10/11/2015 // admin

A smear for thrush is called a “flora smear” in medical practice. The fact is that there is no separate analysis specifically for the problem described, but a smear on the flora, among other things, helps to determine the presence of a fungus of the genus Candida on the mucous membrane and even accurately indicate its type.

Important! For candidiasis of the genital organs, the doctor takes a smear of flora from the vagina from a woman, and from the urethra from a man. The technique is similar to taking a smear from the mucous membrane of the throat or nose, which is carried out for various ENT diseases in children and adults.

Taking a smear for thrush in women or men requires a minimum of special skills and is carried out by a gynecologist or a doctor of another profile, depending on where exactly the thrush is localized. The analysis allows us to detect this, as well as some other diseases, with up to 95% accuracy. Please note what types of candidiasis there are.

Mandatory smear

In general, a smear on the flora, which, as we have already found out, helps to determine the presence and type of Candida fungus on the vaginal mucosa, is mandatory for every woman when visiting a gynecologist. With its help, you can find out the contents of the mucous membrane and understand in which direction there are deviations from the norm.

Advice! If there are no clinical manifestations of thrush or other intimate diseases, then a smear is taken once a year. During pregnancy, a smear is taken early, usually during the first visit to the gynecologist.

Taking rules

If a smear is taken for thrush in men, it is slightly different from taking this test in women. But it is useful for representatives of both sexes to comply with certain conditions even before going to the doctor. If there is oropharyngeal candidiasis, then the smear will be from the oral mucosa.

How to prepare for a flora smear:

• The day before the test, do not engage in intimate intimacy;
• Do not douche during the day, and also stop using any vaginal medications;
• Do not urinate two hours before taking a smear;

A smear on the flora of a woman or man is taken with sterile honey. with a spatula or gauze swab. The doctor applies the contents of several sections of the mucous membrane onto a separate slide. Already in the laboratory, preparations are used that dry and stain the analysis, and examination is carried out under a microscope.

Indications for taking a smear for flora:

• For preventive purposes (once every 12 months);
• Diagnosis of thrush;
• Infections of the vagina, as well as the cervix or external genitalia, of bacterial origin;
• Vaginal bleeding, the cause of which cannot be determined;

How to decipher the results

We found out what a smear for thrush is called, now we need to understand how to decipher its results. As a rule, the doctor himself should briefly talk about the patient’s health condition.

Deciphering a healthy smear for flora:

• Leukocytes. In a healthy state, 14-15 is in the field of view. With thrush they may be increased.
• Flat epithelium. An obligatory cell in the structure of the genital organs, must be present in a normal analysis.
• Bacteria. Bacteria are always present in the microflora; normally they are represented only by rod flora.
• Key or atypical cells. They should not be present in a normal smear of a healthy person.
• Fungus. If the indicator is normal, the fungus should not be detected. There is Candida albicans in the smear, what is it?

Deviations

If the doctor sees that the smear has deviations from the norm for some indicators, additional examinations are prescribed to make a diagnosis. For thrush, a smear from the mucous membrane of the throat and nose is often prescribed in parallel in order to see the picture of the disease as much as possible.

If there are cocci in the smear, this indicates the presence of a bacterial infection. In this case, it is necessary to identify the pathogen and prescribe strict treatment. In the presence of mixed flora, they speak of dysbacteriosis, which is caused by either cocci or fungi of the genus Candida.

If a smear on the flora shows the presence of fungi of the genus Candida, we can talk about the presence of thrush. In such a situation, the doctor will prescribe objective treatment, which includes taking the drug for general and local effects.

Thrush after antibiotics: treatment

Almost every person has had to be treated with antibiotics at least once in their life, since they save them from many different diseases. But antibiotics cannot always be called drugs that have a positive effect. If you take it over a long period of time and do not follow the correct dosage and other requirements during therapy, you may encounter the development of complications.

Thrush (candidiasis) is a popular disease that can occur during therapy with antibiotic drugs.

In the material below you can find out that thrush after antibiotics should be treated immediately and correctly.

Thrush and its symptoms

Since men very rarely encounter thrush, the disease can rightfully be called a female disease. Candida fungus is the causative agent of candidiasis. It can affect both mucous membranes (intestines, oral cavity, genitals, respiratory tract) and skin. In most cases, she chooses a secluded place for her life - the female genital organs.

Yeast-like fungi are representatives of the normal microflora of the vagina of every woman. Under suitable and favorable conditions, fungi begin to reproduce and increase colonies. As a result, symptoms of thrush begin to appear. If nothing provokes the development of these opportunistic organisms, they do not cause discomfort and are not at all disturbing.

How to recognize thrush?

The first symptoms of the disease are expressed by itching and burning in the affected tissues of the genital organs. They have a negative impact on women's overall well-being and productivity. Remember! In order to avoid damage to the epithelium and deeper penetration of fungal infectious agents, it is forbidden to comb the affected areas.

A mandatory symptom of candidiasis is vaginal discharge. The released masses may look like cottage cheese or curdled milk. Their color is white or slightly creamy. Does the discharge have a specific odor? Usually yes, they do. Moreover, the smell is similar to sour fermented milk product. It is sometimes called "kefir".

Sex, urination, bathing or regular washing cause a burning sensation and are very painful. The skin of the genital organs and the mucous membrane with thrush swell, become red and inflamed. Not always, but often the labia and clitoris are covered with a white coating with a slightly gray tint. It’s not difficult to get rid of the formed plaque; you just need to take a piece of gauze or cotton wool (whatever you can find around the house) and remove it. Please note that the use of mechanical methods is strictly prohibited!

Consequences of taking antibiotics

How do antibiotics work? The purpose of these products is to destroy bacteria, both beneficial and harmful. If an antibiotic drug has a detrimental effect on too many types of bacteria, many complications will occur later. For this reason, taking such drugs requires consultation with a doctor. Antibiotics begin the process of activation in the human intestines. As you know, this mucous membrane contains bacteria that digest food.

