(vaginal candidiasis) is a fungal infection of the vaginal mucosa. The symptoms of thrush are itching and burning in the vulva, profuse cheesy discharge, pain during urination and intercourse. The spread of fungal infection in the body and the transition to a generalized form, disturbances in the normal course of pregnancy and childbirth, and infection of the fetus are possible. Thrush is diagnosed according to a gynecological examination, colposcopy, microscopic and bacteriological examination of a smear. Treatment of thrush is carried out with local and systemic antifungal drugs.
General information
Thrush is an inflammatory lesion of the vaginal mucosa caused by fungi of the genus Candida. It is characterized by burning and itching in the vagina, white cheesy discharge. Thrush is also called neonatal candidiasis, which most often manifests itself as oral candidiasis. Diagnosis of thrush is carried out by detecting the fungus by microscopy and culture examination of vaginal smears. To exclude concomitant STIs, ELISA, RIF and PCR studies are performed. Chronic recurrent thrush is an indication for a complete examination of the patient in order to identify those disorders in the body that could cause such a course of thrush. Treatment is carried out with local and general use of antimycotic drugs.
The yeast-like Candida fungi, which provoke the development of thrush, are conditionally pathogenic flora of the vagina of most women and do not cause any pathological symptoms. Therefore, unlike classic STIs, thrush cannot be 100% attributed to sexually transmitted diseases, although Candida fungi can be transmitted from sexual partners. Clinical gynecology is engaged in the diagnosis and treatment of candidiasis in view of the similarity of its clinical picture with genital infections and the frequent cases of a combination of these diseases.
The causes of thrush
Various factors that disrupt the healthy microflora of the vagina lead to the development of thrush. As a result, there is a decrease in the number of beneficial bacteria, which normally inhibit the growth of fungal flora, and an intensive reproduction of fungi. The active growth of fungi leads to the manifestation of their pathogenic properties with the appearance of inflammatory changes in the vaginal mucosa like colpitis or vaginitis.
Violation of the normal ratio of microorganisms in the vagina with the development of thrush can be caused by treatment with cytostatics and other immunosuppressants, the use of hormonal contraception, decreased immunity due to somatic diseases (HIV, chronic bronchitis, tonsillitis, chronic pyelonephritis, liver cirrhosis, etc.), hormonal abnormalities ( diabetes mellitus, ovarian dysfunction, menopause, hypothyroidism, obesity), anorexia, pregnancy, stressful situations, a sharp change in climate.
Long-term or frequent antibiotic therapy, the use of antibacterial drugs without additional prescription of probiotics primarily cause intestinal dysbiosis. Since the intestine is a reservoir of Candida fungi, its diseases (dysbiosis, colitis, etc.) lead to the spread of Candida to other organs and especially to the vagina with the development of thrush.
Various local factors can have an adverse effect on the biocenosis of the vagina with the appearance of thrush: lack of personal hygiene, irregular change of pads and vaginal tampons, the use of local contraceptives, the use of deodorized pads and scented colored toilet paper, wearing synthetic underwear. Frequent use of antibacterial agents for hygienic purposes (antibacterial soap, intimate gel, vaginal spray) often leads to a decrease in local natural immunity and can provoke thrush.
In some women, the appearance of thrush is observed after wearing wet clothes, visiting the pool or swimming in open bodies of water. This is due to the beneficial effect of a humid environment on the vital activity of Candida fungi. An unhealthy diet with an excessive intake of sweets can also contribute to the development of thrush.
Newborns born to mothers with thrush may develop thrush as a result of infection during the prenatal period or passing through the birth canal. The development of thrush in such cases is facilitated by the weakened state of the child's body in connection with the received birth trauma, premature birth, hemolytic disease, intrauterine hypoxia, and asphyxiation of the newborn.
Thrush symptoms
Thrush is manifested by severe burning and itching in the vulva and vagina. These symptoms are accompanied by the appearance of a discharge that is characteristic of candidiasis white. For thrush, a heterogeneous consistency of secretions with small lumps resembling grains of cottage cheese is typical. The discharge may have a sour odor. Many women suffering from thrush note an increase in the amount of discharge after intercourse, water procedures, at night. Redness of the labia minora is often observed, sometimes - swelling of the labia minora and large labia, which can reach the anus. Puffiness and inflammatory changes in the vaginal mucosa with thrush lead to the fact that during intercourse a woman experiences pain. Soreness of urination may be noted.
