Who has a thrush? What causes thrush in women? Refusal from synthetic underwear

The thrush is also called candidiasis. And this applies fungal infection to those that arise against the background of any problems in the body. And until the problems are fixed - unpleasant thrush symptoms can appear over and over again, even if the treatment was chosen correctly. Moreover, it is not one fungus that causes the disease, but many varieties mushroom genuscandida (there are about 155 types). The most common - candidaalbicans. Conventional medical candidiasis test reveals precisely their presence. They may be present in the body in small amounts. However, unpleasant symptoms appear when their number increases significantly. And if there is chronic thrushthen you have to deal with the disease more scrupulously. So, what are the most common factors that can lead to its appearance?

Food

Food, especially sweet food, as well as excess flour in the diet, changes the acidity of the vaginal environment. Due to improper nutrition, problems with the gastrointestinal tract first arise, then the intestinal microflora changes, after which arises, and then candidiasis. Accordingly, in addition to treatment, you need to limit the consumption of sweet, salty and smoked foods and follow a special diet.

Hormones

If a thrush worsens in the second half of the cycle, the cause of candidiasis is most likely in hormones. The fact is that after ovulation the concentration of progesterone increases and the general immunity decreases slightly. The same can happen during pregnancy. The vaginal microflora changes and candida fungi can become active. It's the same story with oral contraceptives: they also affect our immunity. If a woman is completely healthy, she will not even notice any changes. But if some kind of chronic disease “lives” inside, then taking OK can become an impetus for manifestation symptoms of candidiasis... Also, provoke exacerbation of thrush can also some endocrine diseases, for example, diabetes mellitus.

Antibiotics

They relieve us not only of pathogenic bacteria, but also of the beneficial microflora that the body needs - lactobacilli, which lives in the intestines and vagina. It is these microbes that control the growth of candidal fungi. And when there is not enough lactobacilli in the body, harmful fungi begin to multiply in huge quantities. Also, as in the previous case, when taking antibiotics, immunity decreases, and this also provokes manifestation of thrush.

Incorrect treatment

Candidiasis often worsens after intercourse. In this case, thrush is simply the result of the exchange of microflora. Sometimes men are carriers of the fungus, but they do not even know about it. For this reason, a woman can repeatedly treat candidiasis, but if her partner is not treated, the symptoms of thrush come back again and again.

Larisa Ivanova

doctor-gynecologist of the Central Clinical Hospital No. 13 of Moscow, doctor of the highest category, Ph.D.

At least once a year, every woman should undergo a preventive examination by a gynecologist and take a smear. In addition, it is necessary to urgently go to the doctor's office if any complaints arise: itching, burning, unpleasant discharge ... What she herself takes for "thrush" may in fact be symptoms of another disease. And in no case should you self-medicate.

Herpes

The herpes virus, living in our body, is in a passive state most of the time. It is activated when the immune system is weakened. And then there is candidiasis. And if herpes is not treated, then thrush will manifest itself constantly, with every little bit.

Almost all adult women have heard of such a disease as thrush. Unfortunately, a large number of the fair sex have personally encountered this problem. In some cases, the fight against the disease is delayed for months, and the disease comes back again and again, reducing the quality of life and forcing one more time to take medications.

Thrush in women - This is a disease of the vagina, called in science - candidiasis. Associations with milk among the population arose due to the fact that women have white discharge on their genitals, similar in consistency to cottage cheese.

The causative agent of the disease is the fungus Candida albicans. Scientists have calculated that this microorganism is present in the body in 80% of people as its own microflora, without causing any problems. A woman's vagina is not normally sterile. On its epithelium there are microorganisms, including this one. It is involved in maintaining a normal vaginal pH, which is very important for the epithelium itself, the fertilization process.

The vagina's own flora, in addition, competes with other unwanted microorganisms and reduces the likelihood of developing infectious diseases. At the same time, the immunity of the female body strictly monitors the state of affairs and, if necessary, inhibits the reproduction of "its" bacteria. If for some reason this does not happen or conditions are created for their active reproduction, then the likelihood of developing thrush increases.

Causes of thrush in women

There are many reasons that can lead to a violation of the delicate balance in a woman's body and create conditions for the development of thrush.

Taking antibacterial drugs - one of the most common reasons. Many diseases now have to be treated with antibiotics. This is an effective group of drugs that allowed many deadly diseases to be eliminated in just a few days and to prevent the development of serious complications. However, antibiotics have their own side effects. They do not act selectively on one microbe and can adversely affect the vaginal microflora.

