Should I Go To The Hospital For A Yeast Infection

How Is A Yeast Infection Treated

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Yeast infections are usually treated with antifungal medicine. See your doctor or nurse to make sure that you have a vaginal yeast infection and not another type of infection.

Your doctor or nurse can also give you a single dose of antifungal medicine taken by mouth, such as fluconazole . If you get more than four vaginal yeast infections a year, or if your yeast infection doesn’t go away after using over-the-counter treatment, you may need to take regular doses of antifungal medicine for up to six months.

What To Do When A Yeast Infection Wont Go Away

Certain yeast infections are more serious than others, and others can be resistant to medications typically used to treat them. So if your yeast infection isnt going away on its own or with over-the-counter treatment, see a gynecologist or other healthcare provider. You might need further testing and a secondary course of prescription antifungal medication.

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What You Can Do To Treat A Yeast Infection Before Seeing A Doctor Straight From An Ob

An overgrowth of yeast is one of the most common causes of irritation down there in fact, an estimated three out of four women will have a vaginal yeast infection at some point in their lives. While candida albicans is the most likely culprit, there are other fungi that can be present and more difficult to treat. That said, as a practicing gynecologist, I believe it’s perfectly reasonable to try to find relief from a yeast infection at home before making an appointment with your doctor. First, you should know the risks and just how long you should wait for home remedies to work.

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What Are The Symptoms Of A Vaginal Yeast Infection

There are several tell-tale signs of a vaginal yeast infection. These symptoms can include:

A thick, white vaginal discharge with the consistency of cottage cheese.
Small cuts or tiny cracks in the skin of your vulva because of fragile skin in the area.
A burning feeling when you pee.

In some cases, another symptom of a vaginal yeast infection can be pain during sex.

Symptoms of a yeast infection are similar to the symptoms people feel when they have a sexually transmitted infection or other vaginal infection. Contact your healthcare provider if you have any of these symptoms so they can examine you.

How Can I Prevent A Yeast Infection

Strongest Otc Yeast Infection Medication

You can take steps to lower your risk of getting yeast infections:

Avoid scented feminine products.
Change out of sweaty clothes after exercising and swimsuits after swimming.
Always wipe from front to back after using the toilet.

If you think you have a vaginal yeast infection, call 479-482-9268 to set up an appointment with one of our health care providers at Creekside Center for Women.

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Can Yeast Infections Go Away On Their Own

Theres a possibility that a yeast infection can go away on its own. The probability varies from person to person.

If you decide not to treat the infection, however, it might get worse. Theres also the possibility that youve misdiagnosed your condition, and what you thought was candidiasis was a more serious problem.

According to the Mayo Clinic, 75 percent of women will experience a vaginal yeast infection at some point in their lifetime.

The Department of Health and Human Services indicates that about 5 percent of women will experience recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis . This is defined as four or more vaginal yeast infections in 1 year.

RVVC can occur in healthy women, but its more common in women with diabetes or weak immune systems from conditions such as HIV.

Oral Medication Is An Option

Trying an OTC cream is a convenient and effective option to treat a yeast infection, but sometimes women have a sensitivity to the ingredients in the products and it makes irritation and symptoms worse, says Diana Atashroo, MD, a gynecologist at Stanford Pelvic Health Center in Redwood City, California. In that case, you may do better with a prescription single-dose of oral antifungal medicine.

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Should I Call My Doctor Or Nurse If I Think I Have A Yeast Infection

Yes. Seeing your doctor or nurse is the only way to know for sure if you have a yeast infection and not a more serious type of infection.

The signs and symptoms of a yeast infection are a lot like symptoms of other more serious infections, such as STIs and bacterial vaginosis . If left untreated, STIs and BV raise your risk of getting other STIs, including HIV, and can lead to problems getting pregnant. BV can also lead to problems during pregnancy, such as premature delivery.

Do You Have Have Vaginal Yeast Infection Discharge Know These 4 Signs

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The appearance of a vaginal yeast infection discharge is usually a thick chunky milky white discharge. This is usually the classic sign that most women with a vaginal yeast infection discharge notice. There are 4 main characteristics that typically indicate you may have a vaginal yeast infection discharge:

COLOR:milky white discharge or very light yellow discharge.
LOOK:thick, chunky, looks like cottage cheese.
SMELL: usually no smell or odor. In some cases mild yeast bread like odor.
FEEL: intense itching, irritation, swelling and burning around the vulva. Pain during sexual intercourse or during urination.

One of the most common causes of a vaginal yeast infection discharge is a systemic candida overgrowth problem in your body, where the vaginal infection is one of the symptoms. Identifying this common condition is essential for a complete yeast infection cure as well as preventing the infection from growing and spreading further. This is exactly what well cover next how to determine if your vaginal yeast infection discharge is caused by candida overgrowth.

Is Your Vaginal Yeast Infection Discharge Caused by Candida Overgrowth?

