Abstract: Objective White Phoenix bolus was used to explore and investigate a new optional management of recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (RVVC).Methods After inducing clinical remission and microbiological cure with clotrimazole suppositories given in two 500 mg doses at 72 hour intervals, 486 women with recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis were randomly divided into three groups. After menstruation, group A were treated with intravaginal clotrimazole (500 mg) monthly for three months. Group B were treated with White Phoenix bolus, one pill daily for three monthly except menstrual period. The others were designated as Control Group. All women were followed by six months of observation without therapy. The outcome measure was the proportion of women in clinical remission at the end of the maintenance treatment and six-month follow-up period.Result The proportions of women who suffered with recurrence at the end of the treatment and 3,6 months follow-up in White Phoenix bolus group were 13.61%, 26.62% and 56.83%, similar to those in clotrimazole group (10.12%, 21.83% and 51.41%,P>0.05), and significantly decreased as compared with 40.27%, 57.30% and 68.54%, respectively, in the control group (P<0.001). The adverse effect was slight and could rarely be seen.Conclusion Long-term treatment with White Phoenix bolus can inhibit the growth of candida, boost up the immunity of host, control the local inflammation and reduce the rate of recurrence of symptomatic vulvovaginal candidiasis. The study may represent a safe and effective alternative to RVVC.

Key words: recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (RVVC), maintenance therapy, White Phoenix bolus, Clotrimazole