Thrush appears due to the reproduction of opportunistic fungi called Candida in the female genital area, therefore, in medicine, this disease is called candidiasis. This yeast-like fungus is always present in small quantities among other microorganisms in a woman's body, since it participates in metabolic processes: it lives not only in the vagina, but also in the intestines, on the skin, in the mouth. But when any conditions change, it begins to actively multiply, becomes aggressive, irritates the mucous membranes, causes itching and other unpleasant manifestations of the disease.
Also, thrush can be caused by slightly other strains of this fungus, which have a more pathogenic effect on humans.
It is not known exactly what leads to a sharp jump in the multiplication of Candida fungi in a woman's body. There are several factors that often accompany, but it is not clear, in some people, when one of them appears, there is a high probability of developing candidiasis, while in others, the disease does not appear.
Doctors explain this by the strength of the immune system and the characteristics of the hormonal background.
The causes of thrush
Very often the reason is a change in hormonal levels. Elevated levels or levels of certain hormones produced in a woman's body can change the acid-base environment in the vagina and, in some cases, create ideal conditions for the Candida fungus to multiply. That is why it most often occurs during pregnancy, before menstruation, or when taking hormonal pills.
Taking antibiotics can also provoke candidiasis, since these drugs rid people not only of pathogenic bacteria, but also of good organisms, including lactobacilli that live in the vagina and create the right environment. When there are fewer of them, fungi begin to multiply, which provokes the onset of the disease.
Thrush can accompany sexually transmitted diseases: mycoplasmosis, chlamydia, trichomoniasis, which also affect the vaginal microflora. Surgical intervention, mechanical or chemical injuries, infectious (not necessarily gynecological) diseases can violate the conditions on the mucous genital organs. Thrush often appears with diabetes mellitus and metabolic disorders.
The reasons for the appearance of thrush are called wearing synthetic tight underwear, using panty liners, excessive consumption of sweets and unhealthy diet.
In fact, the listed factors cannot be called the exact reasons for the appearance of thrush, since they do not always and not cause illness in everyone. But more often it is these phenomena that lead to the development of candidiasis.
Vaginal candidiasis caused by Candida
The health of the female reproductive system is a rather intimate issue that requires a delicate approach to its study.
Many women experience a feeling of discomfort during a routine preventive examination by a gynecologist, so they often postpone it for later, even in cases of discomfort in the genital area.
One of the causes of itching and discharge may be a disease such as candidiasis. Let's talk in more detail about the causes of its occurrence, symptoms and, of course, ways to treat this disease.
What is candidiasis?
Candida mushrooms under a microscope
Candidiasis is a disease caused by microscopic opportunistic yeast Candida. They are present in the normal microflora of the intestinal mucosa, vagina and oral cavity, even in a healthy woman.
The disease itself is associated with a sharp increase in their number, which occurs, as a rule, against the background of a decrease in immunity (both general and local).
According to the official statistics of the Ministry of Health, candidiasis is one of the most common infectious vaginal diseases (the percentage of detected cases to the total number of visits with venereal infections is 30%).
But if we take into account the fact that many women cope with thrush on their own, without resorting to the help of specialists, then the true number of cases of this disease can be many times higher.
Attention! Candidiasis is a type of disease transmitted from mother to child while still in the womb. In order to reduce the risk of infection of the baby (and it is about 70% in a sick mother), it is necessary to undergo treatment at the stage of planning pregnancy.
In common people candidiasis is most often called thrush, since it is characterized by the appearance of vaginal cheesy discharge, which has a whitish tint.
However, thrush is not limited to women. It can occur in children (most often in the oral cavity), as well as in men who are obese, diabetic, or simply infected from a female carrier of this disease.
The male form of infection with candidal fungus is called balanoplastitis.
Causes of occurrence
The main reasons for the development of candidiasis in women include:
- Problems with the normal functioning of the thyroid gland. There are frequent cases of infection in people with diabetes.
- Human immunodeficiency virus (abbreviated as HIV), which can be not only acquired but also congenital.
- The presence of vaginal dysbiosis.
- Weakening of the protective functions of the body after surgery.
- Long-term treatment of other diseases with the use of cytostatics, antibiotics or glucocorticoid drugs.
- It can occur against the background of a nervous shock, as well as a general stressful state of the body caused by a sharp change in climate.
- As a consequence of improper douching.
- In case of chemical, thermal or mechanical injury, which caused a disruption of the normal function of the mucous membrane.
- As a result of hormonal changes in the female body during pregnancy and in the postpartum period.
- Deficiency of vitamins A and B group.
- Failure to comply with basic hygiene.
- Radiation and chemical therapy in oncology.
- As a consequence of abortion or curettage.
- When wearing synthetic underwear, as well as very tight models made from other fabrics, the risk of infection with candidiasis increases.
How to recognize thrush: symptoms of the disease
Thrush sign: cheesy discharge
Signs of vaginal candidiasis are:
- Discomfort, or even painful sensations during sex.