VAGINAL YEAST INFECTION SELF TEST The Vaginal Yeast Infection Self Test is specifically designed to help you test your symptoms and evaluate whether they might be connected to a systemic candida overgrowth. This test also includes the proper needed treatment.Start the Test

Vaginal Yeast Infection Discharge Treatment Options

FAQ

What Are The Symptoms

In most instances, a yeast infection is a mild to moderate illness that does not require extensive treatment or a stay in the hospital.

The most common symptoms of a yeast infection include:

Vaginal itching
Whiteish-yellow discharge that often appears lumpy

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, visit Oxford Urgent Care today for prompt treatment.

How Do Doctors Treat Yeast Infections

Your doctor may prescribe medication to treat a vaginal yeast infection. For severe yeast infections or complicated cases, you may be prescribed a 14-day cream or suppository vaginal treatment. Fluconazole is a prescription tablet that often clears up a yeast infection in two or three doses. Prescription medicines often work much more effectively and quicker than over-the-counter medications. If youre especially uncomfortable, you may want to see your doctor to get back to your normal routine quicker.

You can prevent yeast infections by:

Washing your underwear in hot water
Avoid wearing tight pants, pantyhose or tights and leggings
Replace your feminine products regularly
Wear natural fibers, cotton or silk
Dont use scented tampons or pads
Avoid sitting in hot tubs or taking frequent hot baths
Dont sit around in your wet bathing suit

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How Can I Reduce My Risk Of A Yeast Infection

You can often prevent vaginal yeast infections by making a few lifestyle changes. These changes can include:

Not douching douching can kill bacteria that actually control fungus.
Avoiding the use of feminine deodorants.
Not using scented tampons or pads.
Changing out of wet clothing, like bathing suits or gym clothes, as soon as you can.
Wearing cotton underwear and loose-fitting clothes.
Using water-based sexual lubricants.
Keeping your blood sugar levels in a normal range if you have diabetes.

The symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection are similar to other conditions. If you have any questions, a physical exam by your healthcare provider will help.

Do You Have A Yeast Infection

Feeling vaginal itchiness or discomfort? Experiencing burning or pain when you pee? Does it bother you during sexual intercourse? Are you noticing redness or a white cottage-cheese-like discharge? If you are experiencing these symptoms you may have a yeast infection.

Yeast infections, while uncomfortable to experience and uncomfortable to talk about, are actually quite common and occur for a variety of reasons from sexual intercourse to hormone changes to taking antibiotics.

If you suspect you may have a yeast infection, it is important to consult your OB/GYN doctor so they can confirm your diagnosis since there are other conditions and infections that have similar symptoms. Once diagnosed, treatment for a yeast infection typically involves over-the-counter medicinal cream or an oral pill.

For a consultation, or simply to learn more about the causes, symptoms, treatment and cautionary measures for yeast infections, we invite you to schedule an appointment with one of our gynecology experts!

How Often Should You See A Gynecologist

The ACOG recommends that you see your gynecologist at least once a year for a routine checkup, regardless of whether you receive a physical exam or not. You dont need a pelvic or breast exam for most birth control prescriptions or to get tested for sexually transmitted infections.

Dr. Greves also notes that you shouldnt wait to see your gynecologist if youre experiencing odd symptoms and want to get checked out. Even if its no big deal, confirming that you have nothing to worry about can be a weight off of your shoulders.

Should I Try An Otc Treatment

Many women choose to treat their yeast infection with over-the-counter drugs, such as Monistat. While some patients have success with these treatments, others need antibiotics to clear up their infections. While most patients can try over-the-counter treatments, its important to talk with your doctor first.

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The Cost Of Treating A Yeast Infection At Urgent Care

It will likely cost $135- $198 to treat a yeast infection at urgent care without insurance.

Urgent care centers such as CityMD charge $200 for an office visit and charge additional fees if other services are added, such as lab testing.

Insurance Status
Location of the urgent care center
Type of Insurance
Additional Tests and Lab Work
Prescription Medication / Drugs

When To See A Doctor For A Yeast Infection

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Though yeast infections rarely lead to serious health concerns, there are times when you should see your healthcare provider. Contact your provider if:

You are pregnant, because you can pass the infection to your baby.
You are not sure its a yeast infection.
It is the first time you are experiencing symptoms of a yeast infection.
You think it could be an STD or bacterial infection.
You get them frequentlyfour or more infections a yearyour doctor can perform tests to see if there is an underlying cause such as diabetes. It is also possible another type of yeast is causing the infection and you need a different antifungal treatment.

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Can I Get A Yeast Infection From Breastfeeding

Yes. Yeast infections can happen on your nipples or in your breast from breastfeeding. Yeast thrive on milk and moisture. A yeast infection you get while breastfeeding is different from a vaginal yeast infection. However, it is caused by an overgrowth of the same fungus.

