Causes of thrush in women. Symptoms, possible complications. Thrush (candidiasis in women). Symptoms, causes, diagnosis and treatment of thrush Manifestation of thrush

Thrush (candidiasis) occurs in women much more often than men and, according to statistics, takes up to 32% of all inflammatory diseases of the genital area. In other words, every third woman complaining of a urogenital infection has symptoms of candidiasis. It is very common among the world's population: for example, half of all those living on our planet once encountered the problem of thrush, and every fifth woman of childbearing age has a chronic form of a fungal infection of the genital organs.

As for men, the risk of contracting a candidal infection is much lower due to the different structure of the genital organs. But, despite this, 10% of men in one form or another have encountered thrush throughout their lives.

A little about the pathogen

The name "thrush" is a disease of the mucous membranes (both urogenital and oral) due to its similarity with cottage cheese - in consistency and color. The main symptom of thrush is a curdled discharge on the mucous membranes. Candidiasis can be called a marker disease: normally, the pathogen (Candida albicans) occurs in almost all people, and does not cause any disease. The body's defenses cope with the activity of fungi, preventing them from multiplying.

But, as soon as the defenses of the female body are reduced, candidal infection manifests itself in all its glory. It must be remembered that the vaginal mucosa is by no means sterile. There are many different microorganisms on it, but normally the acidic environment and local immunity of the mucous membranes lead to the fact that pathogenic cocci, Escherichia, fungi, Klebsiella, Gardnerella are on the mucous membrane in an inactive form.

In the case of a decrease in local and general immunity, dysbiocenosis occurs in the vagina, acidity decreases, the activity of lactobacilli decreases, and the environment becomes alkalized. The classic variant of the development of the condition is bacterial vaginosis. But, in order for the thrush to become more active, strong alkalization is not at all necessary. Candida feels great even with a slight decrease in immunity. Most often, it is with thrush that more serious inflammatory diseases of the female reproductive system begin. What are the symptoms of urogenital candidiasis in women?

The most classic and valuable first sign of thrush is the appearance of curdled discharge on the genital mucosa. Most often, women notice this discharge if they wear black or dark underwear. They settle on the fabric in the form of small white lumps. If you rub this lump in your hands, you can feel a slight mushroom smell. Other initial symptoms of thrush are:

• Discomfort, burning, and itching. This is a manifestation of the active spread of candidal infection. You should not give in to the desire to satisfy the feeling of itching, since this can violate the integrity of the hyperemic, irritated mucosal epithelium, which will cause the penetration of a purulent infection;
• Dysuric phenomena during urination. During urination, a woman can often experience pain or pain. Women are much more likely to get cystitis, because the length of the urethra in women is insignificant, and severe vulvar candidiasis can be complicated by candidal cystitis. This is characterized by the presence of mycelium of the fungus and its spores in the last portion of urine;
• Dyspareunia. This term is called soreness during sexual intercourse. This is a signal to stop sexual activity for the time of treatment of a candidal infection, since infection of a man can lead to prolonged and asymptomatic carriage of the fungus, and to the formation of a reservoir of fungal infection in the family;
• In addition to these symptoms, there are general signs of inflammation. This is hypersensitivity and redness of the mucosa, swelling of the vulva, the appearance of macerated areas.

What does a "classic" candidal plaque look like? It has a specific grayish-white hue, sometimes with a slight bluish tint. Spots appear on the mucous membranes, which are very difficult to remove. They can be scraped off with a finger, but this must be done carefully, as a strong movement can be painful. After the plaque can be separated from the surface of the mucosa, a hyperemic surface of the meat is exposed under it - a red hue.

What can be confused with thrush?

It is known that many diseases of the female genital tract are accompanied by similar symptoms. What diseases can be confused with actively flowing thrush? First of all, with trichomoniasis. But trichomoniasis has one characteristic property: the discharge in this disease is purulent, they are very plentiful, can be frothy, and have a yellowish or greenish tint. Discomfort in the vagina is very pronounced, itching is also very strong, both externally and internally. Irritation of the vagina is very great, as are the dysuric disorders. During the day, the amount of discharge can reach up to 5-10 ml. Naturally, trichomoniasis is the most acute process that will not go unnoticed.

The second condition that can be confused with thrush is bacterial vaginosis. Bacterial vaginosis does not have its own specific pathogen, since it is provoked by the entire opportunistic flora, which normally does not cause any unpleasant symptoms. The cause of vaginosis can be gardnerella, enterococci and other associated flora. The appearance of nitrogenous substances in the secret of the vagina is characteristic, as a result of which the discharge smells unpleasantly of fish. They are plentiful, liquid, can also foam, but there will be no yellow color anymore, since there is no purulent-inflammatory process with bacterial vaginosis. Itching and burning on the mucous membrane is present, but, as a rule, not to such a strong degree as in trichomoniasis or in acute gonorrhea.