- The genitals itch, there is a burning sensation.
- Painful sensations during the emission of urine (occurs in case of penetration of the fungus into the urinary tract).
- The presence of whitish vaginal discharge with a curdled consistency.
Candidiasis in the mouth
Candidiasis in the mouth: a white coating on the tongue
If we talk about candidiasis, the focus of which is the oral cavity, then it is characterized by the following symptoms:
- The appearance of a white coating on the tongue.
- Swelling of the cheeks, gums, or tongue.
- Small reddish spots.
Candidiasis in the digestive system
Bloating as a sign of candidiasis in the digestive system
When the digestive system is damaged, the following symptoms can be observed:
If the intestines are affected:
- diarrhea;
- frequent bloating and associated discomfort;
- flatulence;
- the presence of mucus and blood streaks in the stool.
The lesion is the esophagus:
- lack of appetite;
- pain in the chest area;
- frequent heartburn;
- increased body temperature;
- the occurrence of sharp pain in the upper abdomen;
- frequent bouts of nausea and vomiting;
- diarrhea;
- discomfort when swallowing solid food.
Important! It is quite difficult to identify candidiasis of the esophagus, since its symptoms are typical for most diseases of the digestive system. About 30% of infected people do not even suspect that they have thrush of the esophagus.
In addition to the above signs of candidiasis, its generalized forms can occur, manifested against the background of a strong decrease in the body's immune capacity.
In this case, lesions can occur not only on the mucous membrane, but also on the skin and internal organs.
There are several options for the classification of candidiasis. The most common is the gradation according to the lesion focus of the female reproductive system. It looks like this:
- Candidal vaginitis (colpitis), the affected area of \u200b\u200bwhich is the vagina.
- Vulvitis, the focus of development of which are the organs of the external reproductive system.
- Vulvovaginitis, which combines the signs of vulvitis and candidal vaginitis.
Attention! These three types of candidiasis are quite similar. It is almost impossible to distinguish them yourself, since all the symptoms appear at different times with more or less intensity.
Depending on the principle of considering the disease, the following qualifications can also be distinguished:
By the prevalence of infectious infection:
Superficial thrush
Has a lesion localized only in one place (mucous membrane, skin or nails). Has a mild course of the disease.
Systemic candidiasis
Most often it occurs against the background of superficial candidiasis. It is characterized by a lesion of internal organs, which occurs against the background of severe immune stress of the body (in the period after surgery, in the presence of HIV and AIDS, tuberculosis, severe diabetes mellitus).
The disease is quite difficult, with the possible development of complications.
Candidal sepsis
With this form of the disease, the fungal infection first enters the bloodstream, and then spreads throughout the human body. It is the most severe form of the course of the disease, in some cases it can be fatal.
By the nature of the course of the disease:
Candidate
A person does not have any characteristic complaints and symptoms, however, in a laboratory study, Candida fungi can be found on the mucous membrane of the vagina, mouth, intestines, or even on the skin.
According to statistics, about 20% of non-pregnant women are carriers of this form of the disease. For women who carry a child, this figure is at 30%.
Acute form of thrush
This candidiasis is characterized by a course with the presence of almost all symptoms. Differs in a short duration of the course of the disease (less than 60 days).
Chronic candidiasis
The patient has a minimal number of complaints, as well as a mild severity of symptoms of the course of the disease. Symptoms last for a long period (more than 60 days).
Therapy is complicated by the fact that in chronic patients the fungus mutates over time and does not respond to the effects of many antifungal drugs.
Chronic thrush can be divided into:
- Persistent, which is characterized by a course with the constant presence of symptoms, the severity of which changes over time.
- Recurrent, with characteristic periods of remission and relapse of symptoms.
In addition to diseases of the reproductive system, thrush can be classified according to the location of infection:
On nails and skin:
- palms;
- folds;
- smooth skin.
In the oral cavity:
- cheilitis (lips);
- glossitis (tongue);
- stomatitis (oral mucosa);
- oropharyngeal form (the entire oral cavity is affected).
In the internal organs:
- visceral candidiasis.
Due to the onset of the disease:
- congenital (infection occurred in the womb),
- acquired.
Traditional treatment
Drug treatment of candidiasis is carried out with the use of antifungal drugs that affect the biological activity of Candida.
If therapy is carried out for a mild form of the disease, then you can get by with the use of only local medications.
In the case of more advanced and severe forms of the disease, systemic treatment of the disease is practiced.
Topical preparations
They are usually used for uncomplicated forms of the disease, they include vaginal suppositories, ointments and creams.
Candles
Suppositories (candles) - refer to local medicinal products.
Are among the most effective topical therapies for thrush.
They penetrate deep into the vagina, due to which the drug acts on the entire mucous membrane.