The sensitivity to various drugs in bacteria is increased, so it will not be difficult to destroy them. Microorganisms that belong to the class of opportunistic and pathogenic begin to grow in their habitat. These include the famous yeast-like fungi of the genus Candida. Possible consequences of this fact include gastrointestinal diseases. Don’t forget, antibiotics are systemic drugs, so they are absorbed into the general bloodstream. Ultimately they affect:

• all human systems and organs;
• cells of the mucous membranes of the genital tract and oral cavity.

Such moments undoubtedly affect the excess number of growing fungi, since antibiotics do not kill yeast-like microorganisms.

Do thrush symptoms change after taking antibiotics?

No, the symptoms remain the same. It should be noted that increased discomfort occurs both before and after menstruation.

How to cure thrush?

After taking antibiotics, treatment of the disease should be comprehensive and include the areas described below. Initially, you should pay attention to the intestines and inflamed mucous membranes. That is, it is necessary to put their microflora in order. Normalization is achieved through the consumption of products that contain probiotics. These include yeast-free breads, yoghurts and kefir, and various types of cheeses. In order not to contribute to the development of infectious fungi, you need to exclude many foods from your diet.

Be sure to give up sweets (which can be an extremely difficult test for those with a sweet tooth), yeast baked goods and drinks based on them. You also need to limit salty, too spicy and fatty foods. To ensure the growth of microflora, suitable conditions should be created for this. Therefore, it is recommended to resort to the help of products, as well as drugs from the pharmacy, which include prebiotics. Effective foods include bananas, beans, oatmeal, and asparagus.

Treatment should include strengthening the immune system of the entire body. Therefore, you will need to take appropriate medications: complexes of vitamins and minerals, immunostimulants, immunosuppressants. (An example is the extract of a well-known herbal medicinal plant called ginseng).

The next mandatory activity is local restoration of functions to protect the affected mucous membranes. For genital thrush, soda baths can help (this method is described below). To treat the affected areas, douching and rinsing are used (if fungi attack the oral mucosa). Good results are achieved using solutions based on potassium permanganate, chamomile, kefir, and honey.

Treating thrush with medications

Therapy should be aimed at suppressing the quantitative indicator of Candida fungi and, naturally, at the use of drugs that will help restore vaginal microbiocenosis. If a fungal infection has just begun to develop, you need to react in time so that treatment can proceed quickly and without difficulty. Doctors often recommend starting with local medications - intravaginal tablets, suppositories, and the use of antifungal ointments and creams. Of the many existing ones, Natamycin and Nystatin (polyenes), Fluconazole and Ketoconazole (azoles) are well-known and effective.

Effective topical preparations:

• Pimafucin suppositories (active substance – natamycin);
• Livarol suppositories (active substance – ketoconazole);
• the drug Mikosist in the form of intravaginal tablets and suppositories. The active ingredient appears to be fluconazole.

The duration of treatment depends on the general picture of the disease. Basically it ranges from three to ten days. It must be remembered that antibiotics will not help get rid of thrush, as they provoke the proliferation of a fungal infection. Therefore, such remedies will in no way help in treating the ailment that has arisen.

Why use Pimafucin suppositories during pregnancy?

Pregnancy is a period during which you need to be treated only with safe means that do not have a negative effect on the unborn baby. For this reason, women should only be treated locally. The best means of control, allowed at any stage of pregnancy, are Pimafucin suppositories. This medicine is non-toxic, is not absorbed into the blood and does not affect the baby in the womb. Before inserting the suppository into the vagina, the woman should wash herself well.

Candles allow you to get rid of the unpleasant symptoms of thrush in 3–9 days. (It is worth noting that improvements are noted after the introduction of the second suppository, but this does not serve as a reason to stop the treatment process). If any complications are observed during thrush (for example, cystitis), systemic medications are added to the treatment plan - injections, tablets. Parallel use of drugs belonging to one specific group (for example, only polyenes) helps to get rid of fungi in a relatively short period of time.

Tablets for thrush

1. Doctors often prescribe Livarol tablets to patients. To quickly get rid of annoying fungi, along with them you need to be treated with Livarol suppositories. This drug has contraindications for pregnant women - it is prohibited in the first trimester.
2. Pimafucin, Levorin in tablet form allow you to recover in a maximum of nine days. The minimum number of days for therapy is 6 days.
3. Diflucan tablets against candidiasis. Their active substance is ketoconazole. Treatment consists of a single dose of the tablet. The drug is popular in the treatment of thrush caused by taking antibiotics. Contraindicated during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Traditional treatment of candidiasis

There are many well-known folk methods for eliminating uninvited guests - yeast-like fungi. Today we will look at the most famous and effective ones.

Garlic against fungus

Homemade garlic candles will be an excellent option for therapy at home. For this treatment you will need to prepare vegetable oil, gauze, and one clove of garlic. It's simple: take a clove, then soak it in oil. Next, to place it in the vagina, you need to wrap it in gauze. The residence time of this type of suppository in the vagina is about 30 minutes. If you experience very unpleasant sensations in the form of a burning sensation, remove the candle immediately. Therapeutic therapy is carried out for about a week or ten days. By the way, garlic suppositories are prohibited during pregnancy!

Soda is a remedy that has been proven over the years

Thanks to soda, an alkaline environment is formed, which is not suitable for the life of fungi. Thus, they gradually begin to die and the disease leaves the woman. This folk remedy is used both for douching and for baths. To douche, combine half a teaspoon of soda with 0.5 liters of water. The released masses, reminiscent of cottage cheese in consistency, are easily washed out, and the vaginal mucosa will quickly regain a healthy state.

To make a soda bath, take a basin and fill it with warm water. Then pour the prepared soda solution into the water, as well as an iodine-based solution. The components are taken in the following proportions - a teaspoon of iodine per liter of water, soda is required in the same amount. Take baths every day until symptoms disappear completely.

Soap helps not only in the household

To treat candidiasis with laundry soap, you first need to find soap in stores. It is recommended to use only natural and high quality products. So be careful when purchasing. It has long been known that laundry soap is an excellent remedy for fighting harmful bacteria. It contains fats that soften the mucous membrane of the genital organs. Preparing a soap solution is simple: you need to carefully dilute the soap in water.