Fungi, on the other hand, have a completely different structure of the cell wall and antimicrobial antibiotics are not dangerous for them. As a result, the following situation is obtained: fungi, causative agents of thrush, remain intact, and bacteria suffer and partially die. No niche in nature is empty, and the place of dead microbes is taken by Candida albicans, which simply has no competitors. As a result, the woman develops candidiasis.

Decreased immunity, which inhibits the growth and reproduction of conditionally pathogenic flora. is the most common opportunistic infection in HIV-infected patients. If patients develop candidiasis in many places (mouth, vagina, intestines) and are difficult to treat, then there is a good chance that HIV is the root cause. Chronic inflammatory diseases and long-term bacterial infections can also negatively affect the body's immune defenses. ()

Disrupted metabolism - this condition is almost always caused. Few people know that with this disease in the human body, not only does the regulation of sugar levels fail, but fat and protein metabolism also suffer. Diabetes mellitus contributes to the development of candidiasis by two mechanisms at once.

In the absence of proper control on the part of a person (taking medications or insulin, monitoring glucose levels), his blood contains a lot of carbohydrates. This cannot but affect their content in the intercellular space and in the vaginal mucus. It turns out that bacteria and fungus Candida albicans find themselves in a sweet environment that is ideal for their nutrition and reproduction - the likelihood of developing thrush increases.

Immunoglobulins - these are substances due to which the implementation of the immune response of the human body occurs. Violation of protein metabolism, which occurs in diabetes mellitus, affects their formation only in the negative direction. The result is a decrease in immunity and the lack of the necessary control over the state and composition of microflora. Fungi readily take advantage of this, given the good nutrient medium, and multiply uncontrollably, causing candidiasis.

Unbalanced and inappropriate nutrition - Normally, a person must take proteins, fats and carbohydrates daily in a certain ratio by weight. Many girls and women call themselves a sweet tooth and eat an unacceptably large amount of sweets, flour products, and sugary carbonated drinks. Their pancreas tries, but cannot produce enough hormone to lower blood glucose levels to at least the upper limit of normal. Further, everything happens approximately as described in the case with: a lot - a lot of sugar in the epithelium of the vagina - good conditions for the reproduction of Candida albicans. In addition, people who abuse sweets have an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, which is much more serious and dangerous than thrush.

Hormonal background. The condition of a woman's genitals, including the vagina, is highly dependent on the hormonal background in her body.

Pregnancy can lead to significant changes in it, which increases the likelihood of developing thrush.

Incorrectly selected hormonal contraceptive drugs can change the level of hormones in the blood so much that the likelihood of developing candidiasis increases.

Many diseases of the endocrine system can lead to the development of thrush. Experienced doctors always remember this and try to find the very original factor. This allows not only to prevent the development of candidiasis in the future, but also to eliminate hormonal pathology, which is important.

Wearing tight synthetic underwear or improper use of sanitary pads (they need to be changed quite often) creates conditions under which heat and moisture do not come out, and these are ideal conditions for the reproduction of fungi.

The disease has quite specific manifestations, which allows doctors to quickly make the correct diagnosis. Often, even before visiting a doctor, women themselves understand what their illness is and begin to make their own attempts at treatment, which is unacceptable.

So, thrush is characterized by:

Cheesy discharge from the external genital organs. They are especially noticeable on dark underwear. They are mucus with a lot of white lumps.

Itching and burning sensation in the vaginal area. In no case should you try to strongly scratch the affected area, since this can damage the delicate inflamed epithelium and create conditions for the penetration of pathogens into the depths of the tissues. Also, when scratching, the discharge spreads over a large surface and causes additional inflammation.

Pain and discomfort when urinating - due to a decrease in the protective properties of the mucus of the vagina and urethra. The epithelium is defenseless against such an aggressive fluid as urine, and inflammation increases the sensitivity of the receptors.

Pain and burning sensation during intercourse - this is just one of the reasons why it is worth refusing to have sexual intercourse until the disease recedes.

Smell - should be discussed separately. It is not very pronounced and has a sour tint ("kefir"). In most cases, only a woman feels it, but for her it is a very big problem. Patients believe that all her interlocutors will certainly be able to catch him. Many sexually transmitted diseases and bacterial vaginosis are accompanied by a really bad smell, but it has almost nothing to do with thrush.

