If the itch returns after treatment, you may worry that you are passing it back and forth. But the fact that it “recurred,” by itself, cannot be used to judge the route of infection or the other person’s fault. Before deciding who will be given medicine, we will look at what is recurring.
Why is partner treatment not always necessary?
Candida is a yeast that can be present in the body, and it can cause symptoms with a change in balance, among other things. Candida vaginitis is not generally classified as a sexually transmitted infection. Sex may irritate the symptoms or, rarely, play a part in transmission, but not every recurrence is explained as the result of catching it again from a partner.
If a partner also has changes such as genital itching, redness, stinging, or discharge, it is best for that partner to be evaluated in a way that fits their own symptoms. Do not split prescribed medicine to share it, and do not assume the other person has the same condition.
How do you confirm whether it is “Candida again”?
Itching or a change in discharge alone cannot confirm the cause. Dermatitis, other vaginitis, and sexually transmitted infections can feel similar. If the symptoms return, please tell us what the earlier diagnosis was, which medicine you used and for how long, and how much you improved.
The cause is checked with an examination and, when needed, a test of the discharge. Recent antibiotic use, how diabetes is controlled, pregnancy, and illnesses or treatments that affect immunity can also be reviewed. The absence of those factors does not mean a recurrence is unexplained, and it is not blamed on daily habits.
What should we do about sex during treatment?
Because friction can increase pain and irritation, it is best to pause while you are uncomfortable. If a possible sexually transmitted infection is being evaluated, follow the visit findings and your clinician’s guidance about resuming sex. The usual principles of partner treatment for Candida should not be applied to other infections.
Some antifungal creams or intravaginal medicines can lessen the performance of condoms and contraceptive diaphragms. For each product, check what additional contraception is needed and until when. Do not assume that the same protection always remains just because a condom was used while the medicine was in use.
If it keeps coming back, do you need treatment for a long time?
After it is confirmed whether the problem is recurring and what the cause is, the length or the method of treatment can be adjusted. Do not start long-term treatment on your own based on symptoms alone. Medicines and methods that can be used during pregnancy also need to be checked separately. Medicine taken by mouth and medicine that is applied cannot be switched and used in the same way.
- Diagnosis record: Organize earlier test results and the dates of treatment.
- Medicine-use record: Please tell us the name of the medicine, how long you used it, the reason you stopped, and any side effects.
- Current symptoms: Describe your own symptoms and your partner’s symptoms separately. One person’s test result does not take the place of another person’s diagnosis.
You can refer to Recurrent vaginitis consultation. We compared the principles of partner treatment and of assessing recurrence with NHS Candida guidance and vaginitis guidance.