Fungal infection of the vagina - Candidal vulvovaginitis

Very low urgency
Very common-

Infection of the vulva and/or vagina by a fungus called candida albicans.

It is a very common infection experienced by most women.

It is not considered as a sexually transmitted disease.

Factors which may trigger it: excessive hygiene, alterations in the defences of the body, taking antibiotics, hormonal changes, pregnancy, obesity and diabetes.

Typical symptoms include burning or itchiness in the genital region, abundant thick, whitish vaginal discharge.

The diagnosis is clinical, and can be confirmed with an examination of vaginal discharge.

The treatment is drug-based, with antifungal medication (creams, medication), for both the affected person and their partner. It should be accompanied by hygienic measures and dress habits.

Bibliographic references
  1. Jack D Sobel. Candida vulvovaginitis. UpToDate. May 25, 2016.
  2. Workowski KA, Bolan GA, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Sexually transmitted diseases treatment guidelines, 2015. MMWR Recomm Rep 2015; 64:1.
  3. Tibaldi C, Cappello N, Latino MA, et al. Vaginal and endocervical microorganisms in symptomatic and asymptomatic non-pregnant females: risk factors and rates of occurrence. Clin Microbiol Infect 2009; 15:670.
  4. Jeanne M. Marrazzo, King K. Holmes. Infecciones de transmisión sexual: resumen y estudio clínico. Harrison. Principios de Medicina Interna. Volumen 2. 19º Edición. 872:874
  5. Clara María Martín Díaz, María Luisa Cañete Palomo, Fernando Cuadra García- Tenorio. Infecciones Ginecológicas. Manual de protocolos y actuación en urgencias. Hospital Virgen de la Salud, Complejo Hospitalario de Toledo. Tercera edición. 2010.737:738
  6. E.J. Perea. Enfermedades de transmisión sexual. Farreras Rozman. Medicina Interna. Volumen 2. 12º edición.2503:2505.
Author
Dr. Oscar Garcia-Esquirol
Copyright
© TeckelMedical 2026

Symptoms

    Reddened vulva


    White vaginal discharge


    Female genital itching


    Burning in genital area


    Vaginal discharge

Symptoms to watch out for

Abdominal pain that increases rapidly
Fever (temperature higher than 38 ºC)
History of immunodeficiency (HIV, diabetes mellitus, oncological disorders, long-term corticosteroid consumption).

Self-care

Sanitise yourself after defecating, from the front to the back.
Preferably use cotton underwear.
Avoid using tight clothing, soaps with fragrance or that can irritate the area.
Check with your general practitioner on a topical or oral antifungal treatment.