Is there any new treatment for recurrent yeast infections?
Recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (yeast infections) affects 5-8% of pre-menopausal women. The diagnosis is made with four or more culture proven episodes of infection per year. Risks include: antibiotic use, oral contraceptive use, diabetes, sexual activity, douching, HIV infection, lupus, use of immunosuppressive drugs (e.g. steroids), and hormone replacement therapy. A recent study looked at using oral fluconazole 150mg weekly for 6 months versus placebo, after both groups were initially treated with fluconazole every 3 days for 3 doses. The cure rate was statistically higher in the fluconazole group at the end of treatment, and at the 6 month follow-up. However the relapse rate was also higher at follow up in the treatment group. Sobel, JD, Hillier, S, Smoleski, L, et al., 42nd Interscience Conference on Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy, San Diego, CA 2002; Abstract LB-8 A small study found less recurrence over 3 months in women using Depo Provera. Dennerstein, GJ, Depo-Prove