A list of the 5 most commonly prescribed suppositories for the treatment of thrush:
| A drug | Dosage | Adverse reactions | Precautions and application features | Average price per package |
| Zalain | 1 candle for the night. If the symptoms persist, then the application can be repeated after 1 week. | Burning, itching in the vagina, allergy to the components of the drug. | Possibly a single treatment during pregnancy | 588 rbl |
| Livarol | 1 candle for a five-day course. In chronic thrush, suppositories are administered in a course of 10 days. | The appearance of a reddish tinge of the vaginal mucosa, irritation and itching, urticaria, skin rash. | Cannot be used in the 1st trimester of pregnancy. At a later date, it is possible to use it with a doctor's prescription. | 525 rbl |
| Irunin (vaginal tablets) | 1 per night for a course of 7-14 days. | Burning sensation, skin rash, redness. | Cannot be used by people who are allergic to the components of the drug, women during the 1st trimester of pregnancy and during breastfeeding. May be used with extreme caution in late pregnancy. | 460 rbl |
| Macmiror complex | 1 candle per night for an eight-day course. | Severe itching, skin rash. | 775 rbl | |
| Clotrimazole | 1 candle per night for a course of 6 days. | Itching, abdominal pain, vaginal discharge, burning sensation, headache, frequent urination, cystitis, pain during intercourse. | It is strictly forbidden to use in the 1st trimester of pregnancy and during the lactation period, as well as in the presence of hypersensitivity to the components of the drug. | 50 rbl |
Ointments and creams
Most often they are used to treat vaginitis and cutaneous candidiasis, as they have a local effect on the lubricated tissue.
The advantages of using ointments include:
- excellent tolerance, and does not cause discomfort in the form of itching and burning,
- directional action,
- does not affect other organs of the body (eg liver), unlike tablets.
The most commonly prescribed are:
| A drug | Recommendations for use | Side effects | Contraindications | Average price per package |
| Ketoconazole | Lubricate the affected area 1-2 times a day, with a course of 2-3 weeks. | Burning, rash, peeling of the skin, the appearance of oily or dry skin, urticaria. | The presence of hypersensitivity to the components of the ointment. There are no studies on use by pregnant and lactating women. | 130 rbl |
| Clotrimazole | 2-3 times a day, the course is 2 weeks. | Burning, itching, urticaria, the command of edema, blisters, erythremia, peeling and irritation of the skin. | Cannot be used in case of hypersensitivity to the drug, in the 1st trimester of pregnancy, it is possible to use it during lactation if prescribed by a doctor. | 85 rbl |
| Nystatin | 1-2 times a day, with a course of 10-14 days. | Local allergic reactions. | Do not use in case of hypersensitivity to the components of the drug. | 75 rbl |
| Pimafucin | 2-4 times a day. The course of treatment is until the symptoms disappear completely. | Burning sensation, local allergic reactions. | Do not use if you have hypersensitivity to the components of the drug. | 280 rbl |
Complex therapy of the disease
With this method of treatment, the so-called antimycotics of complex action... They have a broad mechanism of action on the cause of candidiasis.
But this shock treatment also has many side effects.
Complex preparations are available in capsules, tablets, and also in the form of ampoule solutions, which are parenterally introduced into the body.
Systemic therapy drugs are prescribed only by a doctor if the patient has visceral candidiasis, acute or chronic form of thrush.
List of general action tablets
| A drug | Method of administration and dosage | Adverse reactions | Contraindications | Average price per package |
| Fluconazole | Headache, dizziness, convulsions, nausea, flatulence, diarrhea, allergic reactions, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, hyper cholesterolemia, hyper iglyceridemia, hypokalemia. | Contraindicated in children under 6 years of age, pregnant women, lactating women, people with hypersensitivity to the components of the drug. | 85 rbl | |
| Intraconazole | Strictly according to instructions in accordance with the form of the disease | Headache and dizziness, dyspepsia, constipation, peripheral neuropathy, nausea, cholestatic jaundice, menstrual irregularities, pulmonary edema, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, chronic heart failure, pruritus, hepatitis, urticaria, rash. | Do not use in case of hypersensitivity to drug components. Do not use at the same time as cisapride, terfenadine, mizolastine, astemizole, dofetilide, quinidine, pimozide, lovastatin, triazolam, simvastine, midazolam. | 359 rbl |
Folk remedies for thrush
In some cases, you can try to cope with candidiasis at home with the help of alternative traditional medicine. Let's analyze the most common:
Oregano oil treatment
For this method, oregano essential oil is used. You can use oil in which the concentration of carvacrol is in the range of 50-85%. Treatment can be done in 3 ways:
Inside
Dissolve 3 drops of oregano oil in a little milk, olive or other base oil, and then add the resulting mixture to a glass of clean water.
The agent should be used in the morning and in the evening, after a week of administration, the dosage should be increased to 3 glasses.
Intervaginally
Dissolve 2 drops of oregano oil in 50 ml. olive or vegetable oil. Dip a hygienic tampon into the resulting mixture for a few minutes.
The resulting suppository is inserted into the vagina at night. Continue treatment for 2 weeks.
