Explanation of prevention and treatment methods for vaginal candidiasis | Rohto Pharmaceutical: Product Information Site

<Things you should know> Correct knowledge about vaginal candidiasis (2) Explanation of prevention and treatment methods for vaginal candidiasis

Some people experience recurrent vaginal candidiasis.
Vaginal candidiasis prevention methods that take recurrence prevention into consideration
How to treat vaginal candidiasis
Could it be vaginal candidiasis? Let's do a self-check.
Common problems with vaginal candidiasis (Q&A)

Vaginal candidiasis is a common female genital infection, and it is more likely to develop when the immune system is weakened. Recurrence is also common, so it is important to manage it appropriately and prevent outbreaks through daily life. Here, we will explain the prevention and treatment of vaginal candidiasis, supervised by a gynecologist.

Some people experience recurrent vaginal candidiasis.

Candida, the cause of vaginal candidiasis, is a type of fungus that is normally present in the bodies of healthy people. However, normally, beneficial bacteria (lactobacillus) in the vagina prevent Candida from multiplying, so Candida does not proliferate.

However, even minor things like a weakened immune system or wearing poorly ventilated underwear can disrupt the vaginal environment, making it easier for Candida fungi to proliferate. Approximately 90% of vaginal candidiasis cases are cured with the first treatment, but a small number of these are known to recur repeatedly.

Vaginal candidiasis prevention methods that take recurrence prevention into consideration

To prevent vaginal candidiasis, it's important to maintain an environment where Candida fungi cannot easily proliferate. Pay attention to the following in your daily life:

Avoid clothing that constricts the body.

Tight bottoms, girdles, underwear, tights, and stockings can easily cause sweating and discomfort, so caution is advised.
Change your sanitary napkins frequently.

During your period, your skin is especially prone to dampness, so change your sanitary pads or tampons frequently. The same applies to panty liners.
Choose breathable underwear.

It's important to choose underwear made of breathable materials such as cotton. Also, if your underwear gets wet from bathing or swimming, make sure to dry it completely before putting it on.
Be careful not to over-wash.

Using body soaps or similar products can be too harsh, so gently rinse with lukewarm water, being careful not to scrub too hard.
Don't scratch your skin just because it's itchy.

Be careful not to scratch your genitals because they are itchy, as this could spread the infection.
Maintain a balanced diet.

Diabetes can increase the risk of developing vaginal candidiasis, so it's important to limit your intake of sweets and sugars and focus on a balanced diet.

Disruptions to your daily routine, lack of sleep, stress, and fatigue can all negatively impact your immune system. It's important to maintain a regular lifestyle while paying attention to these factors.

How to treat vaginal candidiasis

Even if you experience itching or abnormal vaginal discharge, it's possible you have a condition other than vaginal candidiasis. If you have never had vaginal candidiasis before, you should see a doctor as soon as possible for diagnosis and treatment.

Treatment for vaginal candidiasis involves vaginal tablets, suppositories, ointments, creams, and oral medications. Vaginal tablets and suppositories are typically inserted into the vagina at the hospital during daily visits. Treatment continues for a week, and additional treatment is given if there is no improvement. If daily visits are difficult, a vaginal tablet that lasts for a week can be inserted during each visit.

For oral administration, fluconazole oral medication, which was approved in Japan in 2015, is used, but its use should be avoided if you are pregnant.

You can also use topical medications such as creams in conjunction with vaginal tablets or suppositories. If the inflammation is outside the labia majora (folds of the vulva), you may need a dermatological ointment for cutaneous candidiasis.

In addition, as part of daily self-care, it is important to maintain cleanliness and rest to suppress the growth of Candida. Avoid using harsh soaps, as they may worsen inflammation, and wash gently with lukewarm water. After washing, dry thoroughly and wear breathable underwear to prevent dampness. It is also best to refrain from sexual intercourse when symptoms first appear.

Could it be vaginal candidiasis?
Let's do a self-check.

If you experience any of the following symptoms, you may have a vaginal candidiasis. See a doctor as soon as possible for appropriate treatment.

I have severe itching in my vulva and vagina.
My vaginal discharge has increased.
The vaginal discharge has changed to a cloudy, white, sake-lees-like or cottage cheese-like consistency.
Rashes or white, moss-like growths may be observed on the vulva or vagina.
I have a burning, hot sensation in my vulva and vagina.
I experience pain when urinating or during sexual intercourse.

Common problems with vaginal candidiasis (Q&A)

Finally, we will answer some of your questions about vaginal candidiasis.

Can Candida infection be contagious?

Vaginal candidiasis is a condition that often develops due to self-infection with Candida fungus. It is said that infection through sexual intercourse with a partner is rare.
Is natural healing possible?

The vagina has a self-cleaning mechanism, so mild symptoms may resolve on their own. However, if you experience an increase in vaginal discharge or severe itching, you should see a doctor as soon as possible.
Will it recur?

Vaginal candidiasis is one of the infections that is prone to recurrence. In most cases, it improves with the first treatment, but because it is caused by bacteria that are normally present on the skin, it can recur repeatedly due to various triggers. The most common trigger is taking antibiotics, but other factors include pregnancy, diabetes, wearing underwear that does not breathe well, and incorrect washing techniques.
Can men get candidiasis? Where is it most likely to occur?

While men can develop balanitis, it is known to be less common than in women. When it occurs, symptoms include itching and discomfort, and rarely, it may be accompanied by urethritis. In addition, redness, small blisters, sores, and white, moss-like deposits may be seen on the glans penis.
Is vaginal candidiasis a sexually transmitted disease?

While vaginal candidiasis can be considered a sexually transmitted infection (STI), it also has aspects of an opportunistic infection. Candida is a commensal bacterium that is present in healthy individuals, and it is more common for the infection to develop due to causes other than sexual activity.

Supervised by: Dr. Nahomi Shimizu, Director of Portside Women's Comprehensive Clinic Beverlyta
After graduating from Hiroshima University School of Medicine, she worked at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Hiroshima University Hospital and Toranomon Hospital before opening Portside Women's Comprehensive Clinic ~Beverita~ in 2010. She is the founder of the Women's Medical Network, the chairperson of the NPO Teens Support, and a specialist certified by the Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

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