Usually, fluctuations in local immunity in a woman depend on the level of hormonal levels, and the level of hormones depends on the monthly cycle, therefore, the appearance of all signs about 7 days before the onset of menstruation is very characteristic of candidiasis. Patients also notice that with active thrush, all the increase in symptoms occurs after thermal procedures, for example, taking a warm shower or a warm bath.

In the event that candidiasis is not treated, the disease becomes chronic. At the same time, the hyperemia of the vaginal mucosa becomes diffuse and stagnant, all the folds become edematous, and subsequently begin to dry. Symptoms of chronic vaginitis are accompanied by thick, creamy discharge. In the event that the secondary flora joins, the amount of secretions increases dramatically.

In conclusion, it must be said that any antifungal agents, both local and tableted, cannot be used without a doctor's prescription. Do not think that the sale of the drug without a prescription means that its unauthorized use cannot worsen the condition. Improper treatment can lead not only to a relapse, but also to a chronic process. After all, if the symptoms of thrush have disappeared, this does not always mean that the infectious process has been defeated. Sometimes he only rushes deep into, then to return in all its glory of clinical symptoms.

Be sure, at the slightest hint of a urogenital infection, you need to examine not only yourself, but also examine your sexual partner.

The symptoms of thrush in women are caused by exposure to the yeast Candida albicans. If we give a definition of what thrush is in women, it should be noted that this is the name of the vaginal disease with the scientific name "candidiasis". According to scientists, the Candida fungus in 80% of the inhabitants of the planet is a component of the natural microflora in the human body, and its presence is not accompanied by any problems. On the contrary, this yeast microorganism, living on the epithelium of the woman's vagina, helps maintain a normal pH level. The immune system at the same time clearly controls the amount of the fungus, inhibiting its reproduction if necessary.

However, if immunity fails under the influence of any reasons, or additional external factors begin to act on the body, the fungus actively reproduces and the risk of thrush formation is rapidly increasing. Accordingly, there are symptoms of thrush in girls and women.

Why do women develop thrush

Consider why the representatives of the weaker sex may show signs indicating the formation of candidiasis. Initially, the vaginal environment in both girls and women is moderately acidic, since the composition of the microflora of this organ is predominantly lactobacilli. As long as the balance is not disturbed by anything, and the reproduction and functioning of lactobacilli remains at the required level, the protective barrier created by them, which prevents the formation of a fungal infection, remains. But if the microflora changes, the number of lactobacilli decreases markedly, and the level of acidity increases, which gives impetus to the reproduction of Candida. These types of changes lead to:

• Common causes of thrush in women are constantly violated rules of intimate hygiene.
• Inflammatory processes occurring in the vagina.
• Formation of common pathologies of an infectious nature.
• Taking glucocorticosteroids and prolonged use of antimicrobials, especially if they were not prescribed by a specialist.
• Symptoms of thrush can be caused by the use of oral combined contraceptives - these drugs contain estrogens, which increase the level of glycogen required for the reproduction of fungi.
• Causes include the presence of diabetes.
• Disorder of the stool, in particular constipation.
• Lack of certain vitamins in the body.
• Carrying a child, in which candidiasis is a fairly common occurrence.

The causes of candidiasis include sexual contact with its carrier. Most often, the fungus is transmitted by a woman, but a man can also be a carrier. Despite the fact that the yeast fungus is present in the body in most people initially, during sexual contact, an additional portion of microorganisms is transmitted to the partner.

Important! If the immune system and resistance are strong enough, sexual contact with the carrier of the fungus is without consequences, otherwise, and if the mucous layer is damaged, a portion of Candida introduced from the outside will give impetus to its own microflora to active development, provoking thrush.

Signs of thrush in women may appear not only after sexual contact, the way the fungus spreads can be household or oral. In the first case, microorganisms are transmitted through hygiene products, dishes and general linen, in the second case, when Candida is localized on the mucous membranes of the oral cavity.

How the disease manifests itself

We examined the causes of thrush and what it is, now we should discuss, and how it manifests itself. Symptoms during the development of pathology are quite specific, therefore, most often the diagnosis of "thrush" in gynecology is not difficult. Some problem in this case may be the behavior of the victims - paying attention to the pathological signs, many women determine the presence of the disease at home, not considering it necessary to visit the clinic after that and self-medicate, which is completely unacceptable. Typically, candidiasis follows one of two basic clinical paths:

• Vulvovaginitis, in which inflammatory processes are observed simultaneously in the vagina and vulva.
• Dermatitis of the vulva, when only the skin of the external organs of the reproductive system is affected by the disease.