With an erased (atypical) course of thrush and mild symptoms, women may only be bothered by one of the indicated signs. It is impossible to find out about the disease in such cases without professional help. Candidiasis often accompanies many gynecological diseases, including latent and dangerous sexually transmitted infections. Only a qualified doctor is able to analyze the symptoms and prescribe the correct treatment. Self-diagnosis in severe cases of the manifestation of the disease is useless, and self-medication is dangerous.

A comparative table of characteristic symptoms for thrush, bacterial vaginitis and trichomoniasis can be seen in the table. It is not worth considering it as an aid in diagnostics. Diagnoses are made by a doctor based on tests, examination and patient complaints. Even in such cases, the presence of other genital infections accompanying thrush is possible. Self-medication is unacceptable. All appointments must be made by the attending physician.

Thrush	Smell: Sour Discharge: Homogeneous, thick milky color, reminiscent of cottage cheese Discomfort: Burning, itching, pain during intercourse and when urinating
Trichomoniasis	Smell: Unpleasant fishy smell Discharge: Profuse, purulent, frothy, yellowish-green hue. Discomfort: Intense growing itching (external and internal), urinary disorders, redness (irritation) of the vaginal mucosa.
Bacterial vaginitis	Smell: Fishy odor (characteristic of discharge) Discharge: Profuse and thin, gray-white, sometimes frothy. Discomfort: Vaginal itching, burning, mucosal irritation.

The first signs of the development of thrush, which make a woman alert, are:

Is thrush transmitted to men?

Normally, a man's body is constantly faced with the same fungi as a woman's. Since they are contained in the vagina of most women, the partner's genitals in any case come into contact with the causative agent of thrush. A man can also develop genital candidiasis, which has approximately the same manifestations and causes as women. Therefore, if a man has reduced immunity, has diabetes mellitus or other prerequisites, then he can easily become infected with thrush. Moreover, the sexual partner can bring a large amount of fungus into the woman's body, which will provoke the development of the disease.

Thus, thrush is transmitted to a man only if he has the prerequisites for its development, and he does not follow the basic rules of personal hygiene. In the end, it is much easier for a man to remove all pathogens from the surface of the penis by simply washing it thoroughly, unlike a woman. And the sexual intercourse itself in the presence of candidiasis is an act of thoughtlessness, contrary to the recommendations of doctors and is unlikely to give pleasure

How to treat a husband for thrush?

A spouse or partner is treated in the same way as a woman. For therapeutic purposes, drugs for internal use are used, for example, Pimafucin 100 mg 4 times a day. The treatment cycle is 10 days.

Most often in men, candidiasis is asymptomatic. If visible signs of illness appear, a thorough examination should be carried out to identify an infection that lowers immunity. These pathologies include hepatitis B, C, acute leukemia.

For an accurate diagnosis and drawing up a complete clinical picture, the doctor must have not only the test results, but also draw conclusions based on the examination data. Going to an appointment with a gynecologist, a woman will have to answer a number of questions. You need to be ready for this and, if possible, provide the most complete and reliable information that will help the doctor.

A specialist may ask:

What symptoms are troubling? You need to describe in all details.

When were the first manifestations of the disease noticed?

Have the symptoms of the disease changed since its inception? If so, how.

What is the nature of the discharge? Color, smell, abundance, consistency, all the details are important.

What triggers an increase in symptoms? If the condition has worsened, how was it provoked? When and for what reasons does relief come?

Have symptoms been observed before?

Have you ever had to be treated for sexually transmitted diseases?

How active is your sex life? How many sexual partners?

How and with what do you protect yourself?

Has your partner seen a discharge from the penis?

What medications have you taken recently? If antibiotics were prescribed, which ones?

How many days does your period last? What is their regularity?

Was douching ever used or not?

Are there any chronic diseases? If they were in the past, which ones?

After collecting the necessary information, the doctor examines the patient. A smear of the cervix and vaginal mucosa is taken. Microscopic examination of the smear may reveal fungal mycelium. This examination method is considered more informative, since it is impossible to recognize the type of fungal infection that caused thrush.

To find out what kind of fungus provoked the disease, bacterial inoculation of a smear on special nutrient media allows. The sensitivity of the identified colonies, their susceptibility to antifungal drugs is determined. The quantitative factor is also very important. A small number of colonies is considered the norm for a healthy microflora of the vagina.

All studies carried out by specialists point to the fact that thrush is associated with other genital infections. In most cases, candidiasis occurs in a complex, while the symptoms of thrush are masked by hidden infections. There is a tendency for their growth and widespread distribution in recent decades. That is why doctors recommend a differential diagnosis of thrush. This will reveal the presence of diseases such as gardnerellosis. A visit to a venereologist and passing the necessary tests make it possible to confirm or exclude the presence of dangerous infections and draw up the correct treatment plan for thrush.

