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Vaginal candidiasis, which is also variously known as vaginal yeast infection, genital candidiasis, or vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC), is an infection involving a type of fungus or yeast called “Candida albicans” usually found in warm and moist areas of the body. It occurs as a result of an overgrowth of yeast in the vagina.
About 50 per cent of all women have candida in the vagina without the presence of symptoms. In the vagina, there are bacteria that live naturally in the vagina and usually keep the level of Candida albicans balanced and prevent the fungus from growing out of control. When the level is not balanced, they could grow uncontrollably and lead to symptoms of candidiasis.
Vaginal candidiasis is quite common as nearly 75 per cent of all women will develop candidiasis at some point during their lives. Even though candidiasis is not considered a sexually transmitted disease (STD), 15 per cent of men develop symptoms such as penile rash and itching following sexual contact with an infected partner. Men rarely get infected with candida because of their anatomical structure. Nevertheless, candidiasis when left untreated could lead to serious complications.
Causes of candidiasis
The vagina is an environment that maintains its own balance of micro-organisms, but when its balance is disrupted such as when candida albicans is allowed to multiply unchecked, vaginal candidiasis could result. Studies performed by the American Social Health Association found that the following factors could disrupt the balance of micro-organisms that live in the vagina and cause vaginal
candidiasis:
• Antibiotic use: Antibiotics can destroy bacteria that protect the vagina. Candidiasis may develop during or after the use of antibiotics taken to treat other health conditions such as «strep throat». A
bacteria in the vagina called “Lactobacillus” keeps the growth of candida in check by producing lactic acid which prevents the growth of other harmful bacteria and prevents vaginal disorders such as
vaginosis and vaginal candidiasis. But if there is an imbalance in the vagina, this bacteria won’t work effectively, and could lead to an overgrowth of yeast and cause candidiasis.
Steroid use
Diabetes: This disease can lower the glycogen store in vagina cells and also raise sugar content of the vagina which increases the risk of developing vaginal candidiasis.
Factors that can cause a weak immune system such as HIV/AIDS, pregnancy, cancer, chemotherapy, stress, lack of sleep, continuous abuse of anti-fungal products or other drugs that can weaken the immune system.
Use of douches or other feminine hygiene sprays.
Scratches or wounds in the vagina as a result of inserting tampons or other objects into the vagina.
Tight underwear or underwear made of materials other than cotton increase the temperature of the vagina. Wearing of wet swimsuits for a long time trap micro-organisms and could increase the risk of candidiasis
Hormonal changes such as ovulation, menopause, pregnancy, birth control pills, hormone therapy or hormonal imbalance.
Oral sex.
Lack of personal cleanliness or dirty environment.
Poor eating habits or too much intake of sugary foods.
Symptoms of vaginal candidiasis
If you are infected with candidiasis, you would likely get two or more of the following symptoms:
Irritated vagina and vaginal area
White-gray, thick vaginal discharge with a constituency resembling cottage-cheese.
Intense itching of the genitals
Painful or burning urination
Painful intercourse
Soreness, redness or rashes in the vagina or vaginal area
Swelling of the vagina or vulva.
When to seek medical care
A woman should see her doctor if she discovers two or more of these signs:
Foul smell or yellowish vaginal discharge
Vagina discharge lasting more than a week
Bloody discharge
Increased urination
Stomach or back pain accompanying vaginal discharge
Vomiting
Fever
If symptoms diminish but return within two months.
Candidiasis diagnosis
The only definitive way to diagnose candida is to perform a full gynaecological examination in which the doctor usually asks the woman about her symptoms, after which he will perform a physical and
pelvic examination. The doctor tests the woman’s urine and samples of vaginal discharge. Before the test, intercourse or douching must be avoided for one or two days to avoid complicating the diagnosis.
The examination includes a speculum exam in which the doctor uses a specialized instrument to hold open the vagina, and then take a swab of discharge from the vagina which will be mixed with a drop of potassium hydroxide and placed on a slide. If candida is present, a specific branching pattern will be seen under the microscope.
The doctor may also insert two fingers into the vagina, and gently press on the uterus, ovaries and surrounding areas and also take blood and urine specimens after this exam. This is the simplest form of diagnosing candida. However, this test may be negative in up to 50 per cent of women with candidiasis.
Candidiasis home remedy
For confirmed candida infections, over-the-counter medications offer 75-90 per cent cure rates. However, the use of these drugs by women who do not have the infection might increase their likelihood of developing candidiasis that is resistant to future treatment. Medications to treat candida comes in a variety of forms including: oral medications, vaginal suppositories and creams (suppositories are inserted into the vagina while cream medications are massaged into the vagina and surrounding tissues.
Risks of untreated vaginal candidiasis
When vaginal candidiasis is left untreated for a long time, it could lead to pelvic inflammatory disease and also foul vagina odour. A medial practitioner at Women’s Health Centre, Apapa, Dr. Orli Etingin, told Sunday Sun that untreated candidiasis infection tends to be uncomfortable, cause discharge and burning but does not cause permanent damage.
“If you have candidiasis, and you are trying to get pregnant, it has to be treated first as it could delay or prevent pregnancy because candida infections affect the vaginal secretions, making the vagina unfriendly to sperm,” Etingin said.
Candidiasis treatment
Although candida could be treated with over-the-counter medications, but a doctor should prescribe the appropriate medication. Do not engage in self-medication. Go to see a doctor.
Candidiasis prevention
The following are guidelines women should follow to prevent the likelihood of developing vaginal candidiasis:
• Always keep the vagina and vagina area clean especially after shower
• After using the toilet, wipe from front to rear.
• Wear looser-fitting cotton underwear, which help to keep the vaginal area dry and may reduce irritation.
• After swimming, change out of a wet bathing suit.
• Avoid chemical irritants in deodorant tampons.
• Avoid douches or feminine hygiene products, regular bathing is usually adequate to cleanse the vagina.
• Wash underwear in hot water.
• Eating proper diet and taking supplements with ‘lactobacillus’
• Avoid vaginal douching and practice safe sex.
