The incidence of Candida albicans in the vagina of "healthy young women". How often do they have symptoms? Possible etiological factors.

The frequency of vaginal Candida albicans was investigated in 603 healthy women at a "Contraceptive Clinic". Swabs were taken from the rectum, which is thought to be the reservoir and thereby the cause of reinfection of the vagina with Candida albicans. A neat correlation exists. Women who have received antibiotics within 3 months prior to the investigation have significantly more frequent bouts of candidosis. The same is true of with users of "the pill" and women using sanitary towels only for menstrual protection, compared with women using tampons only. The women were asked about bathing facilities and the frequency with which they use soap and water for washing of the external genitalia. The latter showed no difference, while there was an apparently increased frequency of positive swabs for Candida albicans in women who were "spot" washing, compared with those who took a shower and those who took a bath. This difference was not significant, however.