A comprehensive examination for chronic candidiasis helps to identify diabetes mellitus. The first symptom of this serious illness is thrush. If the tests show, the woman is advised to consult an endocrinologist and follow his recommendations.

The participation of a gastroenterologist is also important. An abdominal ultrasound may be needed to effectively treat candidiasis. Most likely, you will need to donate feces and check the intestines. If there is evidence, FGS and other diagnostic measures are prescribed.

If thrush causes complications in the urinary system, it is necessary to visit a urologist, undergo an examination and pass the necessary tests (ultrasound of the bladder and kidneys, urine analysis according to Zimnitsky, a smear from the urethra).

When should you definitely contact a gynecologist?

Relapses of candidiasis are observed more often 4 times a year.

Treatment for a week does not give results or relieve symptoms.

If after taking the prescribed drugs, irritation appears in the genitals.

In cases when with thrush, weakness is felt, pains in the lower abdomen begin to disturb.

With relapse of candidiasis after a treatment course.

If blood and purulent discharge appears during treatment. Especially dangerous is the discharge of a brown tint in the middle of the therapeutic cycle.

How to treat thrush in women?

If the disease has a mild course and the woman asked for help in a timely manner, then the doctors try to do with local drugs. These are pills, creams, or suppositories that are inserted into the vagina. There they quickly get to their destination and begin to act.

At the first symptoms of the disease, it is advisable to prescribe a specific treatment regimen:

Yeast-like fungi are constantly present in the human body. They are necessary because they perform some important functions in metabolism. As a rule, the vital activity of yeast organisms does not cause any problems and disruptions in the functioning of the immune system. But sometimes their number grows alarmingly, which causes candidiasis.

The Candida fungus lives on the surface of our skin glands, and its growth becomes especially rapid in warm and moist areas of the body, such as armpits, alimentary tract, and oral mucous membranes. Women are more likely to develop a yeast infectionbecause the fungus tends to grow in the vagina, causing discomfort and various disturbances.

What will the article tell you about?

Thrush is a common disease

All kinds of microorganisms - bacteria and fungi - live and develop on human skin. Most of them are not considered dangerous by doctors, since they perform their usual functions and do not harm the human body. However, some under the influence of various factors can develop and multiply uncontrollably, which can provoke all sorts of diseases.

Candidal fungus is considered a potentially harmful and dangerous microorganism. When it grows on the skin, thrush may appear - a disease known to doctors as candidiasis. This condition often causes red, itchy rashes, most often in the folds of the skin. The rash can also spread to other parts of the body, but most often the characteristic course of the disease is the appearance of thrush in the vagina.

What causes thrush, and when should you be on your guard?

Vaginal candidiasis is the most common type of yeast infection and is characterized by an overgrowth of a fungus called Candida albicans in the vagina. According to surveys, three out of four women at one time, but are exposed to vaginal yeast infections.Many women note the occurrence of thrush several times in their lives, and some are completely forced to fight this ailment throughout the entire time.

What causes thrush in women? Many people incorrectly believe that it is sexually transmitted and occurs against the background of sexual intercourse with a sick partner.

It's actually not a sexually transmitted disease (STD), although frequent and unprotected sex can cause yeast infections to develop. In addition to sex, there are other, more common causes of thrush in women. These include:

• weakened immunity;
• the use of antibiotics and birth control pills;
• overuse of hygiene products such as scented pads, tampons, vaginal creams and sprays.

All of the above means and methods can change the natural balance of microflora in the vagina, as a result of which the appearance of a fungal infection becomes possible.

Pregnancy as a factor explaining what causes thrush

Pregnant women are more susceptible to developing Candida albicans in the mouth or vagina because their immune systems are not well protected. Candida infection during pregnancy develops due to the higher estrogen levels that occur while the baby is waiting.Elevated estrogen levels produce glycogen in the vagina, which can create an ideal climate for yeast to grow rapidly, thrive, and penetrate the vaginal mucosa.

So, the causes of thrush in pregnant women are more or less clear. How is fungal infection of the mucous membranes of the epidermis manifested? They completely coincide with the symptoms of candidiasis that non-pregnant women suffer from. The main symptoms that often poison the lives of expectant mothers and non-pregnant women are itching, burning, redness and soreness. The manifestation of all these ailments leads to swelling of the labia. Vaginal discharge is odorless, and its texture and color resembles granular cottage cheese. Other common manifestations of the disease are pain during intercourse and burning sensation when urinating.

