Yeast Colpitis: Causes and Treatment

Yeast colpitis is a fungal infection that causes characteristic discharge, irritation and severe itching of the vagina and vulva (tissues of 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 and medical history, and often recurs.

Although yeast colpitis is not considered a sexually transmitted disease, a fungus can be infected through oral sex. For the treatment available medicines are used. With frequent recurrences of infection (four or more episodes over the course of one year), the doctor will prescribe a longer course of therapy.

Symptoms

Symptoms of yeast infection can be of mild or moderate intensity and manifest as follows:

• Itching and irritation of the vagina and tissues of the vaginal opening (vulva);
• Burning sensation, especially during intercourse or urination;
• Pain and sensitization of the vaginal tissues;
• Vaginal rash;
• Reddening and swelling of the vulva;
• Watery discharge;
• Thick, white, odorless vaginal discharge, resembling cottage cheese.

Severe cases

Severe cases of infection are when:

• You have diagnosed yeast colpitis, the symptoms of which are so intense that the vulva acquires a dark reddish hue and swells, and the intolerable itching leads to micro-ruptures, cracks and sores in the vagina;
• You have suffered four or more episodes of a yeast infection in the past year;
• The disease is caused by other fungi than Candida albicans;
• You are pregnant;
• You suffer from uncontrolled diabetes mellitus;
• Your immune system has weakened due to taking certain medications or getting infected with HIV.

When to see a doctor

Make an appointment with a gynecologist if:

• You first discovered the signs of colpitis;
• You are not sure of the nature of the disease;
• The symptoms did not disappear after treatment with available antifungal vaginal creams or candles;
• There were other signs of the disease.

Causes

Yeast colpitis is caused by fungi of the Candida family. In a normal state, the vagina contains a natural balance of a variety of bacteria and fungi, including Candida. Lactobacilli produce an acid that inhibits the growth of yeast. Violation of the natural balance leads to the growth of the fungus and infection of the tissues of the vagina.

The causes of excessive reproduction of the fungus can be:

• Taking antibiotics that reduce the total number of lactobacilli in the vagina and change the natural pH level;
• pregnancy;
• Uncontrolled diabetes mellitus;
• Weakened immune system;
• Reception of oral contraceptives or hormonal drugs that increase the level of estrogen.

Most often, women need treatment against Candida albicans. However, other yeast-like fungi can also cause colpitis, in which case getting rid of inflammation is much more difficult, and gynecologists prescribe more aggressive therapy.

Infection can also be infected through some types of sexual activity, especially through oral sex. Nevertheless, yeast colpitis is not considered a sexually transmitted disease. Even sexually passive women can suffer from this infection.

Before a visit to a doctor

If in the past you have already transferred yeast colpitis during pregnancy, you can not go to a gynecologist and follow his previous instructions or call a doctor by phone. However, if the symptoms of the disease appear for the first time or differ significantly from the signs of the inflammatory process cured in the past, you should make an appointment with a qualified specialist.

Make sure that before going to the clinic or health center you have completed the following items:

• Make a list of all the symptoms seen and indicate how long you observe them;
• Write down key information about your health, including current diseases and pathological conditions, as well as the names of all medicines, vitamin complexes and biologically active food supplements that you are currently taking;
• Avoid syringing or using tampons before visiting a doctor so that they can adequately assess the nature of vaginal discharge;
• Make a list of questions that you would like to ask a specialist.

You may need a list of basic questions to the doctor:

• How to prevent yeast infections and other fungal diseases?
• What are the symptoms and signs you can independently determine yeast colpitis?
• Than to treat an infection?
• Do my partner have to undergo similar examinations and therapy?
• Are there any specific instructions for taking this medication?
• What medicines can be purchased at the pharmacy on a non-prescription basis?
• What if the symptoms appear again after the course of treatment?

Do not hesitate to ask other questions if they seem important to you.

What the doctor will say

The doctor, in turn, will ask:

• What symptoms do you observe?
• Is there a strong smell from the vagina?
• During what time are there signs of infection?
• Have you ever cured vaginal diseases?
• Have you tried any of the commonly available medications that treat yeast colpitis: candles, ointments?
• How long have you been taking antibiotics?
• Do you have an active sex life?
• Are you pregnant?
• Do you use perfumed toilet soap or bath foam?
• Do you use douching or spray treatment for feminine intimate hygiene?
• What medicines or vitamin supplements do you take on a regular basis?

Diagnostics

To determine the presence of a yeast infection, the doctor:

• Ask you questions about your medical history . First of all, the specialist will be interested in past cases of vaginal infections and infection with sexually transmitted diseases.
• Will make a gynecological examination . The doctor first examines the external genitalia for signs of infection, then places the gynecological mirror in the vagina to keep its walls open and examines the vagina and cervix.
• Take a sample of the vaginal discharge. On laboratory testing of a sample of vaginal fluids, you can determine the specific type of fungus that caused the infection. This is especially important in the treatment of recurrent colpitis.

Treatment of mild yeast infection

If your symptoms are characterized by mild manifestations or moderate intensity and the disease does not recur, the doctor may recommend the following methods of fighting colpitis:

• Short-term course of therapy. Antifungal medicines are available in the form of creams, ointments, tablets and suppositories (candles). Usually the inflammation goes after a course of treatment that lasts one, three or seven days, depending on the medication chosen. Effective are Butoconazole, Clotrimazole, Miconazole (Monistat) and Terconazole. When applied, side effects may occur as a sensation of slight burning or irritation. It may be necessary to use an alternative form of protection from unwanted pregnancy, since suppositories and creams are oil-based and can weaken the protection provided by latex condoms.
• Single dose of medication . An antifungal agent called "Fluconazole" ("Diflucan") is administered internally only once. If you have severe yeast colpitis, treatment can consist of taking two such doses with an interval of three days.
• Publicly available treatment. Antifungal vaginal suppositories and creams sold in pharmacies on a non-prescription basis are an adequate measure of self-infection control and help many women get rid of fungus without visiting a gynecologist. Treatment with topical agents usually lasts from three to seven days. If the violation of the natural balance in the vagina is yeast, colpitis pregnancy should be treated only locally.

What to do in severe cases

Therapy of yeast colpitis of severe degree may consist of the following:

• Long-term vaginal therapy . Doctors usually prescribe drugs from the group of azoles, which should be used within one or two weeks to completely get rid of the signs of infection with the fungus. Azoles are available in the form of vaginal creams, ointments, tablets or suppositories.
• As indicated above, in severe cases, several doses of fluconazole are used (up to three with interruptions between taking the medication) . However, this method can not be used to treat yeast colpitis during pregnancy.
• Preventive measures. If you suffer from a recurrent infection, the doctor will recommend a preventive regimen, which should be followed strictly. The regime begins immediately after getting rid of colpitis symptoms. Most often, a single dose of fluconazole (one tablet) is prescribed for taking it every week for six months. Some gynecologists recommend to their patients more sparing therapy, consisting in the application of clotrimazole (in the form of suppositories) for the same period.

In the absence of appropriate symptoms, a partner is usually not required to be treated.