Women's Health
Vaginal & Urinary Infections — Private, Same-Day Care
Itching, unusual discharge, burning, or that unmistakable feeling that something is off — these symptoms are common, they are treatable, and you do not have to figure them out alone. A licensed provider can evaluate your symptoms today, privately.
Start a VisitAbout vaginal and urinary infections
🔬 You are not alone — and getting help is simpler than you think
Vaginal infections are among the most common reasons women seek medical care. Yeast infections affect roughly three out of four women at some point in their lives. Bacterial vaginosis is the most common cause of unusual vaginal discharge in women of reproductive age. And urinary tract infections send millions of women to clinics every year.
Despite how common they are, these conditions are often handled with guesswork — a trip to the drugstore, an OTC treatment that may or may not be right, and days of discomfort hoping it resolves. The problem is that yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis, and UTIs have overlapping symptoms but completely different causes and treatments. Using the wrong treatment may cause local irritation, delay the correct diagnosis, and leave the underlying condition untreated.
A telehealth visit cuts through the guesswork. A licensed provider evaluates your specific symptoms, asks the right questions, and recommends the right treatment — from the privacy of wherever you are.
What we treat in this category
Vaginal yeast infections (vulvovaginal candidiasis), bacterial vaginosis (BV), trichomoniasis, and UTI symptoms with vaginal involvement. For a dedicated UTI page including urinary frequency, urgency, and painful urination without vaginal symptoms, see our Urinary Tract Infections page.
⚠️ Seek in-person care if you have:
Pelvic pain or lower abdominal pain alongside vaginal symptoms (possible pelvic inflammatory disease), high fever with vaginal or urinary symptoms, unusual vaginal bleeding, sores, blisters, or lesions on or around the vulva, or symptoms that have been severe or significantly worsening for more than a week. These warrant in-person evaluation. If you are concerned about a possible STI, see our STI Testing & Treatment page.
Conditions we treat
📋 Four common infections, four different causes
One of the most important things to know about vaginal and urinary infections is that they look similar but are caused by very different organisms — which means they require completely different treatments. Getting the right diagnosis matters more than getting treated fast.
🍄 Yeast infection (vulvovaginal candidiasis / VVC)
Fungal — treated with antifungalsCaused by an overgrowth of Candida yeast — most commonly Candida albicans — that naturally lives in small amounts in the vagina. A yeast infection occurs when that balance tips, often triggered by antibiotics (which kill the bacteria that keep yeast in check), hormonal changes, high blood sugar, a weakened immune system, or prolonged moisture. The hallmark symptoms are intense itching, a thick white discharge, and vulvar redness or swelling. Burning during urination or intercourse is common. Yeast infections are not generally considered sexually transmitted, and partners usually do not need treatment. A partner who develops genital redness, itching, or irritation should seek their own evaluation. Most yeast infections respond quickly to antifungal treatment — OTC options work well for straightforward cases, but a provider visit is valuable when you are not sure what you have, symptoms are severe, or OTC treatment has not worked.
🦠 Bacterial vaginosis (BV)
Bacterial — treated with antibioticsBV is the most common cause of abnormal vaginal discharge in women of reproductive age, yet it is frequently misidentified as a yeast infection — which is a problem, because the treatments are completely different. BV occurs when the natural balance of bacteria in the vagina is disrupted, causing an overgrowth of anaerobic bacteria and a reduction in protective Lactobacillus bacteria. The characteristic symptom is a thin, grayish-white or off-white discharge with a distinctive fishy odor that is often more noticeable after sex. Itching and burning may occur but are usually less prominent than with a yeast infection. Symptomatic BV requires prescription antibiotic treatment — typically metronidazole or clindamycin — and will not resolve with OTC yeast infection products. Untreated BV can increase susceptibility to STIs and, during pregnancy, is associated with preterm birth. A provider evaluation is important for proper diagnosis and treatment.
