Online antibiotic prescriptions for infections

Yes. Thanks to telehealth platforms such as Sesame, you can chat with an online doctor such as an urgent care provider, infectious disease specialist, or primary care provider to discuss the symptoms of a yeast infection. Telehealth has made it easier than ever to see a doctor right away without having to leave home. Doctors on Sesame can treat conditions such as yeast infections, UTIs, bacterial vaginosis, and other women's health issues.

To schedule a same-day yeast infection visit online, search "Yeast infection" or "virtual yeast infection visit" in our search bar. Select the health care provider you want to see and schedule a visit from the drop-down menu that works for your schedule. After you pay for your appointment upfront, you will be sent a booking confirmation email that contains the link to your video chat room. Sesame recommends finding a private, secure location with a strong internet connection for virtual visits.

Discuss your symptoms and treatment plans with your provider or doctor. If medication is appropriate, doctors on Sesame can write prescriptions for medication such as fluconazole (Diflucan) for just $5 and have them delivered to your front door for free.

When your body has an imbalance of Candida fungus, you may develop a vaginal fungal infection (vaginitis). There are a number of ways in which you can develop an overgrowth of candida such as the use of antibiotics, douching, an impaired immune system, pregnancy, or hormonal contraceptives which increase estrogen levels.

You might reduce the likelihood of getting a yeast infection if you change your tampons often, avoid hot tubs and hot baths, and for those with diabetes, control your blood sugar. If you are experiencing a yeast infection for the first time, consider seeing a doctor. They can help you decide which treatment is best for you. Sesame has doctor visits available as early as today. Don't wait to get the treatment you deserve. Book and pay doctors directly, at upfront prices, on your schedule.

Common symptoms of a yeast infection include:

• Vaginal discharge: Thick white cottage cheese-like discharge that is odor-free
  
• Thrush
  
• Soreness
  
• Burning while urinating or during sexual intercourse
  
• Vaginal rash
  
• Swelling and/or redness of the vulva
  
• Intense itchiness of the vagina and vulva
  

It is common for women to confuse their yeast infection symptoms with bacterial vaginosis (BV), which shares many of the same indicators. A good way to differentiate is to look at the discharge. If your discharge is thin, greyish-white, and has a strong fishy odor, you likely have BV.

If you are pregnant or have more severe symptoms, uncontrolled diabetes, or developed four or more yeast infections in the last year, you may have a complicated yeast infection. Make an appointment with a doctor if your symptoms don't go away with over-the-counter antifungal medication such as vaginal cream or suppositories.

Yeast infection risk factors include:

Lowered immunity: Those with an impaired immune system are more likely to get yeast infections.

Higher estrogen levels: Hormone therapy such as high-dose birth control pills make yeast infections more likely.

Antibiotic use: Antibiotics kill bad bacteria, but they also kill good bacteria which can lead to an imbalance of yeast in your system.

Uncontrolled diabetes: Those who have diabetes and don't properly control their blood sugar may increase their risk of developing yeast infections.

In your booking confirmation email, you will receive a link to a video chat platform that you will use for your appointment. This allows you to talk to your doctor face-to-face without having to actually go to the clinic. We recommend that you find a quiet, private area with a strong internet connection for your appointment.

Because doctors are unable to receive a sample of vaginal secretions, you will be asked about your symptoms and medical history during the visit. You may be asked about your sexual history as well. While these can be sensitive matters to discuss, these questions help doctors diagnose whatever condition you may be experiencing. If follow-up testing is required, Sesame will get in touch with you about the next steps.

If your doctor is able to definitively diagnose your condition, they will discuss treatment options with you. If medication is appropriate, your doctor can write you a prescription after your appointment and have it delivered right to your front door. Discuss how to administer the medication you are prescribed, and any side effects you may experience while undergoing treatment for a yeast infection.

If you have a mild yeast infection, it should heal up within a couple of days, with moderate and severe cases lasting up to two weeks or more.

If your yeast infection hasn't gone away within several days or you notice pelvic pain, you may have a different type of infection such as a urinary tract infection.

Common yeast infection treatments include over-the-counter antifungal medication such as Monistat (miconazole), topical vaginal cream (clotrimazole), prescription medicine such as Diflucan (fluconazole), and vaginal suppositories.

If over-the-counter medicine isn't clearing up your yeast infection, you may have a strain of Candida that has a resistance to antifungal medication. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that this is becoming an increasing problem with yeast infections. Speak with a doctor if you have concerns about your yeast infection. They may be able to provide you with a stronger medication.

There are a wide variety of effective treatments that can help you quickly get rid of your yeast infection. Because yeast infections are uncomfortable, it's natural to beat the infection as fast as humanly possible. Fast treatments include over-the-counter antifungal medicine, yogurt rich in probiotics, boric acid, and sugar-free cranberry juice. If sugarless cranberry juice is too tart, consider watering it down for easier consumption.

