Abstract
To determine whether vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is associated with sexual activity between women. 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. 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. The increasing odds of candidiasis with greater numbers of female sexual partners raises the possibility that Candida species could be sexually transmitted between women.
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