Patient's question:
Problem Description: Eager to get the IUD removed soon, but suffering from vulvovaginal candidiasis that won't go away. What should I do?Doctor's answer:
Hello friend, the treatment for candidiasis (yeast infection) is relatively lengthy and prone to recurrence, but it can still be completely cured as long as you cooperate with the treatment. However, it may be difficult to ensure it never recurs, as it depends on individual constitution and personal hygiene. The treatment for candidiasis can be done using pure Western medicine or a combination of Western and traditional Chinese medicine.(1) General treatment: Actively treat other diseases that may cause candidiasis and eliminate predisposing factors. Keep the external genitalia clean and dry, and avoid scratching. Abstain from sexual activity during treatment. Avoid spicy and irritating foods.
(2) Changing the vaginal pH: The optimal pH value for the growth of Candida is 5.5. Therefore, using alkaline solutions to rinse the external genitalia and vagina can alter the vaginal pH, inhibiting the growth and reproduction of Candida. You can use a 2–4% baking soda solution to rinse the vagina once or twice daily, with 2 weeks constituting one course of treatment. After rinsing, dry the external genitalia to maintain dryness and inhibit the growth of Candida.
(3) Vaginal medication: Using imidazole ointments for vaginal medication is highly effective for candidiasis. Clotrimazole suppositories, one tablet nightly, are inserted into the vagina after rinsing, with 10–14 days constituting one course of treatment. Alternatively, Daktarin suppositories, one tablet nightly, are applied to the vagina after rinsing, with 7 days constituting one course of treatment.
(4) External ointments: Applying clotrimazole cream or Daktarin cream externally can treat vulvitis caused by Candida infection and alleviate symptoms such as itching and pain in the external genitalia. Apply externally several times daily and use for 2 weeks. Eucerin cream, which contains econazole as the main ingredient and a small amount of topical corticosteroid, provides good anti-itch effects and is particularly suitable for those with severe itching from Candida vulvitis or vaginal candidiasis. Apply externally twice daily in the morning and evening.