Daily Health Regimen Q&A Women’s Health

What causes fungal vaginitis

Asked by:Biel

Asked on:Apr 02, 2026 03:16 PM

Answers:1 Views:588
  • Elaine Elaine

    Apr 02, 2026

    Fungal vaginitis may be caused by vaginal flora imbalance, long-term use of antibiotics, low immunity, uncontrolled diabetes, elevated estrogen levels, etc. It can be treated by keeping the vulva clean and dry, avoiding abuse of antibiotics, controlling blood sugar, adjusting hormone levels, and using antifungal drugs.

    1. Vaginal flora imbalance

    Decreased lactobacilli in the vagina can lead to mold overgrowth. It may be related to frequent vaginal washing and the use of alkaline lotions to destroy the acidic environment. It often manifests as vulvar itching and bean-dregs-like leucorrhea. It is necessary to stop using irritating cleaning products, and use clotrimazole vaginal tablets or miconazole nitrate suppositories as directed by your doctor, combined with oral fluconazole capsules.

    2. Long-term use of antibiotics

    Broad-spectrum antibiotics suppress beneficial flora, giving Candida a growth advantage. It is common in people who use antibiotics continuously for more than 7 days, and may be accompanied by vaginal burning sensation. Treatment requires stopping unnecessary antibiotics under the guidance of a doctor, and using nystatin vaginal effervescent tablets to restore the balance of the flora.

    3. Low immunity

    People infected with HIV and those taking immunosuppressants for a long time are prone to recurring attacks. When the body's defense function declines, Candida albicans can proliferate in large numbers. Symptoms include vulvar redness and swelling and tingling during urination. Nutrition needs to be strengthened to improve immunity, and in severe cases, amphotericin B liposome needs to be injected intravenously.

    4. Diabetes is not under control

    Excessive blood sugar will increase the glycogen content of vaginal epithelial cells, providing nutrients for mold growth. Patients often have chapped vulvar skin and sticky leucorrhea. They need to use insulin or metformin tablets to control blood sugar, and use topical ketoconazole cream to treat local infections.

    5. Increased estrogen levels

    Pregnancy or taking estrogen-containing drugs can promote the adhesion of Candida to the vaginal epithelium. It manifests as severe itching that worsens at night, and congestion of the vaginal mucosa can be seen. Pregnant women need to use boric acid capsules for topical treatment under the guidance of their obstetricians and avoid oral antifungal drugs.

    You should choose cotton breathable underwear and change it daily, and avoid wearing tight pants for long periods of sitting. When cleaning the vulva, just use warm water. There is no need to use gynecological lotion. Sexual intercourse is prohibited during treatment. If your spouse has redness and swelling of the glans, you need simultaneous treatment. Diabetic patients need to monitor their blood sugar regularly, and those who use antibiotics for a long time should supplement fermented foods containing lactic acid bacteria. After the symptoms are relieved, the entire course of medication must be completed to prevent recurrence.

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