Practice shows that it is unlikely that it will be possible to minimize the causes of thrush in pregnant women. But you can alleviate your condition without resorting to toxic dangerous and harmful substances created to treat the pathological growth of the fungus. Believe it or not, but using regular yogurt - no additives or sugar - on the mucous membranes of the vagina is considered one of the most natural and safest ways to eliminate yeast. Preventive measures include the exclusion of all factors, which causes thrush. One of the most important is adherence to body hygiene.

Recurrent candidiasis is not uncommon for women who are pregnant. Practice shows that treatment for fungal infections in representatives of the beautiful half of humanity who are waiting for a baby always has a longer duration than non-pregnant women. And if two weeks are enough for the therapy of candida, a month will not be enough for the ladies in position to get rid of the manifestations of an unpleasant ailment.

Recognizing the symptoms and causes of thrush is vital during pregnancy, since the disease is potentially dangerous not only for the mother, but also for her unborn child.

The ubiquitous thrush: why does it appear in children and non-pregnant women?

One of the most common questions that patients ask doctors is: "Why does thrush appear in women?" The most important causes of the disease are non-observance of basic hygiene rules and a weakened immune system.

There are many factors why mushroom growth occurs. An imbalance can occur:

• in people with weakened immune systemsthat cannot control the growth of beneficial or harmful bacteria (candidiasis affects people with medical conditions such as depression or HIV);
• in people who recently completed a course of antibiotics;
• in people who have recently recovered from the flu and other similar diseases - for example, rotavirus (intestinal) infection.

In addition, the albicans fungus feeds on the sugars that are present in the body. This puts people who suffer from diabetes at a high risk of developing the disease as they have high blood sugar.

Do not think that candidiasis can develop only in the vaginal environment. There are several other types of illness, including:

• Diaper candidiasis (in babies). This condition is known by healthcare professionals as cutaneous candidiasis. The fungus can affect the skin, nails, hair, and often occurs in newborns and infants in the first months of life. What provokes the disease in babies? The most common cause is a warm and humid environment. Diaper rash often appears in it, that is, a red rash that causes discomfort, but can go away on its own if conditions change to more acceptable ones. In severe cases, doctors may prescribe antifungal medications. Interestingly, the fungus can develop on the skin of not only newborns, but also adults. The presence of warm, moist areas and folds on the skin becomes a clear reason why there is infection with epidermal fungi. Wet skin over time becomes inflamed, itchy and sore, causing discomfort to a person.
• Oral candidiasis... The standard picture is that thrush appears in the corners of the mouth, on the tongue, lips, gums, and the inner surfaces of the cheeks, which causes discomfort. Most often, Candida is spread in newborns, the elderly, and patients with weakened immune systems. There is a chance of getting oral candidiasis if the patient is undergoing cancer treatment, taking medications based on broad-spectrum antibiotics or corticosteroids. Wearing dentures and poor hygiene at this time often causes unpleasant ailments.
• Invasive candidiasis... Untreated thrush can cause terrible lesions, from which invasive candidiasis occurs. It happens when yeast-like fungi enter the bloodstream through medical equipment or devices, from which there is an infection of the brain, blood, eyes, skeletal system. This can cause the appearance of infections that pose a threat to the life and health of the patient. People with weakened immune systems, diabetes mellitus, or kidney failure have a higher chance of developing invasive candidiasis. If thrush appears inside the body, you will have to get rid of it with intravenous droppers and injections, as well as antifungal drugs.

To summarize: what can lead to the development of a yeast-like infection on the body and mucous membranes?

Based on the above, there are 9 main provoking factors that explain why candidiasis develops:

