Vaginal Candidiasis

Candidiasis is an infection caused by a yeast (a type of fungus) called Candida. Candida normally lives inside the body (in places such as the mouth, throat, gut, and vagina) and on skin without causing any problems. It is not known what triggers the infection, but it may be caused by:

• hormonal changes, for example, during pregnancy and menstruation. In some women, hormonal contraceptives and spirals can also cause fungal infections.
• using of drugs such as antibiotics or cortisone
• stress and other factors that impair the immune system
• frequent sex.

Symptoms of candidiasis include:

• itching in the vagina
• swelling around the vagina
• pain during intercourse
• redness and rash
• burning during urination or intercourse
• watery vaginal discharge that looks like cottage cheese

Men can experience itching, redness and drying of the genital area.

Candidiasis may disappear by itself after a few days. Men usually do not need to treat the symptoms. Women who have candidiasis that doesn’t disappear or have major symptoms can use non-prescription medicines.

If you are pregnant, consult a doctor before treating candidiasis.

Do not treat candidiasis too often or unnecessarily. In women, repeated treatments can make the mucous membranes dry and cause recurrent infections/
Avoid sex when you have candidiasis because the mucous membranes in the vagina become dry and can hurt. You can also get cracks in the mucous membranes that make it easier to get or pass on venereal diseases during vaginal intercourse.

To relieve the symptoms, you can lubricate the vagina with intimate oil, which is available at a pharmacy, before washing.
Wear cotton underwear to prevent candidiasis.

Non-prescription treatment usually cures the infection in women. If you still have symptoms after treatment, you should consult a doctor. You may need treatment with prescription drugs. If you think you have vaginal candidiasis, but haven’t had it before, you need to consult a doctor. Women with simple yeast infections should follow up with their doctors to make sure the medicine has worked. You’ll also need a follow-up visit if your symptoms return within two months.

Seek care if prescription drugs don’t help or if you have vaginal candidiasis more than twice in six months.

APPOTEK can help you if you have previously been diagnosed with vaginal candidiasis and recognize the symptoms well. If you think you have vaginal candidiasis, but didn’t have it before, APPOTEK can connect you with a doctor for individual assessment and prescriptions if necessary.