Vaginal Care
Vaginal Candidiasis
What is Vaginal Candidiasis
Candidiasis infection caused by yeast (a type of fungus) called Candida. It usually lives on the skin, mouth, throat, gut, and vagina without causing any harm. However, changes in vaginal conditions that favour Candida growth trigger vaginal infections.
Medications, hormonal changes, or changes in the immune system can cause Candida yeast infections in the vaginal area.
Other names for this infection are vaginal candidiasis, vulvovaginal candidiasis, or candidal vaginitis.
Symptoms
- Itching in the vulva and vaginal area
- Swelling and redness in the vulva and vaginal area
- Burning during urination or sexual intercourse
- Rash, soreness
- Thick, white, odourless vaginal discharge, resembling cottage cheese
Causes
- Usage of hormonal contraceptives [birth control]
- Pregnancy
- Uncontrolled diabetes
- Antibiotics
- Stress
- Weak immune system
- Usage of vaginal douches and sprays
Treatment
- Oral [taken by the mouth]
- Topical [to be applied to the affected area]
Prevention
- No douching
- No usage of soaps, deodorants, or washes to clean your genital area
- Replace wet innerwear, even bathing suits, at the earliest, with dry ones
- Keep diabetes under control