Quite often there is an erased course of thrush, when its clinical manifestations are mild or only one of the indicated symptoms is present. Thrush symptoms can spontaneously disappear with the onset of menstrual flow, since during this period the vaginal environment shifts to the alkaline side, which is less favorable for fungi. However, thrush can also acquire a chronic course. Its relapses, as a rule, occur at least 4 times a year and usually occur a week before the onset of menstruation. Chronic thrush is much more difficult to treat and can lead to complications. A combination of thrush with other infectious lesions of the vagina (ureaplasmosis, chlamydia, genital herpes, etc.) is possible.
The most common manifestation of thrush in newborns is candidal infection of the gums (gingivitis), soft palate, mucous membranes of the cheeks (stomatitis) and tongue (glossitis). It is manifested by the appearance of white patches or spots on the mucous membrane. When plaque is removed, a red and inflamed mucous membrane is exposed under it. A newborn with thrush is restless, screams often, does not suckle well, and may refuse to breastfeed. Less commonly, thrush of newborns manifests itself in the form of candidal conjunctivitis. The consequence of intrauterine infection can be pneumonia caused by fungi.
Complications of thrush
Chronic thrush can cause a number of complications. First of all, they are caused by the spread of a fungal infection to structures located next to the vagina: the cervix with the development of cervicitis, the urethra with the development of urethritis and the bladder with the development of cystitis. The combination of thrush with other STIs with prolonged recurrent course can lead to the development of infertility in women.
Diagnosis of thrush
Typically, patients with thrush symptoms visit a gynecologist. The doctor conducts an examination on a chair and colposcopy, takes smears from the mucous membrane of the cervix and vagina. Microscopic examination of smears with thrush reveals the presence of fungal mycelium in the preparation. This is a quick research method, but it does not provide accurate information about which type of fungus caused the disease. To answer this question, a smear is cultured on special nutrient media, followed by a study of the grown colonies and the determination of the susceptibility of the isolated Candida fungi to antimycotic drugs. At the same time, the quantitative characteristics of the identified Candida colonies are taken into account, since their small number is normal for a healthy vaginal microflora.
Clinical observations show that thrush often occurs against the background of other genital infections and can "mask" their presence. Therefore, when detecting thrush, it is advisable to additionally consult a venereologist and undergo an examination for STIs. Usually, complex PCR diagnostics is used, which, if necessary, can be supplemented with ELISA and RIF.
Since the development of thrush is usually associated with certain disorders occurring in the body, then when it is detected, a complete examination of the woman is necessary. This is especially true in cases where thrush responds poorly to treatment or takes a chronic course. Thrush is often the first symptom of diabetes. Therefore, a woman needs to take a blood sugar test and, if an increase is detected, contact an endocrinologist. An examination by a gastroenterologist is also recommended: analysis for dysbiosis, coprogram, gastroscopy, X-ray of the stomach, ultrasound of the abdominal cavity, irrigoscopy, X-ray examination of the small intestine.
With the development of complications of thrush from the urinary tract, it is necessary to consult a urologist, study urine and smear from the urethra, Zimnitsky's test, ultrasound of the bladder. The differential diagnosis of thrush should be carried out with bacterial vaginosis, gonorrhea, genital herpes, trichomoniasis.
Thrush treatment
Local treatment of thrush can be carried out in case of its primary occurrence and uncomplicated course. It is carried out with vaginal suppositories or tablets containing antifungal drugs: miconazole, clotrimazole, isoconazole, natamycin. Treatment of acute thrush is carried out from 1 day to a week, depending on the prescribed drug. Its efficiency reaches 80-90%. During treatment, it is necessary to carefully observe intimate hygiene and refrain from sexual intercourse.
Vaginal preparations of a wide spectrum, which include nystatin, should not be used in the local treatment of thrush. They suppress the beneficial microflora of the vagina and often lead to the development of gardnerellosis. With a mild course of thrush, local treatment can be replaced with a single dose of fluconazole. The disappearance of thrush symptoms is not always a sign of recovery. After treatment, it is necessary to re-examine the vaginal smear.
