Patient's question:
Candidal vulvovaginitis often recurs, it gets better with medication, but it comes back when medication is stopped, what should I do？？？？？？？Please advise the experts.Doctor's answer:
Hello: The reasons for the recurrent occurrence of candidal vulvovaginitis can be summarized as follows:First, inadequate medication adherence and incomplete treatment after developing candidal vulvovaginitis are major factors leading to recurrent episodes. After treatment, patients with candidal vulvovaginitis must undergo gynecological examinations and vaginal discharge tests at the hospital every month after their menstrual cycle for three consecutive months. If signs of Candida infection are detected during this period, it cannot be considered cured, but rather a recurrence or reinfection, requiring continued treatment.
Second, both partners do not receive simultaneous treatment: If a woman contracts candidal vulvovaginitis, she can transmit the pathogen to her husband through sexual activity, making him a carrier. Approximately 10% of men may develop balanoposthitis. If only the woman is treated while the man is not, even if the woman is cured, she will be reinfected by her husband, leading to the repeated "transmission" of Candida between the couple and recurrent candidal vulvovaginitis in the woman.
Third, failing to follow the prescribed guidelines for changing and disinfecting underwear and towels during treatment can also lead to reinfection with Candida.
Fourth, the human body itself can be a carrier of Candida. When Candida present in the intestines infects the vagina, it can cause candidal vulvovaginitis. For example, poor hygiene habits, such as wiping the external genitalia after defecation from the anus toward the urethra, may introduce intestinal Candida into the vagina, repeatedly triggering candidal vulvovaginitis. Therefore, when treating candidal vulvovaginitis, oral medication should be taken concurrently to eliminate intestinal Candida. Additionally, patients must modify poor hygiene habits.
Fifth, frequent