Infections care FAQs
General infections questions
We’ll ask you questions to evaluate the most likely cause of your symptoms. Based on your answers and your medical history, our team of experienced providers work together to get you feeling better! We are always just a message away.
At this time, we do not offer testing for STIs. If you think you have been exposed, or need testing, we can help direct you where to go.
We accept select insurance plans and offer cash-pay patients an income-based sliding scale pricing for our vaginal infection consultations. You may also be able to pay for your consultation with your HSA or FSA if you’d like.
Your payment covers your provider’s time and unlimited messaging with the Hey Jane team for the duration of your treatment. We will send your prescription to your local pharmacy of choice for fast, easy pickup. In some cases, we can send your medication directly to you.
You will pay the pharmacy directly for the cost of medication. Costs can vary depending on what specific treatment is prescribed and whether or not you use insurance. In many cases, medication can be as low as $0 with insurance. If you don’t have insurance or are worried about costs, let your provider know so that they can advise on affordable options.
Urinary tract infection (UTI) care
Sex can increase your risk for a UTI, so be sure to urinate before and after intercourse! This will help flush your urinary tract and reduce the changes of developing a UTI.
That’s a great question! Recurring or repeat UTIs can be related to several factors. It could be related to the frequency someone is having intercourse; it could also be related to your anatomy or even genetics.
You may need lab work and/or an in-person evaluation if you experience any of the following:
- You start to develop a fever and/or chills
- You start to develop back pain
- Your UTI symptoms don’t improve within a few days of starting the antibiotics
- You are referred for pelvic examination due to recurrent UTIs
UTIs are one of the most common bacterial infections in the United States! Some people experience UTIs very rarely and others manage recurring infections. Both scenarios are normal and can be treated quickly with antibiotics.
Bacteria can enter the urethra causing a urinary tract infection several ways, and is more likely to happen if you:
- Are sexually active
- Don’t regularly empty your bladder (holding your pee)
- Have had a UTI before
- Are going through menopause
- Use spermicides or diaphragms
Although UTIs can happen to anyone, they are much more common in people with vaginas. Vaginas have a shorter urethra (the tube from the bladder to where the urine comes out of the body) than penises, which makes it easier for bacteria to get into the bladder.1
The most effective way to treat a UTI is with antibiotics. Some herbal supplements may help with prevention, but antibiotics are necessary to prevent a UTI from becoming a kidney infection.
At this time, Hey Jane does not offer delivery for UTI treatment. Your provider will send your prescription to your preferred local pharmacy to be filled ASAP. Some pharmacies have their own delivery services, so we recommend giving yours a call if you’re curious!
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) care
Sometimes your body will treat BV on its own. Some people find that boric acid can help balance the pH and make it harder for BV to overgrow. Some studies suggest that probiotics can help with BV, while others say not so much. Probiotics do not hurt though! Learn more about natural remedies here.
BV is the most common vaginal infection between ages 15-441, and can be a recurring, and frustrating issue for many people.
You do not. BV tends to be a nuisance but doesn’t usually cause larger issues. That being said, it can put you at higher risk of contracting STIs if you come in contact with them.
BV can occur when the balance of “good” and “harmful” bacteria in your vagina is disrupted by factors like douching, sexual activity, and using soaps or scented products in the vagina. You cannot get BV from sources like toilet seats, bedding, or swimming pools.
BV cannot cause an STD or STI on its own, but if you have BV it can be easier to contract one of these infections if you are exposed.
If your discharge does not go away with treatment, or if you develop fevers, chills, or pelvic pain.
BV is caused by an imbalance of naturally occurring bacteria while yeast infections are caused by an overgrowth of yeast in the vagina. These two infections often get confused for one another, and can even occur at the same time.
Some people seem to get BV all the time. We are not completely sure why, but some of it may be that some vaginas have more “good” bacteria than others, which help prevent it. There are ways to manage BV if you seem to be getting it all the time. Let your provider know if you tend to be prone to BV so they can address that in your custom treatment plan.
At this time, Hey Jane does not offer delivery bacterial vaginosis treatment. Your provider will send your prescription to your preferred local pharmacy to be filled ASAP. Some pharmacies have their own delivery services, so we recommend giving yours a call if you’re curious!
Yeast infection care
Yes, there are. Some people find that boric acid suppositories can help balance the pH of their vaginas, and make it harder for yeast to grow. Some studies also suggest that probiotics can help with yeast, while others say not so much. Probiotics do not hurt though!
Sometimes your body will even treat yeast on its own, but the fastest way to get rid of a yeast infection is with antifungals medication.
When too much yeast grows on your skin or other areas, it can cause an infection, also called candidiasis. Anyone can get a yeast infection, and it’s more likely to happen if you:
- Have had a yeast infection before
- Are sexually active
- Use spermicides or diaphragms
Recurring yeast infections can be tricky! Some medications and frequent intercourse can increase the risk for developing a yeast infection, but it can also be related to genetics.
To prevent future yeast infections, here are some tips:
- Wear loose, cotton underwear that is breathable.
