A vaginal yeast infection is a fungal infection that causes irritation, discharge and itching of the vagina and the vulva. Vaginal yeast infection can also be called vaginal candidiasis.²

Signs and symptoms of a yeast infection include:³

• Itching in the vagina and vulva

• Burning sensation, especially during intercourse or while urinating

• Redness, swelling and irritation of the vulva

• Vaginal pain and soreness

• Vaginal rash

• Thick, white, odor-free vaginal discharge with a cottage cheese appearance

• Watery vaginal discharge

A yeast infection can lead to minor bleeding, usually due to small cuts, tears or sores caused by the infection.⁴ Cramping is not a common symptom of a yeast infection, but it is possible.⁵

A. yeast infection is characterized by itching and irritation in the vagina and vulva, a burning feeling (mainly during intercourse or while urinating), vaginal pain or soreness, redness and swelling of the vulva and a cottage cheese-like vaginal shedding of fluid and cells.⁶

A yeast infection occurs when the balance of beneficial bacteria and yeast is disrupted. There are many reasons the balance could be disrupted, including:⁷

• Taking antibiotics

• An impaired immune system

• Sitting too long in a wet bathing suit

• Pregnancy and other hormone changes

• Wearing tight clothing that doesn’t breathe

• Scented tampons or vaginal deodorants
  

Yeast infections aren't considered contagious, but in rare cases they can be passed to a sexual partner.⁸

You should wait to have sex until you’re finished with treatment. Sex can cause irritation and certain antifungal medications may weaken the materials used in condoms and diaphragms.⁹

A yeast infection will not go away on its own and requires medication treatment. With proper treatment, a yeast infection can clear up in a few days. Sometimes it can take up to a week.¹⁰

No, a yeast infection requires medication treatment to resolve.¹¹

Recurring yeast infections are often a symptom of an underlying condition like diabetes, HIV or an autoimmune condition. If you are experiencing recurring yeast infections, please contact a medical professional to determine the best course of treatment.¹²

Left untreated, a yeast infection can cause itching, discoloration and inflammation around the vagina, and that cracked skin can lead to infection.¹³

A urinary tract infection, commonly called a UTI, is an infection of the urinary system, while a yeast infection is a fungal infection that causes itchiness, irritation and discharge from the vagina and vulva.¹⁴ Learn more on our blog.

There are a few differences between bacterial vaginosis (BV) and a yeast infection, including:

• BV is caused by a bacterial imbalance. A yeast infection is a fungal infection.

• BV causes a “fishy” smelling discharge that can be gray, white or green. Discharge from a yeast infection does not usually smell strong and resembles cottage cheese.

• BV requires a prescription antibiotic for treatment. Yeast infections can be treated with over-the-counter antifungal medications.

You can have BV and a yeast infection at the same time. Learn more about the differences between the two on our blog.¹⁵

No, a yeast infection will not delay your period.¹⁶

Yes, men can get yeast infections. It can be transmitted by having sexual contact with a woman with a vaginal yeast infection or can develop from other factors like poor hygiene, immune conditions or diabetes.¹⁷

To prevent yeast infections, you can avoid common causes and make a few lifestyle changes, including:¹⁸

• Do not douche

• Avoid the use of feminine deodorants

• Do not use scented tampons or pads

• Change out of wet clothing, like bathing suits or gym clothes, as soon as you can

• Wear cotton underwear and loose-fitting clothes

• Use water-based sexual lubricants

• Manage diabetes and blood sugar levels

Some people try a “candida cleanse diet,” which removes foods such as sugar, white flour, yeast and cheese However, there is little proof that this helps treat a yeast infection.¹⁹

1. National Library of Medicine

2. Mayo Clinic

3. Mayo Clinic

4. Verywell Health

5. Your Health Magazine

6. Mayo Clinic

7. Cleveland Clinic

8. Cleveland Clinic

9. Cleveland Clinic

10. Cleveland Clinic

11. Cleveland Clinic

12. Baylor Medicine

13. Healthline

14. Mayo Clinic

15. Cleveland Clinic

16. Verywell Health

17. Mayo Clinic

18. Cleveland Clinic

19. Mayo Clinic

The best treatment to get rid of yeast infections is with an antifungal medication. The medication can come in a topical or oral form. Some common yeast infection medications include:²⁰

• Fluconazole (oral) (Generic Diflucan®)

