Sexual Health | Vaginal discharge, vulvitis and balanitis | Candida and Yeast Infections

Vaginal Candida Albicans and non-Albicans species
Session Overview
Description
This session focuses on vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC), otherwise called candida or thrush. It discusses the predisposing factors, presentation, testing and treatment of candida, including that of non-albicans species.

Learning Objectives
By the end of this session you will be able to:

• Describe the predisposing factors for, and the presentation of, candida
• Describe the recognised complications of Candida albicans
• List the preferred diagnostic tests for Candida albicans
• Identify treatment regimens for the effective management of vaginal Candida albicans and non-albicans species
• Describe any management of sexual partners

Prerequisites
Before commencing this session you should complete the following sessions:

• Module 1/Sexual History (260-0004)
• Module 1/Female Genital Examination (260-0010)
• Module 10/Vaginal Discharge (260-0117)

Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is a frequently diagnosed cause of vaginal symptoms in UK genitourinary medicine clinics, with approximately 75% of sexually active females having at least one lifetime episode.

In almost 90% of cases, VVC is caused by Candida albicans. This may be present as a commensal, producing symptoms and signs when it multiplies and invades the mucosa. Up to 20% of women during reproductive years may be colonised with Candida species but have no clinical signs or symptoms - these women do not require treatment.