Recurrent vaginal thrush (vaginal candida). How can this be prevented?
Swab tests should be taken to confirm that you really are having bouts of thrush. Whilst most people have heard of thrush, relatively few know about bacterial vaginosis and this is more common than thrush (Q12.13).
About one per cent of women will have more than six episodes of vaginal candida a year. It is prudent to exclude underlying illness and to correct other causes of vaginal discharge such as cervical ectropion (erosioncervical erosion).
Preventative measures include avoiding clothes that keep the genital area moist. Natural fibres such as cotton are preferable to nylon. Underclothes should be thoroughly rinsed. Daily bathing/showering may be helpful but frequent vaginal douching should be avoided as this may remove protective organisms. Irritant soaps and bubble baths should be avoided. Shampoos should not be used in the bath. Use a soft clean towel and dab rather than rub. Rough flannels should not be used.
One of the orally active agents may eliminate the reservoir of candida in the bowel although this may subsequently recur. Wiping the anal area from front to back may help to prevent transfer of candida to the vagina; soft toilet paper should be used. The objective is to prevent recurrence. As antibiotics may be associated with acute episodes, those particularly at risk should re quest treatment for candida at the same time. The male partner should be offered local or oral treatment. Some women will require regular preventative treatment usually administered after each period.
Related Medical Abstracts - Click on the paper title:-
- Causes of chronic vaginitis: analysis of a prospective database of affected women. (2006-01)
- Clinical aspects and luteal phase assessment in patients with recurrent vulvovaginal candida. (2006-02)
- Characterization of women with a history of recurrent vulvovaginal candidosis. (2002-01)
- The value of prophylactic (monthly) clotrimazole versus empiric self-treatment in recurrent vaginal candida (1994)
- Lack of in vitro resistance of Candida albicans to ketoconazole, itraconazole and clotrimazole in women treated for recurrent vaginal candida (1993)
- Epidemiologic characteristics of women with idiopathic recurrent vulvovaginal candida (1993)
- Intermittent prophylactic treatment of recurrent vaginal candida by postmenstrual application of a 500 mg clotrimazole vaginal tablet (1990)
- Zinc status in women with recurrent vulvovaginal candida (1986)
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This is the personal website of David A Viniker MD FRCOG, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at Whipps Cross University Hospital, London - Specialist Interests - Reproductive Medicine including Infertility, PCOS, PMS, Menopause and HRT.
I do hope that you find the answers to your women's health questions in the patient information and medical advice provided.
