Why do my HIV test results keep changing?

Dear doctor,
Whenever I am almost starting my periods or immediately after, I always experience some itching in my private parts. I explained to the nurse and she said its candida. She then told me that there is some medicine which is inserted through the vagina. My question is, isn’t there any other kind of medication I can just swallow apart from the one of inserting? Because I am worried that inserting may cause me more trouble.
Sarah, Bushenyi.

Dear Sarah,
The vaginal canal produces acid to protect itself from germs including the growth of the ever present vaginal candida. Vaginal candida exists in the vagina, mouth or skin without causing infection. Reduction of acidity of the vagina related to periods means that candida in many women may strike around period time.
Tablets and vaginal inserts are used to treat candida. Virgins or those who detest inserts are usually given tablets as an alternative to inserts.