Vaginal Candidiasis: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

Vaginal yeast infection, or vaginal candidiasis, is a very common fungal inflammation affecting the vagina and the area around it, caused by overgrowth of a type of fungus called Candida. This fungus exists naturally in small amounts in the vagina within a delicate balance with beneficial bacteria, but when this balance is disturbed and it multiplies excessively, the infection appears. It is among the most common causes of vaginal discomfort, and most women get it at least once in their lives.

The most prominent symptoms of vaginal yeast infection: intense itching in the vagina and vulva, burning (especially during urination or intercourse), thick white vaginal discharge often resembling cheese without a strong unpleasant odor, and redness and swelling in the area. The chances of developing it increase with factors that disturb the vaginal balance, including: using antibiotics (which kill beneficial bacteria), pregnancy, uncontrolled diabetes, weak immunity, moisture and tight clothes, and hormonal changes. It is important to know that vaginal yeast infection is usually not a sexually transmitted infection, and can affect women who are not sexually active.

Most cases of vaginal yeast infection respond to treatment quickly and effectively. Treatment relies on antifungals, either topical in the form of creams or vaginal suppositories, or an oral medication at a dose determined by the doctor. It is important to confirm the diagnosis, because the symptoms of itching and discharge may resemble other infections (such as bacterial vaginosis or a sexually transmitted infection) with different treatment, so seeing a doctor rather than repeated self-treatment is advised, especially at the first infection or with uncertainty. Frequent recurrence of the infection (four or more times a year) warrants evaluation to look for a predisposing cause such as diabetes and treat it, and may need a longer treatment plan. For prevention, drying the area well, avoiding vaginal douches and scented products, wearing cotton clothes, and controlling diabetes are advised.

• Intense itching in the vagina and vulva.
• Burning (especially during urination or intercourse).
• Thick white discharge often resembling cheese without a strong odor.
• Redness and swelling in the area.

• Overgrowth of Candida fungus naturally present in the vagina when the balance is disturbed.
• Using antibiotics, pregnancy, and uncontrolled diabetes.
• Weak immunity, moisture and tight clothes, and hormonal changes.
• (Usually not a sexually transmitted infection.)

• Clinical assessment of symptoms and examination of the area.
• Examining a sample of the discharge when needed to distinguish from other infections.
• Assessing diabetes with frequent recurrence.

Antifungals

• Topical creams or vaginal suppositories.
• Or an oral medication at a dose determined by the doctor.

With frequent recurrence

• Evaluating a predisposing cause (such as diabetes) and treating it, and sometimes a longer treatment plan.

Confirming the diagnosis with the doctor rather than repeated self-treatment is advised. This content is educational and does not replace medical advice.

• Discomfort and itching affecting quality of life.
• Recurrence with an untreated predisposing cause.
• A secondary infection from intense scratching.

• Drying the area well and avoiding moisture and tight clothes.
• Avoiding vaginal douches and scented products.
• Wearing cotton underwear, and controlling diabetes.