With insufficient effectiveness of local therapy, chronic course of thrush, systemic intake of antimycotic drugs inside is indicated. The most commonly used for this purpose is fluconazole. After antifungal therapy, restoration of healthy vaginal microflora is necessary. For this purpose, eubiotics are prescribed. However, their use is advisable only after laboratory confirmed elimination of candidiasis.
Treatment for chronic thrush can take several months. It should include therapy for concomitant diseases, correction of intestinal dysbiosis, general tonic, elimination of provoking factors (taking antibiotics, oral contraceptives, etc.). In the treatment of recurrent thrush, physiotherapeutic methods are widely used: CMT, magnetotherapy, electrophoresis, laser therapy, darsonvalization.
Treatment of thrush in newborns in most cases is carried out by local treatment of the oral cavity with a solution of chlorhexidine or sodium bicarbonate. General antifungal therapy is used only in complicated cases.
Treatment of thrush in pregnant women
Thrush occurs in more than half of pregnant women. Its treatment requires an integrated approach, taking into account the contraindications existing during pregnancy. It is important to identify diseases and pathological conditions that can provoke thrush. In pregnant women, the treatment of thrush is carried out mainly by local means. Most often these are suppositories with miconazole or clotrimazole. If systemic antifungal therapy for thrush is necessary in pregnant women, it is possible to use natamycin, since it does not have an embryotoxic effect.
During pregnancy, it is possible to use traditional methods of treating thrush. These include washing with a decoction of oak bark, calendula or soda solution, soda-iodine baths, etc. These methods are poorly effective in terms of completely curing thrush, but can help relieve its symptoms during pregnancy.
Prevention of thrush
Prevention of thrush includes adequate antibiotic therapy against the background of the mandatory prescription of probiotics; timely and correct treatment of chronic diseases, STIs, hormonal disorders; observance of intimate hygiene; wearing cotton underwear. The use of hygiene and intravaginal products should be avoided, which can change the pH of the vagina from the acidic side or cause an imbalance in its microflora. To prevent thrush from the misuse of tampons and pads, women should remember to change them every 3-4 hours. Women who experience thrush caused by a humid environment should thoroughly dry themselves after bathing, avoid wearing a wet swimsuit, and use a spare dry bathing suit when relaxing on the pond.
Prevention of thrush in newborns is facilitated by a complete examination of women when planning pregnancy, early identification and treatment of thrush in pregnant women.
The reasons why some adult women are more at risk of developing vaginal candidiasis are not fully understood to date. It is only important to understand that "thrush" is always a disease-consequence - a consequence of any external factors affecting the body, or a consequence of internal changes occurring in it.
With diabetes mellitus, there is an increased content of glucose (sugar) not only in the blood and urine, but also in the cells of the vaginal epithelium and the secretion of the mucous membrane. The increased sugar content contributes to a change in the pH of the vaginal secretions. Normally, the pH of the vaginal secretion is in the range from 3.8 to 4.2, i.e. is sour. With diabetes mellitus, the pH of the vaginal secretion becomes even more acidic, which favors the overgrowth and reproduction of yeasts of the genus Candida. This is why women with diabetes are more likely to develop thrush. You should be aware that the risk of developing candidiasis also increases with a number of other endocrinological diseases (pathology of the thyroid gland, adrenal glands, reduced ovarian function, etc.).
Damage to vaginal tissue
Any damage to the external genital organs, for example, as a result of rubbing with too tight or uncomfortable underwear, using a hard bath towel or during intercourse, increase the risk of developing "thrush".
Among other factors contributing to the development of urogenital candidiasis, it should be noted: frequent change of sexual partners, the use of hygienic tampons, spermicidal foam, perfume soap, bath foam, intimate sprays and deodorants, excessive fascination with vaginal showers and douching, especially with the addition of chemicals ... All of them are able to change the acidity of the vaginal secretions, as well as cause damage to the delicate tissues of the vagina.
Taking hormonal
contraception
Combined contraceptives contain hormones - estrogen and progesterone, which change the level of their own hormones in a woman's body. High doses of progesterone in the blood can negatively affect immunity, and an increase in estrogen levels leads to the accumulation of glycogen in the cells of the vaginal mucosa, which is a good breeding ground for fungi. Thus, the amount of Candida in the vagina is in direct proportion to the level of these hormones. That is why taking oral contraceptives containing even minimal doses of hormones increases the risk of developing thrush in adult women.
