Vaginal Candidiasis

Vaginal Candidiasis General Information

Vaginal Candidiasis is an infection caused by the Candida fungus, which normally lives in the organism of any human being. In healthy people, this fungus does not cause any problems as its spreading is kept within limits by the immune system. However, persons with a weakened immune system have trouble fighting the infection, and may find themselves confronted with occasional outbursts of the infection, as the fungus is no longer naturally controlled.

At times, Vaginal Candidiasis can occur even within the healthiest women, however that should be regarded as normal and the infection should be easily fought with the basic treatment. Over 75% of women have had this condition at least once during their lifetime. If you suspect that you are suffering from an infection, it is advised that you contact your specialized health care professional in order to establish whether the infection has been caused by the Candida fungus or not, and to take the proper course of action.

Also, it should be noted that some conditions do favor the growth of the Candida fungus. There are several factors which may alter the vaginal environment, favoring the growth and reproduction of the fungus. Some of these factors are the extended use of steroids, antibiotics or oral contraceptives with a high concentration of estrogen, diabetes, pregnancy or deficiencies of iron, zinc or vitamin B12. Of course, therapies that cause a large amount of stress on the immune system also favor the Candida infection. There have also been noted cases where the infection was caused by a specific reaction to the detergents that were used to wash the underwear or pants.

Vaginal Candidiasis Symptoms

Many of the symptoms of Vaginal Candidiasis are common to other affections as well, either infections or sexually transmitted diseases, so it is always best to check with a specialized health care professional in order to determine exactly the cause underlining the symptoms. In the case of recurring or severe infection, the patient should also consider a general health examination, as the infection is often underlined by other illnesses in such cases.

Vaginal Candidiasis is known to cause a localized pain under the form of burning or stinging, as well as itching and irritation of the area. Pain also accompanies urination and sexual intercourse, and there may appear an unusual discharge, mostly white in color, but it may take shades of yellow. The discharge can be thin and watery but most of the time when present it is thick and with a cheese-like aspect. The skin in the area may present some symptoms as well. The vaginal skin may tear, causing further pain, and the skin covering the vaginal entrance may be swollen, reddish and tender. Also, the inside of the vagina may feel tender and painful, especially during sexual intercourse.

Vaginal Candidiasis may also present some other symptoms as well, that are not listed here. It is highly advised that for any unusual symptoms that you may experience, you should contact your specialized health care professional, for more information regarding the symptoms and the condition and also to further check and establish what is causing the symptoms, diagnosing the affection and prescribing the treatment appropriate for your age, medical history and general health condition.

Vaginal Candidiasis Treatment

After the Vaginal Candidiasis is diagnosed, most of the time by laboratory testing of a sample taken from the infected area by the specialist physician that has consulted the patient, a treatment for curing the infection is prescribed. Most of the time, this will consist of antifungal drugs which may be prescribed to be taken orally, but they may take the form of creams that need to be applied directly to the affected area. Also, certain types of medication need to be inserted directly into the vagina to take their full effect against the infection. Some of the drugs that have proven to be most effective in such situations are nystatin, or imidazole derivatives such as clotrimazole, econazole, isoconazole, ketoconazole, and miconazole which are available in all three types of treatment. Clotrimazole, econazole, ketoconazole, and miconazole nitrateare available as creams for Vaginal Candidiasis treatment, clotrimazole, econazole nitrate, isoconazole nitrate, and miconazole nitrate are also available as pessaries, while itraconazole and fluconazole are also present under the form of orally administered pills.

The treatment period may be of 1 to 7 days. Typically, the treatment will show results after the first few days, and in such cases the treatment does not require continuation for prolonged periods of times, however for more complex or resistant infections the treatment may be employed for longer periods of time. While the treatment is usually successful, with up to 90% curing rate, there are cases when the infection does not recede after the treatment, especially in the case of patients that have undergone a long-term antifungal therapy, most common in the case of HIV-infected patients, as prolonged use of these medications can increase the fungus’ resistance to treatment.

Supplementary to the generic medication treatment for Vaginal Candidiasis, patients are also encouraged to stop taking any oral contraceptives. Also, it is recommended that the patient wears loose cotton underwear, and altogether avoids the use of tight fitting pants, although the scientific base of this is still not sufficiently documented.

Vaginal Candidiasis can be treated at home, without any prescription, however it is highly recommended that you do not self-medicate. The results of a study that was recently made show that a very large number of women prefer to buy over-the-counter medication for Vaginal Candidiasis, relying on self-treatment. However, over two thirds of these women and have taken the medication were not suffering from the infection. This will actually increase the fungus’ resistance to normal therapy, which may lead to severe forms of the affection in the future. Infections which are resistant to treatment and will pose problems in the attempts to cure it. Thus, doctors advise that you should refrain from self-diagnosing, as a wrong diagnosis can lead to severe consequences. It is always best that you contact your specialized health care professional in order to exactly determine the affection and treatment that should be administered.