Outwardly
Mix 3 drops of medicated oil with 3 tablespoons of vegetable or olive oil. Apply to affected areas overnight.
In case of pain, reduce the dosage to 2 drops per 3 tbsp. spoons.
Infuse for several hours, then strain. Collect the resulting solution (50 ml each) in a douching pear and irrigate the vagina once a day. The treatment is carried out within 2-3 days.
With salt, iodine and soda
Recipe:
In 1 liter of boiling water, pour 2 tbsp. l. salt. Boil the resulting saline solution for 3 minutes, then cool to room temperature. Add 12 drops of iodine and 1 tbsp. l. soda.
Irrigate the affected area in the morning and evening for 5 days.
With soap
For treatment, you can use both tar and ordinary laundry soap. Use soap solutions instead of special products during daily hygiene procedures.
Re-rinse the external reproductive system after half an hour with clean water. Repeat the course until complete recovery. 
A weak aqueous solution of potassium permanganate is an excellent antiseptic, so it can be used not only for baths, but also for therapeutic douching.
With borax in glycerin
Using a cotton pad, apply a 20% solution of borax in glycerin to the affected areas of the body 1-2 times a day for a week.
Douching can also be carried out with such a mixture.
Prevention
To prevent the occurrence of thrush, a number of simple rules must be observed:
- Don't wear synthetic underwear... When interacting with sweat and normal secretions, synthetics create a kind of greenhouse effect, which is an excellent breeding ground for harmful bacteria. Instead of synthetics, use fabrics made from natural materials such as cotton.
- Minimize your sugar intake and foods high in carbohydrates. They promote the development of fungi in the normal microflora of the body.
- Don't forget the elementary observance of the rules of personal hygiene... Remember that you need to wash yourself daily, during the evening and morning hygiene procedures. Moreover, this should be done in the direction from front to back, so that harmful bacteria from the intestines do not enter the vagina.
- Do not take antibiotics haphazardly... They can only be prescribed by a doctor. If such treatment is inevitable, then you need to simultaneously use drugs that help restore normal microflora in the intestines and vagina.
- Do not overuse disinfectant douching... Thus, you can disrupt the body's normal defense mechanisms.
Thrush is a problem that absolutely any woman can face. It is important to remember that it is much easier to prevent the disease from occurring than to spend money, time and effort on treatment.
Vaginal candidiasis or thrush is a common condition caused by the Candida fungus. According to medical statistics, every third woman is familiar with her symptoms. This fungal disease got its name due to the fact that the discharge from women suffering from its manifestations takes on a cheesy appearance. Knowing what causes thrush, it is not difficult to take effective measures to prevent it, to reduce the likelihood of complications.
About the causative agent of the disease
Normally, fungi of the genus Candida coexist peacefully with humans, living on the skin and mucous membranes, including the vaginal mucosa in women. The causative agent of the disease manifests its activity under certain circumstances, when favorable conditions appear for its growth and reproduction. Most often, thrush is caused by Candida albicans - one in one hundred and seventy representatives of this genus.
The transition of the disease to a chronic form, with frequent relapses and complications, happens if it is caused by the fungus Candida non-albicans. In these cases, it is necessary to treat thrush according to non-standard schemes, because the usual antifungal therapy is ineffective.
How does thrush manifest
This disease occurs not only in women, it occurs in both men and children. Pregnant women and girls who have not had sexual experience also suffer from vaginal candidiasis. Symptoms of male thrush do not appear brightly, most often it has a latent course.
The main symptom of the onset of the disease in women is atypical vaginal discharge. At the beginning of the fungal infection, the discharge is cloudy - white, but after a day or two they acquire a characteristic cheesy consistency, become thick.
Additional symptoms of thrush:
- itching and burning in the vagina, passing to the external genitals;
- swelling of the vulva and labia minora;
- the appearance of white plaque in the form of cheesy plaques on the external genitals;
- painful sensations during urination and intercourse.
These signs of the disease are usually not accompanied by hyperthermia. If the body temperature still exceeds the norm, then, most likely, an inflammatory process has joined the fungal infection.
If thrush is not treated, the process becomes chronic, complications arise: vaginal colpitis, cystitis, fungal infection of the intestine. Complications of this disease are especially dangerous for pregnant women:
- spread of the fungal process to the placenta;
- premature birth;
- spontaneous abortion during pregnancy up to 12 weeks;
- infection of the baby during childbirth.
In newborns infected by the mother, lesions of the mucous membrane of the mouth, intestines, and upper respiratory tract are observed. The symptoms of this disease in girls who have no experience of sexual activity do not differ from the signs of a fungal infection that appear in women. In men, in rare cases, it is noted:
- white bloom on the head of the penis;
- redness and swelling of the foreskin;
- burning and itching;
- pain during intercourse and urination.
Important: to assess the symptoms of the disease and make the correct diagnosis, only a doctor can prescribe treatment: a gynecologist, a dermatologist - a venereologist. Self-medication is unacceptable, since symptoms similar to thrush are found in gonorrhea, genital herpes, gardnerellosis, trichomoniasis.