Thrush symptoms in women may worsen a week before menstruation, which is also due to changes in estrogen levels. Thus, hormonal changes that occur in a woman's body before menstruation, during menopause, can also be a possible cause of uro-genital candidiasis in some of them.
Long-term wearing close,
tight-fitting underwear
Candida mushrooms love warmth and moisture. It is these conditions that are created in the crotch with the constant wearing of tight-fitting underwear made of synthetic fabrics - nylon panties, overalls, tights, etc. The fabrics from which they are made are poorly breathable and do not allow the skin to “breathe”, creating a kind of “greenhouse effect”. The increased temperature provokes increased sweating. However, as a result of impaired air exchange, moisture does not evaporate, but remains on the surface of the skin. In addition, one should not forget that tight underwear as a result of friction can cause the formation of microtraumas.
The causes of thrush are factors that affect the onset of the disease and contribute to the development in the human body of a favorable environment for the reproduction of candida fungi. What is it and where does it come from? How can you get infected with such a disease and in what ways is it transmitted? How does the disease appear and what are the reasons for its appearance? Answers to these and many other questions can be found in the next article.
What is thrush and how does it arise
Thrush is a fungal infection caused by a yeast-like fungus of the genus Candida. Such a pathogen is considered a conditionally pathogenic microorganism and is contained in small quantities in the body of a healthy person. But in the presence of accompanying factors, when there is a rapid reproduction and growth of pathogenic microflora, it causes the development of candidiasis.
In many cases, the carrier of the disease may not even be aware of its presence, since most of the thrush is asymptomatic. But if a favorable environment has been created in the human body for the development and reproduction of a yeast-like fungus, then the symptoms of the disease appear quite rapidly, which indicates that the acute stage of the disease begins. In such cases, the carrier of the infection puts all family members at risk, since candidiasis is transmitted not only through sexual contact, but also through household and airborne droplets.
Infection occurs through dishes, clothes, and also when using some personal hygiene items. Often, severe thrush occurs in infants who contract it from the mother during childbirth. A wife can catch this disease after having sex with her husband, who does not even suspect that he is a carrier of the infection.
The methods of transmission of candidiasis are quite diverse, but the appearance of the disease must be accompanied by some factors that provoke the development of the disease and its transition to an acute or chronic stage.
The reasons for the development of the disease
The most basic reason for the onset and development of the disease is a sharp decrease in immunity. It is during this period that beneficial microorganisms inhabiting the mucous membranes die, unable to prevent the development of pathogenic bacteria. Thus, favorable conditions are created in the body for the active reproduction of yeast-like fungi, and their uncontrolled growth indicates the possible presence of an infectious process in humans.
Other reasons contributing to the onset of thrush include:
- taking antibacterial and hormonal drugs;
- stressful conditions and other psychological factors;
- persistent chronic infections;
- frequent consumption of sweets, improper diet;
- concomitant sexually transmitted infections;
- hypothermia or overheating;
- a sharp change in climate;
- lack of personal hygiene;
- endocrine system diseases;
- pregnancy and breastfeeding.
All of these factors have a definite effect on the human immune system and on the level of the acid-base environment in the body, which provokes the rapid development of the fungus and contributes to the occurrence of candidiasis.
Particular attention should be paid to the color of the discharge during the disease. So the yellow color of the secret indicates the presence of infectious diseases in the body: venereal or gynecological. Trichomoniasis, gonorrhea, vaginal dysbiosis or other inflammatory processes in the reproductive system can give this color.
Thus, if thrush has begun, or the disease recurs quite often, it is necessary to eliminate the cause that caused the disease. And in order to identify this cause, you need to seek help from a specialist, since self-treatment will only aggravate the course of the disease and can lead to unpleasant and unforeseen consequences.
The most common causes of the disease are: taking antibacterial drugs and psychological prerequisites. Let's dwell on them in more detail.
Taking antibacterial drugs
Very often, antibiotics are used to treat various diseases in medical practice. These are drugs that have a detrimental effect on the human bacterial microflora. They effectively rid the patient of harmful microorganisms, which makes it possible for the body to resist many serious and dangerous diseases. But constant, and in particular, uncontrolled therapy with antibacterial agents leads to the fact that the balance of microflora is disturbed, because such drugs also negatively affect beneficial bacteria.
