Patient's question:
Half a month ago, I went to the hospital for a check-up and there was no mold detected. Today, I went to the hospital for a check-up and found a small amount of Candida in my vaginal discharge. How could I have developed Candida vaginitis?Doctor's answer:
Hello, Candida can be mutually infected through the mouth and intestines, and can also be indirectly transmitted through sexual contact or contact with clothing.Treatment:
a. Eliminate triggers
- If diabetes is present, provide active treatment; promptly discontinue broad-spectrum antibiotics and estrogens. Change underwear frequently. Boil used underwear, basins, and towels.
b. Change the vaginal pH
- Use a 2%–4% sodium bicarbonate solution to rinse the vagina, creating conditions unfavorable for Candida survival.
c. Antifungal agents
- After rinsing with an alkaline solution, use the following medications:
c1: Clotrimazole (clotrimazole) suppositories or tablets, once daily, one suppository or tablet each time, inserted deep into the vagina, for 7 days;
c2: Miconazole nitrate (Daktarin) suppositories, one suppository inserted into the vagina each night, for 7 days;
c3: Nystatin suppositories or tablets, once daily, one suppository or tablet (100,000 U) each time, for 7–10 days;
c4: Miconazole vaginal effervescent tablets, one tablet inserted into the vagina each night, for 5 days;
c5: 1% Gentian violet solution, applied to the vagina 3–4 times a week, for 2 weeks. The drug is inexpensive and highly effective, but the concentration must be carefully monitored. If the drug is too concentrated or used too frequently, it may cause chemical vulvitis and epidermal erosion. Due to its tendency to stain clothing, it is now rarely used in clinical practice.
d. Treatment for refractory cases
① This condition often co-occurs with diabetes. If it does not improve after prolonged treatment, check for urinary and blood sugar levels;
② It may also co-occur with trichomoniasis, so check for trichomoniasis infection;
③ To prevent intestinal Candida