If your yeast infection isn't going away after several days consider booking an appointment with a healthcare provider with Sesame. While you wait for your appointment, try wearing cotton underwear to improve breathability in your genital area and avoid douches, hot baths, and hot tubs.

Identifying whether you have a vaginal yeast infection or BV lies in the color and consistency of your vaginal discharge. While yeast infections are normally scentless with a thick white consistency, BV discharge has a strong fishy odor and is thin, gray, or yellow in hue.

It is hard to differentiate the other symptoms of a yeast infection and BV due to the fact that they share similarities such as burning during urination and vaginal itching. In order to properly identify your vaginitis, an appointment with a women's health doctor may be needed.

If this is the first time you are experiencing these symptoms, or suspect that it is BV, you should see a doctor. BV will not go away on its own, and prescription medicine is necessary for treatment.

There are many causes of vaginitis. Some common causes include:

Vaginal yeast infection (vaginal candidiasis): There are many reasons why you can get an overgrowth of Candida albicans, including high levels of estrogen, poor diet, antibiotics, and diabetes.

STDs: Different types of sexually transmitted diseases can cause vaginitis, including gonorrhea, chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes, and trichomoniasis.

Bacterial overgrowth: Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a condition that involves the overgrowth of bacteria in the vagina. New sex partners and douching are a few examples of how an imbalance of bacteria can occur in the vagina.

Foreign objects: Things like forgotten tampons, or tissue paper can irritate the tissues of the vagina.

Vaginitis is treatable based on its cause. While antibiotics treat BV, they may not treat vaginitis caused by a fungal infection. Speaking to a doctor about your symptoms can help reveal a diagnosis and treatment plan that's specific to your case. Sesame offers telehealth visits up to 60% off what you'd pay through an insurance carrier. Book a virtual consult with a gynecologist through Sesame and get ready to save.

If left untreated, certain types of vaginal infections can cause more issues down the road. Trichomoniasis, for example, can cause urinary tract infections and can put you at a higher risk for developing cervical cancer, especially if you are also infected with the human papillomavirus (HPV).

The bottom line: if you have concerns regarding your vaginal infection, you should see a healthcare provider such as a gynecologist to get the care - and peace of mind - that you need.

Symptoms of vaginitis can include irregular vaginal discharge (thick, grayish-white, greenish-yellow, and/or cottage cheese-like), vaginal itching, vaginal soreness, or an especially fishy vaginal odor.

It is important to see a doctor if you experience any of these symptoms, especially if they are accompanied by a fever, pelvic pain, or chills. Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) can prevent vaginitis from dissipating on its own accord. Connect directly with a gynecologist through Sesame and save up to 60% on healthcare services. Whether it's symptoms related to vaginitis or regular check-ups, Sesame clears your way to quality care.

Your type of vaginal infection will dictate your treatment. Treatments include over-the-counter and prescription medicines like antifungals (including fluconazole, clotrimazole, miconazole), antibiotics, vaginal suppositories, and vaginal cream.

There are a few preventative measures that may help reduce your risk of developing a vaginal infection in the first place. These measures include urination after sexual intercourse. You may also want to wear cotton underwear, that allows your genital area to breathe and doesn't trap heat as synthetic materials do. Reducing or eliminating vaginal douches can also help your body maintain a healthy amount of good bacteria. Douching can cause harmful bacteria to overgrow in your vagina. Research also suggests that if you are prone to BV, you may be less likely to have recurring infections if you take hormonal contraceptives such as birth control pills.

Get birth control pills, vaginal creams, antibiotics, or other vaginal infection treatments by booking a virtual or in-person visit with a gynecologist through Sesame.

A UTI is an infection of the urinary system that often causes discomfort and painful urination.

UTIs often start in the lower urinary tract. Urethritis, a very common lower urinary tract infection, starts in the urethra. Lower tract infections can also originate or spread to your bladder, a kind of UTI known as cystitis.

Some UTIs can begin in the upper urinary tract, in organs like the uterus, ureters, or kidneys. While this is rare, kidney infections (also known as Pyelonephritis), could be life-threatening if left untreated.

When most people get a UTI, they experience what doctors call an uncomplicated infection. An uncomplicated urinary tract infection is temporary and not usually the result of any underlying conditions affecting the urinary system. However, people who suffer from recurrent UTIs--infections that happen over and over again--may be suffering from a blockage in the urinary tract. Specialists in urology call these chronic infections complicated UTIs. Sometimes, urologists will use a test called cystoscopy, which examines the inside of the bladder, to diagnose the cause of recurrent UTIs.

Urinary tract infections don't always cause signs and symptoms, but when they do they may include:

• Urge to urinate that is strong and persistent
  
• Urinating with a burning sensation
  
• Urine passing in little amounts on a regular basis
  
• Urine that has a hazy appearance
  
• Urine that is scarlet, bright pink, or cola-colored indicates that there is blood in it.
  