• Frequent change and use of hygiene products - pads and tampons, especially during the entire menstrual period, provoke the disease. If you do not adhere to this rule, the natural composition of the vaginal microflora can be changed for the worse.
• Improper use of toilet paper: it is worth excluding any mixing of the contents of the intestinal flora with the flora of the vagina. If you do this, it can cause uncontrolled growth of yeast-like fungi.
• Practice good hygiene, but don't be fanatical about it. Because the Candida fungus loves to thrive in humid and warm environments, try to wipe your genitals dry after bathing or showering.
• Give preference to natural fabrics with a safe composition. Wearing synthetic underwear leads to excessive sweating, which in turn causes the uncontrolled growth of candidiasis, especially those that love warm and humid environments. Use cotton underwear that does not accumulate moisture or excessive perspiration. The same can be said about tight-fitting clothing, which also provokes changes in the composition of the microflora.
• Take contraception under the supervision of your doctor and only after the appointment. The fact is that contraceptives in pills often provoke thrush. The drug should be selected by a doctor on the basis of tests, taking into account the individual characteristics of the patient.
• Minimize antibiotic therapy. Uncontrolled use of antibiotics causes candidiasis. It should be noted that antibiotics are not used to treat viral diseases and are only effective for treating bacterial infections. If antibiotics are prescribed by your doctor, do not take them without probiotics. Antibiotic-based drugs kill not only bad, but also good bacteria, and probiotics help maintain the balance of microflora.
• If you are susceptible to candidiasis, eliminate refined, processed, and sugary foods from your diet. They increase the glycemic index, which leads to uncontrolled, rapid growth of yeast-like fungi.
• Use household chemicals and cosmetics rationally. The composition of the vaginal (and not only vaginal) microflora can change under the influence of scented toilet soaps, synthetic detergents, scented toilet paper, fabric softeners and conditioners. It is better to give preference to hypoallergenic products that meet environmental safety requirements.
• Do not overuse vaginal douching, which can change the composition of the microflora.

Such a disease as candidiasis, better known as thrush, is familiar to almost all women, and most, unfortunately, from personal experience. And if in most cases it is almost the same, then the causes of thrush in women may be different.

Where does thrush come from

Candidiasis got its popular name due to the fact that the discharge that appears with it causes many people to associate with milk, or rather, with cottage cheese. When thrush appears, every woman has abundant white vaginal discharge, which is very similar in consistency to cottage cheese.

The causative agent of a disease called thrush is a fungus of the genus Candida., numbering about 150 varieties. Normally, this fungus is present in the body of every person, being part of the normal microflora, for example, in the vagina of women. These microorganisms are necessary to maintain a normal pH of the vaginal microflora, which is important for the state of the epithelium, as well as for the process of conception.

The immune system is always on guard for maintaining a normal state and inhibits the growth of fungi if necessary, but with weakened immunity, these microorganisms are activated and lead to the appearance of the disease... Quite often, when the state of the immune system is normalized, the body itself copes with thrush, but in some situations, medical attention is required.

Causes of candidiasis in women

There are quite a few factors leading to the appearance of a violation, and it is very important to determine exactly what causes thrush in a woman in order to choose adequate therapy and prevent further relapses. The main reasons include:

Low immunity

This cause of thrush in girls is the most common and common.... For many women, it is enough to catch a cold or any similar infectious viral disease to immediately appear and candidiasis.

With a strong weakening of the immune system caused by any serious or long-term illness, thrush can spread throughout the body, forming foci of inflammation not only in the vagina (in women) and on the genitals (in men), but also in the intestines, as well as in oral cavity. In this case, thrush requires a complex and very difficult treatment.

In patients infected with HIV, due to a weak immune system, thrush is an almost constant companion and requires serious careful monitoring, since the treatment in this case will be very difficult.

If you do not start treatment on time, aimed primarily at strengthening the immune system and restoring the body's defenses, candidiasis can become chronic and create many inconveniences and troubles, manifesting itself in the presence of any factor favorable for fungi.

Improper nutrition

Improper diet is also a common cause of candidiasis in women. For the normal existence of the body, each person must consume a certain amount of fats, proteins and carbohydrates per day, with an optimal ratio of vitamins and other nutrients.

Nutrition should be balanced and food should be variedso that the body gets everything it needs. But some women (like men and children) have a particular weakness for sweets and various pastries and consume them in very large quantities, often without controlling such actions and exceeding all reasonable norms.

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In this case, too much sugar enters the bloodstream, which the body cannot adequately cope with. Because of this, the vaginal microflora also changes, where a special "sweet" atmosphere is created, very favorable for the rapid growth of fungi. For this reason, all those with a sweet tooth often suffer from thrush..

Hormones

The state of the vaginal microflora largely depends on the general level of hormones in the body and the existing hormonal background. Any hormonal disruptions caused by stress, pregnancy, some phases of the menstrual cycle, menopause, various pathological conditions, obesity, the presence of diabetes mellitus, thyroid disorders, ovarian or adrenal gland dysfunction, and other factors can create optimal conditions for the development of fungi.

Very often, doctors send women who periodically develop thrush for a number of additional studies, since diabetes mellitus may be the cause of the frequent appearance of thrush.

