Vaginal candidiasis: what it is, symptoms and treatment

Vaginal candidiasis is one of the most common infections in women due to the shorter distance between the urethra and the vagina and the imbalance of the vaginal microbiota, in which there is an increase in the amount of fungi of the genus Candida , most often Candida albicans .

The imbalance of the vaginal microbiota and an increase in the amount of Candida- type fungi may be related to stress, poor hygiene habits, excessive use of antibiotics or corticosteroids, pregnancy and decreased immune system due to other diseases, favoring the growth of fungi.

The symptoms of vaginal candidiasis are very characteristic, and it can be noticed by the itchy woman and a burning sensation in the intimate region and the presence of white discharge. As soon as the woman perceives any sign of candidiasis, it is important to go to the gynecologist to start the most appropriate treatment, which is done mainly with antifungals, which can be in the form of pills or ointments.

Symptoms of vaginal candidiasis

Symptoms of vaginal candidiasis usually appear when a woman's immunity is impaired, the main ones being:

White discharge, like curdled milk; Intense itching and burning sensation in the intimate region; Pain and burning during intimate contact; Swelling and redness of the intimate region.

The woman with these symptoms should consult the gynecologist to diagnose the infection by examining the vagina, such as the Pap smear and, if necessary, to start the appropriate treatment.

Although these symptoms are frequent in vaginal candidiasis, these same symptoms can also be indicative of other gynecological changes. Check the symptoms below and find out what they may be:

1. Redness and swelling throughout the intimate area Yes No
2. Whitish plaques in the vagina Yes No
3. Whitish discharge with lumps, similar to cut milk Yes No
4. Pain or burning sensation when urinating Yes No
5. Yellowish or greenish discharge Yes No
6. Presence of small balls in the vagina or rough skin Yes No
7. Itchiness that appears or worsens after using some type of panties, soap, cream, wax or lubricant in the intimate area Yes No
8. Presence of small swelling located on the side of the vagina Yes No

How the treatment is done

The treatment of vaginal candidiasis should be recommended by the gynecologist and is done with the application of antifungal ointments directly on the vagina or use of tablets, and the use of Nystatin, Miconazole, Itraconazole or Ketoconazole may be recommended.

The use of these drugs should be done according to the gynecologist's guidance and during treatment, especially if it is done with the use of ointments, it is recommended to avoid sexual intercourse.

In some cases, an antifungal pill, such as Fluconazole, can also be used in a single oral dose or 3 doses, for 3 separate days of 72 hours. In addition, especially in situations of recurrent vaginal candidiasis, it is necessary to keep using the tablet once a week for at least 6 months, or according to medical advice. Both the oral pills and the ointments are effective, however, the symptoms subside more quickly when the treatment is done directly in the vagina, with ointment, pill or eggs.

Homemade treatment for vaginal candidiasis

A great home treatment for vaginal candidiasis is to wash the intimate area with water and vinegar, in the proportion of 4 tablespoons of vinegar to half a liter of water. In addition, it is also important to adopt some precautions to prevent recurrence of vaginal candidiasis, such as:

Wash and dry the intimate area well before going to bed; Wear tight clothing and cotton; Give preference to the ingestion of probiotics and lactobacillus, such as yogurt; Sleep without panties; Make intimate hygiene with vaginal gel with pH between 3.8 and 4, 5, avoiding all products and soaps with chemicals.

It is also important to avoid foods rich in carbohydrates, fat and sugar, as they are the main food source of the fungus that causes vaginal candidiasis.

In addition, an option to improve the vaginal microbiota and prevent vaginal candidiasis is the consumption of lactobacilli. See how to take lactobacilli in capsules.

Food to heal faster

A great strategy to cure candidiasis is to drink water with lemon, without sweetening, during the day, but in addition to putting natural yogurt inside the vagina is another great natural strategy, which has great results. See more tips on natural strategies and how eating can help cure candidiasis faster by watching the following video: