Introduction
Vulvovaginitis is an inflammatory disease of the vulva and vagina. It is a common infection that affects women and girls of all age groups. It can occur due to multiple causes. Other synonyms for this disease are vulvitis and vaginitis. Bacteria are the most common cause of vulvovaginitis.
Fungal vulvovaginitis mainly vaginal candidiasis is the second most common vaginal infection. Vaginal infection is mainly caused by a specific yeast called candida. Yeast is always present in the body, but when it multiplies rapidly, tends to acquire a fungal infection.
What Is Fungal Vulvovaginitis?
Fungal infections of the vulva and vagina are very common. It is a disease characterized by vaginal swelling, pain, burning, tingling, itching, erythema (redness), and a white-color discharge from the lower genital tract of the female. These infections are caused by a type of fungus present in the body called yeast. Candida is a type of yeast. When the balance in the body is disrupted, the yeast grows rapidly causing fungal vulvovaginitis. Vaginal fungal infections are also known as vulvovaginal candidiasis or vaginal candidiasis.
How Common Is Fungal Vulvovaginitis?
These infections are very common and occur in more than one million women in the United States every year. They are the second most frequent cause of vulvovaginitis.
What Is the Etiopathogenesis of Fungal Vulvovaginitis?
There is a loss of chemical balance in the vagina of the female that can cause candida to multiply. This chemical imbalance in the vagina can occur due to the following causes:
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If the person is on antibiotics to treat any urinary tract infection or other infections, the good bacteria in the vagina might get killed. It is these bacteria that are mainly responsible for keeping the fungal yeast in control. When this balance is disturbed, the yeast infection grows rapidly.
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The change in the hormonal levels is experienced by the women during pregnancy or while they are on oral contraceptives (birth control pills). This altered hormonal level can create an imbalance of candida in the vagina.
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In the case of diabetes mellitus, there is excessive sugar in the urine. The vagina is affected by this surplus sugar.
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In diseases like HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) or AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome), the immune status is weakened. Therefore, the medicines can further suppress the immune system leading to fungal overgrowth.
What Are the Symptoms of Fungal Vulvovaginitis?
There are several signs and symptoms of the disease:
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Itching in the vagina and vulva.
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A whitish thick discharge having the consistency of cottage cheese from the vagina.
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Pain, erythema (redness), and swelling of the vagina and vulva.
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Friable skin is present in the vagina and vulva leading to the occurrence of tiny cracks in their skin.
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Burning sensation at the time of peeing(urination).
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Pain during sex.
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Dirty, foul odor from the vagina.
How Is Fungal Vulvovaginitis Diagnosed?
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A fungal infection in the lower genital region is usually diagnosed by the healthcare provider. Book an appointment with the doctor and explain the symptoms to him. The doctor will perform a pelvic examination of the female to see if there is any sign of redness or tenderness in the vulvar or vaginal region.
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The gynecologist or healthcare provider will take a sample of the whitish discharge from the vagina to confirm the fungal infection. The sample will be sent for cytological examination.
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The culture of the vaginal fluid discharge may sometimes be done to identify the yeast fungus that is causing the fungal infection.
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A biopsy of the affected vulva region may be done if there are no other signs of the fungal infection.
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The discharge sample report after cytological examination along with the brief history of the symptoms will help the healthcare provider to establish a diagnosis and identify what type of fungal infection has occurred and help in determining the best possible way to treat the fungal infection.
How to Treat Fungal Vulvovaginitis?
Treatment for a vaginal fungal infection depends on the type of yeast infection that has caused the infection in the vagina or vulva. Therefore, it is very crucial to identify the type of yeast infection. There are a plethora of different types of yeast. The healthcare provider will discuss various lines of treatment depending on the type of fungal infection.
Antifungal Therapy - The doctor will prescribe antifungal medications to typically treat a vaginal fungal infection. This type of medicine is specifically used to stop the overgrowth of fungal yeast in the genital area. The medicine can be given either orally or topically. Oral medicines are given by mouth, while topical medicines are applied topically on the skin to the affected area.
The healthcare clinician will provide the required information about each form of oral or topical medication. He will give directions on the usage of each medication. It is very crucial to always follow the doctor’s instructions while using these medicines to completely resolve the fungal infection.
Can Patients Use Over-The-Counter Treatment for Fungal Vulvovaginitis?
It is usually better to consult the healthcare provider and get treated accordingly. Follow the instructions of the doctor regarding the usage of medicine carefully so that the infection does not return.
How to Prevent Fungal Vulvovaginitis?
Prevention of vaginal fungal infections can be done by modifying lifestyle. These lifestyle changes include:
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Avoid douching (showering or spraying with water) since douching can kill bacteria that keep the fungus in check.
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Avoid using soap in that area.
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Wear loose-fitting clothes in that area.
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Avoid the use of scented feminine deodorants.
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Do not use scented tampons.
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Keep the vaginal area clean and dry.
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Avoid using sexual lubricants that are water-based.
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In the case of diabetes, it is important to control the blood sugar levels under normal limits to prevent the occurrence of vaginal yeast infections.
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Always practice safe sex with the use of condoms.
Conclusion
Proper treatment of the fungal infection is usually very effective in controlling this disease. However, if have frequent fungal infections, discuss with the doctor other underlying causes or possibilities. Controlling the underlying cause of the infection will help prevent future vaginal fungal infections. Prevention is better than cure. So try to maintain hygiene and cleanliness in the genital parts to avoid the condition.