The vagina should be washed deeply so that the resulting solution reaches the infectious diseases and has a detrimental effect on them. After completing the procedure, use clean water to wash. This therapy lasts for a week. Repeat it twice - in the morning and before bedtime. It is worth mentioning the positive effects of other soaps, which help relieve inflammation and destroy Candida fungi. This is tar soap. The method of use does not differ from the economic treatment method.

How to prevent the development of candidiasis?

In order to avoid encountering such a common disease, women are obliged to constantly maintain intimate hygiene. It is prohibited to use detergents, soaps, shower gels with various fragrances. For douching, you should not choose products that have an antibacterial or antiseptic effect. If thrush occurs during menstruation, it is recommended to change pads more often, because prolonged wear will lead to the formation of an environment with high humidity, which candida loves so much. Remember that the trousers and skirts you wear should not create discomfort and fit snugly to your body. When it comes to underwear, you should give preference to natural fabrics. An important role is played by the treatment of all kinds of ongoing diseases: chronic, infectious. Women should also avoid drinking alcohol, smoking, sweets and any foods high in sugar, yeast baked goods, kvass, sweet fruits, etc.

The danger of thrush

The disease can worsen:

• intimate relationships between partners who love each other;
• general condition of the woman;
• the ability to concentrate on specific tasks.

Thrush is not as dangerous, but a fungal infection can still spread and affect

• cervix;
• skin located in the genital area;
• urethra;
• bladder.

If the disease proceeds in a chronic form, inflammatory processes in the above-mentioned organs, as well as various pathologies (for example, urethritis, cystitis), cannot be excluded. Candidiasis is easily transmitted to the unborn baby both during pregnancy and during childbirth. This common disease is sometimes the cause of spontaneous abortion. Remember that self-medication is harmful! Therefore, as soon as you hear the alarm bell of thrush, go to the doctor. After all, prescribing examinations and correct treatment methods are within his competence.

If you have any questions regarding a popular female ailment - thrush, you have the opportunity to consult with a specialist doctor on our site! Do not delay treatment so that thrush does not become chronic or lead to serious diseases of other organs.

How is thrush transmitted?

Thrush is an extremely unpleasant disease familiar to many women. To finally defeat the disease, it is important to understand what the routes of infection are, whether thrush is transmitted from other people, and whether there is a chance of infecting a sexual partner or becoming infected from him.

Native microbe

Surprisingly, the microorganism that causes the development of thrush lives in the body of every person. It's called Candida, the scientific name for the disease is candidiasis. The yeast fungus Candida coexists peacefully with other bacteria without causing painful symptoms. There is no need to treat a person; the number of microbes is limited by the healthy conditions of the internal environment of the body. But if these conditions are violated, ideal conditions will arise for active growth of the fungus.

You can “catch” thrush by becoming infected with a fungus from the outside. But it is possible to “grow” the disease by destroying the body’s defenses, which provides favorable conditions for the development of “native” bacteria.

Manifestations of the disease

Candidiasis develops on the mucous membranes, including the oral cavity. But the most common reason for visiting a doctor is candidiasis of the genital mucosa, mainly in women. Due to the structural features of the genital organs, thrush occurs more often in them.

The pathogenic fungus actively multiplies and releases metabolic products. Thick, cheesy vaginal discharge appears, has a yellowish color and an unpleasant “fishy” odor. Candidiasis is accompanied by constant itching and sharp, severe pain when urinating - during and after sexual intercourse.

Thrush in men

Thrush is also diagnosed in men, although much less frequently. The structure of the male genital organs does not provide suitable conditions for the fungus to “thrive”. Male candidiasis is easier to treat than female candidiasis.

Symptoms of male candidiasis:

• whitish coating on the head of the penis;
• dry mucous membrane in this area;
• severe itching;
• possible redness and ulcers developing on the foreskin;
• pain during urination;
• pain during and after sexual intercourse.

Pathways of the disease

Candidiasis is an intimate disease. It causes a lot of inconvenience and problems, not only of a physical nature. A sick woman often worries whether thrush is transmitted by
sexual contact, whether it can infect a sexual partner.

On the other hand, it is important to know whether it is possible to “catch” the disease during unprotected sexual intercourse.

Every woman needs to be informed about the question: “How is thrush transmitted?” in order to avoid the disease.

It should be noted that it is easy to become infected with candidiasis. But at the same time, the risk of developing the disease is much higher against the background of weakened immunity, inflammatory infections, and disturbances in the microflora of the digestive and genital tracts. In a healthy body, even with direct contact with the fungus, pathology does not occur.

Infection of an infant

The first contact with the fungus occurs already in the first year of a baby’s life. This does not necessarily lead to the development of the disease; candida can exist peacefully in the body for many years.

But if the mother is sick with candidiasis or is a carrier of it, there is a high probability that the baby will develop thrush.

How is thrush transmitted from mother to child?

• In the womb. Candida is found even in the umbilical cord of the fetus, but direct infection mostly occurs during or after childbirth.
• During childbirth. Close contact of the mucous membranes (vagina and mouth) of the child with the mother’s genital tract causes the fungus to enter the body.
• In the first months of life. Infection can occur through contact with the mother's nipples and hands; active fungi can be found on food products, in milk, and on various objects.

Domestic infection

Candida fungus is extremely resilient. Once outside the owner’s body, he feels great and remains active for a long time. This ability explains how you can become infected with thrush through household means. The most common “transshipment objects” of the insidious fungus are: hygiene products, sponges, soap, pads and tampons, bed linen. It is very easy to become infected through pool water. An elementary rule for preventing the disease: in order not to have to treat candidiasis, you need to maintain hygiene.

Autoinfection

If basic hygiene is not observed, it is difficult to treat thrush even with the most powerful antifungal drugs. Symptoms may disappear, but after this a relapse will certainly occur, and the source of infection will be the body itself (for example, bacteria from the intestines entering the skin and mucous membranes of the genital organs). Primary infection through the oral route is also possible.

