2023-11-17 18:45:32
Also called vaginal candidiasisl’vaginal yeast infection is caused by a type of fungus called Candida albicans1. Around 3/4 of women get it at least once in their life and 5 to 10% of them get it several times.2. Often benign, candidiasis can lead to serious infections that can cause redness, swelling or even cracks in the wall of the vagina.
What is a vaginal yeast infection?
If the term “vaginal yeast infection” is widely used, in reality, we are talking more about vaginal candidiasis or even mucosal cutaneous candidiasis. This is a mycosis caused by the proliferation of a yeast called candida. These are microorganisms naturally present in the body that are found in the normal flora of the digestive tract and the vaginal mucosa. Candidiasis develops when the protective acidity of the vagina is modified, which will cause the development of yeast Candida albicans et al can cause invasion of mucous membranes.
Vaginal candidiasis: causes and origins
Several factors can cause changes in the vaginal environment and promote the development of a vaginal yeast infection. candida :
- Diabetes,
- Exposure to strong, irritating or perfumed products,
- Humidity linked to maceration, particularly in the event of heat and perspiration (due to underwear that is too tight or made of synthetic fibers),
- Taking certain medications such as antibiotics or cortisone which act on the flora of the mucous membranes,
- Being immunocompromised,
- A hormonal imbalance such as pregnancy or taking or stopping a pill,
- A diet too rich in sugar
Transmission of candidiasis is very rare but it is possible in the event of repeated sexual intercourse.
What are the symptoms of vaginal candidiasis?
The most common symptoms of candidiasis are:
- Severe itching of the vulva
- Burning sensation of the skin
- Redness of the skin in the vaginal and vulvar areas
- Vaginal discharge, thick and not very odorous (but not systematic)
- Pain felt during and after sexual intercourse (with penetration)
Typically, these symptoms occur 3 days after the onset of vaginal candidiasis. When the first signs appear, you must consult a gynecologist or a doctor: the symptoms being close to those of mycosis there may be a mistake.
Vaginal candidiasis: what treatment?
Most of the time, for treat vaginal candidiasiswe use a treatment combining:
- ovules of Fazol G®, Gyno-Daktarin®, Gyno-Pevaryl® and Monazol® for 1 to 6 days (ovules or capsules to be introduced into the vagina also indicated in the local treatment of mycoses)
- a wash with alkaline soap or bicarbonated water which will help rebalance the protective acidity of the vagina
Generally, treatment followed for 1 to 7 days allows healing in 6 days maximum.
In case of candidiasis recurrent vaginal or if you frequently have candidiasis, the doctor may prescribe a antifungal (fluconazole) par way oral. The treatment is to be taken on the day of the recurrence, as a single dose, in combination with an egg antifungal. If the vulva is affected, the application of a crème antifungal maybe recommended. It is also possible that the sexual partner may need to be treated.
Precautions: some of the over-the-counter medications require precautions, seek advice from a healthcare professional.
To prevent yourself from developing a vaginal yeast infection, here are some tips and tricks:
- Clean the vulva area with lukewarm water or with a very gentle, soap-free product.
- Wear cotton and looser underwear
- Sleeping in pajamas or panties rather than naked
- Do not keep a wet swimsuit for long
- Change sanitary protection regularly during periods.
1. Candida Vaginitis, THE MSD MANUAL
2. Facts and myths on recurrent vulvovaginal candidosis–a review on epidemiology, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, pathogenesis and therapy,
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