Causes of the appearance of fungal infection of the genital organs
The process of treating the initial stage of this disease takes one to two days. In order to prevent the development of candidiasis, you need to know why thrush appears, what are the features of activating the pathological process.
Diet disorders
The predominance of products in the menu that affect the growth of yeast is one of the reasons for the appearance of thrush. It can be provoked in a similar way in young girls who have never had sex. Eating a lot of sweet and starchy foods inhibits the work of bifidobacteria and lactobacilli, which create a balance of microflora.
With a decrease in their activity, there is a rapid development of pathogenic bacteria and microorganisms, including fungi. Prevention of thrush in this case consists in avoiding sweets, baked pastries, beer, kvass, smoked meats and pickles. The glucose contained in these products is a fertile breeding ground for fungi.
Hormonal imbalance
Hormonal changes in the female body are the reason for the appearance of thrush. It can be expected with menstrual irregularities, before the first menstruation in young girls, before the onset of menopause, at certain periods of the menstrual cycle. All these conditions are associated with an increase in the main female hormone - estrogen. It provokes the reproduction of the fungus and, as a result, the appearance of the disease.
Contraceptives high in estrogen have the same effect on the body of some women. You should not think that yeast infection occurs in everyone who takes oral contraceptives, but the risk of its occurrence is higher in those who started taking the drug, or changed it to pills with a high dose of estrogen.
Pregnancy and thrush
Most pregnant women suffer from this disease or become carriers of it. This spread of vaginal candidiasis in pregnant women is explained by several reasons:
- an increase in estrogen levels during the entire period of pregnancy shifts the balance of the vaginal environment, making it more acidic, perfect for fungal growth;
- an increased load on the body of pregnant women reduces immunity, the body's response to the rapid growth of the fungus is not adequate to the danger;
- changes in the diet of pregnant women, non-compliance with the diet, excess of sweet and flour foods create the basis for the development of fungi.
The danger to the health of pregnant women and their unborn children is so great that the gynecologist must offer to treat this disease. Safe medicines are available to treat pregnant women for vaginal candidiasis.
Intimate hygiene disorders
This disease can be triggered by wearing synthetic underwear, rarely changing pads during menstruation, excessive use of panty liners, and the use of hygienic tampons. The "greenhouse effect" created in these cases in the area of \u200b\u200bthe external genital organs and in the vagina is an excellent ground for the development of vaginal candidiasis.
The wrong way of washing can be a provoking factor for the development of thrush.Causes her excessive enthusiasm for intimate hygiene foams, soaps and gels, which changes the balance of the vaginal microflora. A stream of water directed from the bottom up when washing away, often, together with other factors, contributes to the onset of the disease. This method of intimate hygiene is especially dangerous for pregnant women.
Incorrectly selected mechanical contraception is another reason for the development of a pathological process. Condoms, vaginal rings and other barrier methods of protection, in contact with the vaginal environment, cause its response to irritation in the form of a change in the balance of microflora. After using some types of spermicides that are not suitable for a woman, it is necessary to treat the manifestations of thrush.
Diabetes
Stress and chronic fatigue
This connection between thrush and constant emotional stress is not obvious at first glance. However, stress requires the body to release a hormone such as cortisol. Maintaining all organs and systems in a constant tone, due to its work, reduces immunity.
The body is defenseless against infections, including vaginal candidiasis. Chronic fatigue has the same effect on modern man.
Antibiotic use
Especially dangerous diseases need to be treated with antibiotics - this is angina, cystitis, pneumonia, inflammation of the female genital area, bronchitis, postoperative conditions. A side effect of this application is the death of bacteria that maintain an optimal balance of microflora, inhibiting pathogenic microorganisms. The protection of the vagina from thrush decreases, and colonies of fungi grow.
A large number of women are faced with a disease such as vaginal candidiasis or thrush. This disease is considered by many to be harmless, but it brings serious discomfort and contributes to the development of complications. Its occurrence is provoked by fungi of the genus Candida, which are conditionally pathogenic. In the article we will consider what thrush is, what are the causes, symptoms of thrush in women and men, as well as methods of treating thrush in women and in pregnant women.
What is thrush? And what causes thrush?
Thrush or candidiasis is a fairly common disease and affects not only the external integument, but also the internal organs. The causative agent of thrush is the yeast-like Candida fungi, which are constantly found in the mouth, vagina and rectum of a woman.
Photo of thrush: What does thrush in the vagina look like in women
If the microflora of the body is normal, their number is insignificant and does not affect a person in any way. Thrush in women, on the other hand, develops with the rapid growth of Candida fungi, which are provoked by some unfavorable factors.