The female external genitalia are located too close to the terminal part of the digestive system, which can hardly be called sterile. Reinfection of the vagina occurs from the intestines.

• All parts of the intestine have a rich microflora, including the Candida fungus.
• If hygiene is not observed, even after successful treatment, relapses of thrush are possible.
• Taking antibiotics has a depressing effect on the bacterial microflora, as a result, Candida fungi are able to actively reproduce.
• Candidiasis must be treated comprehensively, not limited to the affected area.

Thrush and sex

The most exciting question: “Is it possible to become infected with candidiasis during sexual intercourse? Is it possible to get thrush from semen?” Considering the fairly high pathogenicity of the Candida yeast fungus and the fact that during sex there is direct contact with the mucous membrane of the partner’s genital organs, it can be argued that it is quite possible to get thrush in this way. Moreover, it is not only vaginal sex that is dangerous. Contact of mucous membranes also occurs during sexual intercourse in the oral and anal way. During the last act, the disease can spread in both directions: oral candidiasis in one partner can cause genital thrush in the other, and vice versa.

If thrush is diagnosed in one person from an established permanent couple, both need to treat candidiasis. Moreover, it is better to interrupt sexual intercourse and resume after recovery. Often men do not have pronounced clinical symptoms of thrush, but they are carriers of the disease. In this case, sex and sharing things will cause a relapse of the disease in the woman. That is why both partners need to undergo a full course of treatment.

How to beat thrush?

Like any disease, candidiasis is easier to prevent than to treat. To do this, you need to maintain hygiene, maintain a healthy microflora in the body, control your sex life, and have a reliable permanent partner.

Self-medication for thrush is rarely effective. Symptoms may disappear for a short time, but then return again. In addition, it makes no sense to eliminate only the external manifestations of the disease. The entire body needs to be cleansed of fungus. Treatment of candidiasis is a complex, lengthy and complex process, so it is better to entrust it to a specialist.

Be healthy!

And a little about secrets...

Have you ever tried to get rid of thrush? Judging by the fact that you are reading this article, victory was not on your side. And of course you know firsthand what it is:

• white cheesy discharge

An infectious disease caused by a yeast-like fungus with the rare and wonderful name “candida alba.”

In our country, the disease occurs quite often. In order to become ill with ureaplasmosis or provoke its exacerbation, a pathogen and a decrease in immunity are required. As a rule, the disease occurs together with trichomoniasis, gardnerellosis, gonorrhea, chlamydia or herpes.

A number of conditions are required for the disease to develop. The main thing is a decrease in the body's defenses. In addition, dysbiosis, uncontrolled or massive treatment with antibiotics, the use of immunosuppressive drugs, long-term and uncontrolled use of combined oral contraceptives and chronic diseases: tuberculosis, diabetes, intestinal diseases, inflammation of the ovaries and fallopian tubes.

Once in intimate places, the fungus begins to actively “split into two,” thereby causing inflammation of the walls of the vagina, cervix, labia majora and minora, and urethra. Candida may coexist with Trichomonas and gonococci.

Symptoms of Thrush

A common symptom of candidiasis is itching. Itching becomes especially intense when the vulva is affected. It can be present throughout the day, or appear or intensify in the evening or closer to night. The result of severe itching is insomnia and nervous exhaustion of the woman.

A whitish-colored liquid (scientifically called leucorrhoea) mixed with cheesy-crumbly particles, which has an unpleasant sour odor, is abundantly released from the vagina. Round white-yellowish films-plaques with a diameter of no more than 6 mm are formed on the mucous membrane. The course of the disease without treatment can last for a long time (months and years). After treatment, repeated outbreaks are possible.

In young people genital candidiasis occurs when infected through sexual contact against the background of reduced immunity. On its own, without sexual transmission, candidiasis can develop during AIDS, after organ transplantation and chemotherapy or radiation therapy. There is no need to be scared and immediately think that you have AIDS or a tumor. If you are a city resident, smoke, drink more than twice a month, lead a sedentary lifestyle, or have chronic diseases, then you may also be classified as a group of people with low immunity.

Manifestations in men: plaque on the penis, scrotum, hard palate and esophagus - markers of a fungal infection.

Diagnosis Thrush

Diagnosed based on an examination by a gynecologist or dermatovenerologist.

There are additional research methods: examining a smear from the plaque area under a microscope or inoculating the plaque on a special nutrient medium.

Laboratory serological techniques include the compliment binding reaction. Allergy test.

TreatmentThrush

Currently, only out of poverty and ignorance, some doctors recommend drugs such as levorin and nystatin to patients. These medications have side effects, for example, a negative effect on the liver, decreased sex drive, decreased taste for food, and the rapid development of candida immunity to the drug. There are also such glaring cases when nystatin tablets are prescribed for the treatment of genital candidiasis, despite the fact that the drug acts only in the intestinal lumen and in no way reaches the mucous membranes of the genital organs.

This treatment should be based on a different principle: a diet with limited carbohydrate foods, vitamins B2, B6, C, nicotinic acid.

Antifungal antibiotics and modern antifungal drugs are used: pimafucin, gino-pevaril, diflucan. For limited processes, use Nizoral cream.

Often recurrent form: The cause of frequent relapses of candidal colpitis (thrush) is the relative lack of female sex hormones - estrogens. If a woman has thrush more than 3 times a year, she should consult a gynecologist and receive hormonal treatment.

The second equivalent aspect of therapy is treatment aimed at strengthening the body’s strength: vitamins, foods rich in proteins and vitamins, adaptogens, selection of adequate treatment for concomitant diseases that reduce immunity, for example, diabetes, as well as treatment of intestinal dysbiosis.

Thrush is one of the ailments that affects both women and men. In medicine, the disease is known as candidiasis. Many people will probably be interested in learning in more detail what thrush in women is, what symptoms it manifests, how it progresses and is treated.

The disease appears as a result of the development of a yeast infection in the body, which is caused by the fungi Candida albicans, Candida tropicalis, and Candida krusei.