• Miconazole Vaginal Cream (Generic Monistat®)

• Miconazole Vaginal Suppository (Generic Monistat®)

• Clotrimazole Topical Cream

• Ketoconazole 2% Cream (Generic Nizoral®)

During pregnancy, it's safe to treat a yeast infection with vaginal creams or suppositories that contain miconazole or clotrimazole. However, do not take the oral fluconazole tablet to treat a yeast infection during pregnancy as it may cause birth defects.²¹

It is recommended that you seek medical attention if you believe you have a yeast infection. The symptoms of yeast infections are similar to other conditions, including sexually transmitted infections. Talking to a medical provider can help ensure that your symptoms are caused by a vaginal yeast infection.²²

You can also receive prescription medications shipped directly to your home by telehealth providers like RedBox Rx. Pricing starts at just $10 per treatment for yeast infections. Start a quick online assessment and one of our U.S. licensed medical providers will determine if medication is right for you.

Yes, but always talk with your doctor or nurse before treating yourself for a vaginal yeast infection. This is because:

• You might not have a yeast infection. As many as two out of three women who buy yeast infection medicine don't really have a yeast infection. Instead, they may have an STI or bacterial vaginosis (BV). STIs and BV require different treatments than yeast infections and, if left untreated, can cause serious health problems.

• You may become resistant to yeast infection medicine. If you do not actually have a yeast infection, treatment can cause your body to become resistant to the medicine.

• Some yeast infection medicine may weaken condoms and diaphragms. This can increase your chance of getting pregnant or an STI when you have sex.

Talk to your healthcare provider about what is best for you, and always read and follow the directions on the medicine carefully.²³

Commonly discussed home remedies for yeast infections include:

• Plain Greek yogurt with live cultures

• Probiotics

• Coconut oil

• Boric acid suppositories

• Apple cider vinegar baths

However, while some people find relief with these remedies, more studies are needed to determine their effectiveness. Seeking treatment from a healthcare provider is the best course of action.²⁴

No, but with proper treatment, a yeast infection can clear up in a few days. Sometimes it can take up to a week.²⁵

Medications prescribed for yeast infection include:²⁶

• Fluconazole (oral) (Generic Diflucan®)

• Miconazole Vaginal Cream (Generic Monistat®)

• Miconazole Vaginal Suppository (Generic Monistat®)

• Clotrimazole Topical Cream

• Ketoconazole 2% Cream (Generic Nizoral®)

Antifungal medication can clear up a yeast infection within three to seven days.²⁷

For chronic or recurring yeast infections, treatment options include:²⁸

• Long-course vaginal therapy: An antifungal medication applied daily for up to two weeks, followed by once a week for six months.

• Multidose oral medication: Two or three doses of an antifungal medication to be taken orally.

• Boric acid therapy: If your yeast infection is resistant to antifungal medication, your provider might recommend boric acid, a capsule inserted into your vagina.

RedBox Rx offers yeast infection treatment starting with a $39 online consult. If prescribed, medication starts at $10 per treatment.

Side effects depend on the anti-fungal medication you use. Side effects of fluconazole include:²⁹

• Headache

• Dizziness

• Diarrhea

• Stomach pain

• Heartburn

• Change in ability to taste food

Side effects of miconazole include:³⁰

• Headache

• Stomach cramping

• Vaginal irritation at application site

Side effects of clotrimazole include:³¹

• Blistering

• Redness

• Swelling

• Itching

• Burning

• Stinging

• Peeling

• Hives

• Skin cracks

Side effects of ketoconazole include:³²

• Itching

• Stinging

• Burning

• Irritation not present before use of the medicine

Yes. Do not stop taking any prescribed antibiotics if you have a yeast infection.³³

It is possible to transfer a yeast infection to a sexual partner. It is best to wait to have sex until the full course of treatment is finished and symptoms have resolved.³⁴

Yes, with RedBox Rx it is easy to get a prescription for yeast infection medications online. Just start a quick online assessment and one of our U.S. licensed medical providers will determine if medication is right for you.

20. Cleveland Clinic

21. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services

22. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services

23. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services

24. Healthline

25. Cleveland Clinic

26. Mayo Clinic

27. Cleveland Clinic

28. Mayo Clinic

29. MedlinePlus

30. Cleveland Clinic

31. MedlinePlus

32. Mayo Clinic

33. Verywell Health

34. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services

View our telehealth and online pharmacy FAQs here.