Therefore, often after taking antibiotics in the human body, a favorable environment is formed for the reproduction of the causative agent of candidiasis, which entails a significant increase in pathogenic microflora, and, accordingly, the development of thrush.
In order to prevent this, when prescribing antibacterial drugs, an experienced and qualified specialist will always prescribe the use of probiotics - lactobacilli, which help to restore beneficial microflora and normalize its balance in the body.
Psychological reasons for the development of the disease
The psychosomatics of thrush is different for each individual patient and only a competent specialist is able to find a factor causing the development of the disease: or. Most often, the occurrence of thrush against the background of psychosomatic disorders affects the fair sex: young girls and women. This is due to their more delicate nervous system, lifestyle and other reasons.
The main psychological factors causing the development of candidiasis include:
- dissatisfaction with sexual life, in which failure to obtain an orgasm leads to various hormonal disorders, which also entails the onset of thrush;
- relationships with the opposite sex;
- a woman's focus solely on everyday problems, forgetting about her own purpose, which is the cause of frequent stresses that lead to the onset of the disease;
- low self-esteem;
- enthusiasm for strict diets, leading to a violation of microflora, and as a result - the emergence of candidiasis;
- excessive perfectionism, which forces you to be in a constant state of stress, which inevitably affects your health and provokes the growth of yeast-like fungi;
- it happens that frequent lies also become the cause of candidiasis;
- the development of thrush in a child indicates a lack of love and attention from the parents.
In each specific case, one should deal with the cause that caused the disease, and throw all efforts to eliminate it, because if there is a problem at the psychological level, then no supermodern drugs will help to completely get rid of the disease. They will only heal physiological symptoms, which, under the influence of psychosomatic factors, will not slow down to return again.
Causes of thrush in women
The causes of candidiasis in women are various factors. This is a decrease in immunity, and the use of antibiotics, and psychological problems, which were mentioned above. In addition, thrush in women often occurs during pregnancy, as well as before menstruation. The fact is that during these periods, hormonal changes are taking place in the female body, which often provokes the development of a fungal infection.
In addition, the appearance of candidiasis before menstruation may indicate the conception of a baby. At this time, there is a noticeable activation of blood circulation in the pelvic organs, which leads to an increased secretion of secretions from the vagina. When pregnancy occurs in a woman's vagina, there is an increase in substances that help protect the body of the expectant mother from pathogenic microorganisms. This creates favorable conditions for the reproduction of yeast-like fungi - the causative agents of the disease.
Often women notice that thrush occurs when taking certain hormonal drugs: Duphaston or Utrozhestan. This can be explained by a change in hormonal levels, which also contributes to the development of pathogenic microflora.
The causes of thrush in pregnant women are also:
- avitaminosis;
- dysbiosis of the vagina;
- diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;
- wearing synthetic and uncomfortable underwear;
- taking corticosteroid, hormonal, antibacterial drugs and immunomodulators;
- a significant increase in the hormone progesterone, characteristic of pregnancy.
The appearance of thrush before menstruation can often indicate the presence of chronic candidiasis in a woman's body. In any case, this is a reason to once again visit and undergo a series of clinical studies for an accurate diagnosis.
Causes of candidiasis in men
Thrush in men develops most often after sexual intercourse. Of course, the progression of the disease is observed in persons with reduced immunity, but disorders in the body's immune system are not the main factor in the predisposition to the disease.
In general, all the reasons for the development of candidiasis in men can be divided into two main groups: external factors and internal sources.
External factors include:
- high humidity caused by prolonged exposure to wet laundry;
- insufficient hygiene of the genitals;
- promiscuous intercourse without the use of barrier methods of contraception.
The internal causes of male thrush include:
- dysbiosis of the mucous membranes of the genital organs, caused by prolonged use of antibacterial drugs;
- hormonal imbalance in the body;
- increased blood sugar, development;
- overweight, due to which in numerous skin folds a favorable environment is created for the development of Candida fungi;
- weakening of immunity while taking various medications;
- the presence of cancer or;
- mechanical damage to the mucous membranes of the genital organs - cracks, ulcers and others.
