Can You Go to Urgent Care for a Yeast Infection?

If you’re a woman who has never experienced a vaginal yeast infection, you’re in the minority. Up to 75% of women will have at least one in their lifetime, and an unlucky 45% will experience at least two infections.

If you’re wondering, “Can I go to urgent care for a yeast infection?” — the answer is yes! While a women’s health specialist can be helpful for more complicated cases, most infections can be reliably diagnosed and treated at an urgent care clinic. Learn more about the symptoms of this common condition and determine if it’s time to head to your nearest urgent care clinic.

What Is a Yeast Infection?

An overgrowth of the Candida albicans fungus causes most vaginal yeast infections. Symptoms may look and feel a bit different for everyone, but some of the most common include:

• Itching in the vagina or on the vulva 
• Burning around the vaginal opening during urination
• Painful or uncomfortable sex
• Unusual vaginal discharge that looks like cottage cheese

Less common yeast infection symptoms may include redness or sores in or around the vagina, as well as fever, chills, or vaginal bleeding. Note that it’s very important to get diagnosed by a medical professional if you’ve never had a yeast infection before. These symptoms could be the result of several infections or disorders.

Causes of Yeast Infections

It’s normal for a small amount of Candida albicans to live in the vaginal canal. However, certain factors, like changes in hormones and medications, can disrupt the natural balance. When it grows out of control, you may experience the symptoms listed above. A yeast infection can develop from the following factors:

• Antibiotics: While antibiotics kill the harmful bacteria that make you sick, they can also eradicate the “good bacteria” that help keep Candida in check, leading to yeast overgrowth.
• Hormonal changes: Hormonal changes, such as those during pregnancy, from birth control use, or throughout the menstrual cycle, can contribute to the development of a yeast infection.
• Weakened immune system: Individuals with HIV, AIDS, or those taking immunosuppressant medications are at increased risk for opportunistic infections, including those caused by Candida albicans.
• Stress: Chronic stress can weaken the immune system, making the body more vulnerable to infections.
• Uncontrolled diabetes: Candida yeast feeds on sugar. When blood glucose levels are consistently high, the yeast can grow out of control, resulting in difficult-to-treat infections.

Treatment Options for Yeast Infections

Where can you go if you think you have a yeast infection, and what can you try at home? Here are a few treatment options to consider:

• Over-the-counter medications: If your infection isn’t severe (and you’re sure it’s a yeast infection), you may try an OTC yeast infection treatment such as miconazole suppositories, clotrimazole cream, or a topical steroid to relieve external itching. Milder infections often clear up within one to seven days using these treatments.
• Prescription medications: Higher-strength medications are available by prescription. You may be given a one-dose antifungal pill or a suppository, or your provider may ask you to take the medication differently based on your specific symptoms. Most yeast infections respond to simple treatments that can be easily prescribed by an urgent care provider. It’s important to follow whatever instructions you’re given, or your infection could return.
• Home and natural remedies: There’s a lot of information out there about boric acid suppositories, apple cider vinegar, and yogurt acting as treatments or cures for vaginal yeast infections. The truth is that there isn’t much research to confirm whether these remedies are appropriate to treat a yeast infection. It’s not recommended to try them without guidance from a medical professional.

Role of Urgent Care in Managing Yeast Infections

While yeast infections aren’t typically dangerous or life-threatening, they can be very uncomfortable. Seek urgent care services if over-the-counter medications aren’t providing relief. 

It’s also a good idea to visit an urgent care center if you’ve never had a yeast infection before or are unsure whether your symptoms are caused by one. If you’re experiencing troubling symptoms when your primary care doctor or gynecologist’s office is closed, an urgent care center can help.

Benefits of Visiting Urgent Care for Yeast Infections

A mild yeast infection may clear up on its own, but moderate to severe cases typically won’t resolve without treatment. Untreated yeast infections can sometimes lead to problems such as stomach issues, oral thrush, or — in individuals with compromised immune systems — a body-wide infection known as invasive candidiasis. 

Because yeast infections can cause extreme discomfort, most people want them treated as quickly as possible. An urgent care center can provide same-day diagnosis and treatment without waiting hours or even days for an appointment.

Importance of Timely Medical Attention

Medical testing may be necessary if you’ve never had a yeast infection before or if you’re not sure that what you’re experiencing is a yeast infection. Many other factors can cause vaginal irritation and discharge — from sexually transmitted infections to soap allergies to pregnancy — so your urgent care provider may want to run a few tests to confirm the diagnosis. 

If you have recurring yeast infections, testing is also a good idea to make sure there’s nothing more serious going on. Certain medical conditions, such as uncontrolled diabetes, can complicate yeast infection treatment or make you more susceptible to recurrence. Your provider may recommend a blood test, a sample of vaginal discharge, or other diagnostic tests to better understand the cause of your recurring infections.

Visit Next Level Urgent Care Today

If you’re experiencing symptoms of a possible yeast infection, don’t wait to get relief! Urgent care is a great option for yeast infection treatment due to the convenient appointments available nearly any time of the day. You’ll be able to get a swift diagnosis and expert guidance to help you feel better quickly.

Check out our new patient information and visit Next Level Urgent Care for timely, compassionate care and targeted treatment that gets you back to feeling your best.