Obgyn: Vaginal Candidiasis: Free MSRA Podcast

⚕️ FREE MSRA PODCAST – Vaginal Candidiasis🎧 A clear, high-yield breakdown of this common fungal vaginal infection – perfect for exam prep and real-life clinicalscenarios. 🧠Key Learning Points📌Definition• Vaginalcandidiasis (vulvovaginal thrush) is a common fungal infection of the vulva andvagina caused by Candida species, most often Candidaalbicans.📌Causes & RiskFactors• Antibiotic use(broad spectrum)• Hormonal changes(pregnancy, oral contraceptives, HRT)• Diabetes mellitus(especially uncontrolled)• Immunosuppression(e.g. HIV, steroids, chemotherapy)• Local irritants(tight clothing, soaps, douching)• Moisture,maceration, skin breakdown• Recurrence: ≥4episodes/year = recurrent candidiasis💡Mnemonic:"CANDIDA"Contraceptives & corticosteroidsAntibioticsNutritional deficiency / diabetesDouching / disruption of floraImmune suppressionDamp environmentAge extremes📌Pathophysiology• Overgrowth of Candida due to disrupted vaginal flora• Often triggered bypH imbalance, hormone changes, or weakened immunity• Symptoms mayresult from hypersensitivity to Candida,not just its presence📌Symptoms• Vulvovaginalitching and irritation• Thick, white"cottage cheese" discharge (non-offensive odour)• Burning sensation,especially during urination or sex• Vulval redness,fissures, satellite lesions, excoriation💡 Worsens premenstrually, improves duringmenstruation📌DifferentialDiagnosis• Bacterialvaginosis (BV)• Trichomoniasis• STIs (e.g.chlamydia, herpes)• Atrophic vaginitis• Lichen sclerosus,eczema, psoriasis• Contact dermatitis• UTI• Vulval skinconditions or trauma📌Diagnosis• Usually clinical:history + exam• Microscopy(hyphae, spores)• Fungal culture forspecies identification (esp. if recurrent)• Rule out STIs andother mimics💡 Oral thrush: swab only if resistant orimmunocompromised📌Management• First-line:– Oral fluconazole OR– Topical clotrimazole (vaginal pessary or cream)• Topical imidazolecream can help external irritation• Pregnancy: ONLY use topical treatments – oralantifungals contraindicated• Lifestyle advice:– Avoid irritants(perfumed products, douching)– Wear loose, cottonunderwear– Use emollients orsoap substitutes• Recurrent cases:– Confirm diagnosis– Check adherence– Consider induction+ maintenance therapy📌Complications• Recurrentvulvovaginal candidiasis (≥4 episodes/year)• Psychologicalimpact: depression, psychosexual issues• Rare: systemicspread in immunocompromised patients📌Prognosis• Excellent foracute infections – >80% cure rate• Recurrentinfection is common and may affect quality of life• Ongoing researchinto vaccines (currently in trials) 📎More MSRA Resourcesfor Vaginal Candidiasis📝 Revision Notes:https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/vaginal-candidiasis-revision-notes/🧠 Flashcards:https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/vaginal-candidiasis-flashcards/💬 Accordion Q&A Notes:https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/vaginal-candidiasis-accordion-qa-notes/🚀 Rapid Quiz:https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/vaginal-candidiasis-rapid-quiz/🎓 Full Course:https://www.passthemsra.com/courses/obstetrics-and-gynaecology-for-the-msra/ Hashtags#MSRA #MSRARevision#MSRATextbook #MSRAQuiz #MSRAQuestionBank #MSRAFlashcards #MSRAQ&ANotes#MSRAAccordions #MultiSpecialityRecruitmentAssessment #MSRAOnlineRevision#MSRARevisionWebsite #VaginalCandidiasis