🔬 Trichomoniasis
Parasitic STI — treated with antibioticsTrichomoniasis — caused by the parasite Trichomonas vaginalis — is the most common non-viral sexually transmitted infection in the United States. It is frequently asymptomatic, which means many people carry and transmit it without knowing. When symptoms do occur, they include a frothy, yellow-green discharge with a foul odor, vaginal itching and irritation, redness, and discomfort during urination or intercourse. For women, the recommended treatment is generally a seven-day course of oral metronidazole, with tinidazole as an alternative in selected patients. Both sexual partners need to be treated to prevent reinfection, and retesting approximately three months after treatment is generally recommended because reinfection is common. Testing is needed to confirm the diagnosis — trichomoniasis cannot be distinguished from BV or a yeast infection by symptoms alone. See our STI Testing & Treatment page for more information.
💧 Urinary tract infection (UTI) with vaginal symptoms
Bacterial — treated with antibioticsUTIs and vaginal infections sometimes occur together, and their symptoms overlap — burning with urination can occur in both yeast infections and UTIs. A UTI is a bacterial infection of the urinary tract (most commonly the bladder), while a yeast infection involves the vaginal and vulvar tissue. Key distinguishing signs of a UTI include new urinary urgency, frequency, and burning with urination. Urine appearance or odor alone is not enough to diagnose a UTI. Vaginal discharge and vulvar itching are not typical UTI symptoms — if those are prominent, a vaginal infection is more likely the cause. For a full guide to UTI symptoms, treatment, and prevention, see our dedicated Urinary Tract Infections page.
Symptoms side by side
⚖️ How to tell them apart — and why it matters
The symptoms of vaginal infections overlap in ways that make self-diagnosis genuinely difficult. Symptoms overlap substantially, and self-diagnosis is frequently incorrect — even among people who have had a prior yeast infection. This table can help you think through what you are experiencing — but a licensed healthcare provider can assess the most likely cause, and a vaginal swab or other testing may be needed for a definitive diagnosis.
| Symptom | 🍄 Yeast infection | 🦠 BV | 🔬 Trichomoniasis | 💧 UTI |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Discharge appearance | Thick, white | Thin, grayish-white or off-white | Frothy, yellow-green | Usually none |
| Odor | Usually none or mild | Fishy, stronger after sex | Foul or musty | Urine odor alone is not diagnostic; urgency and frequency are more reliable signs |
| Itching / irritation | Intense, often the main complaint | Mild to none | Moderate to intense | Usually none |
| Burning / pain | With urination or intercourse | Possible, but mild | With urination or intercourse | Burning specifically during urination |
| Urinary urgency / frequency | Not typical | Not typical | Possible | Yes — frequent urge, little output |
| Redness / swelling | Vulvar redness and swelling common | Usually absent | Redness of vagina/vulva | Not typical |
| Treatment | Antifungal (fluconazole, miconazole) | Antibiotic (metronidazole, clindamycin) | Antibiotic (metronidazole, tinidazole) | Antibiotic (varies) |
These are common patterns, not diagnostic rules. Symptoms vary considerably between individuals, infections can occur together, and some people have few or no symptoms at all. Testing may be needed to confirm the cause.
⚠️ Why self-diagnosis often misses the mark
Many women who purchase OTC yeast infection treatment actually have BV or trichomoniasis — two conditions that antifungal medications will not treat. Using the wrong treatment may cause local irritation, delay the correct diagnosis, and leave the underlying condition untreated. If you have any uncertainty about what you have — especially if this is a first occurrence, symptoms are unusual, or OTC treatment has not worked — a provider visit is worth it.
Not sure which one you have? A licensed provider can help you figure it out today.
Start a VisitSymptoms worth talking about
🔍 When to see a provider
You know your body. If something feels off, that is reason enough to reach out to a provider — no symptom is too minor or embarrassing to bring up. These are common medical conditions, and providers evaluate them regularly.