• Urine with a strong odor
  
• Pelvic discomfort, especially in the middle of the pelvis and around the pubic bone, is common in women.
  

Sexual Intercourse

UTIs are not STDs or STIs, but they can still be caused by sexual intercourse. Honeymoon Cystitis, for example, is a bladder infection that is often caused by sexual activity.

E. Coli is the type of bacteria that causes approximately 90% of uncomplicated UTIs. Sexual intercourse increases the risk that E. Coli or other bacteria could come into contact with the urethra, causing infection. This is particularly true for premenopausal women, as women's urethras tend to be shorter and located in closer proximity to the anus. The use of spermicides can also increase the risk of UTIs.

Urinating after engaging in sexual activity helps clear up the urinary tract and flush away bacteria, reducing the risk of UTIs.

Pregnancy

Pregnant women are at a greater risk of contracting UTIs. As a pregnant woman's uterus expands, it may press on her bladder, making it harder for urine to enter the bladder and increasing the risk of infection.

Menopause

Postmenopausal women are an at-risk population for different reasons. After menopause, lower estrogen levels, higher vaginal pH levels, and a decline in antimicrobial lactobacilli (the good kind, that is) all expose women to a higher risk of developing a UTI, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Infants

Infants are at risk of UTI, especially when they have dirty diapers or are improperly wiped from back to front. Good hydration and hygiene can help prevent urogenital infections in infants.

Enlarged Prostate

Men with enlarged prostates are also at greater risk for contracting a UTI, as a larger than normal prostate can block flow out of the bladder.

Chronic conditions

People with chronic conditions including diabetes are more likely to contract UTIs. People whose immune systems are compromised, including patients with HIV/AIDS, also experience an increased risk of UTI.

Urinary tract infections are common infections of the urinary system. UTIs can occur anywhere in the urinary tract - the urethra, bladder, kidneys, and ureters - but most commonly occur in the urethra and bladder. When a UTI infects and inflames the bladder, the condition is known as cystitis.

In many cases, a mild or moderate urinary tract infection can away on its own. If left untreated, however, UTIs may become more severe and lead to serious complications that could be potentially life-threatening. Because of this, doctors will prescribe antibiotics to kill the infection. Antibiotics can help UTI symptoms disappear in as little as a day or two.

If you are experiencing a persistent need to urinate, pain while urinating, or red or cloudy urine, you may be dealing with symptoms of a UTI. Get in touch with a urologist on Sesame to discuss your symptoms and discuss treatment plans. Urologists on Sesame can assess symptoms, prescribe medication, and create treatment plans for you. All urologists on Sesame are certified by the American Board of Urology.

Doctors can diagnose UTIs by learning about your current symptoms and assessing your medical history and risk factors. In some cases, your urologist may request a urinalysis, a common test that looks for the presence of white blood cells (a key indicator your body is fighting an infection) in your urine sample. In some cases, a doctor may order a urine culture test, a more comprehensive examination of your urine sample.

You can tell a doctor all about your symptoms during a quick and easy consult on Sesame. Qualified urologists in your area can diagnose a number of conditions like UTI over secure video chat, and come up with a treatment plan that works for you today.

If you are experiencing recurrent urinary tract infections, see a medical professional to get to the bottom of the issue. Doctors qualified to treat UTIs in list affordable cash prices on Sesame.

Abnormalities and complicated UTIs may also involve kidney stones. When kidney stones form they often start in the kidneys, but can grow in the uterus or bladder. Stones that block flow in the urinary tract can cause urine to back up into the kidneys, increasing pressure on the kidneys, which can be very damaging.

Even though it’s normal to develop a urinary tract infection every once in a while, if you are experiencing persistent or recurring UTIs, your doctor may recommend additional action, including:

• Antibiotics at low doses, usually for six months but sometimes for longer.
  
• If you keep in touch with your doctor, you can self-diagnose and treat yourself.
  
• If your illnesses are caused by sexual activity, you'll only need one dose of antibiotic.
  
• If you're postmenopausal, vaginal estrogen therapy can help.
  

Depending on the lab results of your urinalysis or urine culture test, your doctor may prescribe an over-the-counter antibiotic treatment for the UTI. These medications could include antibiotics like Amoxicillin/augmentin, ampicillin, ciprofloxacin (Cipro), nitrofurantoin, and trimethoprim/ sulfamethoxazole. All prescriptions, if necessary, are at your doctor's discretion.

Nitrofurantoin, for example, is used to treat bacterial infections, but not for viral or fungal infections. It is very effective at overcoming bacteria that can resist other antibiotics.

Trimethoprim/ sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim/Septra/SXT)is one of the faster treatments for UTIs. Bactrim can get the job done with two daily doses over a three-day course of antibiotics. However, Escherichia Coli (the most common cause of urinary tract infections) is increasingly resistant to sulfamethoxazole. Ampicillin fares worse than bactrim does against E. Coli, while nitrofurantoin is the most effective antibiotic at fighting common urologic infections.