Vulvovaginal candidiasis in women who have sex with women.

摘要

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is associated with sexual activity between women. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey of 708 new patients attending 2 sexual health clinics for lesbians and bisexual women in London, UK. Questionnaire for demographic variables, sexual history, symptoms, and sexual practice data linked with the results of Gram stain and/or culture of vaginal preparations for identification of Candida species. RESULTS: VVC (either symptomatic or asymptomatic) was common in this sample of women who have sex with women (18.4%). Logistic regression showed that VVC was significantly associated with larger numbers of female sexual partners in the previous year [OR 2.18 (CI 1.35-3.53) for 2 female partners compared with 0 or 1] but not with specific sexual practices, numbers of male partners, use of lubricants or vaginal douching. CONCLUSIONS: The increasing odds of candidiasis with greater numbers of female sexual partners raises the possibility that Candida species could be sexually transmitted between women.