Self-elimination of risk factors for recurrent vaginal candidosis

Women suffering from recurrent vulvo-vaginal candidosis (RVC) often follow medical and non-medical advices to diminish the severity and frequency of the recurrences, but the impact of such interventions is unclear. The aim of this study was to identify differences in life style habits of women with RVC compared with normal women and to define which changes have influenced the frequency of recurrences in these women. Fifty-one women with RVC and 51 age-matched control women without a history of RVC were sent a questionnaire. History of allergic disease (OR 2.8) and use of corticoids (OR 5) were more frequent in patients with RVC than controls. When interrogated about beneficial changes introduced in their life style habits, lowering the intake of sugars, preventing perineum humidity and stopping contraceptive pills were factors offering substantial improvement. Apart from an increased risk of having an allergic constitution, no differences in the medical history or life style habits were evident between women with RVC and healthy women. However, women with RVC have introduced several changes in life style habits that proved beneficial to them. Among these changes, lowering intake of sugars, preventing perineum humidity and stopping oral contraceptives were the most important.