Once in the body, they begin to actively multiply on the mucous membranes, tongue, mouth, throat, and also in the vaginal area. Children can get candidiasis; it manifests itself as a rash on different parts of the body. The disease most often affects newborn children and elderly people with weakened immune systems. Thrush in women and men is not a pleasant phenomenon; its symptoms bring many alarming moments. If treatment is started on time, the disease will pass without complications.

TO andidosis

Thrush, or candidiasis, is an infection caused by the yeast Candida, which spreads throughout the vaginal mucosa and surrounding tissues. This type of fungus is present in the body of every person in moderate quantities. When some changes begin to occur in it, it is attacked by diseases, immunity decreases, fungi begin the active phase of reproduction, thereby increasing the level of their presence above the permissible norm. This can be prevented if a woman knows what thrush is, what causes it, and what methods and means are necessary to combat the disease.

The main location of infection is the intestines, oral cavity, and genitals. If the fungus does not cause harm to a healthy body, then in a person with reduced immunity, on the contrary, it begins to actively multiply, provoking the development of the disease.

Is thrush a sexually transmitted disease or not?

Nowadays, thrush is a disease that affects many representatives of the fair sex. Almost every one of them is familiar with the disease and has undergone appropriate treatment. Often, provoking factors that contribute to the active proliferation of fungi include reduced immunity, long-term use of medications (antibiotics), uncomfortable, tight underwear, and neglect of the rules of intimate hygiene.

People who have encountered this disease understand what thrush in women is, because the unpleasant sensations and discomfort are very difficult to forget. Often ladies, faced with unpleasant symptoms, get scared, thinking that it is a sexually transmitted disease. Actually this is not true.

Based on statistical data, residents of large cities and pregnant women are most often exposed to candidiasis. And its treatment must be taken very seriously. After all, if treatment is not started in time and the disease starts, the fungi will multiply even more actively, affecting not only the mucous membrane of the genital organs, but also the surrounding tissues. In addition, neglect of treatment increases the risk of recurrent infection. About 5% of women get thrush several times a year. This is due to the fact that to treat other diseases they resort to long-term use of antibiotics.

What does the microflora of the female vagina consist of?

Before talking about what thrush is in a woman, you need to know that many types of different bacteria and fungi coexist on the mucous membranes, including bifidobacteria, candida, lactobacilli, streptococci, staphylococci, enterococci, etc. If the number of some of them in the vagina decreases, the habitat becomes alkaline and favorable for the proliferation of pathogens and bacteria, which provoke the development of various ailments and inflammatory processes.

Various microorganisms populate a woman’s genitals almost from birth, from the moment the microflora is formed. They do not cause disease or harm the body. With age, menstruation, the beginning of sexual life, pregnancy, their set and quantity changes all the time. Of course, among them there are not only positive and harmless ones, but also those that can provoke various diseases. Microorganisms enter the active phase of reproduction only if their number exceeds the permissible norm. When the number of bacteria is normal, then immune cells and other inhabitants of the microflora suppress them and destroy them, thereby preventing unwanted reproduction and the development of diseases.

The microflora of the female vagina is also represented by fungi of the genus Candida, which are present in the form of inactive round-shaped cells. But under favorable conditions, their presence does not in any way affect the woman’s well-being.

The influence of thrush on sexual intercourse

Many people are concerned about the causes of thrush in women. After all, itching and discomfort can appear at the most unexpected moment, which leads to bad mood, depression, the inability to build good intimate relationships, and difficulties in family life.

Thrush can be transmitted sexually if the partner has this disease. Women believe that by refusing intimate relationships, they can protect themselves from illness. On the one hand, this is true, but sexual intercourse is not the only (and not the main!) cause of thrush, and it is very important to remember this. Of course, having sex while sick is not very advisable; besides, sexual intercourse will only bring a feeling of discomfort and pain. It is better to first undergo the necessary course of treatment and make sure that the infection is completely gone. In this way, the sick person will prevent the recurrence of the infection and protect his sexual partner from infection. As a last resort, you should use a condom.

The most common causes of the disease

The causes of thrush in women can be associated with various factors, including chronic and infectious diseases, disorders of the immune system, pregnancy, menstruation, menopause, intestinal dysbiosis, and hormonal imbalance. The disease can also be caused by taking medications for too long, such as antibiotics, adapting to a new climate that is unusual for the body, panty liners, tampons, tight and uncomfortable underwear, and intimate hygiene products. Women who suffer from vitamin deficiency, obesity, diabetes, who abuse confectionery products, eat fatty, spicy, carbohydrate dishes, and baked goods often suffer from thrush. The causes of the disease can be smoking, microtraumas of the mucous membrane of the genital organs, overwork, stressful situations, and regular lack of sleep.

How do you know if a woman has thrush?

Itching, a burning sensation and discomfort in intimate places, cheesy discharge and a specific smell from the vagina indicate that it may be thrush. In women, the symptoms of the disease are peculiar and not too similar to the manifestations of sexually transmitted diseases. Complaints arise due to the proliferation of yeast microorganisms on the vaginal mucosa. The infection destroys the cell structure, penetrates very deeply, and creates microscopic damage. The mucous membrane inside the vagina becomes inflamed, and a sensation of pain and burning appears. The inflammatory process leads to dilation of small vessels of the mucous membrane and swelling of the vaginal walls. The body tries to fight the fungus and the toxins it produces.

Pain and discomfort during sexual intercourse, as well as swelling of the vagina, are not always alarming. Many people think that this is a normal reaction of the body that will pass over time, and only when discharge and odor appear do they determine that it is thrush. In women, symptoms appear at the very beginning of the disease. It is necessary to be treated immediately and only with effective drugs, without waiting for more alarming signs to appear, especially since today there are drugs that can suppress the infection in one or two days.

Alarming symptoms of thrush

The main and noticeable signs of the disease are a white coating and an unpleasant cheesy discharge from the vagina. This happens as a result of the active proliferation of fungi and an increase in their number. The fungus covers the labia with a white coating, causes an inflammatory process and profuse vaginal discharge, which looks like a curdled mass, like curdled milk. The discharge consists of fungal mycelium, leukocytes and damaged mucosal cells.

