What are the symptoms of fungal vaginitis?

Candidiasis refers to vulvovaginal candidiasis. Symptoms of vulvovaginal candidiasis include external genital itching, abnormal vaginal discharge, vaginal burning sensation, dyspareunia, and abnormal urination.

1. External genital itching: This is one of the most typical symptoms of vulvovaginal candidiasis. Patients usually experience intense itching in the vaginal and external genital areas, especially near the vaginal opening and the labia majora.

2. Abnormal vaginal discharge: There is an increased amount of vaginal discharge, which becomes thick and clumpy, appearing milky white or resembling tofu residue. This occurs because Candida produces organic substances during decomposition, which mix with dead epithelial cells to form this type of discharge.

3. Vaginal burning sensation: Patients may feel a burning sensation inside the vagina, sometimes accompanied by mild pain. This is due to Candida infection causing imbalance in the vaginal environment, bacterial proliferation, and excessive production of harmful substances, which irritate the vaginal mucosa.

4. Dyspareunia: Inflammation causes swelling and increased sensitivity of the vaginal mucosa, leading to pain during sexual contact due to friction. Dyspareunia may occur at the vaginal entrance or deeper inside, affecting sexual quality of life.

5. Abnormal urination: Some patients may experience pain, burning, or discomfort while urinating. Symptoms such as increased frequency of urination, urgency, and painful urination are also common. These symptoms are mainly caused by irritation of the urethral opening due to inflammatory secretions.

Symptoms of vulvovaginal candidiasis may vary among individuals; some patients might experience only mild symptoms, while others may have more pronounced symptoms. If the above symptoms occur, prompt medical consultation and appropriate examinations and treatments are recommended.