Current patient perspectives of vulvovaginal candidiasis: incidence, symptoms, management and post-treatment outcomes Original paper
Researched by:
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Divine Aleru
ID
Divine Aleru
Read MoreI am a biochemist with a deep curiosity for the human microbiome and how it shapes human health, and I enjoy making microbiome science more accessible through research and writing. With 2 years experience in microbiome research, I have curated microbiome studies, analyzed microbial signatures, and now focus on interventions as a Microbiome Signatures and Interventions Research Coordinator.
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Women’s Health
Women’s Health
Women’s health, a vital aspect of medical science, encompasses various conditions unique to women’s physiological makeup. Historically, women were often excluded from clinical research, leading to a gap in understanding the intricacies of women’s health needs. However, recent advancements have highlighted the significant role that the microbiome plays in these conditions, offering new insights and potential therapies. MicrobiomeSignatures.com is at the forefront of exploring the microbiome signature of each of these conditions to unravel the etiology of these diseases and develop targeted microbiome therapies.
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Vulvovaginal Candidiasis (VVC)
Vulvovaginal Candidiasis (VVC)
Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is a common fungal infection caused by Candida albicans. Disruptions in the vaginal microbiome and immune responses contribute to its development. Effective treatment involves both antifungal therapy and strategies to restore microbiome balance, preventing recurrent infections and addressing emerging antifungal resistance.
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Divine Aleru
Read More
Researched by:
-
Divine Aleru
ID
Divine Aleru
Read More
Microbiome Signatures identifies and validates condition-specific microbiome shifts and interventions to accelerate clinical translation. Our multidisciplinary team supports clinicians, researchers, and innovators in turning microbiome science into actionable medicine.
Divine Aleru
What was studied?
This study explored contemporary patient perspectives regarding vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) and recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (RVVC), focusing on incidence, clinical symptoms, diagnosis methods, management strategies, and post-treatment outcomes.
Who was studied?
The research involved 284 non-pregnant women recruited from university-affiliated Obstetrics and Gynecology clinics, as well as general community settings. The participants included predominantly Caucasian women (78%), along with African American (14%) and Asian women (8%), covering reproductive, perimenopausal, and postmenopausal age ranges.
What were the most important findings?
The study reaffirmed historical prevalence rates, with 78% of women experiencing at least one episode of VVC, and 34% having RVVC (defined as ≥4 episodes annually). Major clinical symptoms consistently reported were itching (91%), burning (68%), redness (58%), and cottage cheese-like discharge (56%). Antibiotic usage emerged as the leading identifiable risk factor (38%), followed by sexual intercourse (22%) and humid weather (11%). However, 55% reported episodes as idiopathic, with no identifiable trigger. Physicians diagnosed most cases (73%) using pelvic examinations and lab tests, prescribed antifungal treatments, and achieved an 84% symptom relief rate. In contrast, self-diagnosed/self-treated cases reported significantly lower relief rates (57%). Within RVVC patients, 71% relied on continual or intermittent antifungal therapy to control symptoms effectively, whereas nearly 20% failed to obtain adequate relief despite ongoing treatment.
What are the greatest implications of this study?
This study highlights the enduring high prevalence of VVC/RVVC despite advancements in diagnostic and therapeutic methods. It emphasizes the need for continued research into more effective, targeted treatments and indicates the importance of accurate clinical diagnosis over self-management. Furthermore, the similarity in symptom profiles between episodic VVC and RVVC suggests that future innovations in diagnostic and treatment strategies could benefit all affected populations. Clinicians should particularly note the high percentage of idiopathic cases, indicating the complexity of prevention and treatment approaches.
Vulvovaginal Candidiasis (VVC)
Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is a common fungal infection caused by Candida albicans. Disruptions in the vaginal microbiome and immune responses contribute to its development. Effective treatment involves both antifungal therapy and strategies to restore microbiome balance, preventing recurrent infections and addressing emerging antifungal resistance.