Vulvovaginal Candidiasis


Symptoms of yeast vaginitis
The symptoms of yeast vaginitis primarily manifest as an increase in vaginal discharge, characterized by a thick, cottage cheese-like white discharge. It can cause itching and a burning pain in the external genitalia. In severe cases, it may lead to redness and persistent scratching of the external genitalia, resulting in ulceration. The itching can be more pronounced at night. It may also irritate the urinary meatus, leading to redness and symptoms of bladder irritation such as frequent urination, urgency, and painful urination. Yeast vaginitis is mainly due to an imbalance in the vaginal flora, leading to an overgrowth of yeast, which produces abnormal discharge. This condition is primarily an endogenous infection. When the body's resistance diminishes and immunity is lowered, yeast vaginitis can easily occur. Some cases may be transmitted directly through sexual intercourse, or indirectly through contact with contaminated clothing. However, it is mainly caused by endogenous infection.


How is fungal vaginitis caused?
Yeast vaginitis can be caused by several reasons. First, women are prone to yeast vaginitis during their specific physiological periods because the vaginal environment becomes more acidic during menstruation, which favors the growth of yeast and thus causes yeast vaginitis. Second, medicinal factors may play a role. The use of a large amount of antibiotics by women can lead to a disruption of the vaginal flora, allowing yeast to proliferate. Additionally, individuals with diabetes are also more susceptible to yeast vaginitis. Third, contact with items infected with yeast can lead to yeast vaginitis. It could also occur during unhygienic sexual activities. Other causes may include the growth of yeast in underwear, which can subsequently spread to the vagina, leading to yeast vaginitis.


Can you get pregnant with fungal vaginitis?
Yeast vaginitis is a relatively common gynecological disease. It is generally advised to treat yeast vaginitis promptly before attempting to conceive. Mild vaginitis will not affect pregnancy, but if vaginitis is not cured for a long time, it may lead to various gynecological inflammations such as cervicitis and pelvic inflammatory disease, which can affect pregnancy and, in severe cases, lead to threatened miscarriage. Therefore, it is advisable to cure yeast vaginitis promptly before getting pregnant. It's better to delay conception, treat the inflammation in a timely manner, and ideally, visit a hospital for a routine vaginal discharge test three to five days after menstruation ends, followed by comprehensive conditioning and treatment. Additionally, pay attention to hygiene; frequently change and sun-dry underwear, wash with hot water, and avoid consuming cold, spicy food.


Is fungal vaginitis serious?
Yeast vaginitis is a type of gynecological inflammation. Yeast vaginitis should be treated according to the course of treatment. If it is not treated in time, it can become very serious. Yeast vaginitis causes redness and swelling of the vaginal skin and mucous membranes. There may be itching of the vulva, vaginal discharge that appears like cottage cheese or curd-like and white. There may also be accompanying symptoms such as burning pain, pain during sexual intercourse, and pain during urination. If these symptoms occur, it is necessary to visit the hospital in time for a routine examination of the secretions to determine the type of vaginitis. If yeast vaginitis is confirmed, it needs to be treated according to the treatment course, including necessary vaginal medication or oral medication.


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.


Early symptoms of fungal vaginitis
The early symptoms of candidal vaginitis primarily manifest as an increase in vaginal discharge, accompanied by itching of the vulva, and the discharge may appear curd-like or resembling cottage cheese. Since candidal vaginitis causes noticeable itching of the vulva, which can severely affect the patient's study and daily life, it is necessary to visit a hospital for a routine vaginal discharge examination when encountering these symptoms. Once diagnosed, under the guidance of a doctor, appropriate alkaline washes can be used to cleanse the vulva, followed by the placement of clotrimazole vaginal suppositories or nystatin vaginal soft capsules for symptomatic treatment. Typically, symptomatic treatment for about a week can lead to recovery. Note that during treatment, sexual intercourse should be avoided to prevent worsening of the condition.


What will happen with long-term yeast vaginitis?
Under normal circumstances, the vagina has a relatively safe environment where the microbial flora is balanced and the pH level is also balanced. This suitable environment that allows sperm to temporarily reside and pass through is very important. Once this environment is disrupted, infertility can easily occur. If one suffers from yeast vaginitis, the change in the vaginal pH also inhibits the motility of sperm. Inflammatory cells can also engulf sperm and reduce sperm motility. Candida albicans can agglutinate sperm, and the pain during intercourse and decreased libido that occur with inflammation can all affect pregnancy. Therefore, if one is diagnosed with yeast vaginitis, it is crucial to treat it promptly. Yeast thrives in moist environments, so it is important to frequently change and sun-dry underwear.


What should I do about yeast vaginitis?
Candidal vaginitis is an inflammation caused by a Candida infection in the vagina, leading to abnormal vaginal discharge and vulvar itching among other discomforting symptoms in women. Therefore, active treatment is generally necessary for candidal vaginitis. Fungi do not grow well in alkaline environments, thus washing the vulva with alkaline medicinal solutions can reduce symptoms of vulvar itching and aid in healing the disease. Additionally, local vaginal medications such as antifungal drugs like nystatin or clotrimazole vaginal tablets should be applied. In severe cases, oral treatment with drugs like fluconazole may also be necessary. Typically, symptoms of candidal vaginitis can be thoroughly alleviated after antifungal treatment. (Please follow medical advice regarding medication use.)


What are the symptoms of trichomonal and fungal vaginitis?
Trichomonal vaginitis primarily presents with symptoms such as vulvar itching, yellow purulent vaginal discharge, and a foul odor; severe cases can cause vaginal congestion and edema. If it is candidal vaginitis, the main symptom is severe vulvar itching, sometimes accompanied by vulvar edema. Scratching may reveal scratch marks on the vulva. The discharge in this type of vaginitis typically resembles cottage cheese and usually does not have an odor, but a foul smell may occur if there is a bacterial co-infection. In terms of treatment, these two types of vaginitis require different approaches. Trichomonal vaginitis can be treated with metronidazole or tinidazole, whereas candidal vaginitis can be treated with clotrimazole vaginal tablets. (Specific medications should be used under the guidance of a physician.)


Symptoms of yeast vaginitis
Vaginal yeast infection, formerly known as vulvovaginal candidiasis, is a common and frequently occurring inflammatory disease of the vulva and vagina caused by Candida. Typical symptoms include itching of the vulva and vagina, with the severity of the itching varying, starting and stopping intermittently. When the itching is severe, it can cause restlessness and disrupt sleep and eating. In more severe cases of inflammation, there may also be pain during urination or intercourse. Another main symptom of this disease is an increase in vaginal discharge, which is characterized as white, thick, and either resembling curdled milk or cheese-like chunks.