- Try taking boric acid suppositories to help maintain a healthy pH balance in and around your vagina which can make it harder for yeast to grow. We recommend Love Wellness or Boric Life
- Refrain from using scented products in or on your genitals.
- Remove and replace clothing that gets wet with dry if possible—yeast loves warm and damp!
Definitely not! While Hey Jane only offers prescription treatments for yeast infections at this time, other over-the-counter remedies like Monistat can be found at your local pharmacy.
While both types of treatments work equally well, prescription-strength treatments typically improve symptoms within 1 day. It usually takes 3+ days to get symptom relief from over-the-counter options. If you’re looking to feel better fast, prescription medications may be a better treatment option for you.
BV is caused by an imbalance of naturally occurring bacteria while yeast infections are caused by an overgrowth of yeast in the vagina. These two infections often get confused for one another, and can even occur at the same time.
While using birth control doesn’t necessarily cause yeast infections, it can increase your risk of developing one.
If you’re someone who gets yeast infections frequently, using IUDs, diaphragms, sponges, and birth control that contains estrogen can increase your chances of developing a yeast infection. If you experience yeast infections often and are looking to find the right birth control for you, we’d be happy to talk more about your options!
Super common! In fact yeast infections are one of the most common causes of vaginal/vulvar itching and discharge.
At this time, Hey Jane only offers delivery for yeast infection treatment to patients not using insurance.
If using insurance, your provider will send your prescription to your preferred local pharmacy to be filled ASAP. Some pharmacies have their own delivery services, so we recommend giving yours a call if you’re curious!
Herpes care
Herpes can be spread by any physical contact with a sore, so yes!
There is no cure for herpes, but there are medications that some people take daily to help prevent outbreaks.
If you’re experiencing an outbreak, there are medications your Hey Jane provider can prescribe to shorten the outbreak and relieve your symptoms, although some people choose not to take any medications and let the outbreak run its course. It’s completely your choice!
We understand that this can be a frustrating diagnosis to manage and are here to support you. If you’re looking for more information on living with herpes, including community support, we recommend the below resources from the American Sexual Health Association:
Usually, yes! They are also commonly called fever blisters.
Nope! Cold sores and canker sores are different. Cold sores are caused by herpes simplex virus (HSV) and look like small, open, painful sores or blisters in or around the mouth. Canker sores are gray or white sores surrounded by a red inflamed area that occur only inside the mouth and throat. They are not caused by herpes.
There is no cure for herpes, but there are medications that some people take daily to help prevent outbreaks.
If you’re experiencing an outbreak, there are medications your Hey Jane provider can prescribe to shorten the outbreak and relieve your symptoms, although some people choose not to take any medications and let the outbreak run its course. It’s completely your choice!
We understand that this can be a frustrating diagnosis to manage and are here to support you. If you’re looking for more information on living with herpes, including community support, we recommend the below resources from the American Sexual Health Association:
Herpes can be spread by any physical contact with a sore, so yes!
- Use condoms and dental dams during sex
- Avoid having sex during an active herpes outbreak to minimize exposure to your partner
- Talk to us about antiviral medication that can help lower the risk of transmitting the infection to sexual partners
- Reduce your outbreak frequency through minimizing stress, getting plenty of sleep, and eating well as much as you can
Looking for more resources? Check out our guide on how to tell your partner you have an STI.
Oral and genital herpes outbreaks usually last 1-2 weeks, and happen 4-5 times a year. First outbreaks are usually the worst, but everyone is different!
If you develop fevers, chills, pelvic pain; a new sore that is painless, and unlike your previous herpes infections; or if you have never been diagnosed with herpes but are experiencing sores on your genitals.
You do not! While these medications can help shorten the length and intensity of an outbreak, even if you do nothing your outbreak will resolve and heal on its own.
Herpes is typically spread from contact with sores or bodily fluids (like saliva or semen) of people who carry the virus. Specifically:
HSV-1 primarily spreads through contact with sores, saliva, or surfaces in and around the mouth. Contrary to popular belief, most people contract HSV-1 through non-sexual contact with saliva in childhood. Although less common, it can also be transmitted to the genital area through oral-genital contact, leading to genital herpes. Transmission can also occur from contact with oral or skin surfaces that appear normal.
When it comes to HSV-2, physical contact plays a central role in transmission. The virus can be passed through contact with genital or anal surfaces, skin, sores, or bodily fluids of an infected individual. Even when skin looks unaffected, HSV-2 can still be transmitted, often without any noticeable symptoms.In rare circumstances, herpes (HSV-1 and HSV-2) can be transmitted from mother to child during delivery.
Typically, the only time it can be dangerous is if you get your first outbreak in pregnancy. Most people who have herpes are able to have normal births and have no issues at all. If you know you have herpes already, your provider can help you to prevent outbreaks during birth and other times in your life!
At this time, Hey Jane only offers delivery for herpes treatment to patients not using insurance.
If using insurance, your provider will send your prescription to your preferred local pharmacy to be filled ASAP. Some pharmacies have their own delivery services, so we recommend giving yours a call if you’re curious!
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