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Lab study, 2022

Do premenstrual women have the yeast fungus Candida in their urine?

In a small study of 15 college students, 40% had Candida albicans detected in their urine before menstruation, especially among women reporting vaginal itching. This study does not show whether Candida causes premenstrual symptoms.

Early or limited evidence 15 female college students aged 18-22 years before menstruation in Indonesia

What they did

Researchers collected urine samples from 15 female health science students aged 18-22 before menstruation. Samples were grown on fungal culture media and examined under a microscope for Candida albicans.

What they found

Candida albicans was found in 40% of samples and was absent in 60%. Among women with vaginal discharge causing itching, 66.7% had Candida. Among those without itching, 33.3% had Candida. Water sources used included tap water (33.3%), well water (60%), and municipal water (6.7%).

What it means for you

This small study in one school in one country shows Candida is sometimes present in premenstrual women and correlates with itching. It does not show whether Candida causes PMS symptoms or whether treating it would help. The very small sample and single location limit how widely results apply. Maintaining good vaginal hygiene may help prevent fungal growth.

15

total participants

40%

with Candida albicans in urine

66.7%

with Candida among those with itching

About the study

Original title
DESCRIPTION OF CANDIDA ALBICANS IN THE URINE OF WOMEN 18-22 YEARS PREMENSTRUAL STUDENT DIPLOMA HEALTH ANALYST STIKES KARSA HUSADA GARUT
Authors
N. Ai Erlinawati N. Ai Erlinawati, Imas Nuraeni Imas Nuraeni, Nurul Nurul et al.
Journal
Jurnal Ilmu Kesehatan PRIMA INSAN CENDIKIA
Year
2022
Study design
Lab study
Participants
15
Open access
Yes

Topics