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, MONILIAL (Vaginal )

BASIC INFORMATION • Avoid broad-spectrum unless absolutely DESCRIPTION necessary. EXPECTED OUTCOMES Infection or of the caused by a Usually curable with 2 weeks of treatment. Recurrence is yeast-like (Monilia or albicans). common. Monilial vaginitis causes at least 50% of in POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS the vagina. Secondary bacterial infections of the vagina and other FREQUENT pelvic organs. Severity of the following symptoms varies between TREATMENT women and from time to time in the same woman. GENERAL MEASURES • White, “curdy” , (resembles • Diagnostic tests may include laboratory studies of lumps of cottage cheese). The odor may be vaginal discharge, Pap smear and . unpleasant, but not foul. • Drug therapy will be directed to the specific . • Swollen, red, tender, itching vaginal lips (labia) Your sexual partner may need treatment also. It is best and surrounding skin. not to do self-treatment for the disorder until the • Burning on urination. specific cause is determined. • Change in vaginal color from pale pink to red. • Don’t unless prescribed for you. CAUSES • If urinating causes burning, urinate through a tubular Monilia (or Candida) live in small numbers in a device, such as a toilet-paper roll or plastic cup with the healthy vagina, rectum and mouth. When the end cut out or pour a cup of warm over the geni-tal vagina’s hormone and pH balance is disturbed, the area while you urinate. MEDICATIONS multiply and cause infections. Monilial Your physician may recommend non-prescription anti- vaginitis tends to appear before menstrual periods fungal vaginal creams or suppositories. Keep creams or and subsides as soon as the period begins. Factors suppositories in the refrigerator. After treatment, you that may disturb the vagina’s balance include: may keep a refill of the medication so you can begin • . treatment quickly if the infection recurs. Follow the • mellitus. directions carefully. Rarely, prescription medications • treatment. may be necessary. • Oral contraceptives. ACTIVITY • High intake, especially and Avoid overexertion, heat and excessive sweating. Delay . sexual relations until symptoms cease. • Hot weather and/or non-ventilating clothing, which DIET increase moisture, warmth and darkness, fostering Increase consumption of yogurt, buttermilk or sour cream. fungal growth. Reduce alcohol and sugars. • Immunosuppression from drugs or . NOTIFY OUR OFFICE IF RISK INCREASES WITH • You or a family member has symptoms of monilial Factors listed under Causes. vaginitis. PREVENTIVE MEASURES • Despite treatment, symptoms worsen or persist longer • Keep genital area clean. Use plain unscented than 1 week. • Unusual or swelling develops. soap. • After treatment, symptoms recur. • Take showers rather than tub baths. • Wear cotton underpants or pantyhose with a Adapted from Instructions for Patients, Sixth Edition, H. Winter cotton crotch. Griffith, M.D., W.B Saunders Company. • Don’t sit around in wet clothing. • Avoid , vaginal deodorants and bubble baths. • Limit your intake of sweets and alcohol. • After urination or bowel movements, cleanse by wiping or washing from front to back (vagina to anus). • Lose weight if you are obese. • If you have diabetes, adhere to your treatment program.