Patient's question:
I had my last menstrual period on November 16, 2005, and this time it hasn't arrived yet. Around December 20, 2005, I experienced itching in my vaginal area (sometimes with a discharge similar to cottage cheese), which lasted for about four days, after which the condition returned to normal. On January 6, 2006, I did a urine test at the Maternal and Child Health Hospital, and it showed I wasn't pregnant. The doctor suggested waiting another week to see if my period would arrive, as it could be due to irregular menstruation. What could be going on with me?Follow-up Question: Can candidiasis (yeast infection) cause a missed period? How should this be treated? What precautions should I take?
Doctor's answer:
Hello: Based on your description, it may be candidal vulvovaginitis, which can be confirmed through a vaginal discharge smear test. The most common symptoms of candidal vulvovaginitis are external genital itching and a significant increase in vaginal discharge. The itching symptoms of patients can vary in intensity and occur intermittently. The itching caused by candidal vulvovaginitis is generally more pronounced than that caused by trichomoniasis. Severe itching can make it difficult for patients to sit or lie down, disrupting their sleep and appetite. Patients may also experience a burning sensation in the vagina, which is particularly noticeable during urination. In more severe cases, symptoms such as frequent urination, painful urination, and dyspareunia may occur. An increased amount of vaginal discharge is another main symptom of this condition. The discharge is usually viscous and can be white or yellow, or sometimes thin. Typical candidal vulvovaginitis discharge appears like cottage cheese or creamy clumps. During a gynecological examination, the following may be observed: depending on the severity of the condition, the labia minora and vaginal mucosa may show varying degrees of congestion and edema of the labia minora. The vagina may contain a significant amount of viscous discharge, or the vaginal mucosa may be covered with a white membrane. If the membrane is removed, the exposed mucosa may appear red, swollen, eroded, or have superficial ulcers.