Thrush in women is an inflammatory lesion of the vaginal mucosa. It is characterized by causing discomfort to a woman, and with improper treatment of thrush, it can flow into a chronic form, which is expressed by constant relapses. At the same time, thrush in women occurs at least 4 times a year and approximately a week before the onset of menstruation. If you do not consult a gynecologist in a timely manner, then the treatment of thrush does not lend itself well to a quick recovery, and thus, candidiasis is fraught with the development of complications.
During the transition to the chronic stage, thrush can have a negative impact on the organs adjacent to the vagina: the bladder, urethra and cervix. If this disease occurs along with other infections of the genital tract, then thrush in women can cause infertility.
Causes of thrush in women
Thrush develops under the influence of some factors leading to changes in the microflora of the vagina. At the same time, the number of beneficial bacteria that hold the growth of Candida fungi decreases, so they begin to multiply actively, showing their pathogenic properties.
The main reason for the development of thrush (candidiasis) is a decrease in immunity. Also, the causes of thrush can be as follows:
- violation of hormonal levels;
- diabetes;
- improper nutrition;
- sexually transmitted infections;
- antibiotic treatment, which destroy not only disease-causing organisms, but also beneficial bacteria;
- stress;
- pregnancy;
- hypothermia;
- a sharp change in climate;
- long-term diseases that depress the body: oncology, HIV, tuberculosis.
The causes of thrush can occur after contact with its carrier:
- By airborne droplets.
- Direct contact, both with the carrier of the disease and with objects on which there are fungi
- During sexual intercourse.
- Infection in the first year of life.
Also, the reasons for what may be thrush: wearing tight underwear, oral contraceptives, non-observance of personal hygiene rules, the use of scented pads and a tendency to allergic reactions.
Symptoms of thrush in women
The symptoms of thrush in women are often confused with other diseases of the genital organs. The fair sex, as a rule, notice the symptoms of thrush shortly before the onset of menstruation. In women prone to allergies, the disease manifests itself more actively. The main symptoms of thrush are as follows:
Often, thrush can have blurred symptoms, when there is only one clinical manifestation or several, but mild. Thrush symptoms can disappear at the onset of menstruation, which is associated with the formation of a more alkaline environment in the vagina during this period, which is not so favorable for the growth of fungi.
Symptoms of thrush in men
A man can also suffer from candidiasis (thrush). In this case, the head of the penis is mainly affected, and the following symptoms of thrush in men appear:
- Itching and burning.
- Redness of the penis.
- White bloom on the genitals.
- Painful sensations during intercourse.
- Pain when urinating.
- Swelling of the glans penis.
The symptoms of thrush in men are more pronounced in the evening or during sleep, as well as after washing in warm water.
Can thrush be passed on to men?
Most often women suffer from thrush, but candidiasis can also occur in men. At the same time, there is a possibility of infection from a woman, but some subtleties must be taken into account. They consist in the fact that thrush affects the male body from the inside, and only a superficial effect appears on the genitals. This is due to the fact that the structure of the male genital organs does not allow fungi to gain a foothold, and infection occurs only as a transmission of the pathogen.
In almost a third of cases of infection, thrush is transmitted to a man from a woman through sexual contact. In another half of the cases - by household means through clothes, dishes, personal hygiene products. Another way of transmitting thrush in men is by mouth. Often a man is a hidden carrier of thrush, therefore, if it is found in a woman, it is advisable to treat both partners.
The risk of contracting thrush in men also increases with a decrease in immunity and the presence of concomitant diseases. A strong male body can often get rid of the development of thrush on its own. But, if you suspect a disease or have persistent symptoms, you should definitely consult a doctor. Often other sexually transmitted diseases are disguised as thrush.
Sometimes, thrush in men is manifested by the following conditions:
To diagnose thrush in men, the doctor will send for a blood test and discharge, as well as conduct a visual examination. If urinary organs are affected, urine microscopy is performed. Although thrush in men usually does not cause complications, if the disease is not treated, the partner can constantly become infected from it. Treatment of thrush is carried out both locally with the help of ointments, and systemically when taking antifungal agents inside.
Diagnosis of thrush
For an accurate diagnosis of thrush, a gynecologist or urologist, in addition to the patient's complaints and symptoms, needs the results of laboratory research - microscopy of a vaginal smear. It is taken with a special spatula or sterile swab, and then examined in the laboratory under a microscope.
There is also a culture study that helps determine the species of Candida fungi as well as their drug sensitivity. To do this, after scraping from the affected area of \u200b\u200btissue, inoculation is made on nutrient media, and later the grown colonies are studied. Their quantity and characteristics are taken into account: a small number of mushrooms is the norm. Most often, this method is used to determine severe forms of candidiasis.
If thrush is confirmed, the doctor will prescribe the appropriate treatment for the patient. Also, if candidiasis is detected, it is recommended to donate blood and urine to determine the sugar level: sometimes thrush is a symptom of diabetes mellitus. It is also recommended to consult a gastroenterologist: Candida fungi normally live in the intestine, and with a pathogenic increase in their number, they can also enter the vagina.
