Candidal vaginitis is a common reproductive disease in women, with approximately 75% of women experiencing it at least once in their lifetime. Besides personal hygiene, certain seemingly harmless daily habits can lead to this condition, with a fondness for sweet foods being one of them.
Both domestic and international data show that when candidal vaginitis occurs, women may experience external genital and vaginal itching, a burning sensation, and even restlessness, accompanied by symptoms such as frequent urination, painful urination, and pain during intercourse. Its typical characteristic is a thick, white discharge that is curd-like or resembles tofu dregs.
Why are women with high blood sugar or urine sugar more susceptible to candidal vaginitis? This requires an understanding of the characteristics of the pathogen that causes it.
The causative agent of candidal vaginitis is a dimorphic fungus that thrives in acidic environments. About 30% of pregnant women and 10%-20% of non-pregnant women have this fungus in their vaginas, but they only show obvious symptoms when their systemic and local vaginal cell immunity declines. Particularly when a woman consumes a lot of sugar, leading to high blood sugar or urine sugar, glycogen in the vagina increases, acidity rises, and yeast proliferates, which can easily lead to the disease.
However, there are many causes of candidal vaginitis, and high blood sugar or urine sugar is just one of them. Other common triggers include pregnancy, extensive use of immunosuppressants and broad-spectrum antibiotics, use of contraceptives, wearing tight synthetic underwear, obesity, and frequent sexual intercourse.
The key to preventing and treating candidal vaginitis is to eliminate triggering factors, enhance the body's immunity, and develop good living habits, such as appropriate exercise, a balanced diet, wearing breathable underwear, and using antibiotics under a doctor's guidance. If symptoms like vaginal itching appear, it is essential to go to the hospital for a secretion examination.