Vaginal Candida, symptoms and how to treat it

By Cristiano Antonino On Feb 24, 2023

Vaginal candida is a fairly common fungal infection that affects about two-thirds of women from puberty to menopause at least once in their lifetime (but can also affect men)

In most cases, it is caused by the fungus Candida albicans, which normally proliferates in the genital and gastro-intestinal tracts, but under certain conditions multiplies exceedingly in the vaginal-vulvar tract.

Candida is associated with certain diseases and conditions, such as immunodeficiency, diabetes and pregnancy, but also with taking drugs, such as antibiotics and oral contraceptives, and with an unbalanced diet particularly rich in sugar.

It is not a severe condition but, if left untreated, can evolve into chronic recurrent vaginitis, a condition that can recur fairly frequently, three or more times a year.

Vaginal Candida: the symptoms

In women, the symptoms with which candida manifests itself are:

vaginal irritation
intense vaginal itching
vaginal redness
thick, whitish, foul-smelling vaginal discharge
pain during sexual intercourse
pain on urination

In men, candida causes a rash with reddening of the glans and burning, often following sexual intercourse.

When the infection is more aggressive, the rash also affects the foreskin and results in a whitish discharge.

How to treat vaginal candida

Candida is diagnosed during a gynaecological examination, by means of an objective examination of the vaginal cavity and the execution of a vaginal swab, which will then be analysed in the laboratory (men should refer to the urologist/andrologist specialist and undergo a urethral swab).

Once the infection has been identified, the gynaecologist prescribes antifungal drugs, which can be oral or local, such as creams, vaginal douches and/or vaginal ovules, associated with milk enzymes, which are useful for quickly restoring the balance of intestinal bacterial flora.

It is important that the treatment is also extended to the partner of the person affected by candida, so as to avoid a continuous passage of the infection.

As this is an infection caused by a fungus already present in the body, treatment inhibits its proliferation but does not remove the fungus itself, so vaginal candida may recur several times in a lifetime.

Vaginal Candida and prevention

How, then, to decrease the likelihood of candida recurrence?

The first rule to follow is to habitually practise proper intimate hygiene, using acidic cleansers (Ph 4).

One should also not wear excessively tight-fitting or synthetic underwear, as the lack of perspiration can contribute to the development of infections.

Attention should also be paid to diet, which should be balanced and with a limited intake of carbohydrates and sugar (especially in the presence of diabetes), and to keeping hydrated so as to ensure regular bowel movements.

Those who are taking antibiotics, whose action damages the lactobacilli that protect the vaginal flora, should also take oral or local milk enzymes for the duration of the therapy.

Stress is also considered a risk factor.

Finally, one should always avoid unprotected sexual intercourse with partners with the infection and not use underwear or towels previously used by a person with candida.

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