How to Prevent and Treat Fungal Vaginitis

Patient's question:

Patient Gender: Female
Detailed Medical Condition and Purpose of Consultation: Five years ago, I contracted candidal vulvovaginitis during pregnancy. Over the past few years, it has occurred almost every year. My partner and I are very careful about personal hygiene. How should I treat it, and what should I pay attention to in daily life?

Doctor's answer:

Hello: If diagnosed with candidiasis, a 2%--4% baking soda solution can be used daily to rinse the external genitalia and vagina or for sitz baths. A 10-day course is recommended to alter the pH and create conditions unfavorable for the survival of Candida. Then, Nystatin can be used, such as powder, tablets, suppositories, or ointments, inserted into the vagina or applied locally. The dosage is 10--20 million units per time, once nightly, with a 10--14-day course. The external genitalia can also be treated with 3% miconazole ointment for better results. Since this condition is persistent and prone to recurrence, local treatment is generally the primary approach. Oral Nystatin tablets (50--100 million units) can also be taken three times daily for a 7--10-day course, followed by a follow-up to confirm three consecutive negative results before considering it cured.
In daily life, attention should be paid to:
1. Proper disinfection and maintaining cleanliness and dryness of the external genitalia.
2. Wearing loose, breathable underwear to avoid irritation and worsening symptoms. Change underwear frequently and boil underwear, bowls, towels, etc., for disinfection to prevent reinfection.
3. Adhering to standardized medication is key to treating this condition. During treatment, both partners in a marriage should take medication simultaneously, and use condoms during intercourse to prevent cross-infection.
4. Choose bedtime for medication to facilitate full decomposition and absorption of the drug.
5. Since candidiasis often recurs after menstruation, even when treatment and tests show negative results, a follow-up is still necessary after menstruation. Three or more consecutive negative results are required to confirm cure.