- →Unusual vaginal discharge — any change in color, texture, consistency, or amount that is new for you
- →Vaginal odor — especially a fishy smell or one that is noticeably different from your normal
- →Vaginal or vulvar itching — persistent itch that is uncomfortable or interfering with daily life
- →Burning during urination — could be a vaginal infection, a UTI, or both
- →Pain or discomfort during intercourse — particularly if it is new or associated with other symptoms
- →Vulvar redness, swelling, or rawness — often accompanies yeast infections or trichomoniasis
- →OTC treatment that did not work — if a yeast infection product did not resolve symptoms within a few days, a provider evaluation is needed
- →Recurring infections — three or more symptomatic yeast infections within one year, or repeated BV, warrants evaluation to identify contributing factors
- →Symptoms during pregnancy — vaginal infections during pregnancy warrant prompt evaluation and careful treatment selection
⚠️ Seek in-person care promptly if you experience:
- Pelvic or lower abdominal pain alongside vaginal symptoms — possible sign of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
- High fever alongside vaginal or urinary symptoms
- Sores, blisters, ulcers, or lesions on or around the vulva — these should not be treated as yeast or BV based on symptoms alone and require in-person or STI evaluation
- Significant vaginal bleeding not related to your menstrual cycle
- Fever, chills, flank or back pain, nausea, vomiting, or feeling significantly unwell alongside urinary or vaginal symptoms — these may indicate a kidney infection or complicated UTI and require prompt in-person care; this is especially urgent during pregnancy
How online care can help
💻 Private evaluation — no waiting room, no awkwardness
Vaginal infections are one of the clearest use cases for telehealth. Your symptoms, their specific character, and your health history tell a provider most of what they need to know. A detailed symptom evaluation — what the discharge looks like, whether there is an odor, what else is going on, recent antibiotic use, sexual activity — allows a licensed provider to assess the likely diagnosis and recommend appropriate treatment without you needing to leave home.
For many straightforward cases of yeast infection or BV, a telehealth visit is all you need. Your provider will also let you know clearly if testing or in-person evaluation is necessary for your situation.
| What online care can do | What may require in-person evaluation |
|---|---|
| Evaluate symptoms and determine most likely diagnosis | Vaginal swab testing for definitive diagnosis (if diagnosis is uncertain) |
| Prescribe antifungals for yeast infections (fluconazole, topicals) | Pelvic examination for suspected PID or pelvic pain |
| Prescribe antibiotics for BV (metronidazole, clindamycin) | Laboratory testing for trichomoniasis and other possible STIs when diagnosis is uncertain or sexual history warrants broader screening |
| Arrange or recommend testing when trichomoniasis is suspected; treatment may be initiated based on clinical judgment in selected circumstances | Evaluation of sores, lesions, or skin changes requiring visual exam |
| Evaluate and treat UTI symptoms (see our UTI page for full detail) | Recurrent or complicated infections requiring specialist evaluation |
| Provide partner-management guidance for trichomoniasis; discuss whether partner evaluation or treatment may be considered for recurrent BV |
- 🔒 A private conversation. You describe your symptoms to a licensed provider in a confidential clinical setting — from home, from work, from wherever works for you.
- ⚡ No more guessing at the pharmacy. Get a clinical evaluation before reaching for OTC treatment — particularly if symptoms are unusual, severe, or recurring.
- 🏪 Your prescription at your local pharmacy. Fluconazole, metronidazole, clindamycin — if prescription treatment is appropriate, it may be sent to your pharmacy same day.
- ⏰ Same-day appointments may be available. You do not need a referral or a scheduled OB/GYN appointment to get evaluated.
Treatment options
💊 The right treatment for each infection
Because yeast infections, BV, trichomoniasis, and UTIs are caused by different organisms, they require completely different treatments. Here is what works for each.
🍄 Yeast infection treatment
- Oral fluconazole (Diflucan) — prescription, most convenient A single oral tablet that treats yeast infections from the inside out. It is highly effective for uncomplicated infections and is the most commonly prescribed option. Not recommended during pregnancy. Your provider will determine whether a single dose or a short course is appropriate based on severity.
- OTC topical antifungals — for mild, uncomplicated infections Miconazole (Monistat), clotrimazole, and tioconazole are available OTC as creams or suppositories. They are effective for mild, straightforward yeast infections in women who have had one before and recognize their symptoms reliably. Treatment courses of 3 to 7 days are generally more effective than single-dose OTC products. A provider evaluation is still recommended if you have any doubt about the diagnosis.
- Prescription topical antifungals — for selected patients Prescription topical antifungals such as terconazole may be considered in selected patients. Persistent or recurrent symptoms that do not respond to initial treatment should be tested to confirm the diagnosis and identify whether a non-albicans Candida species or another condition is present.
