How does fungal vaginitis occur?

Written by Shen Li Wen
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on September 06, 2024
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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
1min 6sec home-news-image

What are the symptoms of yeast vaginitis?

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
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
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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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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
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.