<Things you should know> Correct knowledge about vaginal candidiasis (1) Explanation of the causes and symptoms of vaginal candidiasis About vaginal candidiasis Main causes of vaginal candidiasis Main symptoms of vaginal candidiasis Diseases that resemble vaginal candidiasis Can it occur in places other than the vagina? Common areas and symptoms of candidiasis Vaginal candidiasis can cause unpleasant symptoms such as severe itching and abnormal vaginal discharge. It is a common infection among women, and recurrence is frequent. To prevent worsening or recurrence, it is important to have accurate knowledge about vaginal candidiasis. Here, we will explain the causes and symptoms of vaginal candidiasis under the supervision of an obstetrician-gynecologist. About vaginal candidiasis Vaginal candidiasis is caused by the proliferation of Candida, a type of fungus that is normally present in the body, in the vagina. It is one of the most common infections of the female genitalia, and it is said that 75% of healthy women will experience it at least once in their lifetime. Having Candida fungus in your body doesn't necessarily mean you'll develop an illness, but if your immune system is weakened or other conditions are favorable for Candida to thrive, recurrence is more likely. Main causes of vaginal candidiasis While vaginal candidiasis is sometimes classified as a sexually transmitted infection (STI), unlike most STIs, the vast majority of cases are caused by factors other than sexual activity. In fact, sexual activity is a very rare cause. Candida infections are more likely to occur when factors such as the reduction of lactobacilli (beneficial bacteria that keep the vagina acidic and suppress the growth of pathogenic bacteria) due to antibiotic use, or a weakened immune system during pregnancy, create an environment where Candida can thrive. Vaginal candidiasis is a type of opportunistic infection where an imbalance in bacteria allows the causative bacteria to proliferate, creating the conditions for infection. The following are some of the specific factors that can lead to vaginal candidiasis: Age (especially the elderly) Decreased resistance pregnancy diabetes High temperature and high humidity environment Unclean environment Use of adrenocortical hormones Taking antibiotics, etc. Main symptoms of vaginal candidiasis Vaginal candidiasis can manifest in various symptoms, including itching and changes in vaginal discharge. Let's look at some of the main ones. itch I am experiencing severe itching in my genital area. Be careful not to scratch, as this can damage the skin and worsen the symptoms. redness In addition to widespread redness, a white, moss-like substance may be seen on the vagina and vulva. Changes in vaginal discharge The amount of vaginal discharge increases. Its consistency also changes, becoming cloudy white and resembling sake lees, porridge, or cottage cheese. pain If the inflammation becomes very severe, you may experience pain during urination or sexual intercourse. Sometimes, a burning or stinging sensation in the skin may also be present. Diseases that resemble vaginal candidiasis There are several diseases that present with symptoms similar to vaginal candidiasis. The main ones are as follows: Diseases mainly seen in gynecology Trichomonas vaginitis This disease is caused by a protozoan called Trichomonas infecting the vagina. It is characterized by an increase in foamy, yellowish-green vaginal discharge, along with heat, pain, and itching in the vagina and vulva. However, some infections do not present with characteristic symptoms. Gonorrhea (gonococcal infection) Gonorrhea is a type of sexually transmitted infection caused by infection with Neisseria gonorrhoeae. In women, inflammation occurs in the cervix (the tubular part near the vagina), leading to increased vaginal discharge and sometimes a fishy odor. However, symptoms are generally milder in women than in men, and many women experience no symptoms at all. Genital Chlamydia Infection Chlamydia trachomatis is a type of sexually transmitted infection caused by infection with the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. It follows a similar transmission route to gonorrhea. In many cases, both men and women have no noticeable symptoms, and infection can occur simultaneously with gonorrhea. Genital herpes It is mainly transmitted through sexual intercourse, but rarely, it can also be transmitted from mother to child. In women, small blisters or ulcers (ulcers: a condition in which the skin is raw and damaged) may appear on the genitals, accompanied by itching and quite severe pain. atrophic vaginitis This condition is common in women after menopause. As estrogen levels decrease, the vaginal mucosa thins, leading to dryness and increased susceptibility to inflammation. Symptoms include painful intercourse, post-coital bleeding, changes in vaginal discharge, and painful urination. Diseases mainly seen in dermatology Vulvar Paget's disease This is a condition where extramammary Paget's disease develops, causing symptoms in the external genitalia. It is thought to be an intraepidermal carcinoma originating from the apocrine glands (one of the sweat glands). It is more common in the elderly and presents as a clearly defined red area. It can also cause related dermatitis and candidiasis, sometimes accompanied by itching and hyperpigmentation. Can it occur in places other than the vagina? Common areas and symptoms of candidiasis Candidiasis caused by Candida fungus can occur in areas other than the vagina. The following are some common locations and their main symptoms: Oral cavity (oral candidiasis) It is also called thrush. White, moss-like deposits or pseudomembranes (membrane-like structures) appear in the mouth or on the tongue, and peeling off the pseudomembranes causes a throbbing, aching pain. A burning sensation is felt, and the sense of taste is lost. Nails (nail candidiasis) The exposed part of the nail thickens, crumbles, and becomes deformed. The symptoms are similar to those of onychomycosis (nail fungus, which is commonly seen on the big toe). Interdigital candidiasis It is commonly seen between the middle and ring fingers. A relatively clearly defined red sore appears, and the surrounding skin becomes white and macerated. Mild pain and itching may also occur. It is common in people who do a lot of housework involving water. Supervised by: Dr. Nahomi Shimizu, Director of Portside Women's Comprehensive Clinic BeverlytaAfter 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. We take care to post accurate information,Please point out any incorrect information. Please submit any comments regarding medical information here. Return to the list of guides categorized by health symptoms.