Symptomatic Neovaginal Candidiasis in Transgender Women After Penile Inversion Vaginoplasty: A Clinical Case Series of Five Consecutive Patients

Abstract

Background: Vaginoplasty is performed as gender-affirming surgery in transgender women. While multiple surgical techniques exist for this goal, penile inversion vaginoplasty is performed most frequently. Neovaginal symptoms may impede sexual functioning after surgery. Methods: A total of five consecutive patients with symptoms and positive swabs for neovaginal candida infection were described. Results: All patients presented with white-colored neovaginal discharge and some with neovaginal itching and/or malodor. All were topically treated with miconazole, which resulted in symptom clearance. Follow-up swabs were negative for candida. Conclusions: To our knowledge, this is the first report on (symptomatic) candidiasis of the penile-inverted neovagina.