What are the symptoms of yeast vaginitis?

Written by Zhang Xiu Rong
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on September 25, 2024
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Candidal vaginitis, also known as yeast vaginitis, is a common gynecological condition in women. Clinically, the yeast infection manifests as curd-like or cottage cheese-like vaginal discharge. There is significant itching of the vulva. Generally, there is no foul odor. In severe cases of yeast vaginitis, there may be swelling of the vulva and extreme dryness in the vaginal area. Pain during intercourse or bloody discharge after intercourse may occur, which is why it is crucial for patients with yeast vaginitis to seek active treatment at a hospital. The first step in treatment involves going to the hospital to get a lab test of the discharge to confirm a yeast infection. If it is indeed a yeast infection, treatment can be administered according to the medication for yeast vaginitis. Typically, the symptoms can be alleviated after a week of treatment.

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Written by Shen Li Wen
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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How does fungal vaginitis occur?

Under normal circumstances, women have yeast present around the vagina, anus, and mouth. Usually, it does not cause disease, but yeast infection in the vagina may occur under certain triggers. Many women also experience recurrent episodes. For example, if a woman has diabetes, an increase in local blood sugar levels can trigger a yeast infection of the vagina. Additionally, women with decreased resistance or immune deficiencies, the use of immunosuppressants, or the large-scale use of antibiotics can also trigger an infection. Furthermore, some women, especially in the summer, prefer to wear tight synthetic underwear, which can prevent timely discharge of vaginal secretions, accumulate around the external genitalia, and potentially lead to infection.

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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 Shen Li Wen
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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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 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 Li Shun Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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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.)