Can I Go To Urgent Care For a Yeast Infection?

A vaginal yeast infection is a fungal infection that causes irritation, discharge, and intense itchiness of the vagina. Urgent care centers treat yeast infections; so, if you are experiencing non-emergency symptoms of a yeast infection, visiting an urgent care center is a good choice to get treatment.

Urgent care visits can be costly, especially without insurance. With Mira, urgent care visits are a fixed co-pay, with hundreds of clinics in-network. Along with this, members get low-cost lab testing and up to 80% off prescription discounts. Sign up today and get started.

Urgent Cares that Provide Yeast Infection Treatment

If you are not experiencing an emergency, you can visit an urgent care center when facing symptoms of a yeast infection.

The following urgent care centers offer treatment for yeast infections:

• CityMD
• ProHealth Circle Urgent Care
• GoHealth Urgent Care
• MinuteClinic
• MedExpress
• PhysicianOne Urgent Care
• RapidMed Urgent Care
• MultiCare Indigo Urgent Care
• Physicians Immediate Care

If you’re unsure if your urgent care center can treat a yeast infection, you can call before going in. 

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 (this would include treatment for a yeast infection) 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
• Office Visit + Administrative Fees

When to Go to Urgent Care for a Yeast Infection

You may want to seek medical attention for your yeast infection if:

• This is the first time you’ve had yeast infection symptoms
• You’re not sure whether you have a yeast infection
• Your symptoms aren’t relieved after treating with over-the-counter antifungal vaginal creams or suppositories
• You develop other symptoms
• Your primary care doctor is unavailable

Diagnosing a Yeast Infection

Whether you go to the doctor or use an at-home yeast infection kit, it’s important to know whether you have a yeast infection or another condition causing your symptoms.

At the Doctor

If a vaginal yeast infection is suspected, your health care provider will perform a pelvic exam and take a sample of the discharge from your vagina. They will also likely ask about your medical history.

The medical provider can confirm a yeast infection diagnosis by performing a pelvic exam. During the exam, a speculum is inserted in the vagina and will allow the doctor to check for symptoms such as swelling or discharge. They also will usually take a sample of discharge with a swab from within the vagina and examine it under a microscope in the office.

At Home

As we discuss below, you should only self-treat a yeast infection if your doctor told you in the past that you had one, and you now have the same symptoms, and compare your risk of an STD, since many symptoms can be similar to a yeast infection. It may be a good idea to call your doctor before self-treating. 

If you are in the situation to self-treat a yeast infection, you can use an at-home yeast infection test to confirm you have one. 

A home vaginal pH test kit will typically include a pH test paper and a color chart to determine the vaginal pH results. The test is performed by placing a test paper against the wall of your vagina and comparing the color change against a reference chart.

How Yeast Infections Are Treated

Over-the-counter antifungal creams, ointments, or suppositories (with miconazole or clotrimazole) are the most common ways to treat yeast infections. These treatments can take from 1 to 7 days to take full effect. 

Your doctor may also prescribe a single-dose pill with fluconazole (an antifungal medicine) for you to take. If you’re pregnant, it’s safe to use creams or suppositories, but avoid the fluconazole you take by mouth. If you get yeast infections at least four times a year, your doctor may recommend that you take a weekly fluconazole pill for six months to fight them.

Recurrent Infections

If a patient has recurrent yeast infections or complicated symptoms, other tests may be given. One test includes the doctor collecting vaginal fluid and growing yeast from that fluid. The doctor can then identify the specific type of yeast causing the yeast infection, making it easier and more accurate to pick an appropriate treatment. Often, infections that are not curable through standard treatments are caused by less common types of yeast.