First of all, men suffering from diabetes mellitus or overweight, as well as HIV-infected and undergoing chemotherapy are susceptible to the disease. But the main reason for the development of thrush in men is the sexual transmission of the disease from a sexual partner.
Sex is one of the causes of candidiasis
Unprotected sex is one of the most common ways to pass thrush to your sexual partner. Most often, this disease passes from a woman to a man, and the latter may not even suspect that he has a disease. Being a carrier of the disease, a man, unaware of it, can infect a woman in whom the disease will cause unpleasant symptoms.
During intercourse, the disease is transmitted to the sexual partner, provided that he has a favorable environment for the development and reproduction of the fungus. After sexual contact, especially if ejaculation has occurred, the microflora of the woman's vagina changes significantly, which leads to candidiasis. And this applies not only to promiscuous sexual intercourse, but also to sex with a regular partner.
You should also be aware that thrush can be contracted after oral sex. Sex on the beach is also a trigger for this infection. Sand is a strong irritant to the vaginal mucosa, and salty disrupts its microflora. Having sex in clean, but fairly cool water can also lead to the onset of illness.
Therefore, during the illness, it is best to give up intimacy and wait for a complete recovery.
Summing up
Thrush is an infectious fungal disease, which can be caused by various factors, both physiological and psychological. At the same time, it is important enough to identify the true cause of the disease in order to direct all efforts to eliminate it. Only then can we talk about complete recovery. This can only be done by an experienced and qualified urologist.
Izvozchikova Nina Vladislavovna
Speciality: infectious disease specialist, gastroenterologist, pulmonologist.
Overall experience: 35 years .
Education:1975-1982, 1MMI, san-gig, highest qualification, infectious disease doctor.
Science degree: doctor of the highest category, candidate of medical sciences.
Vaginal candidiasis is familiar to most women under the simple name thrush. This disease occurs with the active reproduction of fungi of the genus Candida in the vaginal mucosa when favorable factors arise.
Chronic diseases
Decreased immunity due to chronic somatic diseases - chronic pyelonephritis, tonsillitis, bronchitis, HIV infection.
Poisoning
A decrease in the body's defenses is provoked by food poisoning, severe injuries, hypovitaminosis, burns and other serious illnesses.
Nutrition
With anorexia, an unbalanced low-calorie diet, with some types of diet. The abuse of sweets, confectionery, baked goods also contributes to the development of thrush. It is believed that with abundant consumption of carrots, vegetables, fruits, restriction of easily digestible carbohydrates in the diet, you can get rid of a mild degree of vaginal candidiasis.
Antibiotic use
This is the most common and obvious cause of thrush in women, especially long-term or frequent treatment with various antimicrobial agents (). Since the reservoir of candida fungi is the intestine, then when caused by the intake of antibiotics, as a rule, the spread of fungi to other organs occurs, primarily in the vagina.
Wet linen
In some women, the cause of thrush may be wearing wet clothes, that is, swimming in open water bodies, in pools, since the humid environment promotes the life of candida fungi.
- Thrush is a frequent companion of pregnancy.
- Long-term emotional stress, stressful situations.
- Abrupt climate change.
- Use of hormonal contraception.
Synthetic underwear
Also, the cause of thrush can be a fascination with synthetic underwear, especially wearing thong panties, coveralls, tight tights. In such underwear, heat exchange is disturbed, a closed space is formed like a vacuum, the temperature in the perineal region rises and humidity increases, which contributes to the growth of fungi.
For the same reason, thrush is more often diagnosed in the hot season, especially in overweight women (overheating).
Local factors
- Applying colored scented toilet paper and deodorized pads.
- The use of various antibacterial intimate gels, soaps, vaginal sprays for intimate hygiene, this reduces local immunity and is the cause of thrush.
- Women who are in the habit of frequently douching by various means do not suspect that they have a detrimental effect on the vaginal microflora. not acceptable.
- Violation of personal hygiene on trips, long journeys in the absence of normal conditions for taking a shower.
- Rarely changing tampons during menstruation and using panty liners can cause vaginal dysbiosis.
- Use of local contraceptives.
- And, of course, hypothermia weakens the body's defenses, which leads to the activation of yeast fungi.
