What does heavy growth of candida albicans indicate?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I have done a vaginal swab, and the result shows a heavy growth of Candida albicans, isolated from the normal vaginal flora.

Please help.

Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Sravanthi Nuthalapati

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have gone through your query and understand your concern.

Please attach the report.

Let me know if I can assist you further.

Thank you.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Thank you for the reply.

I have attached the report.

Please help.

Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Sravanthi Nuthalapati

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

I have reviewed the attachment (attachment removed to protect patient identity). Your vaginal swab culture shows a yeast infection (candidiasis). It is a fungal infection affecting the genital tract. Please mention whether you have thick white discharge with any genital itching.

I hope I have answered your question.

Let me know if I can assist you further.

Thank you.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Thank you for the reply.

I noticed some white discharge during sexual intercourse. After one day, I developed itchiness. I then had yellowish discharge with a bad smell.

Is this due to a sexually transmitted infection?
Does my partner need treatment as well?
Is it sufficient to take Flagyl for seven days?

Please help.

Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Sravanthi Nuthalapati

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

Yes, it can be a sexually transmitted infection. Please indicate whether the discharge is yellowish-green or watery.

Based on your vaginal swab report, you do not need to take Flagyl (Metronidazole). However, if your symptoms suggest bacterial vaginosis, then you can take Flagyl.

You need to start antifungal treatment now. You can take Canesten (Clotrimazole) or Candid V6 vaginal pessary at bedtime for six nights. Avoid having sexual intercourse until the symptoms subside.

You can take one 150 mg Fluconazole tablet after eating.

I hope I have answered your question.

Let me know if I can assist you further.

Thank you.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Thank you for the reply.

I went to the doctor after having thick white discharge. The doctor prescribed Flagyl for seven days, and I am currently on the fourth day of treatment. The doctor also advised me to take Fluconazole for three weeks, and I have taken one pill so far. The discharge is now reducing.

Do I need to stop taking Flagyl?
Do I need to take Fluconazole continuously?

I am taking Diflucan, one pill daily for one week.

Please help.

Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Sravanthi Nuthalapati

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

As you have started taking Flagyl, please complete the whole course. You do not need to take Fluconazole continuously for three weeks. Please mention the number of tablets taken and specify the dosage.

I hope I have answered your question.

Let me know if I can assist you further.

Thank you.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Thank you for the reply.

I took one pill last week. The doctor prescribed some medicines for my partner, but I did not give them to him. She was prescribed Fasigyn 500 mg, four pills once a week.

Do I need to give them to him today?

Please help.

Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Sravanthi Nuthalapati

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

Yes, you can give it to him today so that both of you are treated at the same time. It is an antibiotic used to treat bacterial vaginosis. Please refrain from sexual intercourse until the course is completed.

I hope I have answered your question.

Let me know if I can assist you further.

Thank you.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Thank you for the reply.

I have two questions. I am in my eighth month of pregnancy.

Can I have sex after seven days of taking Flagyl or after two weeks of taking Fluconazole?
Is it sufficient for him to take four pills?
I do not have any discharge right now. Can we use condoms?

Please help.

Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Sravanthi Nuthalapati

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

Yes, he can take four tablets altogether. This is sufficient for your partner. After completing the course of medications and once the symptoms have reduced, you may resume sexual activity. Condoms can be used and are the best option to avoid reinfection. However, it is advisable to wait another three days until the course of medications is fully completed.

I hope I have answered your question.

Let me know if I can assist you further.

Thank you.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Thank you for the reply.

Is it safe to have sex three days after completing the course of Flagyl?
Do I need to take Fluconazole for the next two weeks?
How can we prevent ourselves from getting the infection again?

Please help.

Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Sravanthi Nuthalapati

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

No, Fluconazole is a single-dose tablet, and it is sufficient. You can use condoms to prevent the infection from recurring. You may use V-Wash (intimate hygiene wash) to clean your private parts, avoiding soap.

I hope I have answered your question.

Let me know if I can assist you further.

Thank you.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Thank you for the reply.

I gave him four pills to take today.