The unpleasant sensation of itching and burning is caused by glycogen, which breaks down in cells and forms acids. Symptoms become especially noticeable after taking hygienic baths or urinating.

Active phase of development of thrush

If treatment for thrush in women is not started in time, the disease can progress. In this case, the inflammatory process spreads beyond the vagina, affecting the surrounding tissues, the labia minora and majora.

In this case, the epidermis on the skin of the genital organs stratifies, small pimples with liquid inside form. After they burst, a small crust appears in this place and erosion occurs.

Symptoms of thrush can spread not only to the inner and outer area of ​​the vagina, but to the perineum, the skin between the buttocks and the inguinal folds. Women who have the symptoms described above become nervous, have sleep disturbances, and are in a bad mood. Particularly severe discomfort occurs during a long walk or during menstruation.

In what cases should you not self-medicate?

If the initial symptoms of thrush can be easily and quickly eliminated with the help of appropriate medications, then its more complex form requires medical intervention. During the period of illness, urethritis or cystitis may appear - ailments that aggravate the symptoms and course of thrush. This means that the fungus has penetrated deep into the body, has begun to actively multiply in the urinary system and is spreading to other organs. As a result, the patient feels aching pain in the abdomen and his body temperature rises. Such symptoms are very dangerous for the patient’s health, they require the intervention of a doctor, so self-medication in this case will not only not help, but will also harm!

Traditional and folk treatment of thrush

Understanding what thrush is in women, understanding its signs and symptoms, you can use traditional and traditional medicine for treatment. In this case, it is advisable to first consult a gynecologist who, based on the results of tests and laboratory tests of the smear, will prescribe appropriate treatment with the necessary drugs and herbal preparations. After all, self-medication can lead to serious complications.

Usually, for treatment, it is enough to take one drug that can reduce the amount of fungus to normal. After this, you will need to restore the microflora to a healthy state and increase the protective properties of the immune system. An excellent option is to carry out complex therapy using special drugs.

Effective drugs for thrush

Nowadays, there are many drugs for vaginal candidiasis that treat the infection at one stage or another. Therefore, in order not to make a mistake or harm the body even more, it is advisable to use a medicine for thrush for women prescribed by a gynecologist. Some medications only need to be taken once, others for a little longer.

Among antifungal medications, drugs such as Fluconazole, Iconazole, Clotrimazole, Ketoconazole, which can be bought in the form of suppositories, creams, capsules and tablets, are considered effective. Pimafucin, Nystatin, Mikosist, Natamycin, and Levorin are used as local and general treatment to actively combat fungi.

In order to normalize the level of acidity, microflora, and restore the vaginal mucosa, tablets and suppositories are used: Ecofemin, Vagilak, Lactobacterin, Genoflor, etc. Taking immunomodulators and immunocorrectors will help strengthen the immune system.

Anti-thrush tablets for women can relieve the disease and unpleasant symptoms in just a couple of days, while treatment with gels, ointments and suppositories requires a week or even more. At the same time, the tablets provide comprehensive and effective treatment for fungus, which reduces the likelihood of recurrence of the disease. With a mild form of the disease, it is enough to use a remedy for thrush for women only once; a more complex form requires taking drugs that belong to different groups.

Treating thrush at home

As you know, any medicine for thrush for women is used at home; in very rare cases, hospital treatment is required. The use of alternative traditional medicine will not cause harm to the body, but will only improve the patient’s condition. Among other things, our grandmothers, who know many useful recipes, can tell us how to cure thrush in women quickly and without complications. But you should remember to consult a doctor.

For example, in order to relieve itching, you can use a soda solution for douching and washing. A collection of oak bark, knotweed, chamomile and nettle, which is used for morning and evening douching, is considered an excellent anti-inflammatory and antifungal agent. Sea buckthorn oil treats erosion and inflammatory processes well, and a tampon dipped in freshly prepared garlic oil gets rid of fungus. To restore the vaginal microflora, you can use tampons previously soaked in bifidumbacterin. For intimate washing, you can use laundry or tar soap.

Traditional medicine for the treatment of thrush

Alternative treatment for thrush in women has virtually no contraindications, but you must first consult a doctor (this is especially true for pregnant women).

An infusion of St. John's wort, which must be douched, is very popular among people for the treatment of thrush; raspberry leaves and sage, and tea tree oil are used in the same way. Oak bark, which has antimicrobial and soothing effects, is also considered an excellent and effective component. It is good to drink freshly prepared and unsweetened cranberry or viburnum juice during illness. The components they contain prevent the development of the disease, alleviate symptoms and strengthen the immune system.

(vaginal candidiasis) is a fungal infection of the vaginal mucosa. Manifestations of thrush include itching and burning in the vulva, copious curdled discharge, pain during urination and sexual intercourse. It is possible for a fungal infection to spread in the body and become a generalized form, disrupting the normal course of pregnancy and childbirth, and infecting the fetus. Thrush is diagnosed according to a gynecological examination, colposcopy, microscopic and bacteriological examination of a smear. Treatment of thrush is carried out with local and systemic antifungal drugs.

General information

Thrush is an inflammatory lesion of the vaginal mucosa caused by fungi of the genus Candida. It is characterized by burning and itching in the vagina, white cheesy discharge. Thrush is also called neonatal candidiasis, most often manifesting as oral candidiasis. Thrush is diagnosed by detecting the fungus through microscopy and culture of vaginal smears. To exclude concomitant STIs, ELISA, RIF and PCR studies are performed. Chronic recurrent thrush is an indication for a complete examination of the patient in order to identify those disorders in the body that could cause such a course of thrush. Treatment is carried out by local and general use of antimycotic drugs.

