differential Diagnosis: Yeast Infection vs BV vs STIs
During your TeleDirectMD visit, the MD will use symptom pattern, discharge characteristics, odor, timing, exposures, and prior history to distinguish yeast infection from other common causes of vaginitis.
Findings Consistent With Yeast Infection
- Prominent itching and irritation
- Thick white discharge without strong odor
- External burning, redness, and swelling
- Often follows antibiotics or occurs during pregnancy
Other Conditions Considered
- Bacterial vaginosis: Fishy odor, thin gray discharge, minimal itching.
- Trichomoniasis: Frothy discharge, odor, irritation, STI exposure risk.
- Gonorrhea or chlamydia cervicitis: New partner, bleeding after sex, pelvic discomfort.
- HSV: Painful ulcers or blisters, burning, external tenderness.
If symptoms suggest STI or pelvic inflammatory disease, testing and in-person evaluation are needed for safe care.
When Is a Video Visit Appropriate for Adult Vaginal Yeast Infection?
When a Video Visit Is Appropriate
- Adult 18+ with classic itching and thick white discharge
- No fever and no pelvic or lower abdominal pain
- Not immunocompromised and symptoms are mild to moderate
- No concern for STI exposure requiring immediate testing
- Not pregnant, or pregnant with mild symptoms and clear pregnancy-safe treatment plan
Red Flags Requiring In-Person or ER Care
- Fever, pelvic pain, or lower abdominal pain
- Pregnancy with severe symptoms, bleeding, or systemic illness
- New partner exposure with discharge suggesting STI
- Ulcers, blisters, or severe vulvar swelling
- Recurrent infections or failure to improve after treatment
If any red-flag symptoms are present, in-person evaluation and testing are recommended. TeleDirectMD is not an emergency service.
Treatment Options for Adult Vaginal Yeast Infection
Treatment depends on symptom severity, pregnancy status, and recurrence history. Many uncomplicated yeast infections respond well to short-course antifungal therapy. TeleDirectMD emphasizes accurate diagnosis and avoiding unnecessary antibiotics when symptoms better match BV or STI patterns.
Supportive Measures
- Avoid scented soaps, douches, and new fragranced products during symptoms.
- Wear breathable cotton underwear and avoid tight clothing that traps moisture.
- Avoid intercourse if it worsens irritation until symptoms improve.
Antifungal Treatment
- Oral fluconazole is a common option for non-pregnant adults with uncomplicated VVC when appropriate.
- Topical azole therapies are effective alternatives and are preferred during pregnancy.
- Recurrent or complicated infections may require in-person evaluation and testing to confirm species and guide therapy.
If symptoms are not improving or if the discharge pattern suggests BV or STI, testing is important to avoid incorrect treatment.
Common Medications Used for Adult Vaginal Yeast Infection
The best regimen depends on pregnancy status, symptom severity, and recurrence. The table below shows typical examples an MD may consider for adults appropriate for telehealth.
| Medication | Dose | Duration | When it is used |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fluconazole 150 mg tablet | 150 mg by mouth once as directed | 1 day | Uncomplicated VVC in non-pregnant adults when clinically appropriate |
| Fluconazole 150 mg tablet | 150 mg by mouth once, then repeat 150 mg in 72 hours as directed | 3 days | Selected moderate to severe symptoms in non-pregnant adults when appropriate |
| Miconazole 2% vaginal cream | 1 applicatorful intravaginally at bedtime as directed | 7 days | Pregnancy-safe option and alternative for adults preferring topical therapy |
| Clotrimazole 1% vaginal cream | 1 applicatorful intravaginally at bedtime as directed | 7 days | Pregnancy-safe option and topical alternative |
These are example regimens only. Actual treatment is determined by the MD after reviewing pregnancy status, medication interactions, liver history, recurrence pattern, and diagnostic confidence. During pregnancy, TeleDirectMD uses topical-only options.
Home Care, Expectations, and Return to Normal Activity
Many adults notice improvement in itching and irritation within 24 hours to 72 hours after starting effective therapy, with continued improvement over several days. Persistent symptoms after treatment suggest an alternate diagnosis, resistant species, or reinfection.
- Take medication exactly as prescribed and avoid self-treating repeatedly without evaluation if symptoms recur.
- Avoid irritants and keep the area dry and breathable.
- If symptoms do not improve within 72 hours or worsen, follow up for reassessment and possible testing.
- If you have STI risk, testing is important even if symptoms resemble yeast.
TeleDirectMD Telehealth Disclaimer
TeleDirectMD provides MD-only virtual care for adults using secure video visits to evaluate vaginal symptoms including suspected yeast infection. Visits are $49 flat-fee with no insurance required and are available in 25+ states. Our physicians use evidence-based evaluation to distinguish yeast infection from BV and STI-related causes, prescribe antifungal therapy when appropriate, and clarify when in-person evaluation and testing is needed. TeleDirectMD is not an emergency service.
Adult Vaginal Yeast Infection Treatment FAQs
What are the most common symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection?
Common symptoms include intense itching, irritation, burning, redness, swelling, and thick white discharge. Some people also have discomfort with urination or sex because the vulvar skin is inflamed.
How do you tell yeast infection apart from BV?
Yeast infection usually causes prominent itching and thick white discharge without strong odor. BV often causes a fishy odor and thin gray discharge with less itching. TeleDirectMD evaluates your symptom pattern to guide the most appropriate treatment.
Can TeleDirectMD treat a yeast infection through an online visit for adults?
Yes, for many adults 18+ with classic symptoms and no red flags. Our MDs can review your history, pregnancy status, and symptoms and prescribe antifungal treatment when appropriate.
Is fluconazole safe during pregnancy?
For pregnancy, topical azole therapy is preferred. TeleDirectMD uses topical-only options during pregnancy for suspected VVC.
How quickly should symptoms improve after treatment?
Many adults improve within 24 hours to 72 hours, though full resolution can take several days. If symptoms are not improving, reassessment and testing may be needed.
What if I keep getting yeast infections?
Recurrent symptoms, defined as 4 or more episodes in 12 months, often require in-person evaluation and testing to confirm species and rule out other causes. Your MD can help you plan next steps.
Can antibiotics cause yeast infections?
Yes. Antibiotics can disrupt normal vaginal flora and allow yeast overgrowth. If you develop symptoms after antibiotics, yeast infection is more likely, but evaluation is still important to confirm the pattern.
Do I need STI testing if I think it is yeast?
If you have STI risk factors, new partner exposure, pelvic pain, bleeding, or discharge that is not typical for yeast, testing is important. Yeast symptoms can overlap with other infections.
When should I seek urgent in-person care?
Seek care if you have fever, pelvic pain, pregnancy with severe symptoms, ulcers or blisters, or if symptoms persist despite treatment. Those situations require in-person evaluation and possible testing.
What makes TeleDirectMD different for adult yeast infection care?
TeleDirectMD provides MD-only, evidence-based evaluation by secure video visit with a $49 flat-fee model in 25+ states. We focus on distinguishing yeast infection from BV and STI patterns, prescribing appropriate antifungal therapy, and clear triage for when testing is needed.
Itching and thick white discharge?
$49 flat fee. Adult-only video visits. MD-only care. Get evaluated for yeast infection vs BV or STI patterns with appropriate treatment.