- Extended treatment for recurrent yeast infections (RVVC) Recurrent yeast symptoms should be confirmed with appropriate testing before long-term suppressive treatment is started — this helps identify the Candida species involved, since non-albicans species require a different approach. When recurrent Candida albicans infection is confirmed, a longer initial treatment course followed by maintenance fluconazole may be considered. Your provider can evaluate and guide next steps.
🦠 Bacterial vaginosis (BV) treatment
- Oral metronidazole (Flagyl) — standard first-line treatment A 7-day course of oral metronidazole is the most commonly prescribed first-line treatment for BV. It is highly effective and well-studied. Follow the medication label and your pharmacist's specific instructions regarding alcohol and products containing propylene glycol while taking metronidazole or tinidazole.
- Vaginal metronidazole gel — same antibiotic, topical application Metronidazole gel applied intravaginally is an alternative to oral treatment with less systemic side effect burden. Effective for most BV cases.
- Vaginal clindamycin cream — alternative for metronidazole intolerance Clindamycin cream applied intravaginally is an effective alternative for women who cannot tolerate metronidazole. Note that vaginal clindamycin products can weaken latex condoms and diaphragms during treatment and for a period afterward — follow the product-specific instructions and use an alternative barrier method when advised, as the duration varies by formulation.
- Oral clindamycin — for cases requiring systemic treatment An alternative oral option when metronidazole is not appropriate.
🔬 Trichomoniasis treatment
- Metronidazole (7-day course for women) — with partner treatment and follow-up For women, the recommended treatment is generally a seven-day course of oral metronidazole. Tinidazole may be considered as an alternative in selected patients. Current sexual partners should be evaluated and treated at the same time to reduce the risk of reinfection — avoid sex until treatment has been completed by everyone involved and symptoms have resolved. Sexually active women should generally be retested approximately three months after treatment, because reinfection is common even when a partner was treated. The appropriate regimen depends on pregnancy status, medication interactions, prior treatment history, and clinical judgment.
💧 UTI treatment
UTI treatment depends on the bacteria involved and your health history. For complete information on UTI symptoms, treatment, recurrence prevention, and when to seek emergency care, see our dedicated Urinary Tract Infections page.
A note on probiotics and vaginal health
Probiotics are widely marketed for preventing BV and yeast infections, but evidence for currently available products is inconsistent. They should not replace antibiotic or antifungal treatment. Product strains, doses, and quality vary — discuss any probiotic use with your licensed healthcare provider, particularly if you are pregnant or immunocompromised.
Ready to get the right treatment? A licensed provider can evaluate your symptoms today.
Start a VisitWhat to expect
🗓️ Your visit, start to finish
Here is what happens from the moment you start your visit to when you have a treatment plan.
|
1
Describe your symptoms
Complete a short intake covering your symptoms, how long they have been going on, any recent antibiotic use, your sexual health history if relevant, and what treatments you have already tried. Everything is confidential. |
2
Speak with your provider
A licensed provider reviews your intake and asks follow-up questions about your specific symptoms. They use this to assess the most likely diagnosis — and will tell you if they think further testing or in-person evaluation is needed. |
3
Receive a treatment plan
Your provider recommends the right treatment for your situation — whether that is a prescription antifungal, antibiotic, or guidance toward appropriate OTC options. They will also advise on any partner notification needs and follow-up. |
4
Pick up at your pharmacy
If prescription treatment is appropriate, it may be sent electronically to your selected pharmacy. Many common medications for these conditions are available at low cost with a prescription. |
When will symptoms improve?
Yeast infections: itching and discharge typically begin to improve within 1 to 2 days of starting antifungal treatment; full resolution usually within 3 to 7 days. Bacterial vaginosis: symptoms often begin improving within 2 to 3 days of starting antibiotics; complete resolution typically within 5 to 7 days. Trichomoniasis: symptoms typically resolve within 5 to 7 days of treatment when both partners are treated. If symptoms are not improving within a few days of treatment, follow up with your provider — it may not have been the right diagnosis or treatment.
Prevention and self-care
🌿 Reducing your risk of recurrence
For many women, vaginal infections are occasional and situational. For others, they recur — often in response to the same triggers. These evidence-based habits help maintain healthy vaginal balance and reduce your risk.
