Patient's question:
Detailed medical condition and consultation purpose:I went to the hospital for check-ups three times. The second time, they said it had turned into a common vaginal infection, but it came back after stopping the medication! This time, I followed the doctor's advice and treated it for a week, then stopped when my period came. Now, it sometimes itches intensely, but other times, it doesn’t itch at all!
Duration and persistence of the current illness: About 1 month.
Current general condition: Itching in the vaginal area.
Medical history:
Diagnosis and treatment history and effectiveness: Confirmed as candidal vulvovaginitis. Used Fushu Wash, Fuyinjie, and Daktarin suppositories.
Doctor's answer:
Hello, the reasons that can cause recurrent candidal vulvovaginitis can be summarized as follows:First, the lack of adherence to medication after developing candidal vulvovaginitis and the failure to achieve complete treatment are important factors leading to recurrent episodes of the disease. After treatment, patients with candidal vulvovaginitis still need to undergo gynecological examinations and vaginal discharge tests at the hospital every time their menstrual cycle ends, for a total of three consecutive times. If any one of these tests reveals signs of Candida infection during this period, it cannot be considered a cure, but rather a recurrence or reinfection, requiring continued treatment.
Second, both partners do not receive simultaneous treatment: If a woman develops candidal vulvovaginitis, she can transmit the pathogen to her husband through sexual activity, making him a carrier. Approximately 10% of men may develop balanoposthitis as a result. If only the woman is treated while the man is not, even if the woman is cured, she will be reinfected by her husband, leading to the repeated "transmission" of Candida between the couple and recurrent candidal vulvovaginitis in the woman.
Third, failure to follow 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 present in the intestines infects the vagina, it can cause candidal vulvovaginitis. 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 candidal vulvovaginitis. Therefore, when treating candidal vulvovaginitis, oral medication should be taken concurrently to eliminate intestinal Candida. Additionally, patients should modify poor hygiene habits.
Fifth, frequent or prolonged use of