In girls who are not sexually active, thrush may also occur due to a violation of personal hygiene, taking antibiotics, hormonal disruptions, due to
If itching, burning, discomfort occurs during and after intercourse, you should be examined by a gynecologist as soon as possible, since this may not only be a symptom of thrush in women. The causes of candidiasis may be associated with deeper disorders in the woman's body, the treatment of which is impossible without a thorough diagnosis. Chronic thrush that is difficult to respond to therapy can be a sign of diabetes mellitus, intestinal dysbiosis, HIV infection, and cancer.
What does thrush look like in women
Among all infectious and inflammatory diseases of the female genital tract, thrush has the most characteristic picture, which can be described by the following symptoms:
- discharge of a cheesy look;
- sharp itching in the external genital area;
- varying degrees of severity of pain and burning (from mild discomfort to severe pain).
As a rule, itching increases significantly in the afternoon and often bothers a woman during sleep, as well as after water gets on the surface of the mucous membrane.
Pain and burning tend to appear or intensify during urination and / or during intercourse.
Causes of thrush in women
All extremely unpleasant symptoms of thrush in women are associated with the rapid multiplication of Candida fungi on the mucous membrane of the vulva and vagina.
Candida is classified as conditionally pathogenic microorganisms, that is, these pathogenic fungi can coexist with the human body without causing any harm to it.
The following unfavorable factors can provoke the development of thrush:
- the use of tight underwear made of synthetic materials;
- violation of hygiene rules (untimely replacement or incorrect selection of pads during menstruation, etc.);
- diabetes;
- pregnancy;
- broad-spectrum antibiotics;
- use of high-dose oral contraceptives;
- steroid therapy;
- the use of diaphragms, IUDs and spermicides;
- a general decrease in the strength of the immune defense (AIDS, congenital immunodeficiencies, cachexia, condition after severe injuries, operations, etc.).
It must be said that Candida fungi can also infect other mucous membranes, which is why doctors call thrush by the complicated name vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC). However, in popular literature, the term IHC is often shortened to one word - "candidiasis" or replaced by the more understandable phrase "candidiasis in women."
Diagnosis of thrush in women
Thrush is a fairly common disease. According to statistics, every fourth woman suffers acute thrush throughout her life.
Therefore, the people have the opinion that the clinical signs of thrush are so characteristic that the correct diagnosis can be established independently, focusing on the diagnostic tables and photos of thrush in women on the network.
This is an extremely dangerous delusion. The fact is that thrush can accompany other infectious diseases of the female genital organs. With a combined lesion (gonorrhea + candidiasis, trichomoniasis + candidiasis, etc.), the symptoms of thrush can hide signs of another infectious pathology.
Therefore, in order to prescribe a full-fledged treatment, a diagnosis should be carried out, which includes a standard examination on a gynecological chair and laboratory tests.
Is it possible to treat thrush in women at home
Treatment of thrush is carried out at home, but the drugs should be prescribed by a specialist doctor. It should be borne in mind that the complex of medical measures for thrush in women must necessarily include measures aimed at eliminating the factors that provoked the rapid development of Candida fungi, such as:
- withdrawal of drugs (estrogen-gestagen contraceptives, glucocorticoids, antibiotics);
- rejection of bad habits;
- strict adherence to the rules of personal hygiene;
- restriction of carbohydrates;
- stabilization of blood sugar levels in diabetes mellitus.
A week after the end of the course of treatment for both acute and chronic thrush in women, laboratory monitoring of the results achieved is carried out, and with a recurrent nature of the disease, anti-relapse treatment is indicated.
Treatment of acute thrush in women
In primary acute thrush, local antifungal therapy is usually prescribed. For the treatment of women who have never had sexual intercourse, they use special nozzles that allow effectively treating the disease without damaging the hymen.
Control of treatment is carried out 7 days after the end of the course. If the therapy was not effective enough, a second course of another fungicidal (antifungal) drug is prescribed. After the cure of candidiasis itself, a course of drugs is shown that restores the bacterial flora of the vagina.
Treatment of chronic thrush in women
Local therapy for thrush is quite effective, however, in some patients, relapses of the disease develop within the first three months after the end of the course. In this case, the process often becomes chronic.
Such a sad development of events is facilitated by the same factors as in the case of the development of acute candidiasis (diabetes mellitus, violation of hygiene rules, poor selection of contraceptives, etc.). In addition, there are strains of Candida fungi that are quite resistant to antifungal drugs, which leads to a tendency to chronically recurrent course of the disease.
