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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Written by Li Shun Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Treatment methods for fungal vaginitis

Yeast vaginitis can be classified into simple yeast vaginitis and complex yeast vaginitis. Simple yeast vaginitis refers to the initial occurrence of the infection, which often presents abruptly with severe itching of the vulva and typical cottage cheese-like vaginal discharge. This type of discharge can be diagnosed visually. The treatment for this type of vaginitis can involve the use of Clotrimazole vaginal tablets, or oral administration of Fluconazole or Itraconazole. Generally, one course of treatment is sufficient. Complex yeast vaginitis occurs when a yeast infection is accompanied by a bacterial infection. The treatment of this form of vaginitis starts with addressing the yeast infection using antifungal medication. If it is not cured, antibiotics are then administered. Additionally, probiotics can be placed within the vagina. Generally, treatment may require two courses to be effective.

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Written by Zhang Xiu Rong
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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What medicine is used to treat fungal vaginitis?

The clinical symptoms of yeast vaginitis include a curd-like or cottage cheese-like discharge, itching, and no foul odor. Once diagnosed with yeast vaginitis at a hospital, it is essential to treat the condition based on its specifics. Generally, a washing solution such as baking soda water can be used, and topical medications common for treating yeast vaginitis can be applied. Oral medications for yeast vaginitis can also be taken. After a week of targeted treatment, most cases tend to improve. However, this fungus is prone to recurrence, particularly around the time of menstruation, when it may flare up again. At such times, another course of treatment can be used, and generally, using the medication consecutively for three menstrual cycles can treat yeast vaginitis effectively.

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Written by Li Shun Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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What to do if yeast infection coincides with menstruation?

If you get your period during the treatment of yeast vaginitis, you should stop using vaginal medication and can switch to oral medication. You can also wait until after your period is over to resume placing medication in the vagina. Yeast vaginitis is relatively easy to treat and there are many effective drugs available; generally, it can be cured after seven days of use. However, it is essential to maintain good hygiene of the vulva regularly, wear pure cotton breathable underwear, and place sanitary products in the sun for disinfection.

doctor image
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Written by Shen Li Wen
Obstetrics and Gynecology
51sec home-news-image

What is yeast vaginitis?

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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Written by Zhang Lu
Obstetrics
56sec home-news-image

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.