VAGINITIS, CANDIDAL (Vaginal Yeast Infection) BASIC INFORMATION • If you have diabetes, adhere strictly to your treatment DESCRIPTION program. • Avoid antibiotics unless prescribed by the doctor. Infection or inflammation of the vagina caused by a EXPECTED OUTCOME yeast-like fungus (usually Candida albicans). It is Usually curable after 1 to 2 weeks of treatment (some- the second most common vaginitis in the U.S. times less). (bacterial vaginitis is the most common). POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS FREQUENT SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS • Secondary bacterial infections of the vagina and other Severity of the following symptoms varies among pelvic organs. women and from time to time in the same woman. • In some cases, the vaginitis becomes chronic. • White, “curdy” vaginal discharge (resembles TREATMENT lumps of cottage cheese). The odor may be GENERAL MEASURES unpleasant, but not foul. • Diagnostic tests may include laboratory studies of • Swollen, red, tender, itching vaginal lips (labia) vaginal discharge, Pap smear and pelvic examination. and surrounding skin. • Drug therapy will be directed to the specific organism. • Burning on urination. Treatment for your sexual partner may be recommended • Change in vaginal color from pale pink to red. also. It is best not to do self-treatment for the disorder • Pain during sexual intercourse (dyspareunia). until the specific cause is determined. CAUSES • Don’t douche unless prescribed for you. The fungus Candida lives in small numbers in a • If urinating causes burning, urinate through a tubular healthy vagina, rectum and mouth. When the device, such as a toilet-paper roll or plastic cup with the bottom cut out or pour a cup of warm water over the vagina’s hormone and pH balance is disturbed, the genital area while you urinate. organisms multiply and cause infections. The MEDICATION vaginitis tends to appear before menstrual periods Antifungal drugs may be prescribed, either in oral form and subsides when the period begins. (rare) or in vaginal creams or suppositories (usually). RISK INCREASES WITH Keep creams or suppositories in the refrigerator. After • Pregnancy. treatment, you may keep a refill of the medication so you • Diabetes mellitus. can begin treatment quickly if the infection recurs. Follow • Antibiotic treatment. the directions carefully. Nonprescription treatments • Oral contraceptives (possibly). (Gyne-Lotrimin, Mycelex, etc.) are effective. • High carbohydrate intake, especially sugars and ACTIVITY alcohol. Avoid overexertion, heat and excessive sweating. Delay • Hot weather and/or nonventilating clothing, which sexual relations until symptoms cease. increase moisture, warmth and darkness, fostering DIET fungal growth. Increase consumption of yogurt, buttermilk or sour cream. • Immunosuppression from drugs or disease. Reduce alcohol and sugars. PREVENTIVE MEASURES NOTIFY OUR OFFICE IF • Keep the genital area clean. Use plain unscented • You or a family member has symptoms of candidal soap. vaginitis. • Despite treatment, symptoms worsen or persist longer • Take showers rather than tub baths. than 1 week. • Wear cotton underpants or pantyhose with a • Unusual vaginal bleeding or swelling develops. cotton crotch. • After treatment, symptoms recur. • Don’t sit around in wet clothing, especially a wet bathing suit. • Avoid douches, vaginal deodorants, bubble baths and dyed or perfumed toilet paper. Adapted from Instructions for Patients, Sixth Edition, H. Winter • Limit your intake of sweets and alcohol. Griffith, M.D., W.B Saunders Company. • After urination or bowel movements, cleanse by wiping or washing from front to back (vagina to anus). • Lose weight if you are obese. .