Chronic thrush in women requires more complex treatment. As a rule, a combined local and systemic effect (ingestion) is prescribed. Control of fungicidal therapy is carried out during three menstrual cycles on the next day after the end of menstruation.
Treatment of chronic thrush includes drug prevention of relapse within 6 months: an antifungal drug of systemic action once a month (on the first day of menstruation) or therapy with antifungal ointments once a week.
Is thrush transmitted from woman to man
Thrush is considered a non-contagious disease, since the inflammatory process can occur only if there are favorable conditions for the multiplication of the Candida fungus.
Therefore, joint treatment of sexual partners is carried out only if there are manifestations of thrush in a man (candidiasis of the mucous membrane of the glans penis or candidal balanoposthitis).
During the period of treatment and dispensary observation during sex, it is recommended to use condoms.
Thrush is not sexually transmitted. However, if the immune system is weakened or for other reasons, Candida can be transmitted.
Complications of thrush in women
Candida fungi damage the surface layer of the mucous membrane of the vagina and vulva, creating conditions for the penetration of infection, therefore, with thrush in women, the risk of developing acute and chronic inflammatory processes in the pelvic organs increases, as well as the risk of recurrent (concomitant) infectious pathologies of the urinary system (cystitis, pyelonephritis ).
In a chronic inflammatory process in the walls of the vagina, infiltration edema increases and atrophic changes develop. Therefore, a long chronically recurrent course of thrush in women can lead to such gross anatomical defects of the external genital organs as vaginal synechia.
Thrush in pregnant women: causes, symptoms, treatment
During pregnancy, a hormonal storm occurs in a woman's body, which in itself is a predisposing factor for the development of thrush.
However, pregnancy itself cannot cause candidiasis, since additional factors are needed to realize the predisposition:
- violation of hygiene rules;
- severe toxicosis of pregnancy;
- diabetes mellitus during pregnancy, and the like.
Symptoms of thrush during pregnancy are similar to those of candidiasis in non-pregnant women. The diagnosis is made on the basis of the results of laboratory examination and characteristic clinical data obtained during a standard consultative examination.
Treatment of thrush in pregnant women is carried out with the help of local fungicidal preparations (intravaginal suppositories).
Why is thrush dangerous for the fetus in pregnant women?
Left untreated, thrush in pregnant women can provoke miscarriage (self-abortion) or premature birth. In addition, there is evidence of an increased risk of low birth weight babies.
Intrauterine infection of the fetus is possible with the development of extremely severe lesions of the respiratory system, gastrointestinal tract and brain. Fortunately, such a severe complication is rare.
More often, candidiasis in an infected intrauterine child develops after birth and is characterized by damage to the mucous membranes and skin. Possibly asymptomatic presence of the fungus in the infant. However, weakened children are at risk of developing damage to internal organs and / and candidal sepsis.
How to cure thrush in women: quickly and permanently
A correctly selected drug will have its effect on the very first day of administration, even in the case of a chronically recurrent course. A competent specialist will prescribe the most adequate treatment regimen, and you will only need to punctually follow all the recommendations in order to get rid of thrush forever.
Turning to the services of the LECHU network of medical centers for help, you can take advantage of the following bonuses and benefits:
- treatment by highly qualified professionals (we specialize in obstetrics and gynecology);
- modern laboratory;
- affordable prices;
- privileges for regular customers (access to useful free online services, a savings card in the network);
- convenient location of medical centers (you can calculate the accumulated points in any of them).
In order to become a regular customer of LECHU, it is enough to pay for any network service once.
Prevention of thrush in LECHU
Thrush often develops with sharp changes in hormonal levels, therefore, the risk group is pregnant women, as well as women during the premenopausal period.
We remind our readers that the network of medical centers TREATMENT offers everyone who is interested in their own health, prophylactic express examinations that allow detecting pathology at the earliest stage of development, including: "I want to become a mother" and "Menopause".
If you are planning a pregnancy, it is best to make sure in advance that everything is safe, and if necessary, take a course of full-fledged treatment for thrush in advance.
For expectant mothers, there is a "Pregnancy Management Program" that allows you to receive high-quality medical care at a reduced price. Each participant of the LECHU program is given a bonus card with the highest cumulative percentage (8%).
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