Candida vulvovaginitis is a common infection caused by an overgrowth of Candida albicans in the vaginal region. Symptoms include pain, redness, itching, and a white discharge. It can be easily treated with antifungal creams or pills. Complications are rare but can occur in women with weakened immune systems or during pregnancy.
Candida vulvovaginitis is an infection of the vulva and vagina that can cause pain, redness, discomfort, and a white discharge. The condition develops due to infection with a species of yeast called Candida albicans. It is most commonly referred to as a yeast infection but can also be called vaginal thrush. Although candidal vulvovaginitis can cause a significant amount of irritation, it is typically easily treated by applying topical antifungal creams or taking antifungal pills.
The reason women develop candidal vulvovaginitis is that they have an overgrowth of the yeast species Candida albicans in the vaginal region. This yeast is often present in small amounts in asymptomatic women without vulvovaginitis. Certain conditions can promote the overgrowth of this yeast, including wearing restrictive clothing that impedes airflow into the vaginal region, having an illness or taking a drug that suppresses the immune system, or having poor hygiene habits.
One of the main manifestations of candidal vulvovaginitis is inflammation of the vulva and vagina. The skin often appears red and irritated, and itching, pain, and burning when urinating may be associated. The skin irritation is often accompanied by an abnormal, white vaginal discharge that resembles cottage cheese, and some people report that it smells like bread.
A diagnosis of candidal vulvovaginitis is often made on the basis of the clinical history, especially if the affected woman describes characteristic symptoms and has a thick white vaginal discharge. The diagnosis can be confirmed by taking a sample of the vaginal discharge and examining it under a microscope to inspect it for the presence of yeast. Confirming the diagnosis is often important the first time women experience these symptoms to differentiate a yeast infection from other conditions, such as bacterial vaginosis or sexually transmitted infections. Recurrent episodes can often be treated without confirming the diagnosis.
There are several treatment options for candidal vulvovaginitis. There are a number of over-the-counter creams and vaginal suppositories available that include antifungal active ingredients, such as clotrimazole, butoconazole, miconazole, tioconazole, or fluconazole. Patients with more severe symptoms may also be prescribed pills containing fluconazole.
Women typically have few complications from candidal vulvovaginitis, although there are a couple of exceptions. People with poorly functioning immune systems, such as women with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), might have prolonged symptoms and, in severe cases, the infection could spread to the blood and other areas of the body. Pregnant women might also experience complications, as there is an increased risk of preterm delivery in women with candidal vulvovaginitis. For this reason, pregnant women are monitored for the development of this condition and treated promptly if they develop symptoms.
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