Vulvovaginal Candidiasis
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GENERAL INFORMATION:
What is it? Vulvovaginal (vul-voh-VAJ-I-nal) candidiasis (kan-di-DEYE-ah-sis) is also called a yeast infection. It is one of the most common vaginal infections that affect women. Vulvovaginal candidiasis is usually not a serious infection, but it can be uncomfortable. With treatment, this infection is usually gone within a week. Some women have many yeast infections in their lifetime.
What causes a yeast infection? This infection is caused by a fungus called yeast or candida. Yeast is normally found in your mouth, vagina, and anus (rear end). Sometimes the amount of yeast in your body may get out of control and cause an infection. Women who are pregnant or have diabetes or HIV may get a yeast infection. You may be more likely to get a yeast infection if you take birth control pills or steroid medicine. Using antibiotic (an-ti-bi-AH-tik) medicine may also cause yeast infections. Diaphragms, contraceptive (kon-trah-SEP-tiv) sponges, and IUD's may also increase your chances of getting this infection.
What are the signs and symptoms of a yeast infection? You may have thick white, "cheesy" discharge from the vagina. Other signs may be itching, swelling, burning, or redness of the genital (between your legs) area. You may also have burning when you pass urine.
What may be done to treat a yeast infection? A caregiver may check you and take a sample of the vaginal discharge. You may also be checked for other diseases (such as diabetes) if you get many yeast infections. Your caregiver may order one or more of the following medicines:
- Antifungal medicine: You may be given a medicine to kill the fungus (yeast) causing your infection. This medicine may come as a pill. It may have to be put into your vagina with a tube or suppository (su-POZ-i-tohr-ee). This medicine may be messy. You may need to wear a sanitary pad while using this medicine. Always finish using this medicine as ordered, or the infection could come back. Men do not usually get this infection, so your partner does not need treatment.
- Topical steroid: This medicine decreases the itching, swelling, and redness that you may have on your vulva (the outside of your vagina).
Do's and Do nots for treating the infection, and to help prevent another one:
- Do wear clean cotton underpants or pantyhose with a cotton crotch.
- Do keep the vaginal area clean and dry. You should not have sex until your symptoms are gone.
- Do wipe from front to back after urinating or having a bowel movement (BM).
- Do take showers instead of baths to help keep you from getting another yeast infection.
- Do eat yogurt with "active cultures" to help keep you from getting another yeast infection.
- Do not douche unless your caregiver says it is okay.
- Do not have sexual intercourse (sex) until the infection is gone.
- Do not eat a lot of foods with sugar, or drink fluids that contain alcohol. This may help keep you from getting another yeast infection.
- Do not spend long periods in hot tubs to help keep you from getting another yeast infection.
- Do not use strong perfumes or soaps.
- Do not use feminine hygiene sprays, powders, or bubble bath.
CARE AGREEMENT:
You have the right to help plan your care. To help with this plan, you must learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. You can then discuss treatment options with your caregivers. Work with them to decide what care may be used to treat you. You always have the right to refuse treatment.
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