Vaginal candidiasis is a very common gynecological infection in women caused by excessive growth of the fungus. Candida albicanswhich normally lives in the genital region, leading to symptoms such as whitish discharge, intense itching, swelling or redness in the vulva and/or vagina.
The increase in the number of fungi of the Candida It can be caused by normal hormonal changes during pregnancy, or by poor hygiene habits, stress, use of antibiotics, or a weakening of the immune system due to other illnesses, for example. See the main causes of vaginal candidiasis.
The treatment of vaginal candidiasis, which is also called vulvovaginal candidiasis, is carried out by a gynecologist, who may recommend the use of antifungals, in the form of ointments, vaginal ovules or tablets, for example.
Symptoms of vaginal candidiasis
The main symptoms of vaginal candidiasis are:
- White vaginal discharge, like curdled milk, and odorless;
- Intense itching;
- Irritation in the vulva and/or vagina;
- Burning sensation in the intimate region;
- Swelling in the vulva and/or vagina;
- Redness of the intimate region;
- Dor local;
- Pain or discomfort when urinating;
- Pain or burning during intimate contact.
The symptoms of vaginal candidiasis may be more intense before the menstrual period, and are generally more severe in cases of acute vaginal candidiasis.
Furthermore, the symptoms of vaginal candidiasis can be similar to other gynecological infections, so it is important to consult a gynecologist if symptoms are present, so that the diagnosis can be made and the most appropriate treatment can be initiated.
Online symptom test
To find out the chance of having vaginal candidiasis, select the symptoms presented in the test below:
Which doctor to consult
The specialist doctor who can confirm the diagnosis of vaginal candidiasis and recommend appropriate treatment is the gynecologist.
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How to confirm the diagnosis
Confirmation of the diagnosis of genital candidiasis by the gynecologist is done through evaluation of symptoms, health history and pelvic and gynecological examination.
During the gynecological examination, the doctor can check for signs of inflammation in the vulva and vagina, and normally, the cervix is normal, showing no inflammation. In addition, the woman does not experience sensitivity to the movement of the cervix and cervical discharge.
In some cases, the gynecologist may request a culture test, which is done by collecting a sample of vaginal secretion to be analyzed in the laboratory and confirm the presence of the fungus. Candida and its kind, such as Candida albicans, Candida glabrata or Candida parapsilosis.
Additionally, this culture test can help rule out other gynecological infections that have similar symptoms, such as trichomoniasis, bacterial vaginosis, atopic dermatitis, or lichen sclerosus, for example.
Possible causes
Vaginal candidiasis is mainly caused by an imbalance of the vaginal flora, leading to excessive growth of the fungus. Candida albicanswhich normally lives in the genital region and can penetrate the superficial vaginal mucosa, causing inflammation and the appearance of symptoms.
Some factors can contribute to the imbalance of vaginal flora and the development of candidiasis, such as:
- Pregnancy;
- Use of contraceptive pills containing estrogen;
- Hormone replacement therapy in menopause;
- Stress;
- Obesity;
- Diabetes mellitus;
- HIV virus infection;
- Chemotherapy;
- Use of broad-spectrum antibiotics;
- Use of immunosuppressive medications, such as corticosteroids;
- Incorrect cleaning of the anus after evacuation, that is, from back to front;
- Bad hygiene habits;
- Autoimmune diseases.
Although less common, other species of Candida which can also cause vaginal candidiasis, are the Candida glabrata or Candida parapsilosis.
Is vaginal candidiasis sexually transmitted?
Vaginal candidiasis is not considered a sexually transmitted infection (STI), as in most cases it is not related to intimate contact, but to an imbalance in the vaginal flora.
However, candidiasis can be transmitted through intimate vaginal, oral or anal contact, if the partner is contaminated with the fungus. Candida sp. See other types of candidiasis.
How the treatment is carried out
The treatment of vaginal candidiasis must be carried out under the guidance of a gynecologist who may recommend the use of antifungal medications, such as miconazole, tioconazole, nystatin, fluconazole or itraconazole, in the form of ointments, creams, vaginal ovules or tablets. Check out all the remedies recommended for candidiasis.
In the case of recurrent or repeated candidiasis, the doctor may also recommend the use of fluconazole tablets once a week for at least 6 months.
The use of these medications must be carried out in accordance with the guidance of the gynecologist and during treatment, especially if it is carried out using ointments, it is recommended to avoid sexual intercourse. See the main ointments for candidiasis and how to use them correctly.
Home treatment for vaginal candidiasis
A great home treatment for vaginal candidiasis is to wash the intimate area with water and vinegar, in a proportion of 4 tablespoons of vinegar to half a liter of water. Furthermore, it is also important to take some precautions to prevent the recurrence of vaginal candidiasis, such as:
- Wash and dry the intimate area well before going to sleep;
- Wear loose, cotton clothing;
- Give preference to the intake of probiotics and lactobacillus, such as yogurt;
- Sleep without panties;
- Perform intimate hygiene with soap or vaginal gel with a pH between 3.8 and 4.5, avoiding all products and soaps containing chemicals.
It is also important to avoid foods rich in carbohydrates, fat and sugar, as they are the main source of food for the fungus that causes vaginal candidiasis. Check out other home remedy options for candidiasis.
Furthermore, an option to improve the vaginal microbiota and prevent vaginal candidiasis from appearing again is the consumption of lactobacilli. See how to take lactobacilli in capsules.
Food to heal faster
A great strategy to cure candidiasis is to drink water with lemon, without sweetener, during the day, but in addition, putting natural yogurt inside the vagina is another great natural strategy, which has great results.