Another problem with the hormonal plan is contraception in this category. Hormonal contraceptive abuse, as well as their unjustified use, often lead to hormonal disruptions observed both in certain types of hormones and in the general hormonal background, which also creates a favorable environment for the development of fungi.

Antibiotics

Another commonly observed cause of thrush is the use of antibiotics.... Today, many diseases simply cannot be cured without the use of drugs of antibiotic and antimycotic groups. Such means make it possible to eliminate many very dangerous diseases in just a few days, saving a person from possible serious consequences, which became possible thanks to the development of modern medicine.

But any remedies in this category have many side effects. In addition, any antibiotics are not able to affect only one specific type of harmful microorganisms, without affecting others, therefore, as a rule, various flora suffer.

Violation of the condition of the mucous membranes in many organs can lead to the activation of Candida fungi and the appearance of thrush, especially in the vagina and oral cavity.

Synthetic and wet underwear

Many women are fond of wearing synthetic underwear, more attractive and sophisticated than natural cotton models, as well as jumpsuits and thong panties.

Such underwear causes very significant harm to a woman's body., but many do not pay attention to it for the sake of fashion and personal tastes. Synthetic underwear disrupts natural heat transfer, especially tight, tight-fitting models, creating a kind of vacuum space.

For this reason, the temperature in the perineal area begins to rise, as does the humidity level, and this contributes to the rapid reproduction of fungi. In this regard, it is especially dangerous to wear such underwear in hot weather.

Wet underwear can also cause candidiasis.... Some women, after swimming in ponds or pools, are in no hurry to shower and change into dry clothes, thereby providing a favorable moist environment conducive to the development of thrush.

Local factors

• Continuous use of pads with flavors, including daily ones.
• The use of gels, soaps and other intimate hygiene productsthat have an antibacterial effect. With too frequent use of such substances, local immunity in the genitals is impaired.
• Using scented and colored toilet paper.
• Unjustified douching various means or herbal decoctions and even plain water. This behavior contributes to the leaching of not only harmful microflora from the vagina, but also useful, which leads to the destruction of natural defenses.

• Lack of personal hygiene or its forced violation, for example, on long trips, when it is impossible to take a shower or at least wash normally.
• Constant use of panty liners, especially in cases where they are not replaced during the day.
• Using tampons during menstrual bleeding with their rare replacement. It is very important to change your tampons every 4 hours, regardless of how full they are.

Other reasons

Among other reasons for the frequent appearance of thrush, metabolic disorders can be noted, which is almost always observed in obese women, and in half of the cases this is due to the presence of diabetes mellitus at some stage.

In case of metabolic disorders, a failure occurs not only in the system of regulating the blood sugar content, but also in the processes of natural protein and fat metabolism. As a rule, this also results in a violation of the flora in the vagina.

Pregnancy is considered another factor., after all, it's not a secret for anyone that thrush is a very frequent companion of this period, which is important for every woman.

When carrying a baby from the earliest periods, an instability of the hormonal background appears, which is constantly changing, and this cannot but affect the state of various systems and organs, including the vagina.

Already from the first days of pregnancy, the immune system decreases., which is necessary for the normal bearing and development of the fetus. If this does not happen, the woman will have a miscarriage, since the immune system identifies the ovum as a foreign body and seeks to get rid of it. A decrease in immunity (necessary for a normal pregnancy) leads to the development of many ailments, including thrush.

The unpleasant symptoms of candidiasis are familiar to most women. The feeling of discomfort, burning sensation, abundant discharge does not allow you to lead a full-fledged active lifestyle. As a result, a person becomes irritable, nervousness appears. The causes of thrush in women can be many; to determine them and make an accurate diagnosis, you need to consult a doctor.

The appearance of thrush

The official name of the disease sounds like vaginal candidiasis. This infectious disease is caused by the Candida fungi, which are present in the body of any person and do not cause any harm during the normal functioning of the immune system. The microflora of the vagina contains about 40 different types of beneficial bacteria that prevent pathogens from actively multiplying.

Health problems due to the uncontrolled growth of harmful organisms can begin with a weakened immune system. Constant stress, surgery, prolonged use of antibiotics, infectious or sexually transmitted diseases can have a negative effect on the immune system and cause thrush in women. The causes and treatment are closely related... Depending on the nature of the origin of candidiasis, a treatment regimen is prescribed, which can be complex.

Typical symptoms

It is not difficult to identify candidiasis. The fungus manifests itself in an acute form and in a very short time. In most cases, patients who felt completely normal in the morning in the evening may experience:

Depending on the individual characteristics of the organism and the severity of the course of the disease, an increase in body temperature may be observed. Much also depends on the state of the immune system. Some women tolerate thrush quite easily. The body itself copes with the growth of harmful microorganisms within a few days. But in most cases, you have to resort to medication.

