Yeast infection treatment online in Puerto Rico

A vaginal yeast infection (vulvovaginal candidiasis) is an overgrowth of a fungus called Candida, which normally lives in the body. The same fungus causes oral thrush. According to the CDC, about 75% of women will have at least one episode, and 40% to 45% will have two or more.

It is more likely if you are taking antibiotics, are pregnant, have diabetes, or have a weakened immune system from an illness or a medicine. The CDC notes that it is not usually passed on through sex, so your partner does not need treatment. But if your partner has itching or redness on the head of the penis, see balanitis.

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A yeast infection is handled in a doctor visit, with no membership. You pay by card when you request the visit, and you get a full refund if the clinic can’t see you. We do not bill insurance; the lab and the pharmacy charge separately. See all prices.

The most common signs are:

• Itching in the vagina or vulva
• Burning or soreness in the genital area
• Thick white discharge, or more watery discharge than usual
• Pain during sex
• Burning when you urinate
• Redness or swelling of the vulva

A yeast infection is treated with an antifungal: a vaginal cream or suppository, or a pill by mouth. Some creams are sold over the counter, but the CDC advises a medical evaluation and a test if symptoms persist after an over-the-counter product, or come back within 2 months. If appropriate, the doctor prescribes the treatment that fits you.

The doctor gives you a lab order, or refers you for an in-person exam, if this is your first time, if you are pregnant, if you get 3 or more in a year (recurrent yeast infection), if symptoms are not improving or if it could be something else. Other infections look similar (see the causes of vaginal discharge): bacterial vaginosis causes discharge with a bad smell, and some STIs cause discharge or burning. If you may have been exposed, see STI testing and treatment.

In pregnancy treatment is different: see what to know about fluconazole below.

If you are under 21, a parent or legal guardian must sign the consent, stay on camera for the whole visit and show photo ID.

Fluconazole is an antifungal pill used for vaginal yeast infections. Under the CDC’s 2021 treatment guidelines, a single oral dose is one option for an uncomplicated yeast infection; the other is a vaginal cream or suppository, such as clotrimazole or miconazole. For recurrent yeast infections, the CDC describes a maintenance course of weekly fluconazole for 6 months.

MedlinePlus warns that some medicines should not be taken with fluconazole and others need adjustments, so tell the doctor everything you take, including supplements. The most common side effects are headache, dizziness, diarrhea, stomach pain, heartburn and a change in taste.

The pill is not used in pregnancy. The CDC notes that a single dose of fluconazole might be associated with miscarriage and recommends only 7-day vaginal treatments. MedlinePlus warns that fluconazole may harm the fetus. If you could be pregnant, tell the doctor before she prescribes.

The doctor chooses between the pill and a vaginal treatment based on your symptoms, your history and the medicines you use. If appropriate, the doctor prescribes and we send your prescription to your pharmacy. If symptoms persist after treatment, book again: the CDC recommends testing in that case.

MedlinePlus recommends these steps, which help in Puerto Rico’s heat:

• Keep the genital area clean and dry.
• Avoid douching.
• Wear cotton underwear and avoid very tight clothing.
• Change out of wet swimsuits or sweaty clothes soon.

These signs are not a simple yeast infection. For your safety, go to the emergency room or call 911.

• Severe lower belly pain with fever
• Sudden severe pain, vaginal bleeding or fainting if you could be pregnant
• High fever with chills, or vomiting that won’t stop