Patient's question:
I have had candidiasis vaginitis for many years, and it has never been fully resolved. It keeps recurring, which is very annoying. When it recurs, the vagina feels itchy and uncomfortable, and there are a lot of white spots, like cottage cheese. Now I am planning to get pregnant, but I don't know if I can.Doctor's answer:
Candidal vulvovaginitis is primarily characterized by itching in the vagina, but it often also involves cottage cheese-like discharge rather than blood-stained leukorrhea. The symptoms of candidal vulvovaginitis mainly manifest as increased leukorrhea, itching and burning sensation in the external genitalia and vagina, painful urination, and often redness and swelling around the external genitalia. The skin changes can be varied; it may develop very superficial blisters and papules in clusters. It can also form eczema-like lesions, localized to the external genitalia or extending to the perineum, around the anus, and in the groin folds, potentially spreading to the inner and outer thighs. In some cases, it may cause small white pustules, and severe cases can lead to ulcers, pain in the external genitalia, and regional lymphadenopathy. A routine leukorrhea examination can diagnose it, and treatment is relatively easy. Various different conditions can cause vaginal itching.