Hi, Dr. Nana K here! Welcome to part two of our series on vaginal candidiasis. Today, we’ll delve into the symptoms of candidiasis, how it’s treated, and most importantly, how you can prevent it.
Symptoms of Vaginal Candidiasis
If you suspect you have candidiasis, here’s what you might experience:
1. Vaginal Discharge: One of the first signs is a thick, lumpy discharge. It’s typically white, creamish, or off-white, often compared to custard.
2. Itching and Burning: Intense itching around the vaginal area is common, which can sometimes be severe. You may also feel a burning sensation when urinating.
3. Painful Intercourse: Due to inflammation and redness, sexual intercourse can become uncomfortable or even painful.
4. Other Symptoms: In some cases, you may notice small cracks, cuts, or rashes around the vaginal area, which are often accompanied by inflammation.
Diagnosing Vaginal Candidiasis
The good news is, most of the time, diagnosing candidiasis is straightforward. Your healthcare provider can often make a diagnosis based on your symptoms and a physical exam. In some cases, a lab test may be done by taking a sample of the discharge, but this is usually not necessary.
Treatment Options
Vaginal candidiasis is treated with antifungal medications, which help prevent the overgrowth of candida. Here are the common options:
Oral Medications: Fluconazole and itraconazole are commonly prescribed antifungal tablets.
Topical Creams: You may be given a cream, such as clotrimazole, to apply externally.
Vaginal Tablets: Medications like clotrimazole and miconazole can also be inserted directly into the vagina for treatment.
During treatment, it’s crucial to abstain from sexual intercourse as it can aggravate the infection. Additionally, some chemicals in condoms can interfere with the medication. Most infections clear up within a few days to a week, but in some cases, the infection may persist, requiring further treatment.
Preventing Vaginal Candidiasis
Preventing candidiasis largely comes down to lifestyle changes and maintaining good hygiene:
1. Hygiene: After sexual intercourse, ensure that you clean the vaginal area with mild soap and water—avoid harsh chemicals and feminine washes.
2. Clothing: Choose loose, breathable cotton underwear and avoid synthetic fabrics like nylon. Air-drying and ironing your underwear helps keep them free of bacteria.
3. Diet and Lifestyle: Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables while avoiding excessive sugar and alcohol, as they can promote candida growth. Additionally, if you’re diabetic, keeping your blood sugar levels in check is vital.
4. Avoid Steroids: Steroids, including certain creams or pills used for weight gain, can weaken your immune system and increase the risk of candidiasis. Also, avoid using steroid-based bleaching products on sensitive areas.
5. Reduce Stress: High stress can impact your immune system, making it easier for infections like candidiasis to take hold.
By making these small adjustments, you can significantly reduce your chances of getting candidiasis in the future.
Conclusion
Vaginal candidiasis won’t go away on its own, but with proper treatment and lifestyle changes, it’s manageable.
Stay healthy!
