Yeast colpitis is a fungal infection that causes a characteristic discharge, irritation, and severe itching of the vagina and vulva (tissues near the vaginal opening). This disease is a type of vaginitis, or inflammation of the vagina.
This ailment affects three out of four women, regardless of age or medical history, and often recurs.
Although yeast colpitis is not considered a sexually transmitted disease, the fungus can be contracted through oral sex. Available medicines are used for treatment. With frequent recurrences of the infection (four or more episodes in one year), the doctor will prescribe a longer course of therapy.
Symptoms
Yeast infection symptoms can be mild to moderate and present as follows:
- itching and irritation of the vagina and tissues at the vaginal opening (vulva);
- burning sensation, especially during intercourse or urination;
- pain and increased sensitivity of the tissues of the vagina;
- vaginal rash;
- redness and swelling of the vulva;
- watery discharge;
- thick, white, odorless vaginal discharge that looks like cottage cheese.
Severe cases
Severe infections occur when:
- you have been diagnosed with yeast colpitis, the symptoms of which are so intense that the vulva becomes dark red and very swollen, and unbearable itching leads to the appearance of micro-tears, cracks and sores in the vagina;
- have had four or more episodes of a yeast infection in the past year;
- disease caused by fungi other than Candida albicans;
- you are pregnant;
- you suffer from uncontrolled diabetes;
- Your immune system has been weakened by certain medications or HIV infection.
When to see a doctor
Make an appointment with a gynecologist if:
- you first discovered signs of colpitis;
- you are not sure about the nature of the disease;
- symptoms did not improve after treatment with available antifungal vaginal creams or suppositories;
- there are other signs of illness.
Reasons
Yeast colpitis is caused by fungi of the Candida family. Normally, the vagina contains a natural balance of a variety of bacteria and fungi, including Candida. Lactobacilli produce an acid that inhibits yeast growth. Violation of the natural balance leads to the growth of the fungus and infection of the tissues of the vagina.
Causesexcessive reproduction of the fungus can serve:
- taking antibiotics to reduce the total number of lactobacilli in the vagina and change the natural pH level;
- pregnancy;
- uncontrolled diabetes;
- weakened immune system;
- taking oral contraceptives or hormonal drugs that increase estrogen levels.
Most often, women require treatment against the fungus Candida albicans. However, other types of yeast-like fungi can also cause colpitis, and in this case it is much more difficult to get rid of inflammation, and gynecologists prescribe more aggressive therapy.
Infection can also be contracted through some types of sexual activity, especially through oral sex. However, yeast infection is not considered a sexually transmitted disease. Even sexually inactive women can suffer from this infection.
Before visiting the doctor
If you have had yeast infection during pregnancy in the past, you can avoid going to the gynecologist and follow his previous instructions or call the doctor on the phone. However, in the event that the symptoms of the disease appeared for the first time or differ significantly from the signs of an inflammatory process cured in the past, you should make an appointment with a qualified specialist.
Make sure you have done the following before going to the clinic or he alth care center:
- make a listall observed symptoms and indicate how long you observe them;
- write down key information about your he alth, including current diseases and medical conditions, as well as the names of any medications, vitamin complexes and dietary supplements you are currently taking;
- avoid douching or using tampons before visiting a doctor so that he can adequately assess the nature of vaginal discharge;
- make a list of questions you would like to ask the specialist.
You may need a list of basic questions to ask your doctor:
- How to prevent yeast infections and other fungal diseases?
- What are the symptoms and signs of yeast colpitis?
- How to treat an infection?
- Does my partner need similar tests and therapy?
- Are there any special instructions for taking this medication?
- What medicines can be purchased at the pharmacy without a prescription?
- What should I do if my symptoms reappear after treatment ends?
Feel free to ask other questions if they seem important to you.
What the doctor will say
The doctor, in turn, will ask:
- What symptoms of the disease do you observe?
- Is there a strong vaginal odor?
- How long do signs of infection last?
- Have you treated vaginal diseases before?
- Have you tried any commonly available medicines that treat yeast colpitis: suppositories, ointments?
- How long have you been taking antibiotics?
- Are you sexually active?
- Are you pregnant?
- Do you use perfumed toilet soap or bubble bath?
- Do you douche or spray for feminine hygiene?
- What medications or vitamin supplements do you take on a regular basis?
Diagnosis
To check for a yeast infection, a doctor:
- Asks you questions about your medical history. The specialist will be primarily interested in past cases of vaginal infections and sexually transmitted diseases.
- Perform a gynecological examination. The doctor first examines the external genitalia for signs of infection, then places a speculum in the vagina to keep its walls open and examines the vagina and cervix.
- Take a sample of vaginal discharge. Laboratory testing of a sample of vaginal fluids can determine the specific type of fungus that caused the infection. This is especially important in the treatment of recurrent colpitis.
Treating a mild yeast infection
If the symptoms you are experiencing are mild or moderate and the disease does not recur, your doctor may recommendthe following methods of dealing with colpitis:
- Short-term therapy. Antifungal drugs are available in the form of creams, ointments, tablets, and suppositories (candles). Usually, the inflammation resolves after a course of treatment lasting one, three or seven days, depending on the medication chosen. Butoconazole, Clotrimazole, Miconazole (Monistat) and Terconazole are effective. When applied, side effects may occur in the form of a slight burning sensation or irritation. You may need to use an alternative form of contraception as suppositories and creams are oil-based and may compromise the protection provided by latex condoms.
- Single dose of medication. An antifungal agent called fluconazole (Diflucan) is used only once by mouth. If you have severe yeast colpitis, treatment may be to take two such doses three days apart.
- Public treatment. Antifungal vaginal suppositories and creams sold over-the-counter in pharmacies are an adequate self-control measure for infection and help many women get rid of the fungus without visiting a gynecologist. Topical treatment usually lasts three to seven days. If the violation of the natural balance in the vagina is yeast, pregnancy colpitis should be treated only locally.
What to do in severe cases
Therapy of severe yeast colpitisdegrees can be as follows:
- Long-term vaginal therapy. Doctors usually prescribe drugs from the azole group, which should be used for one or two weeks to completely get rid of signs of fungal infection. Azoles are available as vaginal creams, ointments, tablets or suppositories.
- As mentioned above, in severe cases, several doses of fluconazole are used (up to three with breaks between taking the medication). However, this method cannot be used to treat yeast colpitis during pregnancy.
- Preventive measures. If you are suffering from a recurrent infection, your doctor will recommend a prophylactic regimen, which should be followed strictly. The action of the regime begins immediately after getting rid of the symptoms of colpitis. Most often, a single dose of fluconazole (one tablet) is prescribed to be taken every week for six months. Some gynecologists recommend to their patients a more gentle therapy, consisting in the use of clotrimazole (in the form of suppositories) for the same period.
In the absence of appropriate symptoms, treatment of the partner is usually not required.
