Candidal vaginitis

Vaginitis is a very common type of gynecological inflammation. Most women will suffer from this disease. The most obvious symptom of vaginitis is vulvar itching, which is very painful for female friends. The symptoms will occur no matter what the occasion, and they cannot scratch with their hands, which will be very embarrassing. Especially candidal vaginitis is the most common type of vaginitis. Everyone should understand some of its symptoms.

The most obvious symptom of candidal vaginitis is increased vaginal discharge. If female friends have abnormal vaginal discharge or an increase in vaginal discharge, they should pay attention that it may be caused by some gynecological diseases. The incidence of gynecological diseases is very high nowadays, and 99% of women may suffer from gynecological inflammation.

Clinical manifestations

The most common symptoms of candidal infection are excessive vaginal discharge, burning and itching of the vulva and vagina, exogenous dysuria, and vulvar geographic erythema (fungal or candidal vulvovaginitis). Typical leucorrhea is curd-like or flaky, the vaginal mucosa is highly red and swollen, and white thrush-like plaques can be seen attached, which are easy to peel off. Underneath is an eroded base of damaged mucosa, or shallow ulcers may form. In severe cases, ecchymosis may remain. However, not all leucorrhea has the above typical characteristics. It can range from watery to curd-like leucorrhea. Some are completely thin and clear serous exudates, which often contain white flakes. The itching symptoms of candidal vaginitis during pregnancy are particularly severe, and may even cause restlessness and abnormal pain. There may also be symptoms such as frequent urination, painful urination, and pain during sexual intercourse. In addition, about 10% of women and 30% of pregnant women are carriers of mold but have no clinical symptoms.

20% of normal healthy women have Candida albicans parasitic in their vagina, but the number is very small, so it is not enough to cause disease. Only when the local environment of the vagina mutates can the Candida in the vagina be transformed into pathogenic bacteria, thus leading to the occurrence of vulvovaginitis. It is no exaggeration to say that about 50% to 60% of women will suffer from candidal vaginitis in their lifetime. There may be different inducements at different times. For this reason, patients with recurrent candidal vulvovaginitis must consider the triggering causes, and eliminating the triggering causes may cure the disease.

1. Pregnancy. This is because the high hormone levels in pregnant women cause an increase in glycogen in the vaginal tissue, providing a good and sufficient source of carbon for the growth and reproduction of Candida.

2. Use of antibiotics. Candidal vulvovaginitis often occurs after long-term use of antibiotics or treatment. Whether it is systemic or local medication, antibiotics can destroy the normal flora in the vagina, especially the vaginal protection provided by lactobacilli.

3. Diabetes. The risk of diabetic patients with VVC increases. Although recurrent VVC is rare, if you encounter refractory VVC or repeated treatment is not effective, you should further check your blood to see if you have diabetes.

4. Women’s daily hygiene products, washing and vulva cleaning methods. (1) Wearing non-breathable synthetic underwear. (2) Using unqualified, inferior and unclean sanitary napkins. (3) According to the investigation, mold grows in the washing machine, which contaminates underwear during washing. Due to negligence, it may cause long-term and repeated infection. (4) After washing, underwear is placed in the bathroom to dry. The dark and humid conditions can easily cause Candida to grow, resulting in reinfection after wearing. (5) Frequent vaginal douching (once a week or more) can significantly increase the chance of pelvic infection and moderately increase the risk of ectopic pregnancy.

5. Since in most patients, the strains of Candida cultured from the rectum and vagina are exactly the same, the possibility of direct inoculation from the rectum to the vagina cannot be completely ruled out. Improper bowel movement and wiping methods, such as wiping from the back towards the vagina, which is incorrect. You should wipe from the back towards the anus.

6. Mutual transmission of sexual behavior. A variety of sexual behaviors, or sexual behaviors including anal intercourse, can cause Candida infection, and may also be an important cause of the most stubborn and recurrent VVC. It is advisable to check your own sexual behavior.

7. Vaginal douching increases the incidence of sexually transmitted diseases. Investigations and studies have shown that the use of douching fluid destroys the pH of the vagina. The pH of a normal female vagina is between 4.0 and 4.6, which is conducive to the growth of lactobacilli. If the pH is changed, lactobacilli will not grow, and the infection rate of sexually transmitted diseases will increase. At the same time, flushing with clean water does not change the acidity and alkalinity of the vagina, nor does it destroy the normal flora of the vagina, so it will not cause pelvic infection.

The symptoms of candidal vaginitis can have a great impact on female friends. Everyone should also pay attention that women with vaginitis can infect their partners, which can occur during sexual intercourse. This can have a great impact on the relationship between the couple and must be treated in a timely manner. If not treated, it may also lead to infertility.