Vaginal yeast infection

A vaginal yeast infection (vulvovaginal candidiasis) is a common fungal infection of the vagina and vulva, usually caused by Candida yeasts. Typical signs are itching, burning and a whitish, crumbly discharge. In a video consultation, antifungal treatment can be initiated after medical assessment – discreetly and without a waiting room.

Medically reviewed by Adi Zoabi, Approbation als Arzt.
Last reviewed on August 31, 2026. Updated as clinical guidelines change.

Overview

A vaginal yeast infection, medically known as vulvovaginal candidiasis, is one of the most common reasons for gynaecological consultations. Around three out of four women experience such an infection at least once in their lives, many of them repeatedly. It is usually triggered by Candida yeasts, which can be part of the normal vaginal flora in small numbers and multiply excessively under certain conditions. Typical symptoms are itching, burning and a whitish, crumbly discharge; the discharge usually does not smell unpleasant. An uncomplicated yeast infection is easily treatable and generally harmless, but can be very distressing. In the OpenClinic24 video consultation, you describe your symptoms discreetly from home. After medical assessment, a private prescription for a suitable antifungal can be issued – as topical treatment or, where medically appropriate, in tablet form. For frequently recurring episodes, medically supervised relapse prevention can also be discussed.

Common causes

Candida colonisation of the vagina is not in itself pathological. Symptoms arise when the balance of the vaginal flora is disturbed and the yeasts multiply strongly. Common triggers are antibiotic treatments, which reduce the protective lactic acid bacteria, and hormonal changes due to pregnancy, the menstrual cycle or hormonal contraception. Poorly controlled diabetes mellitus, a weakened immune system and certain medications such as corticosteroids also favour infection. Mechanical and chemical irritants play a role as well: excessive intimate hygiene, vaginal douching, perfumed care products, and tight, non-breathable clothing or permanently damp swimwear create an environment in which yeasts grow well. In the video consultation, these factors are systematically reviewed, because addressing or avoiding them is an important part of preventing further episodes.

When to see a doctor

You should seek medical advice if symptoms occur for the first time, cannot be clearly attributed, or do not improve within a few days of over-the-counter treatment. An in-person gynaecological examination with a swab is required if discharge is foul-smelling, yellow-greenish or bloody, or if you have fever, severe lower abdominal pain or pain when urinating with flank pain – such signs argue against an uncomplicated yeast infection and may indicate a bacterial infection, a sexually transmitted disease or an ascending infection. Medical evaluation is also important during pregnancy, with known diabetes, a weakened immune system, and with four or more episodes per year. If signs of a severe general reaction occur, such as shortness of breath, circulatory collapse or high fever with chills, call the emergency number 112 immediately.

Symptoms & Indications

Itching of the vagina and vulva Burning, especially when urinating Whitish, crumbly discharge (cottage-cheese-like) Redness and swelling of the labia Sore or irritated feeling in the intimate area Pain or discomfort during sexual intercourse Small skin tears or sore spots Recurring symptoms despite previous treatment

Treatment Options

Topical antifungals as vaginal pessaries or cream after medical assessment
Oral antifungals if topical treatment is insufficient or unsuitable
Relapse prevention with medically supervised maintenance therapy for frequently recurring infections
Gentle intimate hygiene with water or pH-neutral washes, avoiding intimate sprays and vaginal douching
Breathable cotton underwear and avoiding a permanently moist, airtight environment
Review of contributing factors such as antibiotic use, blood sugar control or hormonal changes
Treatment of the partner only if they have symptoms themselves, after medical assessment

Important Notes

The telemedicine assessment is based on your medical history and does not replace a gynaecological examination. For unclear, first-time or persistent symptoms despite treatment, an in-person examination with a swab is required.
If you have fever, severe lower abdominal pain, foul-smelling or bloody discharge, seek an in-person medical examination promptly – these signs argue against an uncomplicated yeast infection.
During pregnancy, specific medical advice is necessary; not all active substances and dosage forms are suitable then.
If signs of a severe general reaction occur, such as shortness of breath, circulatory collapse or high fever with chills, call the emergency number 112.

HOW IT WORKS

How OpenClinic24 works

STEP 01

Complete the questionnaire

Brief details about your symptoms

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STEP 02

Doctor connects with you

Video consultation within minutes

STEP 03

Receive your documents

Prescription, sick note or referral, digitally

Estimated wait

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Online consultation

Video consultation with licensed doctors.

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Medical notice: Not a substitute for an in-person medical examination. The information on this page is intended for general guidance only. In an emergency, please call 112.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does online treatment for a vaginal yeast infection work?

You complete a structured medical questionnaire and then speak with a doctor via video. Based on your information, the doctor checks whether your symptoms are consistent with an uncomplicated yeast infection. After medical assessment, a private prescription for a suitable antifungal can be issued. If another cause is suspected, you will receive a recommendation for further in-person evaluation.

What does the treatment cost and will my insurance cover it?

Billing is as a private service according to the German medical fee schedule (GOÄ). Privately insured patients can usually submit the invoice to their private health insurance; reimbursement depends on the individual plan. Self-paying patients bear the costs themselves and receive a transparent GOÄ invoice. The cost of any prescribed medication at the pharmacy may be additional.

I get yeast infections several times a year – what can I do?

Four or more episodes per year are referred to as recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis. After medical assessment, longer-term maintenance therapy with antifungals at decreasing intervals may then be appropriate. In addition, contributing factors such as blood sugar control, antibiotic use or intimate hygiene are discussed. Before starting relapse prevention, the diagnosis should have been confirmed at least once by a swab.

Isn't an over-the-counter product from the pharmacy enough?

For a clear, uncomplicated episode, over-the-counter topical treatment can be sufficient. Medical advice is sensible, however, if symptoms occur for the first time, cannot be clearly attributed, recur frequently or have not responded to topical treatment. Similar symptoms can also be caused by bacterial infections or skin conditions that require different treatment.

Can a yeast infection really be assessed reliably in a video consultation?

With typical symptoms and a known history, a history-based assessment via video is well feasible and internationally established. However, there is no absolute certainty without an examination and a swab. That is why an in-person gynaecological examination is recommended if signs are atypical, symptoms do not improve or episodes recur.