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2021

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Understanding fungal vaginitis and mastering tips to prevent it.

Candidal vaginitis is a common vaginal inflammation, also known as "candidiasis" or "vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC)". Statistics show that about 75% of women will experience this condition at some point in their lives, with 40%-50% of women experiencing a second occurrence, and a small percentage (6%-9%) suffering from recurrent episodes. VVC often presents with a cottage cheese-like or curdled white discharge, severe itching of the vulva and vagina, and may be accompanied by frequent urination, urgency, painful urination, and pain during intercourse. The vaginal mucosa may become congested and swollen, and in severe cases, ulcers may develop.


Author:

Linyi Maternal and Child Hospital - Editor

 

Daily gynecological outpatient clinic

There are always a few patients who come for treatment due to itching in the private parts,

even experiencing restlessness, painful urination, painful intercourse, etc.

These patients seek medical attention.

These women generally cannot escape

the 'misfortune' of candidal vaginitis,

which is extremely distressing.

What is candidal vaginitis?

Candidal vaginitis is a common vaginal inflammation, also known as 'candidiasis', scientifically termed 'vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC)'. Statistics show that about 75% of women will experience this condition at least once in their lifetime, with 40%-50% experiencing a second episode, and a small percentage of women (6%-9%) suffering from recurrent infections. VVC often presents as cottage cheese-like or curdled white discharge, severe itching of the vulva and vagina, and may be accompanied by frequent urination, urgency, painful urination, painful intercourse, and congestion and swelling of the vaginal mucosa, with severe cases potentially leading to ulcers.

Why does it occur?

The pathogens causing candidal vaginitis usually live on the skin and mucous membranes of normal humans and are often present in the vagina without symptoms. Factors such as pregnancy, long-term use of broad-spectrum antibiotics, concurrent diabetes, decreased body resistance, and frequent vaginal douching can increase the chances of VVC infection.

First, of course, seek help from a professional doctor at a regular hospital, and do not self-medicate or douche the vagina, as this may not only fail to achieve therapeutic effects but also lead to misdiagnosis and delayed treatment. Treatment methods for VVC typically include vaginal medications (such as clotrimazole vaginal tablets, metronidazole vaginal suppositories, etc.) and oral medications (such as itraconazole, fluconazole, etc.).

How to prevent it?

The biggest trouble with candidal vaginitis is its recurrence, so preventing 'mold' is of utmost importance: Do not wash the vagina indiscriminately: Many may be familiar with the saying 'washing is healthier', but the vagina has a self-cleaning function. Frequent washing can disrupt the normal flora of the vagina, and if the weakly acidic environment of the vagina is disturbed, it is more likely to develop vaginitis. Develop good hygiene habits: Wash the vulva daily, change underwear regularly, avoid washing underwear and socks together; try to choose loose, cotton underwear, and avoid tight synthetic underwear; change sanitary pads frequently during menstruation and avoid using panty liners when not menstruating; pay attention to sexual hygiene; prefer showering and avoid swimming in poorly disinfected pools; maintain hand hygiene; when wiping the vulva after defecation, wipe from front to back. Do not misuse antibiotics: Long-term use of antibiotics can disrupt the vaginal flora, allowing pathogenic bacteria to grow unchecked, leading to vaginitis. Improve body resistance: Exercise regularly, maintain a balanced diet, and when your immune system is strong, many diseases are less likely to occur. Actively manage diabetes: Diabetic patients should strictly control blood sugar levels, as increased vaginal glycogen and acidity significantly raise the risk of fungal infections. Follow medical advice for medication: Candidal vaginitis is prone to recurrence and requires a full course of treatment; do not stop medication on your own when symptoms improve or disappear.

Key words:

Understanding, vagina, vaginitis, fungal, treatment, occurrence, VVC, vulva, underwear, frequently