Vulvovaginal Candidiasis

Abstract

Vulvovaginal candidiasis is an inflammation that affects parts of the genitalia, namely the vulva and vagina. This disease is caused by a fungal infection Candida sp. especially Candida albicans with transmission due to direct contact or vomit. This case of vulvovaginal candidiasis will usually be experienced by 75-80% of women of reproductive age at least once during their life and about 40-50% of cases of vulvovaginal candidiasis will experience a recurrence. The signs of vulvovaginal candidiasis are the presence of yellowish white fluid in the form of lumps (cottage cheese-like) with a burning sensation, pain when urinating, pain during sexual intercourse (dyspareunia), and itching accompanied by redness of the vulva and vagina. Establishing the diagnosis of vulvovaginal candidiasis consists of anamnesis, physical examination, and laboratory investigations consisting of direct examination with 10% KOH solution, examination of the pH of vaginal secretions, examination of culture with Saboraud's agar, and PCR examination. The diagnosis can be made based on clinical symptoms and signs and the discovery Candida sp. on investigation. Management of vulvovaginal candidiasis depends on the causative species, site of infection, underlying disease, the patient's immune status, and sensitivity to antifungal drugs. The first treatment of vulvovaginal candidiasis is to seek to avoid and eliminate predisposing and precipitating factors. A treatment that can be given is topical, oral, intravaginal, and systemic treatment. This article will discuss information about the etiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment that can be done in cases of vulvovaginal candidiasis.