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Can I Go to Urgent Care for a Yeast Infection?

By Craig Sorkin, DNP, APN

Medically reviewed

September 14, 2022

A yeast infection, also called vaginal candidiasis, is a common infection that affects people with vaginas. Most commonly caused by candida albicans, a type of fungus, a yeast infection can cause uncomfortable and sometimes painful symptoms. Most yeast infections are mild. Though very common in people of reproductive age, they are rare in children before puberty and in menopausal and post-menopausal people.

If it’s your first time having symptoms of a yeast infection, it’s best to speak with a medical provider. Also seek medical care if you’ve tried an OTC yeast infection treatment but still have symptoms. Urgent care centers are an excellent option for yeast infection treatment.

Should I Go to Urgent Care for a Yeast Infection?

You can go to an urgent care center for a yeast infection, especially if you’re having trouble contacting your primary care provider. Urgent care centers routinely treat yeast infections and are well-equipped to offer testing, diagnosis, and treatment for this type of infection.

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Symptoms of a Yeast Infection

Symptoms of a yeast infection include:

Vaginal itching or soreness
Pain during sexual intercourse
Pain or discomfort when urinating
Abnormal vaginal discharge (that doesn’t typically have an odor)
Redness, swelling, and cracks in the wall of the vagina (in severe cases)

Causes of a Yeast Infection

Yeast infections are generally caused by fungi. The most common type of fungus that causes yeast infections is called candida albicans. Wearing tight-fitting or wet clothing, hormonal imbalances, an impaired immune system, stress, antibiotics, pregnancy, and uncontrolled diabetes can all increase the likelihood of developing a yeast infection.

Yeast Infection Treatments

Most yeast infections are mild and can be easily treated with prescription or OTC antifungal medications. Some antifungal medications are taken orally, while others are applied topically inside the vagina. Regardless of which type of medication you’re using, follow the instructions exactly as directed.

Oral medications

Most oral medications for yeast infections require a prescription. The most common type of oral medication used to treat yeast infections is called fluconazole (Diflucan). This single-dose pill is not recommended for pregnant women.

Topical medications

Topical medications such as creams and ointments are applied inside the vagina. Suppositories are inserted inside the vagina to apply the medication. These medications may be taken over one, three, or seven days depending on the strength of the medication.

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When to See a Medical Provider

Some yeast infections can be treated at home with OTC medications. But if it’s your first time experiencing symptoms, contact a medical provider for care. They can rule out other possible infections and determine the right course of treatment for your yeast infection. It’s also a good idea to speak with a medical provider if you have a new sexual partner, if you’ve tried OTC medication but are still experiencing symptoms, or if you develop new symptoms.

How K Health Can Help

Did you know you can access yeast infection treatment online with K Health? Check your symptoms, explore conditions and treatments, and if needed, text with a healthcare provider in minutes. K Health’s AI-powered app is based on 20 years of clinical data.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can an urgent care look at a yeast infection?

Yes, urgent care facilities commonly treat yeast infections. If you’re unable to speak with your primary care provider about your yeast infection symptoms, an urgent care center is an excellent option.

Where do I go if I think I have a yeast infection?

You can seek treatment for a yeast infection with any licensed medical professional, including your primary care provider, online providers, and urgent care centers.

Is a yeast infection an emergency?

Most yeast infections are not serious and can be easily treated once diagnosed. You don’t have to visit the emergency room for a yeast infection, but if it’s your first time experiencing symptoms, contact your primary care provider or urgent care center for medical advice. And if yeast infections are recurrent, see a medical provider in person for a full evaluation.

Do I need to see a doctor if I think I have a yeast infection?

If you’ve been diagnosed with a yeast infection by a medical provider before and are familiar with the symptoms, you can try to treat your infection with OTC antifungal medications. However, if OTC treatments don’t work to relieve your symptoms, contact a medical provider. Also speak with a medical provider if it’s your first time experiencing symptoms of a yeast infection.

K Health articles are all written and reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, or PharmDs and are for informational purposes only. This information does not constitute and should not be relied on for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment.

K Health has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references.

Craig Sorkin, DNP, APN

Craig Sorkin, DNP, APN is a board certified Family Nurse Practitioner with over 15 years experience. He received his Undergraduate and Graduate degrees from William Paterson University and his doctoral degree from Drexel University. He has spent his career working in the Emergency Room and Primary Care. The last 6 years of his career have been dedicated to the field of digital medicine. He has created departments geared towards this specialized practice as well as written blogs and a book about the topic.

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