Yeast-like fungi Candida, which provoke the development of thrush, are opportunistic flora of the vagina of most women and do not cause any pathological symptoms. Therefore, unlike classic STIs, thrush cannot be 100% classified as a sexually transmitted disease, although Candida fungi can be transmitted from sexual partners. Clinical gynecology deals with the diagnosis and treatment of candidiasis due to the similarity of its clinical picture with sexually transmitted infections and the frequent cases of a combination of these diseases.

Causes of thrush

Various factors that disrupt the healthy microflora of the vagina lead to the development of thrush. As a result, there is a decrease in the number of beneficial bacteria that normally inhibit the growth of fungal flora, and intensive proliferation of fungi. Active growth of fungi leads to the manifestation of their pathogenic properties with the appearance of inflammatory changes in the vaginal mucosa such as colpitis or vaginitis.

Violation of the normal ratio of microorganisms in the vagina with the development of thrush can be caused by treatment with cytostatics and other immunosuppressants, the use of hormonal contraception, decreased immunity due to somatic diseases (HIV, chronic bronchitis, tonsillitis, chronic pyelonephritis, cirrhosis of the liver, etc.), hormonal abnormalities ( diabetes mellitus, ovarian dysfunction, menopause, hypothyroidism, obesity), anorexia, pregnancy, stressful situations, sudden climate change.

Long-term or frequent antibiotic therapy, the use of antibacterial drugs without additional probiotics primarily cause intestinal dysbiosis. Since the intestines are a reservoir of Candida fungi, its diseases (dysbacteriosis, colitis, etc.) lead to the spread of Candida to other organs and primarily to the vagina with the development of thrush.

Various local factors can have an adverse effect on the vaginal biocenosis with the appearance of thrush: poor personal hygiene, irregular change of pads and vaginal tampons, the use of local contraceptives, the use of deodorized pads and scented colored toilet paper, wearing synthetic underwear. Frequent use of antibacterial products (antibacterial soap, intimate gel, vaginal spray) for hygienic purposes often leads to a decrease in local natural immunity and can provoke the occurrence of thrush.

Some women experience thrush after wearing wet underwear, visiting a pool or swimming in open water. This is due to the beneficial effect of a humid environment on the vital activity of Candida fungi. Poor diet with excess consumption of sweets can also contribute to the development of thrush.

Newborns born to mothers with thrush may develop thrush as a result of infection during the fetal period or passage through the birth canal. The development of thrush in such cases is facilitated by the weakened state of the child’s body due to birth trauma, premature birth, hemolytic disease, intrauterine hypoxia, and asphyxia of the newborn.

Symptoms of thrush

Thrush is manifested by severe burning and itching in the area of ​​the external genitalia and vagina. These symptoms are accompanied by the appearance of a white discharge characteristic of candidiasis. Thrush is characterized by a heterogeneous consistency of discharge with small lumps resembling grains of cottage cheese. The discharge may have a sour odor. Many women suffering from thrush note an increase in the amount of discharge after sexual intercourse, water procedures, and at night. Redness of the labia minora is often observed, and sometimes swelling of the labia minora and majora is observed, which can reach the anus. Swelling and inflammatory changes in the vaginal mucosa during thrush lead to pain during sexual intercourse. There may be painful urination.

Quite often there is an erased course of thrush, when its clinical manifestations are mild or only one of the indicated symptoms is present. Symptoms of thrush can spontaneously resolve with the appearance of menstrual flow, since during this period the vaginal environment shifts to an alkaline side, less favorable for fungi. However, thrush can also become chronic. Its relapses, as a rule, occur at least 4 times a year and usually occur a week before the start of menstruation. Chronic thrush is much more difficult to treat and can lead to complications. It is possible to combine thrush with other infectious lesions of the vagina (ureaplasmosis, chlamydia, genital herpes, etc.).

The most common manifestation of thrush in newborns is candidiasis of the gums (gingivitis), soft palate, buccal mucosa (stomatitis) and tongue (glossitis). It is manifested by the appearance of areas or spots covered with a white coating on the mucous membrane. When the plaque is removed, the red and inflamed mucous membrane underneath is exposed. A newborn suffering from thrush is restless, often cries, sucks poorly and may refuse to breastfeed. Less commonly, neonatal thrush manifests itself in the form of candidal conjunctivitis. The consequence of intrauterine infection can be pneumonia caused by fungi.

Complications of thrush

Chronic thrush can cause a number of complications. Primarily, they are caused by the spread of fungal infection to structures located near the vagina: the cervix with the development of cervicitis, the urethra with the development of urethritis, and the bladder with the development of cystitis. The combination of thrush with other STIs with a long-term recurrent course can lead to the development of infertility in women.

Diagnosis of thrush

As a rule, patients with symptoms of thrush consult a gynecologist. The doctor conducts an examination on the chair and colposcopy, takes smears from the mucous membrane of the cervix and vagina. Microscopic examination of smears for thrush reveals the presence of fungal mycelium in the preparation. This is a quick research method, but it does not provide accurate information about what type of fungus caused the disease. To answer this question, a smear is cultured on special nutrient media, followed by a study of the grown colonies and determination of the susceptibility of the isolated Candida fungi to antimycotic drugs. In this case, the quantitative characteristics of the identified Candida colonies are taken into account, since their small number is normal for a healthy vaginal microflora.

Clinical observations show that thrush quite often occurs against the background of other sexually transmitted infections and can “mask” their presence. Therefore, if thrush is detected, it is advisable to additionally consult a venereologist and undergo testing for STIs. Typically, complex PCR diagnostics are used, which, if necessary, can be supplemented by ELISA and RIF.

Since the development of thrush is usually associated with certain disorders occurring in the body, when it is detected, a complete examination of the woman is necessary. This is especially true in cases where thrush does not respond well to treatment or takes a chronic course. Thrush is often the first symptom of diabetes. Therefore, a woman needs to take a blood test for sugar and, if an increase is detected, contact an endocrinologist. An examination by a gastroenterologist is also recommended: analysis for dysbacteriosis, coprogram, gastroscopy, radiography of the stomach, ultrasound of the abdominal cavity, irrigoscopy, X-ray examination of the small intestine.

