Infection and Discharge
Candida Vaginitis
Related terms · Candidal vaginitis
Candida vaginitis is a type of vaginitis caused by an overgrowth of Candida fungus, which can cause severe itching, burning, and clumpy discharge.
Reviewed by Korean Medicine Doctor Choi Yeon-seung · Last updated 2026-08-26
Meaning and Distinctions
What is Candida vaginitis?
Candida is not diagnosed by itching or clumpy discharge alone, but by differentiating it from other Vaginitisand differentiate it from STIs. Candida vaginitis is a type of vaginitis caused by an overgrowth of Candida fungi, which can lead to severe itching, burning sensations, and clumpy discharge.
- Easily confused terms
- Bacterial Vaginosis· Since symptoms can overlap with trichomoniasis, we do not repeatedly prescribe medication based solely on the appearance of discharge.
- Why this is checked during medical evaluation
- We identify the cause through testing and prioritize the necessary infection treatment. Itching that remains or recurs after treatment ·discharge· For pelvic discomfort, we check both the timing of recurrence and your overall physical condition.
- What to record for your visit
- Please write down the following information along with the dates and show it during your medical evaluation: microscopy, culture, and molecular test results; the type of fungus and complexity; the name, administration route, duration, and completion of antifungal medication; the interval between recurrences; and any history of pregnancy, diabetes, immunodeficiency, or use of antibiotics and steroids.
Women's Health Glossary
Compare similar terms here
You can check a brief definition before proceeding to a detailed explanation.VaginitisVaginitis is a condition characterized by discharge, odor, itching, or stinging; treatment varies depending on the cause, such as Candida, bacterial vaginosis, or Trichomonas.Bacterial VaginosisBacterial vaginosis is a condition where the bacterial balance in the vagina changes, which may lead to watery discharge and odor.Vaginal DischargeVaginal discharge is fluid produced in the vagina; clear or white discharge without a strong odor can change naturally according to the menstrual cycle.
Read More
Check guides where this term is used
- Condition GuideCandida VaginitisCandida vaginitis may present as vulvar itching, pain, swelling, redness, dyspareunia (pain during intercourse), pain when urine touches the area, and abnormal discharge, but none of these symptoms are specific only to Candida. If there is a strong odor, pelvic pain, fever, bleeding, or possible exposure to sexually transmitted infections, tests for bacterial vaginosis, Trichomonas, or cervicitis are conducted. During pregnancy, do not self-administer oral fluconazole; please seek medical evaluation.→
- Medical Evaluation GuideIf itching and discharge recur after treatment for vaginitisRather than repeating the same medication when vaginitis becomes uncomfortable again, please bring a record of the cause identified in previous tests, the name of the medication, and the duration of improvement. Treatment differs for Candida, bacterial vaginosis, and Trichomoniasis; if fever, lower abdominal pain, and pain during intercourse occur together, other evaluations including PID must come first.→
- Women's Health ColumnCan Candida, bacterial vaginosis, and Trichomonas be distinguished by symptoms alone?→
Evidence and Update Information
The following materials were referenced to verify the basis and scope of the definitions and treatment explanations.
- CDC: Vaginal DischargeReasons why the cause of vaginitis cannot be determined by symptoms alone and the necessary tests