Recurrent candidiasis

Also called recurrent candidiasis is defined when a woman has 4 or more episodes of infection in a 12-month period. Sporadic candidiasis affects about 75% of women at least once in their lifetime, whereas recurrent candidiasis affects about 5% of women.

Some factors that cause recurrent candidiasis:

. stress

. emotional shaken

. Sedentary lifestyle

. Insufficient or poor quality sleep

. use of antibiotics

. Infection by non-albicans Candida species

. Immune diseases

. Contraceptives.

In sporadic candidiasis, the fungus that causes the infection is candida albicans, this fungus lives naturally in the intestine and vaginal canal of women, when the condition becomes recurrent we may suspect non-albicans fungi, namely: krusei, tropicalis, glabrata and parapsilosis . A proper exam will identify the fungus and make drug intervention easier. All these fungi also live in harmony in the vaginal flora, when any imbalance occurs they multiply beyond normal.

Symptoms are similar to sporadic candidiasis, itching inside the vagina, itching in the vulva, burning when urinating, during sexual intercourse there is great discomfort, the vaginal area may show redness, the vaginal discharge is white, thick and lumpy.

Recurrent candidiasis is not considered a Sexually Transmitted Infection. However, when women are infected with some STIs such as chlamydia, gonorrhea and genital herpes, they leave the immune system fragile and prone to the development of new diseases. That is why, many times, people end up linking the infection with other illnesses.

Drug treatment is done with the use of one fluconazole tablet per week for 6 months. This drug, an oral antifungal, can be combined with alternative techniques, such as:

sitz baths with baking soda;

homeopathy;

use of chamomile, garlic, coconut oil.

In addition, the gynecologist must also conduct a thorough interview to discover the predisposing factors related to the woman, in order to identify which habits need to be changed. These factors include:

eating habits;

practice of physical activity;

hygiene;

clothing;

emotional state;

other lifestyle habits.