The choice of remedy depends on the cause of thrush in a woman. Treatment is prescribed by a doctor after examination and based on the results of the tests.

Reasons for the appearance

Favorable conditions for the development of candida fungi can arise not only due to weakened immunity. Other factors that can give impetus to development can be divided into 4 large groups:

To better understand how thrush occurs in women, you need to learn more about each of the reasons. This will help not only to consult a doctor in a timely manner, but also to prevent the development of the disease.

Weakened immunity

The logical chain is quite simple: the immune system becomes weak, the general condition of the body deteriorates, and favorable conditions arise for the development of candida fungus. Thus, immunity can become the root cause of all troubles. To keep it in good shape you need to know the main reasons that can cause the immune system to decline:

1. Lifestyle. The most important factor that affects the general state of human health. It is not surprising that people who live under constant stress cannot afford adequate, healthy sleep, drink alcohol and smoke regularly, and put their bodies at serious risk. Sports, good rest, calmness of the nervous system, on the contrary, strengthen the immune system and help prevent many diseases.
2. Food. Another fundamental question. In many ways, the state of health depends on the food that people are used to. The digestive tract, the liver can suffer greatly due to the excessive consumption of fatty, spicy foods. It is very important that the nutrition is complete, it is necessary to include in the daily diet food rich in vitamins, proteins, fats, carbohydrates. It is important to follow the regimen, eat food in small portions 4-5 times a day. If candidiasis manifests itself, then the exclusion of sweet, flour and dairy products from the diet will accelerate recovery.
3. Taking antibiotics. It is widely known that after taking antibiotics, the immune system remains vulnerable for several weeks. That is why in these few weeks it is necessary to be extremely careful and respectful of the body.
4. Chronic diseases, previous operations. Pre-existing diseases of the heart, liver, kidneys or other organs cause severe damage. Surgical intervention will also require additional efforts from the body to recover.

Hormonal background

Many complex hormonal processes take place in the female body, a failure in which can lead to very serious consequences. Pregnancy, menstruation or menopause can cause dramatic changes in hormonal levels. The microflora of the mucous membranes of the genital organs changes, the body becomes susceptible to various infections. It is these conditions that are ideal for the development of candidiasis.

Hormonal drugs, which are prescribed for a variety of reasons, can also have an adverse effect. In this case, a consultation with a gynecologist is necessary, who can adjust the dosage or prescribe other types of drugs. The hormonal background can also change when using contraceptives. It is also worth picking them up with great care. When using subcutaneous implants, birth control pills, coils or patches, it is best to consult a doctor first.

Diseases of the thyroid gland, obesity or diabetes mellitus are inextricably linked with hormonal levels. These health problems can have negative effects and increase the risk of thrush.

The fungus develops directly in the vagina, therefore, a violation of the bacterial flora is one of the main causes of thrush. There may be several reasons for this:

Violation of the rules of personal hygiene

For most women, the issue of personal hygiene is extremely acute, especially during menstruation. The constant feeling of discomfort and the need to take a shower is quite natural. Cleanliness, constant care of intimate parts of the body can reduce the likelihood of candidiasis. You should not wear tight underwear, especially synthetic ones - this promotes the penetration of candida fungus from the intestines into the vagina. But excessive zeal is not recommended, the use of alkaline soap, too frequent washing can also disrupt the microflora of the external genital organs.

During the illness itself, the issue of personal hygiene is especially acute. Abundant discharge of white color, having an unpleasant odor, is especially active in the first 2-3 days. It is important to change your underwear frequently, take a shower and follow the doctor's recommendations.

Often, patients who have encountered the symptoms of thrush for the first time and were already going to visit a doctor are surprised to find that after a few days the symptoms have become barely noticeable or disappeared altogether. Believing that the body has managed to completely and completely cope with the disease, they completely cancel the visit to the doctor. This position has the right to life. Strong immunity, not the most striking manifestation of thrush, and good hygiene often allow the body to restore the balance of bacteria.

At the same time, it is important to be aware of the latent danger that candidiasis carries. The consequences after thrush in women can be different:

It is better to prevent any disease. Knowing how thrush occurs in women, you can change your attitude towards some issues. Compliance with the rules of personal hygiene, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, giving up bad habits and regular visits to a gynecologist will minimize the risk of candidiasis.