3 Often, the treatment is an antifungal medicine applied inside the vagina or a single dose of fluconazole taken by mouth. If you have vaginal candidiasis, likely you will use antifungal medicine to treat it. Some women can have Candida in the vagina without having any symptoms. However, a positive fungal culture does not always mean that Candida is causing symptoms. They examine the sample under a microscope in the medical office or send it to a laboratory for a fungal culture. Healthcare providers usually diagnose vaginal candidiasis by taking a small sample of vaginal discharge. Infection can happen because of hormones, medicines, or changes in the immune system. 2 Candida can cause an infection if the conditions change inside the vagina to encourage its growth. Scientists estimate that about 20% of women normally have Candida in the vagina without having any symptoms. Learn more about when antibiotics work and when you do not need them. 2 Because taking antibiotics can lead to vaginal candidiasis, take these medicines only when prescribed and exactly as your healthcare provider tells you.
Wearing cotton underwear might help reduce the chances of getting a yeast infection. Are taking or have recently taken antibiotics.Have a weakened immune system (for example, due to HIV infection or medicines such as steroids and chemotherapy).Use hormonal contraceptives (for example, birth control pills).Women who are more likely to get vaginal candidiasis include those who: Risk & Prevention Who gets vaginal candidiasis?
A healthcare provider can tell you if you have vaginal candidiasis and how to treat it. These symptoms are similar to those of other types of vaginal infections. However, some women can develop severe infections involving redness, swelling, and cracks in the wall of the vagina.Ĭontact your healthcare provider if you have any of these symptoms. The symptoms of vaginal candidiasis include: 1, 2