Patient's question:
For candidal vulvovaginitis, if the symptoms disappear does it mean it's cured? After my period, I don't itch at all. Will I still itch during my next period? Can I have sex when I'm not itchy? If I'm not sure if this condition will come back (it's completely fine now)..., will having sex with my boyfriend cause it to recur? First follow-up question: If we have sex with a condom, will the candidal vulvovaginitis recur? Will oral sex also cause it to recur? If my boyfriend washes his hands very thoroughly, will touching me down there cause the condition to recur? Second follow-up questionDoctor's answer:
Hello: It is best to treat candidiasis vaginitis thoroughly in one go. The best approach is for both partners to be treated simultaneously, and pay close attention to hygiene.The reasons for recurrent candidiasis vaginitis can include the following:
First, inadequate medication adherence after developing candidiasis vaginitis, leading to incomplete treatment, is a major cause of the condition recurring. After treatment, patients with candidiasis vaginitis still need to undergo gynecological examinations and vaginal discharge tests at the hospital every month after their period, for a total of three consecutive times. If any one of these tests detects signs of Candida infection 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 candidiasis vaginitis, 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. This leads to the Candida repeatedly "transmitting" between the couple, causing the woman’s candidiasis vaginitis to recur.
Third, not following 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 in the intestines infects the vagina, it can cause candidiasis vaginitis. 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 candidiasis vaginitis. Therefore, when treating candidiasis vaginitis, one should