General vaginal health habits:
- →Avoid douching — the vagina is self-cleaning, and douching disrupts the natural bacterial balance, significantly increasing BV risk
- →Avoid scented soaps, bubble baths, and perfumed products in the vaginal area — fragrances are a common irritant and pH disruptor
- →Wear breathable cotton underwear and avoid tight synthetic fabrics, particularly during activities that cause prolonged moisture
- →Change out of wet swimwear and workout clothing promptly — moisture promotes yeast overgrowth
- →Wipe front to back after using the bathroom — this simple habit reduces the transfer of rectal bacteria toward the vaginal area
For yeast infection prevention specifically:
- →If you repeatedly develop confirmed yeast infections after antibiotic courses, discuss the pattern with your provider — preventive treatment is considered only in selected patients based on prior confirmed infections, pregnancy status, medication interactions, and clinical judgment
- →Manage blood sugar if you have diabetes — elevated blood sugar promotes Candida overgrowth
- →Limit unnecessary antibiotics — each course disrupts the vaginal microbiome and raises yeast infection risk
For BV prevention specifically:
- →Use condoms consistently — unprotected sex with a new or multiple partners is a significant BV risk factor, though BV is not technically an STI
- →Avoid unprotected receptive oral sex, which has been associated with BV risk
- →Complete the full course of BV antibiotics — stopping early, even if symptoms resolve, is a common cause of recurrence
- →If BV recurs frequently, discuss extended or suppressive antibiotic therapy with your provider
A gentle note about recurring infections
Recurring vaginal infections are not a sign of poor hygiene or anything shameful — they are a medical pattern that deserves clinical attention. If you are experiencing three or more symptomatic yeast infections within one year, or BV that keeps coming back, your provider can help identify contributing factors and discuss suppressive treatment strategies. You do not have to just keep treating them one by one.
Care connected to your pharmacy
🏪 Your prescription. Your pharmacy. Your privacy.
When prescription treatment is appropriate, it may be sent electronically to the pharmacy you already use — with the same confidentiality as any other prescription. No specialty visit required, no required membership.
- ✓When treatment is appropriate, prescription may be sent electronically to your selected pharmacy
- ✓Fluconazole, metronidazole, clindamycin, tinidazole — all available at most pharmacies, often at low cost
- ✓Pick up at your neighborhood pharmacy or any major chain
- ✓No required memberships to access our telehealth services
- ✓If we cannot treat you online, you will not be charged
Frequently asked questions
❓ Vaginal and urinary infections — your questions answered
The questions providers hear most before these visits.
How do I know if I have a yeast infection or BV?
Yeast infections and BV have overlapping symptoms, but some clues can help tell them apart. Yeast infections typically cause intense itching and a thick, white discharge with little or no odor. BV more commonly presents with a thinner, grayish-white discharge and a fishy odor — often more noticeable after sex — with less prominent itching. A licensed healthcare provider can assess the most likely cause. A vaginal swab or other testing may be needed for a definitive diagnosis. Self-diagnosis is frequently incorrect — even among people who have had a prior yeast infection. Getting it right matters because the treatments are completely different: antifungals for yeast, antibiotics for BV.
Can I get fluconazole (Diflucan) prescribed through telehealth?
Yes. Oral fluconazole is one of the most commonly prescribed treatments for vaginal yeast infections and can be prescribed through a telehealth visit after your provider evaluates your symptoms. A single oral dose is typically effective for an uncomplicated yeast infection. Your provider will determine whether fluconazole is appropriate based on your symptoms, health history, and any medications you are taking. Fluconazole is not recommended during pregnancy — your provider will discuss alternatives if you are pregnant.
I used OTC Monistat and it did not work. What now?
If OTC antifungal treatment did not resolve your symptoms, there are a few possible explanations: the infection may not have been a yeast infection (BV, trichomoniasis, and even contact dermatitis can mimic yeast infection symptoms), you may have a yeast species that is resistant to the OTC antifungal, or you may need a stronger or longer course of treatment. A provider evaluation is the right next step — trying another OTC product without knowing the correct diagnosis often prolongs discomfort unnecessarily.
Is BV an STI? Do I need to tell my partner?
