Recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis

Purpose: Recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (RVVC), multiple episodes of vulvovaginal candidiasis (WC; vaginal yeast infection) within a 12-month period, adversely affects quality of life, mental health, and sexual activity. Diagnosis is not straightforward, as WC is defined by the combination of often nonspecific vaginal symptoms and the presence of yeast which is a common vaginal commensal. Estimating the incidence and prevalence is challenging: most VVC is diagnosed and treated empirically, the availability for purchase of effective therapies over the counter enables self-diagnosis and treatment, and the duration of the relatively benign VVC symptoms is short, introducing errors into any estimates relying on medical records or patient recall. Methods: We evaluate current estimates of WC and RWC and provide new prevalence estimates using data from a 2011 seven-country (n = 7345) internet panel survey on WC conducted by Ipsos Health (https://www.ipsos.comien). We also evaluate information on VVC-associated visits using the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey. Results: The estimated probability of VVC by age 50 varied widely by country (from 23% to 49%, mean 39%), as did the estimated probability of RWC after WC (from 14% to 28%, mean 23%). Conclusions: However estimated, the probability of RWC was high suggesting RVVC is a common condition. (C) 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.