Living With RVVC

You’re the biggest champion for your health. So get out there and win.

What does living with recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (RVVC) feel like? It feels like you're burnt out, and your self-esteem and mood turn negative. There’s concern that your job is at risk from continually needing time off. You can’t spend as much time with your friends and family as you want. Will it be another night of telling your partner, “Not tonight,” or another day where you’re so irritated you feel like you’re walking on a tightrope? Maybe you look in the mirror, wondering if it’s just you. Living with RVVC makes you feel isolated, embarrassed, and frustrated.

The anticipation of another episode is always weighing on you but managing it can help ease the impacts. You shouldn't feel stuck in place with chronic yeast infection.

It's not just you. Three quarters of women feel that their chronic yeast infection is distressing and impossible to ignore, impacting their ability to live a typical life.

Symptoms of RVVC

You know what it feels like because you live through it. You know how RVVC impacts you physically, mentally, and emotionally.

Though the physical symptoms are difficult, the emotional and psychological consequences of a recurrent infection can be even more upsetting.

Physical symptoms of RVVC

Vaginal itching, vaginal irritation, vaginal inflammation, abnormal vaginal discharge, severe pain, painful sexual intercourse, painful urination, vaginal burning, severe discomfort

Psychosocial symptoms of RVVC

  • Isolation
  • Embarrassment
  • Despair
  • Frustration
  • Powerlessness
  • Sadness
  • Fear

In several surveys, nearly half of women experienced depression, panic attacks, or anxiety attacks, and more than half reported depression and anxiety even when they had no RVVC symptoms. Listen to stories from women living with RVVC.

Impacts of RVVC

RVVC is a distinct condition from other types of vaginal infections, such as vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC), and impacts women in different ways. Because it recurs multiple times a year, women living with RVVC recognize changes in their quality of life, with more than 40% of patients experiencing impacts to their sex life, mood, and anxiety. Women report missing up to 5 days of work a year dealing with episodes. Physical and psychological well-being is decreased, expensive medical bills lead to additional stress, and self-esteem and mental health concerns are common.

Aspects of life impacted by RVVC

Sex life and mood are the 2 most common quality-of-life areas impacted in patients living with RVVC

Take control of your RVVC

You’re the best champion for your health. You can start to take control by learning about current and future treatment options. Another step forward is to have, or continue to have, open conversations with your healthcare provider (HCP).

Though some factors may be out of your control, here are tips you can try to help break the cycle of living with RVVC:

Don’t douche—keep your vaginal area clean, dry, and free of scented soaps and deodorants

Outfit of the day—wear loose clothing and cotton underwear, and change out of damp clothing promptly

There are also options you can discuss with your HCP to see if any would be appropriate for you:

Antibiotic use

Antibiotic use

While it may help, this type of medication can also suppress protective vaginal bacteria, and long-term use is not recommended

Dietary changes

Dietary changes

Reducing sugars and carbs can lower microbial diversity, but your HCP may not recommend long-term dietary restrictions

Birth control

Birth control

Discuss with your HCP since certain birth control methods may contribute to RVVC

Tracking your life with RVVC can help guide the conversation with your HCP

Consider writing down the symptoms you experience, how long they last, and how severely they bother you. Note any treatments or remedies you’ve tried previously and how you felt while using them. You can use the calendar or notes sections on your smartphone or just write them down in a notebook you can bring to your appointments. The more information you provide your HCP, the better. Face RVVC together!

We’re here to help too. Check out Control the Chat to find some questions to get the conversation started with your HCP so you can break the cycle of RVVC.

Resources

There are resources available to you to help along your RVVC journey. Check back as we add more.

  • Visit HealthyWomen.org to learn more about RVVC under conditions and treatment.

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Talk to your HCP about how RVVC impacts you