BV is not traditionally classified as a sexually transmitted infection, but sexual activity can influence recurrence. Partner treatment was not routinely recommended under older guidelines. Newer ACOG guidance advises considering concurrent partner treatment — particularly for recurrent symptomatic BV — through shared decision-making. Your provider will determine whether partner evaluation or treatment is appropriate for your specific situation, as recommendations in this area continue to evolve.
I keep getting yeast infections — what is going on?
Recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (RVVC) — defined as three or more symptomatic yeast infections within one year — is a common and frustrating pattern. Contributing factors include antibiotic use, elevated estrogen (from hormonal contraceptives or pregnancy), poorly controlled diabetes, a weakened immune system, or a Candida species that is naturally more resistant to standard treatment. Recurrent symptoms should be confirmed with testing before starting long-term suppressive therapy, since non-albicans Candida species require a different approach. When recurrent Candida albicans is confirmed, a longer initial course followed by maintenance fluconazole may be considered. You do not have to keep treating each episode individually.
Can I have a yeast infection and a UTI at the same time?
Yes. Both can occur simultaneously, and their symptoms do overlap — burning during urination is common in both. Key distinguishing features of a UTI are new urinary urgency and frequency with burning specifically during urination. Vaginal discharge and vulvar itching are more characteristic of a vaginal infection. If you are experiencing both urinary and vaginal symptoms, a provider can assess both. See our UTI page for full detail on urinary tract infection symptoms and treatment.
I'm pregnant. Can I get treated for a vaginal infection online?
Vaginal symptoms during pregnancy should be evaluated promptly. Symptomatic BV and trichomoniasis can be treated during pregnancy with pregnancy-appropriate regimens — your provider may recommend in-person testing or coordination with your obstetric clinician. During pregnancy, vaginal yeast infections are generally treated with a topical azole antifungal for seven days. Oral fluconazole should not be used unless a qualified clinician determines that exceptional circumstances warrant a different approach. Your provider will advise whether in-person evaluation is warranted for your specific situation.
Do I need a vaginal swab to get treated?
Not always. For straightforward, uncomplicated yeast infections in women with classic symptoms, a clinical evaluation based on symptom history is often sufficient to initiate treatment. For unusual symptoms, suspected BV or trichomoniasis, treatment failures, or recurrent infections, testing with a vaginal swab provides much more accurate information and your provider may recommend in-person testing. If testing is needed, your provider will let you know clearly during the visit.
Is this visit HSA or FSA eligible?
Yes. MyPhysician360 consultations are HSA and FSA eligible. Your visit cost is reimbursable through your Health Savings Account or Flexible Spending Account, making this accessible through your existing health benefits even without insurance.
Helpful resources
📚 Trusted sources
Authoritative information on vaginal and urinary health from leading medical and public health organizations.
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🍄 Yeast infections Vaginal yeast infections: causes, symptoms, and treatment Office on Women's Health (U.S. Department of Health & Human Services) Visit womenshealth.gov |
🦠 Bacterial vaginosis Bacterial vaginosis: overview, treatment, and recurrence Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Visit CDC |
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🔬 Trichomoniasis Trichomoniasis: symptoms, treatment, and partner notification Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Visit CDC |
💧 Urinary tract infections UTI symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment overview Mayo Clinic Visit Mayo Clinic |
A note on broader STI screening
Depending on your symptoms, sexual history, and diagnosis, your provider may recommend testing for other sexually transmitted infections — including HIV, syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia — particularly when BV or trichomoniasis is identified, as these conditions can be associated with broader STI exposure.
Ready to feel better? Let's sort this out today.
A licensed provider can evaluate your symptoms privately, same day. No referral needed, no waiting room. Your prescription, if appropriate, may be sent to your pharmacy.
HSA & FSA eligible | No required membership | No charge if we can't help
Medical disclaimer & sources: The information on this page is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Vaginal and urinary symptoms may have multiple causes. Not all infections can be diagnosed or treated through telehealth alone — some require in-person examination and laboratory testing. Pelvic pain alongside vaginal symptoms, sores or lesions, or severe symptoms warrant prompt in-person evaluation. Content informed by CDC treatment guidelines for bacterial vaginosis and trichomoniasis, the Office on Women's Health (U.S. DHHS), American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), and Mayo Clinic. A licensed MyPhysician360 provider will review your complete health history before prescribing any medication. Services are not currently available in Mississippi or Alaska.