Detecting a vaginal candida infection

Vaginal thrush is the second most common vaginal infection, after bacterial vaginosis. Fungal infections of the vagina are usually caused by yeasts of the genus Candida:

  • Candida albicans causes 80 to 90 per cent of vaginal yeast infections,
  • Candida glabrata only 2 to 5 per cent,
  • Candida krusei 1 to 2 per cent of Candida infections.

Very rarely, symptoms are caused by Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

About three quarters of women have the condition once in their lives, but six to nine per cent have recurrent vaginal thrush. Because the infection usually affects both the vulva and the vagina, specialists speak of vulvovaginal candidiasis.

To diagnose a vaginal yeast infection, a healthcare professional will carry out an examination. A physical examination alone, even by a doctor, is not enough to diagnose a yeast infection reliably; it must be accompanied by microscopy or another laboratory test of the vaginal discharge. It is important to be examined while the symptoms are present and before starting any treatment. Treatment in Switzerland for candida infection includes all the necessary tests and effective treatment aimed at preventing recurrence.

Symptoms of candida infection

  • red and swollen outer and inner labia
  • itching, sometimes very severe
  • possibly thick white or watery discharge with a faint odour
  • thick whitish deposits on the vaginal lining
  • problems urinating

CAUSE OF VAGINAL YEAST INFECTION

The fungus that causes yeast infections (called Candida) lives in the gastrointestinal tract and sometimes in the vagina. Candida usually causes no symptoms. However, when the environment of the gastrointestinal tract and vagina changes (which can be caused by medicines, injury or stress on the immune system), Candida can overgrow and cause the symptoms described above.

RISK FACTORS FOR VAGINAL YEAST INFECTION

Most women have no underlying health problem that leads to a yeast infection. Several risk factors can increase the likelihood of infection, including:

  • Antibiotics. Most antibiotics kill a broad range of bacteria, including those that normally live in the vagina. These bacteria protect the vagina from yeast overgrowth. Some women are prone to fungal infections when taking antibiotics.
  • Hormonal contraceptives (e.g. the contraceptive pill, patch and vaginal ring). The risk of yeast infections may be higher in women using contraceptive methods that contain the hormone oestrogen.
  • Contraceptive devices. Vaginal sponges, diaphragms and intrauterine devices (IUDs) can increase the risk of yeast infections. Spermicides do not usually cause yeast infections, although in some women they can irritate the vagina or vulva.
  • A weakened immune system. Yeast infections are more common in people whose immune system is weakened by HIV or by certain medicines (steroids, chemotherapy, medicines taken after organ transplantation).
  • Pregnancy. Vaginal discharge becomes more noticeable during pregnancy, although a yeast infection is not always the cause.
  • Diabetes. Women with diabetes are at higher risk of yeast infections, especially if their blood sugar is not well controlled.
  • Sexual activity. Vaginal yeast infections are not sexually transmitted. They can occur in women who have never been sexually active, but are more common in sexually active women.