Chronic candidiasis (thrush), manifested by frequent relapses, becomes the reason for a complete examination of the patient in order to identify negative factors due to which the disease occurs. If a man's thrush gives a complication to the urinary organs, then a consultation with a urologist is necessary for referral for testing.
Treatment of thrush in women
Treatment of thrush in women is carried out only in accordance with the doctor's recommendations, which are individual for each patient. Bacteriological cultures are taken into account so that the treatment of thrush has both a general effect on the fungi and a local one. It is also taken into account that thrush is a secondary disease, so you need to look for concomitant diseases and the factors that provoked it.
It is important to strengthen the immune system and restore the normal microflora of the vagina and intestines. During the treatment of thrush in women, a special diet is followed, stressful situations are avoided and adequate sleep is taken into account.
Medicines for the treatment of thrush are divided into: preparations of local and systemic action. Local effects are: creams and ointments, tablets and vaginal suppositories. The former are used to treat thrush on the skin and external genitals. Tablets and vaginal suppositories are necessary for the development of candidiasis in the internal female genital organs. Tablets are most often prescribed for recurrent manifestations of the disease.
As a rule, the following topical preparations are used based on:
- nystatin (Polygynax, Terzhinan);
- clotrimazole (Kanbibene, Kanesten, Antifungol);
- ketoconazole (Nizoral, Oronazole, Livarol, Ketoconazole);
- natamycin (Pimafucin);
- miconazole (Ginesol, Gina-dactarin, Klion-D).
Local treatment of thrush in women is sometimes replaced by taking Fluconazole tablets or its analogues (Medoflucon, Diflazol, Mikosist, Flucostat). Also, this drug is prescribed for relapsing disease and is taken once a week for a month.
The course of treatment for thrush with primary development lasts at least 10 days. In this case, an asymptomatic period is captured. For effective control, local preparations are used, as well as, if necessary, agents of general antifungal action and strengthening the immune system. This helps prevent recurrence of the disease.
Any drug has its own contraindications and side effects, so they can be used only after consulting a doctor. If the dosage of drugs is incorrectly selected or the course of treatment for thrush has not been completed, it does not give the desired effect. It is worth noting that Candida mushrooms quickly develop drug resistance.
You can also add the treatment of thrush in women with folk remedies to drug treatment:
- Soda bath (dilute 1 tsp soda for 1 liter of warm boiled water). Sit in the solution for 20 minutes.
- A soda bath can be alternated with the same solution, but with the addition of another 1 tsp. iodine. Such treatment should be carried out until recovery.
- Washing with a decoction of oak or calendula bark.
- Drinking a glass of carrot juice before meals for several weeks.
- The use of a decoction of echinacea and other folk remedies to increase general immunity.
You can not treat thrush only with folk remedies: they remove the symptoms of thrush, but not the causative agent of the disease. Such methods must be combined with drugs.
The effectiveness of the treatment of thrush is confirmed by repeated laboratory research, since the disappearance of symptoms is not always a guarantee of cure.
Thrush during pregnancy
Thrush during pregnancy often manifests itself. According to statistics, thrush during pregnancy is found in every third expectant mother, regardless of the period of her interesting position. This is due to a decrease in the immunity of a pregnant woman, as well as a change in hormonal levels.
Thrush is a type of infection with fungal bacteria. Candida bacteria are constantly in the human body in small quantities. Once in favorable conditions, bacteria begin to multiply vigorously, irritating the mucous membrane. The infected area swells, itches, plaque and increased mucus production. Bacteria spread to neighboring areas of the integument and multiply. The disease may precede more serious internal diseases with severe consequences.
Importantabout! Fungal bacteria are treated with an antibiotic, which affects liver function. All changes in well-being must be reported to the attending physician.
The disease mainly affects the female body, but children of all age groups and men are also susceptible to the disease.
The main reasons for the frequent occurrence of the disease:
- weakened immunity;
- climate change;
- infectious diseases of the reproductive system;
- changes in the endocrine system;
- prolonged stressful situations;
- after taking some drugs that include antibiotics;
- injuries to the integument;
- unbalanced diet, metabolic disorders;
- excessive consumption of sweets;
- lack of high-quality hygiene, the use of a new product that is not suitable in composition;
- hormonal changes (pregnancy, menopause);
- tight synthetic underwear;
- infection with other types of fungi through sexual contact.
The disease affects the outer surfaces of the skin and internal mucous membranes, causing discomfort to the wearer.
Causes of thrush in women
The most vulnerable to infection with candidiasis are women. Almost everyone has experienced unpleasant symptoms of this disease. Women may develop thrush after visiting a gynecologist or curettage. The cause may be an allergic reaction to the latex glove material.
After scraping, the cervix contracts and the remaining discharge is difficult to escape. A day later, the process of decomposition of the residues begins, which causes an inflammatory process. Burning discharge, unpleasant putrid odor and color, accompanied by pain in the lower abdomen and general weakness, intensify. The temperature may rise in some cases. Prescribed drugs against inflammation, to relieve spasms, against fungal infections or repeated vacuum cleaning.
