Which of the following is NOT a predisposing risk factor for vulvovaginal candidiasis?
Group of answer choices
- Pregnancy
- Diabetes
- Oral contraceptives
- Menopause
The correct answer is: Menopause
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Explanation:
Vulvovaginal candidiasis (yeast infection) is primarily caused by Candida albicans and is influenced by factors that promote fungal overgrowth. The predisposing risk factors include:
- Pregnancy – Increased estrogen levels raise glycogen in vaginal secretions, promoting yeast growth.
- Diabetes (poorly controlled) – High glucose levels in vaginal secretions feed yeast.
- Oral contraceptives – Higher estrogen levels alter the vaginal environment.
- Antibiotic use – Disrupts normal vaginal flora (e.g., lactobacilli).
- Immunosuppression (e.g., HIV, corticosteroids).
Why Menopause is NOT a risk factor:
- Postmenopausal women have lower estrogen levels, leading to a thinner, less glycogen-rich vaginal epithelium, which is less favorable for Candida overgrowth.
- Vaginal atrophy in menopause increases susceptibility to bacterial vaginosis or atrophic vaginitis, not typically candidiasis.
Thus, menopause does not predispose to vulvovaginal candidiasis, while the other options do.
