Vaginal Yeast Infection
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Candidiasis, also known as a "yeast infection" or
VVC, is a common fungal infection that occurs when there is
overgrowth of the fungus called Candida. Candida is
always present in the body in small amounts. However, when an
imbalance occurs, such as when the normal acidity of the vagina
changes or when hormonal balance changes, Candida can
multiply. When that happens, symptoms of candidiasis appear.
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Women with VVC usually experience genital itching or
burning, with or without a "cottage cheese-like" vaginal
discharge. Males with genital candidiasis may experience an itchy
rash on the penis.
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Nearly 75% of all adult women have had at least one
genital "yeast infection" in their lifetime. On rare occasions,
men may also experience genital candidiasis. VVC occurs more
frequently and more severely in people with weakened immune
systems. There are some other conditions that may put a woman at
risk for genital candidiasis:
- Pregnancy
- Diabetes mellitus
- Use of broad-spectrum antibiotics
- Use of corticosteroid medications
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Most cases of Candida infection are caused by
the person’s own Candida organisms. Candida yeasts
usually live in the mouth, gastrointestinal tract, and vagina
without causing symptoms . Symptoms develop only when
Candida becomes overgrown in these sites. Rarely,
Candida can be passed from person to person, such as
through sexual intercourse.
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The symptoms of genital candidiasis are similar to
those of many other genital infections. Making a diagnosis usually
requires laboratory testing of a genital swab taken from the
affected area by a physician.
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Antifungal drugs which are taken orally, applied
directly to the affected area, or used vaginally are the drugs of
choice for vaginal yeast infections. Although these drugs usually
work to cure the infection (80%-90% success rate), infections that
do not respond to treatment are becoming more common, especially
in HIV-infected women receiving long-term antifungal therapy.
Prolonged and frequent use of these treatments can lessen their
effectiveness.
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The only difference between these is the length of
treatment. Three-day and 7-day treatments may both be effective.
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Over-the-counter treatments for VVC are becoming
more available. As a result more women are diagnosing themselves
with VVC and using one of a family of drugs called "azoles" for
therapy. However, misdiagnosis is common, and studies have shown
that as many as two-thirds of all OTC drugs sold to treat VVC were
used by women without the disease. Using these drugs when they are
not needed may lead to a resistant infection. Resistant infections
are very difficult to treat with the currently available
medications for VVC.
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Overuse of these antifungal medications can increase
the chance that they will eventually not work (the fungus develops
resistance to medications). Therefore, it is important to be sure
of the diagnosis before treating with over-the-counter or other
antifungal medications.
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Symptoms, which may be very uncomfortable, may
persist. There is a chance that the infection may be passed
between sex partners.
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Because VVC and urinary tract infections share
similar symptoms, such as a burning sensation when urinating, it
is important to see a doctor and obtain laboratory testing to
determine the cause of the symptoms and to treat effectively.
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Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding
