Candidiasis
"Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are key to controlling vaginal candidiasis and avoiding complications."
DR. JULIO VARA GARCÍA
SPECIALIST. GYNAECOLOGY AND OBSTETRICS DEPARTMENT
What is vaginal candidiasis?
Candidiasis is an infection caused by different species of the fungus Candida, the most common being Candida albicans. Under normal conditions, the candidiasis fungus lives harmlessly in our body, especially in the skin, mouth, gut and vagina.
However, when the natural balance is disturbed (e.g. due to immunosuppression or alterations in the microbiota), some species of fungus can become pathogenic and cause known infections, such as vaginal candidiasis.
Vaginal candidiasis accounts for 20-30% of vaginal infections. It manifests as redness and oedema of the labia minora, which may extend to the labia majora, perineum, inguinal folds and intergluteal folds.
What are the symptoms of anal cancer?
Some of the most common symptoms of vaginal candidiasis are as follows:
Intense itching or puritus
This is the predominant symptom. This discomfort is often persistent and can affect the patient's quality of life.
Vaginal burning
This symptom is particularly noticeable during urination or sexual intercourse (dyspareunia).
Sensation of dryness
Some patients describe a feeling of dryness in the vaginal mucosa, which may intensify discomfort.
Abnormal vaginal discharge
A thick, white, clumpy discharge is usually present. This discharge is not usually accompanied by a foul odour, which helps differentiate it from other vaginal infections, such as bacterial vaginosis.
Redness and inflammation
The vulva and vagina may be irritated, swollen and red. In some cases, these areas may show small cracks or lesions due to scratching.
Do you have any of these symptoms?
If you suspect that you have any of the above symptoms,
you should consult a medical specialist for a diagnosis.
What are the risk factors for vaginal candidiasis?
Use of broad-spectrum antibiotics: Antibiotics disrupt the balance of the vaginal microbiota by reducing beneficial bacteria such as lactobacilli, which facilitates Candida overgrowth.
Diabetes mellitus: Patients with diabetes, especially if poorly controlled, have elevated glucose levels in vaginal fluids, providing an ideal environment for fungal growth.
Hormonal changes: Pregnancy, use of hormonal contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy can alter the vaginal environment, favouring the proliferation of Candida.
Weakened immune systems: Conditions that compromise immunity, such as HIV, chemotherapy treatments or prolonged corticosteroids, increase the risk of recurrent vaginal candidiasis.
Inadequate intimate hygiene: Excessive use of douches, irritating products or soaps can alter the vaginal pH and protective microbiota, facilitating fungal growth.
Tight or non-breathable clothing: Materials such as nylon or tight-fitting garments can increase moisture and heat in the genital area, creating an environment conducive to fungal growth.
How is vaginal candidiasis diagnosed?
Clinical diagnosis should be made by detailed examination and, if necessary, confirmed by specific tests such as vaginal culture or microscopic examination of the discharge. This makes it possible to differentiate vaginal candidiasis from other infections such as trichomoniasis or bacterial vaginosis, which may share some symptoms but require different treatments.
Treatment of vaginal candidiasis
Treatment is based on early and accurate diagnosis of the infection, correction of facilitating factors or underlying diseases, determination of the type of candidiasis infection and the use of appropriate antifungal drugs.
Depending on the extent of the infection and the general condition of the patient, a topical or systemic treatment is decided upon.
Topically, cotrimazole, miconazole, ketoconazole, sertoconazole, terbinafine, or naftyline can be used.
The most frequently used systemic treatments are itraconazole or fluconazole.
Where do we treat it?
IN NAVARRA AND MADRID
The Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics of the
of the Clínica Universidad de Navarra
Comprehensive care that includes a wide range of consultation and treatment options from regular preventive screening to the most advanced diagnostic and treatment options for obstetric and gynecological problems at all ages.
The department also offers routine pregnancy monitoring that includes a variety of diagnostic and screening procedures to identify potential problems of the fetus as well as its proper growth and development.
Diseases we treat
- Gynecological Cancer
- Prenatal diagnosis
- Endometriosis
- Urinary and fecal incontinence
- Masas anexiales
- Menopause
- Uterine Myomas
Why at the Clinica?
- Highly specialized team of doctors, nurses and midwives.
- Reproduction and Fertility Unit.
- Pregnancy follow-up with a personalized delivery.
- All the comfort, with the guarantee and safety of a hospital with the most advanced equipment.
Our team of professionals