If complications of thrush develop in the urinary tract, it is necessary to consult a urologist, examine urine and smear from the urethra, Zimnitsky's test, and ultrasound of the bladder. Differential diagnosis of thrush should be made with bacterial vaginosis, gonorrhea, genital herpes, and trichomoniasis.

Treatment of thrush

Local treatment of thrush can be carried out in case of its primary occurrence and uncomplicated course. It is carried out with vaginal suppositories or tablets containing antifungal drugs: miconazole, clotrimazole, isoconazole, natamycin. Treatment of acute thrush lasts from 1 day to a week, depending on the drug prescribed. Its effectiveness reaches 80-90%. During treatment, it is necessary to carefully observe intimate hygiene and abstain from sexual intercourse.

Broad-spectrum vaginal preparations containing nystatin should not be used in the local treatment of thrush. They suppress the beneficial microflora of the vagina and often lead to the development of gardnerellosis. For mild thrush, local treatment can be replaced with a single dose of fluconazole. The disappearance of thrush symptoms is not always a sign of cure. After treatment, a repeat examination of the vaginal smear is necessary.

In case of insufficient effectiveness of local therapy or chronic thrush, systemic oral administration of antifungal drugs is indicated. Fluconazole is most often used for this purpose. After antifungal therapy, it is necessary to restore healthy vaginal microflora. For this purpose, eubiotics are prescribed. However, their use is advisable only after laboratory-confirmed elimination of candidiasis.

Treatment of chronic thrush can last several months. It should include therapy for concomitant diseases, correction of intestinal dysbiosis, restoratives, exclusion of provoking factors (taking antibiotics, oral contraceptives, etc.). Physiotherapeutic methods are widely used in the treatment of recurrent thrush: SMT, magnetic therapy, electrophoresis, laser therapy, darsonvalization.

Treatment of thrush in newborns in most cases is carried out by local treatment of the oral cavity with a solution of chlorhexidine or sodium bicarbonate. General antifungal therapy is used only in complicated cases.

Treatment of thrush in pregnant women

Thrush occurs in more than half of pregnant women. Its treatment requires an integrated approach, taking into account the contraindications that exist during pregnancy. It is important to identify diseases and pathological conditions that can provoke thrush. In pregnant women, thrush is treated mainly with local remedies. Most often these are suppositories with miconazole or clotrimazole. If systemic antifungal therapy for thrush in pregnant women is necessary, natamycin can be used, since it does not have an embryotoxic effect.

During pregnancy, it is possible to use traditional methods of treating thrush. These include washing with a decoction of oak bark, calendula or soda solution, soda-iodine baths, etc. These methods are weakly effective in completely curing thrush, but can help relieve its symptoms during pregnancy.

Prevention of thrush

Prevention of thrush includes adequate antibiotic therapy along with the mandatory administration of probiotics; timely and correct treatment of chronic diseases, STIs, hormonal disorders; maintaining intimate hygiene; wearing cotton underwear. You should avoid the use of hygiene and intravaginal products that can change the pH of the vagina from the acidic side or cause an imbalance in its microflora. To prevent thrush from developing from improper use of tampons and pads, women should remember that they need to be changed every 3-4 hours. Women whose thrush is caused by a humid environment should dry themselves thoroughly after swimming, avoid wearing a wet swimsuit, and use a spare dry swimsuit when relaxing on a pond.

Prevention of thrush in newborns is facilitated by a complete examination of women when planning pregnancy, early detection and treatment of thrush in pregnant women.

This article looks at the symptoms, dangers and problems associated with a yeast infection or thrush, as well as its causes and treatments. Lastly, she mentions how important it is to have information about this problem in order to solve or prevent it.

What is thrush?

This type of infection is very common among women. However, many people do not pay attention or are completely unaware of this medical problem. It is important to know the symptoms, dangers and accompanying conditions of thrush in order to be able to cure it in the early stages. In addition, it is necessary to be able to identify the various causes of this disease in order to be able to prevent it. Finally, it will be useful for any woman to know several possible treatment methods for myelitis so that, if necessary, she can overcome it as quickly as possible.

Few women are familiar with the term “yeast infection,” but most have experienced symptoms of this condition at some point. The three main signs of a yeast infection are itching, burning and pain, and discharge. Itching of any part of the body or skin is caused by infection with foreign microorganisms: fungus or bacteria. In the case of a vaginal yeast infection or thrush, the vaginal area and surrounding areas are affected. The infection usually causes severe itching, and a rash and redness appear as a secondary effect of scratching. Another sign is a burning or painful sensation in the area, especially when urinating. The skin of the external genitalia may already be damaged by frequent scratching, so contact with acidic urine may cause pain or burning. This sensation may resemble a urinary tract infection, but the difference is where the discomfort is located. Finally, some women report a discharge that is usually white, cheesy, and odorless. In some cases, there is a smell reminiscent of starch.

Thrush in itself is not a particularly dangerous condition, but it can significantly irritate and disturb a woman, especially those busy with everyday work. In addition, like most infections, it tends to be transmitted to other people, including the opposite sex. Certain conditions—such as diabetes or taking antibiotics—can contribute to the development of an infection.

There are other health problems that may be associated with thrush, such as urinary tract infections and possible complications during pregnancy. But this connection has not been scientifically confirmed, and still awaits confirmation or refutation in future studies.

What causes thrush?

The scientific name for yeast infection is candidiasis. The term comes from the name of the yeast-like fungus Candida that causes this condition. This microorganism lives in dark and damp places, which is the female vagina. Some conditions, such as diabetes and pregnancy, make your body more susceptible to yeast infections. Pregnancy causes changes in metabolic balance and vaginal acidity, which creates a favorable environment for fungal growth. Mushrooms are known to thrive in the body of people with high sugar levels: diabetics and those with impaired sugar metabolism. The popular name is thrush.

What are the treatments for thrush?

To treat thrush, doctors may prescribe various oral medications (fluconazole or Diflucan) or topical treatments. You can also use home remedies - yogurt and garlic, both internally and topically.

For more information on treating thrush, see The Complete Guide to Comprehensive Health Restoration.