Candidiasis: The essentials of diagnosis and treatment
Vulvovaginal candidiasis is commonplace and may be caused by species other than Candida albicans. Serious complications may occur when infection occurs during pregnancy.
Strategies for preventing recurrence
While it is logical to consider antimycotic prophylaxis in women with a history of recurring VVC and/or a significant number of known risk factors, data suggest that extended prophylaxis with an azole does not consistently achieve long-term elimination of vaginal Candida organisms after cessation of the azole.9
At-risk women should be counseled to make lifestyle adjustments, such as wearing breathable cotton clothing, particularly undergarments; promptly changing out of damp clothing; and forgoing the use of commercial intravaginal feminine hygiene products.
Recent research has shown that the use of Saccharomyces cerevisiae–based probiotics has promise for controlling the burden of C albicans in women receiving antifungal drugs for VVC and also for preventing recurrence; however, this approach has undergone limited testing in humans, and its efficacy and safety in pregnancy is unknown.11 ●
