Patient's question:
18 years old, single. I have a vaginal fungal infection due to swimming, which has been persistent and difficult to treat. Is it impossible to cure it with medication for washing? The side effects of oral medication are too severe, so what should I do? Can I see a traditional Chinese medicine doctor? What kind of hospital offers the methods mentioned online? The small local hospitals here don't have them. Please give a reply, thank you!Doctor's answer:
Hello, candidiasis, also known as moniliasis, is caused by Candida albicans, a type of fungus from the Candida family. The main symptoms include intense itching of the external genitalia and a curd-like vaginal discharge. This fungus can also cause balanitis, which is why it has been classified by the World Health Organization as a sexually transmitted disease.Treating candidiasis in unmarried young women can indeed be a bit tricky. Since the patient is unmarried, the gynecologist cannot examine the inflamed characteristics of the vaginal mucosa or administer the specific medication deep into the vagina to kill the fungus. Instead, the treatment involves applying traditional Chinese medicine steam baths and topical clotrimazole cream to the outside of the vagina. However, this method of medication cannot eliminate the fungus in the vagina. This is the reason why your long-term treatment has not been effective.
We often encounter such patients. First, we always ask if they have had sexual activity. The majority of patients can answer honestly. Those who have had sexual intercourse will agree to a vaginal examination. Once they agree to the vaginal examination, the situation becomes easier, and all treatments are carried out as for married patients. You can prescribe them a 3% sodium bicarbonate solution and nystatin, for a total of 10 days of medication, and instruct them to use it at home. Every night before bed, they should first use the 3% sodium bicarbonate solution to rinse or bathe the vagina, then dry it, and insert one nystatin suppository (100,000 units) deep into the vagina. Once a day for 10 days. Since nystatin is a specific medication and is placed in the main area where the fungus reproduces and causes inflammation, the effect is excellent, and a full course of treatment will definitely lead to recovery.
However, to prevent recurrence, it is necessary to inquire about the male partner's condition and treat both "couples" or both male and female partners simultaneously. If the male has Candida balanitis, you can prescribe him a 3%