If you have ever experienced itching, burning, pain, or discharge in your vagina or vulva, you might have had vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC), also known as a yeast infection. VVC is a common condition caused by an overgrowth of a fungus called Candida, which normally lives in small amounts in your vagina without causing any problems. However, when something disrupts the balance of your vaginal flora, such as hormones, antibiotics, diabetes, or a weakened immune system, Candida can multiply and cause symptoms.
Classification of Vulvovaginal Candidiasis
VVC can be classified as either uncomplicated or complicated, depending on how often it occurs, how severe it is, what type of Candida causes it, and whether you have any underlying health conditions that make you more susceptible to infection. Most women have uncomplicated VVC at some point in their lives, which can be easily treated with antifungal medicines applied inside the vagina or taken by mouth. However, some women have complicated VVC, which requires more intensive treatment and may be harder to cure.
Diagnosis of Vulvovaginal Candidiasis
The diagnosis of VVC is based on your symptoms and a physical examination of your vagina and vulva. Your doctor may also take a sample of your vaginal discharge and test it for Candida under a microscope or by culture. Sometimes, other tests may be needed to identify the specific type of Candida causing your infection, especially if you have recurrent or resistant VVC.
Treatment of Vulvovaginal Candidiasis
The treatment of vulvovaginal candidiasis depends on the type and severity of your infection, as well as your personal preferences and medical history. The main goal of treatment is to relieve your symptoms and prevent complications, such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), endometriosis, or preterm labour if you are pregnant.
Some of the treatment options for VVC include:
- Antifungal medicines applied inside the vagina (such as creams, suppositories, or tablets) or taken by mouth (such as fluconazole). These medicines kill the Candida fungus and restore the normal balance of your vaginal flora. The duration and dosage of treatment may vary depending on the type and severity of your infection and whether you have any underlying health conditions.
- Pain management medicines (such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen) to reduce inflammation and discomfort in your vagina and vulva.
- Self-care measures (such as wearing cotton underwear, avoiding wet clothes, practising good hygiene, avoiding chemicals in the pelvic area, and having safe sex) to prevent irritation and reinfection.
VVC is not a sexually transmitted infection (STI), but it can sometimes be passed from one partner to another during sexual intercourse. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid sexual contact until your symptoms are gone and you have completed your treatment. If you have a male partner who has symptoms of balanitis (inflammation of the head of the penis), he may also need treatment for Candida.
VVC is a common and treatable condition that can affect any woman at any age. However, if you have recurrent or persistent symptoms that do not improve with treatment, you should see your doctor for further evaluation and management. You may need additional tests to rule out other causes of vaginitis, such as bacterial vaginosis (BV), trichomoniasis (TV), or vaginal atrophy. You may also need to modify your lifestyle factors that may contribute to VVC, such as diet, stress, sex, or medication use.
Sources
- Debbo Africa: https://debbo.africa
- CDC (2021). Vaginal Candidiasis | Fungal Diseases | CDC. https://www.cdc.gov/fungal/diseases/candidiasis/genital/index.html
- CDC (2021). Vulvovaginal Candidiasis - STI Treatment Guidelines. https://www.cdc.gov/std/treatment-guidelines/candidiasis.htm
- NICE (2021). Candida - female genital | Health topics A to Z | CKS | NICE. https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/candida-female-genital/
- Springer (2021). Vulvovaginal Candidiasis: Epidemiology and Risk Factors ... - Springer. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12281-021-00415-9