The impact of fluconazole use on the fungal and bacterial microbiomes in recurrent Vulvovaginal Candidiasis (RVVC): a pilot study of vaginal and gastrointestinal site interplay.

Purpose: Recurrent Vulvovaginal Candidiasis (RVVC) is a problematic clinical condition for which fluconazole treatment is commonly prescribed. This study investigated the interkingdom vaginal and gastrointestinal microbiomes of RVVC patients who use fluconazole intermittently or as longer-term maintenance therapy for symptom management and compared them to healthy controls.

Methods: Vaginal swabs and fecal samples were collected.

Intravaginal Combination Therapy of Acetic and Lactic Acid in premenopausal women with recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis: A randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled feasibility trial.

Background: Recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis management primarily entails azole therapy used as required or as an extended daily or weekly maintenance therapy for 6 months or more. Unfortunately, relapse within 3-6 months of ceasing maintenance therapy is experienced for more than half the patients, for whom indefinite treatment is required.

Objectives: To explore the feasibility of trial design examining a prophylaxis treatment to prevent recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis symptomatic episodes and reduce adverse effects.

Interplay of the microbiome and antifungal therapy in recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (RVVC): A narrative review.

Recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (RVVC) is a microbial, immune and sexual health disorder impacting up to 10 % of the adult female population. Fluconazole is a well-established antifungal drug commonly utilized for acute and long-term RVVC treatment. This insight review provides an overview of known vaginal and gastrointestinal microbiota characteristics in RVVC, presents the potential impacts of fluconazole therapy on multi-microbiome relationships and discusses implications for future research and clinical practice.

Lived experience of medical management in recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis: a qualitative study of an uncertain journey.

Background: Recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (RVVC) is experienced by up to 10% of pre-menopausal women globally, yet there is limited research exploring the perspective of women living with this challenging condition.

Methods: Semi-structured interviews with Australian women experiencing RVVC were conducted between April-July 2021. Interviews were transcribed verbatim, and qualitative interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) was conducted.

Evidence-based update on Australasian pharmaceutical prescribing approaches for recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis.

Recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (RVVC) is a subtype of vulvovaginal candidiasis, with debilitating effects on physical and emotional well-being affecting up to 10% of Australian women. Current evidence suggests that the induction and maintenance approach for RVVC is not particularly effective with post-treatment relapse rates as high as 57%. Frequently accessed Australasian RVVC prescribing resources and guidelines were examined showing a variety of adaptations of current evidence-based induction and maintenance therapies, making it difficult to select best treatment in clinical practice.