Acute Vaginal Candidiasis: Another Step Forward to the Deeper Understanding

Abstract

Vaginal candidiasis (VC) arises from an imbalance in the vaginal milieu influenced by intrinsic and extrinsic factors, including diet, hormonal fluctuations, and genital hygiene. The predominant causative organisms are Candida spp., with C. albicans being the most prevalent. Candida spp. are part of the normal flora residing on the vaginal mucosa and other mucous membranes throughout the body. The human body employs numerous mechanisms to maintain equilibrium between these fungi and commensal bacteria. Any disruption of this equilibrium can result in Candida overgrowth, manifesting as symptoms such as profuse vaginal discharge or burning and itching of the vulvar and vaginal region. In 2022, the Royal Thai College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists issued treatment guidelines for reproductive-age women presenting with abnormal vaginal discharge. These guidelines recommend various pharmacological regimens and behavior modifications to minimize future recurrence. Nevertheless, experts in real-world practice often suggest adaptations to these regimens to enhance therapeutic outcomes. The Siriraj Female Sexually Transmitted Infections Clinic regularly manages VC cases and implements a 2-week follow-up protocol for all patients. Given that VC is the most common diagnosis for abnormal vaginal discharge at the clinic, significant expertise has been accumulated in treating the condition. The collected perceived insights can be invaluable for fellow professionals, potentially broadening service perspectives and catalyzing further research.