What is yeast vaginitis?

Written by Shen Li Wen
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on September 01, 2024
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Normally, women have yeast present around the vagina, anus, and mouth, which usually does not cause illness. Only when a woman's immunity is lowered, or due to other factors such as having diabetes, taking oral immunosuppressants, or irregularly taking large doses of antibiotics, which alters a woman's resistance, can yeast-induced vaginitis be triggered. It is caused by an infection with Candida, a type of fungal pathogen. This infection can cause vaginal discharge to become particularly thick, sticking to the vaginal walls and unable to be expelled, leading to congestion and swelling of the vaginal walls, causing severe itching of the vulva, and pain and cracking at the vaginal opening during intercourse.

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What should a pregnant woman do if she has candidal vaginitis?

During pregnancy, changes occur in the vaginal flora of women, leading to decreased resistance in the vagina. Many pregnant women develop candidal vaginitis. Once diagnosed with candidal vaginitis, it is essential to undergo proper treatment. However, many pregnant women worry that medication might affect the fetus, which is a misconception. There are safe medications available for treating candidal vaginitis during pregnancy, and proper treatment generally does not harm the fetus. On the other hand, if candidal vaginitis is left untreated and allowed to progress, the inflammation might spread through the cervix into the uterine cavity, potentially leading to chorioamnionitis. In severe cases, it can cause premature rupture of membranes or intrauterine infection. Therefore, it is crucial for pregnant women diagnosed with candidal vaginitis to seek proper treatment.

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How to treat candidal vaginitis during pregnancy

During pregnancy, due to the increased secretion of estrogen, the environment in the vagina will also increase, making this time very susceptible to yeast vaginitis. In the early stages of pregnancy, contracting yeast vaginitis can easily lead to threatened miscarriage, or the embryo stopping development, so it is necessary to treat it promptly. Common treatments include vaginal medication, such as clotrimazole vaginal tablets, miconazole cream, and externally applied traditional Chinese medicine preparations, which are very effective in treating yeast vaginitis and have no adverse effects on pregnancy, as the absorption of topical medications is minimal.

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Little Tips for Treating Yeast Vaginitis

If you are looking for a home remedy for yeast vaginitis, you can typically use baking soda from home, or carbonated water, and then dilute it with water for rinsing. This can treat yeast vaginitis. However, the best treatment method is still to go to the hospital to obtain a secretion sample for testing. After confirming that it is yeast vaginitis, then based on the test results, select the appropriate medication for symptomatic treatment. Yeast vaginitis usually presents with abnormal vaginal discharge and itching, generally the discharge looks like cottage cheese or is curd-like. Therefore, most cases of yeast vaginitis need to be treated symptomatically with medication. If you prefer not to go to the hospital, you can also try washing at home with carbonated water or baking soda. Additionally, if you have yeast vaginitis, avoid consuming too many anti-inflammatory drugs, as they can exacerbate the condition.

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What is the medication used for treating fungal vaginitis?

The commonly used medications for treating the dilemma of recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis include clotrimazole vaginal tablets, nitrofurantoin, mycostatin suppositories, and miconazole cream. These vaginal medications are effective for treating yeast infections of the vagina. However, vulvovaginal candidiasis tends to recur easily. It is crucial to complete the full treatment course during the initial treatment to prevent recurrence. It is also important to wear breathable cotton underwear and avoid prolonged vaginal douching. Sexual intercourse should be avoided during treatment. (Use of medications should be under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Can you get pregnant with fungal vaginitis?

It is not advisable to become pregnant with yeast vaginitis, primarily for the following reasons: First, yeast vaginitis can affect the vaginal pH, impact sperm motility, reduce sperm quality, and make it difficult for fertilization to occur. Second, the yeast can spread through the cervix and cause infection of the amniotic membrane, which may lead to intrauterine infection or rupture of the membranes, easily causing miscarriage or premature birth. It is recommended to try to conceive after treatment has returned the condition to normal. It is essential to maintain good hygiene habits regularly, such as frequently changing and sun-drying underwear, boiling them in hot water. Additionally, under favorable conditions, engaging in more physical activities like yoga and running can help boost the body's resistance.