A yeast infection is one of the most uncomfortable things that can happen to your body — and when it hits on a weekend, after hours, or when your regular doctor is booked solid, urgent care may be exactly what you need. But can urgent care treat a yeast infection? The short answer is yes. Here’s everything you need to know about getting treatment at CityHealth Urgent Care in Oakland or San Leandro.
What Is a Yeast Infection?
A vaginal yeast infection (vaginal candidiasis) is caused by an overgrowth of Candida albicans, a type of fungus naturally present in your body. When the balance of bacteria in your vagina is disrupted — by antibiotics, hormonal changes, high blood sugar, or a weakened immune system — Candida can multiply too rapidly, causing a yeast infection.
Yeast infections are extremely common: approximately 3 out of 4 women will experience at least one in their lifetime. They are not sexually transmitted, though they can occur after sexual activity.
Signs and Symptoms of a Yeast Infection
The classic signs of a vaginal yeast infection include:
- Itching and irritation in the vagina and vulva
- Thick, white, odorless discharge with a cottage cheese-like texture
- Burning sensation during urination or intercourse
- Redness, swelling, or soreness of the vaginal area
- A rash in some cases
If your discharge has a strong odor, a gray or yellow color, or you experience significant pain, bleeding, or fever, you may have a different condition such as bacterial vaginosis (BV) or a sexually transmitted infection (STI) — both of which urgent care can also diagnose and treat.
Can Urgent Care Diagnose and Treat a Yeast Infection?
Yes — urgent care is a convenient and effective option for yeast infections, especially when:
- It’s your first yeast infection and you’re not sure what you have
- Your symptoms are severe or getting worse quickly
- Over-the-counter treatments haven’t worked
- Your regular doctor isn’t available
- You want a prescription-strength treatment right away
At CityHealth Urgent Care and dermatology, our providers can perform a pelvic examination and take a vaginal swab to confirm whether you have a yeast infection, bacterial vaginosis, trichomoniasis, or another condition. Getting the right diagnosis matters because these conditions look similar but require different treatments.
What to Expect at Urgent Care for a Yeast Infection
Check-In and Intake
When you arrive at CityHealth, you’ll check in at the front desk and fill out a brief intake form describing your symptoms. You don’t need an appointment — walk-ins are always welcome — but booking online in advance can reduce your wait time significantly.
The Examination
A provider (physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner) will review your symptom history and perform a physical examination. They may collect a vaginal swab, which takes less than a minute and allows them to look for signs of yeast, bacterial infection, or STIs under a microscope or via rapid testing.
Diagnosis
Many yeast infections can be diagnosed clinically — based on your symptoms and physical exam alone. If your symptoms are classic and straightforward, your provider may diagnose you on the spot. If there’s any uncertainty, lab results from your swab will confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment
If you have a yeast infection, your urgent care provider will typically prescribe or recommend one of the following treatments:
- Fluconazole (Diflucan) — a single oral pill, prescription required. This is often the fastest and most convenient treatment.
- Topical antifungal cream — applied directly to the vaginal area to relieve itching and irritation (available OTC or prescription-strength)
- Vaginal suppositories — inserted vaginally for 1–7 days depending on the severity
For most uncomplicated yeast infections, a single dose of fluconazole clears the infection within 1–3 days. Your provider will also discuss whether any underlying causes (recent antibiotic use, elevated blood sugar, etc.) should be addressed.
When Not to Go to Urgent Care for a Yeast Infection
Urgent care is appropriate for most yeast infection cases, but you should see your OB-GYN or primary care doctor if:
- You have recurrent yeast infections (4 or more per year) — this may indicate an underlying condition like diabetes or a compromised immune system
- You are pregnant — yeast infections during pregnancy require specific treatments that are safe for the baby
- You have complex or unusual symptoms that don’t respond to standard treatment
- You have a compromised immune system (HIV, active cancer treatment, etc.)
If you’re unsure whether your symptoms qualify for urgent care, call us — our team can help you determine the right level of care.
Yeast Infection vs. Bacterial Vaginosis vs. STI: How to Tell the Difference
These conditions have overlapping symptoms, which is exactly why getting a professional diagnosis matters. Here’s a quick comparison:
| Condition | Discharge | Odor | Itching | Treatment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yeast Infection | Thick, white, cottage cheese-like | None or mild | Yes, significant | Antifungal (fluconazole, cream) |
| Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) | Thin, gray/white | Fishy odor, especially after sex | Mild or none | Antibiotics (metronidazole) |
| Trichomoniasis | Yellow-green, frothy | Strong, unpleasant | Yes | Antibiotics (metronidazole) |
| Chlamydia/Gonorrhea | Variable, can be clear or yellow | Possible | Possible | Antibiotics (specific to STI) |
If you’re not certain what you have — or if you’ve tried OTC yeast infection treatments without success — come in for a swab test. Our STI testing services in Oakland at CityHealth can identify multiple conditions in one visit.
Can Men Get Yeast Infections?
Yes. While less common, men can develop genital yeast infections (penile candidiasis), especially if they are uncircumcised, have diabetes, or have had sexual contact with a partner who has a yeast infection. Symptoms in men include:
- Redness, itching, or burning on the tip or under the foreskin of the penis
- A white, patchy rash
- Thick discharge under the foreskin
Urgent care can diagnose and treat yeast infections in men as well, typically with topical antifungal cream or oral fluconazole.
How to Prevent Yeast Infections
While not all yeast infections are preventable, these evidence-based steps can reduce your risk:
- Wear breathable cotton underwear and avoid tight-fitting clothing
- Avoid douching — it disrupts the natural vaginal flora
- Wipe front to back after using the bathroom
- Change out of wet swimwear or workout clothes promptly
- Take probiotics when on antibiotics to help maintain healthy bacterial balance
- Control blood sugar if you have diabetes
Visit CityHealth Urgent Care in Oakland or San Leandro
CityHealth has two convenient Bay Area locations to serve you:
- Oakland: Open 7 days a week, extended hours
- San Leandro: Open 7 days a week, extended hours
No referral needed. Most insurance plans accepted, including Medi-Cal. Walk-ins always welcome. Book your appointment online to skip the wait, or visit our locations page for directions and current hours.
CityHealth’s clinical team is experienced in diagnosing and treating a wide range of women’s health issues — from yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis to STI testing and birth control consultations. You’ll get fast, discreet, and non-judgmental care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can urgent care prescribe Diflucan for a yeast infection?
Yes. Urgent care providers can prescribe fluconazole (brand name: Diflucan) for yeast infections. A single oral dose is typically effective for uncomplicated infections.
Is it safe to use over-the-counter yeast infection treatments first?
If you’ve had a yeast infection before and your symptoms are identical, OTC antifungal creams (like Monistat) are safe to try first. However, if this is your first yeast infection, symptoms are severe, OTC treatments haven’t worked after 3–7 days, or you’re not sure if it’s a yeast infection, see a provider for a proper diagnosis.
Will urgent care do a pelvic exam?
Yes. A brief pelvic exam and vaginal swab is the most accurate way to confirm a yeast infection and rule out bacterial vaginosis or STIs. CityHealth providers perform this exam in a private, comfortable setting.
How long does it take to feel better after treatment?
Most women notice significant symptom relief within 24–48 hours of starting treatment. A single dose of fluconazole typically resolves the infection within 1–3 days. Topical antifungals may take 3–7 days for full resolution.
Can I have sex with a yeast infection?
It’s best to avoid sex until your symptoms have fully resolved. Sexual activity can worsen symptoms and may cause discomfort. While yeast infections aren’t classified as sexually transmitted, they can occasionally be passed between sexual partners.