Over-the-Counter Yeast Infection Medications

There are various over-the-counter options:

• Monistat 1-Day Vaginal Antifungal
• NutraBlast Boric Acid Vaginal Suppositories
• YeastGard Advanced Homeopathic Capsules
• Vagisil Maximum Strength Instant Anti-Itch Vaginal Crème

However, you should only consider these methods if your doctor told you in the past that you had a yeast infection and you now have the same symptoms. It’s important to make sure you have a yeast infection and not a sexually transmitted infection (STIs)- many of the symptoms of a yeast infection -- itching, burning, and vaginal discharge are similar to STIs.

Yeast Infection Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

It’s important to fully understand what a yeast infection is so you can seek proper medical attention and prevent them from occurring. 

How to tell if I have a yeast infection?

You may have a yeast infection if you’re experiencing the following symptoms:

• Itching and irritation in the vagina and vulva
• A burning sensation, especially during intercourse or while urinating
• Redness and swelling of the vulva
• Vaginal pain and soreness
• Vaginal rash
• Thick, white, odor-free vaginal discharge with a cottage cheese appearance
• Watery vaginal discharge

You might have a complicated yeast infection if:

• You have severe signs and symptoms, such as extensive redness, swelling, and itching leading to tears, cracks, or sores.
• You have four or more yeast infections in a year.
• A less typical type of fungus causes your infection
• You’re pregnant
• You have uncontrolled diabetes
• Your immune system is weakened because of certain medications or conditions such as HIV infection.

What causes yeast infections?

The fungus candida Albicans causes most vaginal yeast infections. The vagina naturally contains a balanced mix of yeast, including candida and bacteria. Certain bacteria (lactobacillus) act to prevent an overgrowth of yeast.

When that balance is disrupted, it’s possible for an overgrowth of candida or penetration of the fungus into deeper vaginal cell layers to cause the signs and symptoms of a yeast infection. Overgrowth of the yeast may result from:

• Antibiotic use, which causes an imbalance in natural vaginal flora
• Pregnancy
• Uncontrolled diabetes
• An impaired immune system
• Taking oral contraceptives or hormone therapy that increase estrogen levels

How can I avoid yeast infections?

While yeast infections are sometimes unavoidable for some women, there are some ways to lower the chances of getting one:

• Wearing breathable cotton underwear: This way, it doesn’t hold onto heat or moisture and helps keep you dry.
• Keep clothing items loose. This includes making sure your jeans, skirts, underwear, yoga pants, tights, pantyhose, etc., aren’t too snug. Tight clothing can increase body temperature and the amount of moisture around your private parts, raising your chances for a yeast infection.
• Avoid cleaners that can disrupt the vagina: Harsh cleaners can remove some of the good bacteria that are supposed to fight off infections.
• Avoid scented products. This includes bubble baths, soaps, sprays, tampons, and pads.
• Avoid hot tubs and extra hot baths. Hot and damp environments are not ideal for the vagina.
• Change out of wet clothes. Don’taren’t sit in a wet bathing suit after swimming or damp workout gear after the gym. Change into dry clothes right away.

Avoiding High Costs at Urgent Care

Seeking help from urgent care can be expensive and non-transparent. Several options can help you reduce your out-of-pocket cost —  especially if you do not have insurance or your insurance has high deductibles. 

Understanding what might appear on your bill and advocating for yourself during the billing process is essential to saving money. Outlined below are several questions you can ask the team at the urgent care clinic that might help you save money.

• How much is the total out-of-pocket cost?
• How much will an imaging test cost?
• What will my treatment be, and how much will it cost?
• Are there administrative fees or fees for seeing a provider?
• Is one type of medicine cheaper than another?
• What are my alternatives to this course of treatment?

Bottom Line

Most urgent care centers treat yeast infections, and yeast infections can sometimes be treated at home, but medical attention should be sought under certain circumstances. The cost to treat a yeast infection ranges between $135- $198 without insurance. 

If cost is a concern for you, you may want to consider a membership with Mira. At just $45 per month, members get access to affordable urgent care visits, discounted prescriptions, and lab testing. Sign up today.