Candidiasis, also known as vulvovaginal candidiasis or VVC, is a common fungal infection that occurs when there is overgrowth of fungus called Candida. Candida is always present in the body in small amounts. However, when an imbalance occurs, for example, changes in the acidity of the vagina or hormonal balance changes, Candida can multiply. When this happens, symptoms of candidiasis.
What are the symptoms of genital candidiasis?
Generally, women with VVC experience itching or burning, with or without discharge “similar to cheese.” Men with genital candidiasis may experience itchy rash on the penis.
How common is genital candidiasis? Who can get it?
Nearly 75% of all adult women have had at least one genital “yeast” in your life. On rare occasions, men may also experience genital candidiasis. VVC occurs more frequently and more severely in people with weakened immune systems. There are other risk factors that can genital candidiasis in women:
Pregnancy
Diabetes mellitus
Using broad spectrum antibiotics
Use of corticosteroid drugs
How is genital candidiasis?
Most cases of Candida infection are caused by Candida in the body’s own person. Yeasts of the Candida species usually live in the mouth, gastrointestinal tract and vagina without causing symptoms. Symptoms occur only when the growth of Candida in these areas is excessive. Rarely, Candida can spread from one person to another, as in the case of sexual intercourse.
How is genital candidiasis diagnosed?
The symptoms of genital candidiasis are similar to those of many other genital infections. To make the diagnosis usually requires a laboratory test of a swab taken from the genital area affected by a physician.
What is the treatment for genital candidiasis?
The preferred drug to treat vaginal yeast infections are antifungal, which can be administered orally, through the vagina or applied directly to the affected area. Yeast Infection No More Although these drugs usually fail to cure the infection (80-90% success rate), infections that do not respond to treatment are becoming increasingly common, especially in women infected with HIV who received long-term antifungal therapy. Prolonged and frequent use of these treatments may decrease its effectiveness.
What is the difference between the treatments of 3 days and 7 days for genital candidiasis / VVC?
The only difference is the duration of treatment. Both the 3-day treatment such as 7 can be effective.
How safe over the counter treatments for genital candidiasis?
An increasing number of OTC drugs or prescription for the treatment of VVC. Consequently, a greater number of women who self-diagnose VVC and drug use at least one family of drugs called “azoles” for therapy. However, common diagnostic mistakes and different studies have shown that at least two thirds of all drugs free prescription sold were used by women without the disease. The use of these medications when not needed can cause a resistant infection. Resistant infections are very difficult to treat with current medications for VVC.
Do the Candida infections can become resistant to treatment?
Overuse of these antifungal agents may increase the likelihood that in the end they do not work (the fungus becomes resistant to the drug). Therefore, it is important to be sure of the diagnosis before making a treatment with prescription medications or any other antifungal.
What can happen if left untreated genital candidiasis?
Symptoms, which can be very uncomfortable, may persist. There is a possibility that the infection is transmitted between sexual partners.
How can you differentiate genital candidiasis, urinary tract infection?
Because VVC and urinary tract infections share similar symptoms, such as burning during urination, it is important to consult a doctor and performing laboratory tests to determine the cause of the symptoms and provide effective treatment.
You must perform a pelvic exam which may show inflammation of the skin of the vulva, inside the vagina and cervix. It is possible for the doctor to look dry, white plaques on the vaginal wall.
A vaginal smear (microscopic evaluation of vaginal discharge) shows Candida.