Symptoms of thrush during breastfeeding include:

Sore nipples that last more than a few days, especially after several weeks of pain-free breastfeeding
Flaky, shiny, itchy, or cracked nipples
Deep pink and blistered nipples
Shooting pain in the breast during or after feedings

If you have any of these signs or symptoms or think your baby might have thrush in his or her mouth, call your doctor. Learn more about thrush in our Breastfeeding section.

What Should I Do If I Get Repeat Yeast Infections

If you get four or more yeast infections in a year, talk to your doctor or nurse.

About 5% of women get four or more vaginal yeast infections in one year. This is called recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis . RVVC is more common in women with diabetes or weak immune systems, such as with HIV, but it can also happen in otherwise healthy women.

Doctors most often treat RVVC with antifungal medicine for up to six months. Researchers also are studying the effects of a vaccine to help prevent RVVC.

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Causes Of Yeast Infections

A yeast infection can be caused by a number of things, but most often, the fungus Candida albicans is the cause. The vaginal has a natural balance of this substance, as well as other bacteria. However, there are times when there may be an overgrowth of Candida, which leads to the development of a yeast infection. As a result, you may experience a combination of classic symptoms like burning, itching and soreness. Even women who are not sexually active can develop one.

On occasion, other types of Candida fungus may result in a yeast infection, but most treatments, especially those over-the-counter, are made to treat Candida albicans. If you develop a yeast infection that is caused by a different type of candida fungus, you may find it more challenging to treat. When it requires more aggressive treatment, you may have to make an appointment to see your ob/gyn.

How Is Yeast Infection Discharge Tested And Treated

The presence of thick cheesy white discharge with itching and soreness is a clue of yeast infection. However, there are other STD symptoms and infection that can mimic these symptoms. Trichomoniasis symptoms and symptoms of chlamydia, gonorrhea may be similar to a yeast infection. Therefore, it is important to inform your doctor if you are not sure about your symptoms.

Some test done during your clinic visit are gram staining and wet examination. A vaginal swab is used to collect specimen for testing. If candida is diagnosed, you will be treated by your doctor. The good news is that yeast infection discharge can be cured.

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What Are The Symptoms And Signs Of A Yeast Infection

Signs and symptoms of a Candida infection can vary depending on the location of the infection.

In people with weakened immune systems, yest infections can affect various internal organs and cause pain or dysfunction of the organ. People with suppressed immune systems due to AIDS, chemotherapy, steroids or other conditions may contract a yeast infection called esophagitis in their upper gastrointestinal systems. This infection is similar to thrush but extends down the mouth and esophagus to the stomach. Candida esophagitis can cause painful ulcers throughout the GI system, making it too painful to swallow even liquids. If the infection spreads into the intestines, food may be poorly absorbed. People with this condition are in danger of becoming dehydrated. There may be associated pain in the area of the sternum , pain in the upper abdomen, and/or nausea and vomiting.

If Candida gets into the bloodstream, the person may become sick with or without fever. If the infection spreads to the brain, they may have acute changes in mental function or behavior.

Can Vaginal Thrush Be Prevented

Some women find taking preventative measures to stop vaginal thrush doesn’t seem to help much, but others find they do make a difference. So it makes sense to try the following:

Change underwear daily and wash underwear in hot water .
Candida likes moist, warm places. Avoid wearing tight-fitting clothing like jeans and pantyhose, and underwear made from synthetic fibres and panty liners.
Avoid staying in wet clothes like swimming costumes for a long time.
Don’t take antibiotics unless you really need them.
If you have diabetes, keep your blood sugar levels under control.
Always wipe from front to back after going to the toilet.

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Do I Have To Go To The Doctor If I Have Vaginitis

If you have symptoms of vaginitis, its a good idea to see your nurse, doctor, or local Planned Parenthood health center. Vaginitis isn’t usually a major health problem, but if you dont get it treated it can become serious.

There are many different causes of vaginitis, and STDs like gonorrhea and chlamydia can have symptoms that are really similar to vaginitis. Seeing a doctor is the best way to find out exactly whats going on, so you can get the right treatment.

To see whats causing your vaginitis, your doctor may do an exam, look at a sample of your vaginal discharge under a microscope, or do other tests, like a urine test.

If your doctor has diagnosed you with a vaginal yeast infections before and youre having the same symptoms, you can try an over-the-counter yeast infection medicine. But if youre not sure, see your doctor or go to a Planned Parenthood health center. And if you used an over-the-counter medicine but your symptoms dont go away, see a doctor.

How Is Vaginal Thrush Diagnosed

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Thrush can be confused with other conditions that cause itching and redness with or without discharge. These other conditions include herpes infections and bacterial infections.

Your doctor will examine you and take a swab or do further tests to confirm the diagnosis. If you get thrush a lot, they may also want to rule out other medical conditions like diabetes or HIV.