How is vaginal candidiasis treated?
Vaginal candidiasis is treated with antifungal medications. Several are available in the form of creams, suppositories and tablets that can be placed directly in the vagina. Some are available over-the-counter, while others require a prescription.
Antifungals available for intravaginal treatment of vaginal candidiasis include:
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Butoconazole (Femstat, Gynazole-1)
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Clotrimazole (Gyne-Lotrimin, Mycelex)
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Miconazole (Monistat)
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Terconazole (Terazol)
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Tioconazole (Vagistat-1)
An oral antifungal drug, fluconazole (Diflucan), can also be used to treat vaginal candidiasis.
What you can do to improve your vaginal candidiasis
In addition to following your health care provider’s instructions and taking all medications as prescribed, you can help control your symptoms by:
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Avoiding douching, which can rinse out vaginal treatments and disrupt the balance of organisms in the vagina
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Avoiding irritants, such as feminine hygiene sprays, perfumes, powders and soaps
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Keeping your genital area dry and clean
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Sitting in a warm bath to relieve your symptoms
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Using pads instead of tampons
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Wearing loose-fitting, airy clothes to allow air circulation and reduce irritation
What are the potential complications of vaginal candidiasis?
In some people, especially people with conditions that suppress the immune system, complications of untreated vaginal candidiasis can be serious, even life threatening in some cases. You can help minimize your risk of serious complications by following the treatment plan you and your health care professional design specifically for you. Complications of vaginal candidiasis include:
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Invasive candidiasis (serious infection in which Candida has spread into the bloodstream)
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Secondary infections (infections that develop after vaginal candidiasis, often due to scratching)
References:
Vaginal yeast infection. Medline Plus, a service of the National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001511.htm. Accessed May 12, 2011.
Candidiasis. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/nczved/divisions/dfbmd/diseases/candidiasis/. Accessed May 12, 2011.
INTRODUCTION
What is vaginal candidiasis?
Vaginal candidiasis is an infection of the vagina involving overgrowth of a yeast, or fungus, known as Candida. This yeast is normally present in the mouth, gut and vagina, as are a number of other organisms. If the balance of microorganisms is disrupted, as can occur with taking broad spectrum antibiotics, hormonal fluctuations, a...
Read more about vaginal candidiasis introduction
SYMPTOMS
What are the symptoms of vaginal candidiasis?
Women who have vaginal candidiasis may experience itching and a thick, white discharge. They may notice redness and swelling around the vagina and may experience pain with urination or intercourse. The intensity of symptoms can vary from person to person....
Read more about vaginal candidiasis symptoms
CAUSES
What causes vaginal candidiasis?
Vaginal candidiasis is most commonly caused by Candida albicans, a type of yeast, or fungus, that is normally present in the mouth, gut and vagina. It can occasionally be caused by other species of Candida....
Read more about vaginal candidiasis causes
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