Candidiasis may also appear after hysteroscopy. The most microscopic intervention in hysteroscopy can cause inflammation. To prevent this from happening, a thorough examination should be carried out for the presence of concomitant infectious diseases before the procedure.
Thrush can appear after coloscopy in the case of a weakened woman's body. Other causes of the disease: lowered immunity, blood loss, recent surgery or the fault of a gynecologist.
Surgical intervention in the treatment of infertility and some pathologies of the reproductive system can cause the development of fungal bacteria. Laparoscopy is performed with minimal wounds, but in some cases, thrush is observed.
Thrush often develops after taking antibiotics. When antibiotics enter the blood vessels, they affect the tissues of the organs, in particular the mucous membranes, reducing the protective functions. An increased development of bacteria on the mucous membranes begins, which causes thrush. It manifests itself in the form of a white plaque on the lining of the genitals, on the oral mucosa.
During an abortion, the flora of the mucous membrane is disturbed, which often leads to thrush. Medication is required.
Important! Inadequate treatment leads to a chronic form of thrush, which causes pathological diseases and infertility.
The inflammatory process that leads to thrush occurs in the area of \u200b\u200bsimple depilation or shugaring. In shugaring, vegetation is removed using soft strips of powdered sugar. Reduced immunity or poor-quality disinfection of instruments leads to infection with candidiasis.
Menstruation in a woman is in no way associated with the disease of fungal infections. The appearance of thrush before or after menstruation requires a visit to a gynecologist, laboratory examinations and appropriate treatment.
Fungal bacteria can vigorously develop on tampons, pads. It is worth abandoning their use or using pads made from natural materials.
The cause of thrush can be alcohol abuse. Toxins affect not only the internal organs of the gastrointestinal tract, but also the urinary tract and the reproductive system. The most sensitive to the influence of alcohol toxic substances is the female body. They inhibit the protective functions of the body, fungal bacteria are actively developing, affecting the reproductive system, kidneys, and liver.
Important! While taking medications for the treatment of thrush, it is not permissible to consume alcohol even in the lowest doses.
Causes of the onset of the disease in men
In rare cases, thrush is observed in men. It has several subspecies:
- postitis - inflammation of the foreskin;
- balanitis - inflammation of the head;
- balanoposthitis - a joint disease;
- urethritis - thrush of the excretory canals.
The disease is accompanied by swelling, burning, discharge and plaque. The causes of the disease can be:
- taking antibiotics;
- violation of hormone levels;
- unprotected sex;
- overweight;
- stressful situation;
- injuries to the integument;
- hormonal disruptions or their low level after 60 years;
- haphazard use of steroids.
Important! Do not self-medicate. This leads to irreversible processes.
Thrush during pregnancy
Often there is a disease in pregnant women against the background of reduced immunity. It is very important to completely get rid of thrush before childbirth, so as not to infect the baby during its passage through the birth canal. It is necessary to exclude from the diet foods that cause allergic reactions. Also give up sweets. Find a balanced diet of natural food with a nutritionist. Avoid other causes that can lead to fungal infections.
Thrush in children and adolescents
Babies and children of different age groups are also susceptible to infection with fungal bacteria and the development of candidiasis. The reasons may be: improper diet (allergic reactions), taking antibiotics, vitamin deficiency, overweight, pancreatic disease, mucosal injury, contact with carriers of the infection.
Simple pain when swallowing may be the first symptom of thrush. It manifests itself as a white bloom on the mucous membranes, as well as in the form of a yellow influx on the nail folds. In babies, the cause may be infection of the integument during childbirth. The infection can be transmitted through sores on the mother's nipples while feeding the baby. A burning sensation in the mouth, refusal to suck on the breast, white curd coating on the baby's tongue is candidiasis.
Candidiasis can affect a person in their 50s. A weakened immune system and low hormonal levels increase the risk of disease. Also at risk are people with chronic diseases of the reproductive system, diabetes mellitus, and increased levels of allergic reactions. Fungal infections can enter the body through wounds with injuries to the skin and mucous membranes.
In addition to discharge, burning sensation, smell, candidiasis in the early stages of development does not cause severe harm. The consequences are important, in which thrush becomes chronic. Various pathologies of the internal systems of the body, infertility develop.
Prevention
The disappearance of symptoms of candidiasis is not an indicator of complete cure. It is worth completing the full prescribed course of treatment and re-undergoing laboratory tests. For married couples with children, all family members need to undergo research. Preventive measures are not particularly difficult.
- Taking good care of your genitals reduces your risk of disease.
- With menstruation, you often need to change pads, wear cotton underwear.
- Take antibiotics and medications only as directed by your doctor.
- Avoiding uncontrolled consumption of sweets will reduce the risk of fungal bacteria growing.
- Do not use frequent douching, which washes out and disrupts the flora of the mucous membrane.
- Avoid infections from carriers of fungal infections, take care of your health and family members.
