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| Candida albicans |
Vaginal candidiasis( yeast infection) is an infection of the vagina caused by Candida. The species of Candida include albicans, glabrata, tropicalis etc. This type of infection can also affect the area around it externally ( vulva)
This infection is what people call "Toilet infection".
10-20 % of women during reproductive years may harbour Candida spp in the absence of symptoms. At some point in their lifetime nearly 75% of all women experience an attack of vulvovaginal candidiasis .
The vagina is maintained at a PH ranging from 3.8-4.5. This is as a result of the balance maintained by the microflora seen in the vagina .
WHAT IS RECURRENT VAGINAL CANDIDIASIS?
This means having more than 4 episodes of vaginal candidiasis in a year with positive microscopy or a moderate /heavy growth of C.albicans.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF VAGINAL CANDIDIASIS
- Vaginal discharge;this is a thick ,white curd like discharge
- Vulval itching
- Vulval soreness
- Excoriation of the vulva
- Burning and Irritation of the vulva
- Oedema of the vulva
- Dyspareunia (Painful sexual intercourse)
RISK FACTORS FOR VAGINAL CANDIDIASIS ARE ;
- Frequent use of antibiotics
- Uncontrolled diabetes mellitus
- Vaginal douching
- Immunodeficiency syndromes e.g HIV/AIDS
- Long use of steroids
- Hyperestrogenemia ie increased estrogen level in blood. This is seen in hormone replacement therapy and oral contraceptive
- Pregnancy
- Genetic susceptibility
- Avoid vaginal douching
- Avoid tight fitting synthetic under wears or clothings. Wear cotton under wears to keep the area dry.
- Avoid local irritants e,g perfumed products
- Wash under wears with hot water and dry it outside
- Avoid scented pant liners, sanitary pads and tampons
- Change your underwear regularly if you sweat a lot around the genital area.
- Avoid use of contraception with high level of oestrogen
Always visit your doctor so that tests like blood sugar, HIV and cultures can be done. Your doctor will also prescribe the right drugs for you to take.
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