>She was finally cultured and they found the bacteria "rototorula"

Hi Lauren,

This sounds like the fungus/yeast "Rhodotorula rubra" (or Rh. glutinis).
This is similar to Candida albicans, but looks a pink colour on the culture
medium rather than the white of candida. I've looked at some references I
have about fluconazole (Diflucan), but rhodotorula is not specifically
mentioned. However, I imagine fluconazole should be effective against it.
Sometimes for vaginal yeast one dose of fluconzole (150mg cap) is enough.
But if this problem is persistent she may need to take one dose each week
for a few weeks, then monthly for a few months to get rid of it.
What about treating the partner? Although it often seems that it must be
coming from the partner because it flares up after intercourse, possibly
the infection is present all the time but having intercourse aggravates it.
Most studies that have looked at treating the partner as well have NOT
found it reduced recurrences (eg. Fong IW, The value of treating the sexual
partners of women with recurrent vaginal candidiasis with ketoconazole.
Genitourin Med 1992; 68: 174-176). Of course, this doesn't mean they can't
try giving the partner some fluconazole as well, if they want.
Do you know if her periods have returned? If not, then low oestrogen levels
may be making intercourse painful as well.
Lisa Amir
GP / IBCLC in Melbourne, Australia, home of the Australian Open.