Candidiasis is an infection caused by the Candida yeast (a type of fungus). Candida may survive in the body (in locations including the mouth, throat, gut, and vaginal canal) and on the skin without creating difficulties. If the environment inside the vagina alters in a way that favours Candida growth, it can multiply and produce an infection. The term "vaginal yeast infection" refers to candidiasis in the vaginal area. “Vaginal candidiasis,” “vulvovaginal candidiasis,” and “candidal vaginitis” are some of the other names for this ailment.
Symptoms
The following are some of the symptoms of vaginal candidiasis.
Itching or pain in the vaginal area
During sexual activity, there is pain.
When urinating, you may experience pain or discomfort.
Vaginal discharge that is abnormal
Although most cases of vaginal candidiasis are minor, some women may experience severe infections with redness, swelling, and fissures in the vaginal wall.
If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, talk to your doctor. These symptoms are similar to those of other vaginal infections, which can be treated with a variety of medications. If you have vaginal candidiasis, a healthcare expert can tell you if you have it and how to treat it.
Risk and Preventative Measures
Who is at risk for vaginal candidiasis?
Vaginal candidiasis is prevalent, however additional research is needed to determine the exact number of women who are infected. Women with the following characteristics are more prone to develop vaginal candidiasis:
Are you expecting a child?
Make use of hormonal contraception (for example, birth control pills)
Do you have diabetes?
Have a compromised immune system? (for example, due to HIV infection or medicines that weaken the immune system, such as steroids and chemotherapy)
Are you going to the doctors or have you lately taken antibiotics?
What can I do to avoid vaginal candidiasis?
Cotton underwear may assist to lower the risk of developing a yeast infection.
Antibiotics can induce vaginal candidiasis, so only take them when recommended and exactly as your healthcare professional instructs. Learn when antibiotics are effective and when they should be avoided.
Sources
According to scientists, roughly 20% of ladies have Candida in the vaginal area without exhibiting any symptoms.
If the environment inside the vagina alters in a way that favours Candida growth, it can multiply and produce an infection. Hormones, medications, and immune system changes can all contribute to this.
Testing & Diagnosis
A tiny sample of vaginal discharge is usually taken and analyzed under a microscope at the medical office or submitted to a laboratory for a fungus culture to diagnose vaginal candidiasis. A positive fungal culture, on the other hand, does not automatically imply that Candida is producing symptoms; some women can have Candida in the vaginal area without experiencing any symptoms.
Treatment
Antifungal medication is mainly used to treat vaginal candidiasis.
3 An antifungal drug administered inside the vaginal canal or a single dosage of fluconazole taken by mouth are the most common treatments. Other treatments may be required for infections that are more severe, do not improve, or return after they have improved. More fluconazole or other drugs placed inside the vaginal cavity, such as boric acid, nystatin, or flucytosine, are used in these therapies.
0 Comments