Version July 2025
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What are discharge instructions? —
Discharge instructions are information about how to take care of yourself after getting medical care in the emergency department ("ED").
What should I know? —
You came to the ED for a "vaginal yeast infection." This is an infection that causes itching and irritation of the vulva, the outer lips of the vagina. The infection is usually caused by a fungus called "Candida." (Yeast are a type of fungus.)
The fungus normally lives in the vagina and the gut, without causing symptoms. Certain medicines (especially antibiotics), stress, and other things can cause the fungus to grow too much. Then, a yeast infection can start.
Yeast infections are not usually spread through sex.
Doctors often diagnose a yeast infection based on symptoms and an exam. They might have used a swab to get a sample of fluid from your vagina for testing. This can show if you have a yeast infection or if something else might be causing your symptoms. It can take several days to get the results back.
The doctor probably gave you pills to take by mouth, or creams or tablets to put in your vagina and on your vulva. The medicine kills the fungus. It is important to finish all the medicine, even if you start to feel better.
You will probably start to feel better within a few days to a week.
How do I care for myself at home? —
Ask the doctor or nurse what you should do when you go home. Make sure you understand exactly what you need to do to care for yourself. Ask questions if there is anything you do not understand.
You should also do the following:
●Call your regular doctor and tell them you were in the ED. Make a follow-up appointment if you were told to.
●Practice good vaginal hygiene:
•Wash the outside of your vagina with plain, unscented soap and water.
•Do not wash the inside of your vagina. Do not use douches or feminine sprays.
•Take showers instead of baths. Avoid bubble baths.
•Do not share sex toys. Always wash toys between uses.
•Try to keep the area clean, cool, and dry.
•Wear cotton underwear. Change your underwear daily.
•Change out of damp clothes like bathing suits or workout clothes as soon as possible.
•Use condoms if you have sex (to lower the risk of sexually transmitted infections).
●If you get yeast infections often, tell your regular doctor. You might need a different treatment.
●If you are waiting on test results, make sure to follow up with the doctor.
When should I get emergency help?
●Return to the ED if you have:
•A fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or chills
•Severe pelvic, belly, or back pain
•Severe vomiting
•Worse pain or discharge after 2 days of treatment
When should I call the doctor? —
Call for advice if you:
●Still have symptoms after finishing the medicine
●Have more pain or new pain in your genital or pelvic area during sex
●Are bleeding from your vagina, but do not have your period
●Have new or worsening symptoms
Patient education: Vulvovaginal yeast infection (The Basics)
Patient education: Vulvar itching (The Basics)
Patient education: Vulvar pain (The Basics)
Patient education: Vaginal discharge (The Basics)
Patient education: How to use vaginal medicines (The Basics)
Patient education: Vaginal yeast infection (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Vaginal discharge in adult women (Beyond the Basics)
