Vaginal candidiasis

Japanese: 腟カンジダ症 - ちつカンジダしょう（英語表記）Vaginal candidiasis

What is the disease?

In women of reproductive age, the ovaries are active and estrogen (female hormone) causes a large amount of glycogen-containing Vaginal epithelium ( Body condition ) Cells proliferate and differentiate.

Doderlein in the vagina Vaginal bacillus ( Chiropractic care ) A bacterium called (vaginal lactobacillus bacillus) is always present and breaks down this glycogen into lactic acid to keep the vagina acidic and prevent other bacteria from invading (self-cleaning effect). However, if this self-cleaning effect is broken down for some reason, various types of vaginitis and vulvitis will develop.

Vaginal candidiasis is a disease caused by the abnormal proliferation of the fungus Candida, which is also normally present in the vagina. The trigger is the bacterial growth of the vagina due to a decrease in pH in the vagina caused by increased estrogen secretion. plexus ( yes ) These include fluctuations in the serum albumin, diabetes, bacterial replacement due to antibiotic administration, pregnancy, and large doses of corticosteroids or immunosuppressants.

Possible routes of infection include sexual intercourse, feces, urine, hands, towels, etc.

Vaginal candidiasis is Vulvovaginal mycosis ( Good news for the newborn ) It is said that about 75% of women will experience vulvovaginal candidiasis at least once in their lifetime, and about 45% will experience it two or more times.

How symptoms manifest

On the vulva Itching ( Soybean paste ) (itch), Burning sensation ( Shakunetsu ) appears strongly. Porridge-like ( College ) , sake lees-like Leucorrhea ( Taige ) The vaginal discharge increases. Redness and swelling of the vulva are seen, and erythema or Small pustules ( Information ) It may also be accompanied by.

Candida infections can cause no symptoms, but treatment is usually given if symptoms are present.

Testing and diagnosis

The diagnosis is based on the above symptoms, findings in the vaginal discharge, and detection of bacteria. There are two ways to detect bacteria: directly observing the vaginal discharge under a microscope and detecting the bacteria (microscopic examination), or culturing the vaginal discharge. The detection rate is higher with the culture method than with the microscopic examination.

Treatment methods

Use vaginal tablets containing antifungal drugs and apply ointments or creams to the vulva at the same time. Use of steroid ointments is contraindicated. Generally, imidazole drugs (Adestan G300, Oxinazole V600, etc.) are used for about a week, and if the effect is insufficient, they are used for another week.

In cases where the condition is difficult to treat, the cause will be identified and oral medication may be administered. However, oral medication should not be used in pregnant women.

What to do if you notice an illness

If you experience any of the above symptoms, please visit an obstetrician-gynecologist. In addition, during pregnancy, treatment is provided from the 13th week onwards to prevent infection in the uterus and the birth canal.

Toshihiro Fujiwara

Source: Houken “Sixth Edition Family Medicine Encyclopedia” Information about the Sixth Edition Family Medicine Encyclopedia

Japanese: