What to do if yeast infection coincides with menstruation?

Written by Li Shun Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on September 06, 2024
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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.

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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 Zhang Xiu Rong
Obstetrics and Gynecology
1min 19sec home-news-image

What causes yeast vaginitis?

Fungal vaginitis, clinically manifested as curdy or cottage cheese-like vaginal discharge, itching, and no peculiar smell, must be treated symptomatically based on diagnosis and test results if confirmed as fungal vaginitis. The cause of fungal vaginitis is generally very likely due to improper care. Normally, the vaginal environment is acidic. If improperly handled, such as washing with water or cleansers, and various intimate hygiene products daily, it can disrupt the vaginal microbiota and lead to recurrent fungal vaginitis infections. Long-term use of high doses of anti-inflammatory drugs can also cause microbial imbalance and trigger fungal vaginitis. Washing socks afflicted with athlete's foot together with underwear can also cause recurrent fungal infections. Furthermore, patients with diabetes who do not have good blood sugar control can also experience recurrent fungal infections. Routine attention to vulvar hygiene is necessary, as improper hygiene care can also lead to fungal outbreaks. Therefore, those with fungal vaginitis must receive proper symptomatic treatment.

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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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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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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.