We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is Vaginal Candidiasis?

Allison Boelcke
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 5,220
Share

Vaginal candidiasis, also referred to as a yeast infection, is an infection of the vagina caused by an imbalance of Candida albicans, a type of fungal organism typically found in the mouth, digestive tract, skin, and the vagina. The organism is generally kept in balance by healthy immune systems, but if Candida albicans multiplies in the vagina and outnumbers other microorganisms, an infection may occur. If left untreated, vaginal candidiasis may cause permanent damage to the immune system.

The balance of Candida albicans in the vagina can be changed by certain medications, such as steroids, antibiotics, antihistamines, and high estrogen birth control pills. Vaginal candidiasis tends to be more prevalent in women with weakened immune systems from conditions like cancer, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), or depression. Diabetes, pregnancy, and deficiencies in zinc, folate, vitamin B12, or iron can upset the balance of microorganisms in the vagina. Tight undergarments and allergies to ingredients in laundry detergent can also irritate the vagina and cause the infection.

The symptoms of vaginal candidiasis are often similar to sexually transmitted diseases. The infection usually causes abnormal vaginal discharge that can be milky or extremely thick, accompanied with intense vaginal itching or burning. The vulva may be red and sexual intercourse and urination can be painful. Men can potentially experience skin irritation of the penis if they have sexual contact with a woman with the infection.

To diagnose the condition and ensure it isn’t a sexually transmitted disease, a doctor will typically take a sample of the vaginal cell tissue. He or she will examine it under a microscope to see if there are excessive amounts of the Candida albicans organism. If so, the doctor will usually prescribe topical treatment containing antifungal ingredients such as clotrimazole, miconazole, butoconazole, or terconazole. If vaginal candidiasis reoccurs with the same symptoms in a patient, it can be treated with over-the-counter topical treatments without an additional doctor visit.

Oral antifungal medication, such as itraconazole or fluconazole, may be prescribed for infections that don’t respond to topical treatment. In certain chronic, reoccurring cases, the oral antifungal medications may be taken weekly to prevent the spreading of Candida albicans. This treatment method tends to be used under strict doctor supervision because the fungal organisms can potentially become immune to excessive amounts of antifungal properties.

Vaginal candidiasis is one of the more common infections in women with HIV. It can be an indicator that the condition is worsening and reaching more critical stages. As the immune system is slowly destroyed by the HIV, the body is unable to maintain the correct balance of Candida albicans and other healthy microorganisms. The infection often does not respond to treatment in serious HIV cases.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Allison Boelcke
By Allison Boelcke
Allison Boelcke, a digital marketing manager and freelance writer, helps businesses create compelling content to connect with their target markets and drive results. With a degree in English, she combines her writing skills with marketing expertise to craft engaging content that gets noticed and leads to website traffic and conversions. Her ability to understand and connect with target audiences makes her a valuable asset to any content creation team.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Allison Boelcke
Allison Boelcke
Allison Boelcke, a digital marketing manager and freelance writer, helps businesses create compelling content to connect with their target markets and drive results. With a degree in English, she combines her writing skills with marketing expertise to craft engaging content that gets noticed and leads to website traffic and conversions. Her ability to understand and connect with target audiences makes her a valuable asset to any content creation team.
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-vaginal-candidiasis.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.