Questions and Answers
What is a common symptom of a yeast infection in women?
Which factor does NOT contribute to the risk of developing vaginal thrush?
What defines recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis?
Which of these treatment recommendations is NOT appropriate for managing thrush?
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Which statement accurately describes the symptoms of candidal balanitis in men?
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What defines treatment failure in the context of a yeast infection?
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Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of the discharge associated with vaginal thrush?
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Which demographic is considered a red flag for referral regarding vulvovaginal candidiasis?
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What is the first-line treatment for acute vaginal thrush?
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What might trigger a yeast infection aside from biological factors?
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Study Notes
Pathophysiology
- Vaginal thrush, a common yeast infection, affects both genders.
- Caused by Candida fungus, typically harmless but can cause discomfort and recur.
- Not categorized as a sexually transmitted disease, but sexual activity can trigger it.
- Acute infections involve single cases of vulvovaginal candidiasis, diagnosed via microscopy or culture.
- Recurrent infections occur with four or more symptomatic episodes within a year; at least two must be confirmed by microscopy or culture.
- Vulvovaginal candidiasis manifests as inflammation of the vagina or vulva, primarily from Candida albicans.
- Candidal balanitis may develop in males as a result of female partners having vulvovaginal candidiasis.
Symptoms
- Symptoms in women:*
- Characteristic white discharge resembling cottage cheese, typically odorless.
- Itching and irritation around the vaginal area.
- Soreness and stinging sensations during sexual intercourse or urination.
- Symptoms in men:*
- Redness, burning, and irritation around the head of the penis and under foreskin.
- White discharge similar to cottage cheese and an unpleasant odor.
- Difficulty retracting the foreskin.
Risk Factors
- Predominantly affects women aged 20-40 years.
- Thrives in warm, moist environments; imbalance of normal bacteria can precipitate infection.
- Common risk factors include skin irritation or damage, antibiotic use, poorly controlled diabetes, and weakened immune systems (e.g., HIV, chemotherapy).
- Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and pregnancy also increase risk.
- Referral Indicators:*
- Individuals under 16 or over 60 years of age.
- Frequent recurrences (more than four times within a year).
- Ineffective treatment outcomes.
- Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, or those with compromised immune systems.
Treatment
- Recommended hygiene includes using water and emollients (like E45) for washing; avoid soaps.
- Ensure proper drying after washing; wearing cotton underwear is advised.
- Refrain from sexual activity until thrush is resolved if it causes discomfort.
- Avoid irritants such as scented pads, soaps, and gels; do not use douches or genital deodorants.
- First-line treatment: single oral dose of fluconazole 150 mg.
- Second-line treatment: single intravaginal dose of clotrimazole 500 mg; topical imidazole may be added for vulval symptoms.
- Clotrimazole cream (1% or 2%) can be applied 2-3 times daily but may damage condoms/diaphragms.
- For severe infections, repeat antifungal treatment after 72 hours, using fluconazole or clotrimazole pessaries on days 1 and 4.
- Thrush can also affect skin areas like armpits and groin, causing itchy, red rashes that may scale with a white or yellow discharge; symptoms may be less visible on darker skin tones.
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Description
Test your knowledge on the pathophysiology of vaginal thrush, a common yeast infection caused by Candida fungus. This quiz covers its symptoms, triggers, and classification of infections. Discover how this condition affects both men and women and the significance of recurrent episodes.
