What is another name for a vaginal yeast infection?

Another Name for Vaginal Yeast Infection

Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is the medical term for a vaginal yeast infection. This condition is characterized by yeast colonization in the vaginal area, most frequently caused by Candida albicans 1.

Terminology and Classification

Vulvovaginal candidiasis is the standard medical terminology used in clinical guidelines and medical literature when referring to vaginal yeast infections. The term breaks down as:

• "Vulvo" - referring to the vulva (external female genitalia)
• "Vaginal" - referring to the vagina
• "Candidiasis" - infection caused by Candida species of yeast

VVC can be further classified into:

• Uncomplicated VVC (approximately 90% of cases)
• Complicated VVC (approximately 10% of cases) 1

Complicated VVC includes cases that are:

• Severe or recurrent
• Caused by non-albicans Candida species
• Occurring in women with underlying medical conditions 1

Epidemiology

VVC is extremely common, affecting:

• 70-75% of women at least once during their lifetime
• 40-45% of women experience two or more episodes
• Approximately 5% of women experience recurrent VVC (defined as ≥4 episodes within 12 months) 1

It represents the second most common cause of vaginal infections in the United States, resulting in approximately 1.4 million outpatient visits annually 1.

Clinical Presentation

The typical symptoms of vulvovaginal candidiasis include:

• Pruritus (itching) - the most specific symptom
• Vaginal discharge (often white and thick, "curd-like")
• Vaginal soreness
• Vulvar burning
• Dyspareunia (painful intercourse)
• External dysuria (pain with urination) 1

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of VVC can be made when a woman presents with symptoms of vaginitis and either:

• Microscopic examination shows yeast or pseudohyphae
• Culture yields a positive result for Candida species

VVC is associated with a normal vaginal pH (≤4.5), which helps differentiate it from other vaginal infections 1.

Treatment

Treatment options for vulvovaginal candidiasis include both topical and oral antifungal medications:

1. Topical options:

   • Clotrimazole (various formulations)
   • Miconazole (various formulations)
   • Butoconazole
   • Terconazole
   • Tioconazole

2. Oral option:

   • Fluconazole 150 mg as a single dose 1, 2

Both oral and topical antifungal formulations have been shown to achieve equivalent results, with 80-90% of patients experiencing relief of symptoms and negative cultures after completing therapy 1, 2.

Common Pitfalls

1. Misdiagnosis: Symptoms of VVC are nonspecific and can be caused by various infectious and non-infectious etiologies. Proper diagnosis should be confirmed before treatment 1.

2. Self-treatment: Many women self-diagnose and treat with over-the-counter preparations. Self-medication should only be advised for women previously diagnosed with VVC who experience recurrence of the same symptoms 1.

3. Persistent symptoms: Any woman whose symptoms persist after using an OTC preparation or who experiences recurrence within 2 months should seek medical care 1.

4. Non-albicans species: Treatment of VVC caused by non-albicans species, particularly C. glabrata, can be challenging as these may not respond to standard azole therapy 1.

In conclusion, while "yeast infection" is the common term used by the general public, "vulvovaginal candidiasis" is the proper medical terminology for this condition.