When a thrush begins in a representative of the weaker sex, among the main signs that most clearly indicate a problem, the following are noted:

These are not only the main, but also the first signs of thrush, making a woman suspect health problems. Options for how thrush manifests itself also include frequent urination, swelling of the vulva and its redness, and bleeding of the mucous layers. Plaques that appear on the mucous membranes are difficult to remove, even when a specialist uses a spatula for this purpose.

Signs of the occurrence of thrush can be erased and mild in the case of an atypical course of the pathology. In this case, the victim is usually only concerned about one of the listed symptoms, which makes it difficult to diagnose on their own. May be observed:

• Slight discomfort in the affected area, manifesting itself as a slight itch.
• If there is vaginal candidiasis, in the process of urination and after it there is a pain of a cutting nature.
• Curdled discharge is rather scarce, their consistency is heterogeneous.

Usually, the first signs of the formation of pathology occur about seven days before the onset of menstruation.

Attention. In the case of chronic thrush with relapses, its symptoms can be acute or blurred, depending on the phase in which the pathology is currently located.

It is also possible that candidiasis accompanies a variety of gynecological diseases, including dangerous infections that are transmitted through sexual contact. The emerging variety of symptoms of thrush in women can only be analyzed by an experienced attending physician, correctly interpreted symptoms are the key to timely and competent treatment.

Features of discharge in candidiasis

The main symptoms of how thrush manifests itself in women is smell and discharge. But if everything is clear enough with the first sign, the second is not so unambiguous. Usually, the whites accompanying the development of the disease are white or with a yellowish tint. But the color can change when there is an admixture of blood, waste products of pathogenic microorganisms in the secretions. In some cases, a change in color indicates a hormonal effect. Let us consider in more detail these external signs, external discharge can be:

• Yellow - this shade gives an increased number of leukocytes, the formation of inflammation in the organs of the reproductive system. Yellow leucorrhoea often accompanies thrush, which has formed against the background of vaginal dysbiosis - gardnerellez, the presence of trichomoniasis can also serve as a cause.
• If the first signs of thrush in women are greenish discharge, one can suspect the parallel presence of purulent phenomena concentrated in the uterus - this is how cervicitis or salpingitis manifests itself. Sexually transmitted diseases, in particular chlamydia or gonorrhea, are not excluded. To distinguish the manifestations of candidiasis as an independent disease from the symptoms of concomitant pathologies, one should focus on the smell. When leucorrhea, in accordance with this sign, resembles a rotting fish, we can talk about a purulent process provoked by vaginal dysbiosis.
• Symptoms of thrush in women may include pink discharge, which indicates a small admixture of blood. Usually, curdled whites of this shade appear before the onset of menstruation, when changes affect the endometrium, which becomes softer and begins to flake off with concomitant damage to small vessels.
• The pathology in question manifests itself more clearly before the onset of menstruation, due to which the color of the discharge is brown. The same shade of white can have after menstruation for two or three days. Such manifestations cause individual characteristics of the hormonal background. Another reason for changing the usual color of whiter is the ingress of blood into them against the background of erosion of the uterine neck or due to a damaged mucous layer by developing neoplasms. However, such discharge is observed all the time and the menstrual cycle does not matter.

The question often arises whether the first symptoms in the fairer sex may not include discharge. Indeed, although rare, candidiasis without the accompaniment of cheesy leucorrhea occurs. In the absence of abundant discharge, it is rather difficult to identify the disease, since it may be an implicit form of the disease. Often the absence of whites indicates a chronic course of the pathology. If there is a latent form of the disease, only laboratory tests can reveal it.

Thrush refers to such ailments that affect both women and men. In medicine, the disease is known as candidiasis. Many will probably be interested to know in more detail what thrush is in women, what symptoms it manifests, how it proceeds 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, Candida krusei.

Once in the body, they begin to actively multiply on the mucous membranes, on the tongue, in the oral cavity, throat, and also in the vaginal area. Children can get sick with candidiasis, it manifests itself as a rash on different parts of the body. The disease most often affects newborns, elderly people with weakened immunity. Thrush in women and men is not a pleasant phenomenon, its symptoms bring many disturbing 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 that spreads through the vaginal mucosa and surrounding tissues. This type of fungus is present in the body of every person in moderation. When some changes begin to occur in it, diseases attack it, 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, what methods and means it is necessary to fight the disease.

The main place of localization of the infection is the intestines, oral cavity, genitals. If the fungus does not harm 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?

At the present time, thrush is a disease that affects many 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 reproduction of fungi include reduced immunity, long-term use of medications (antibiotics), uncomfortable, tight underwear, neglect of the rules of intimate hygiene.

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

Based on statistics, candidiasis is most often exposed to residents of large cities, pregnant women. And its treatment must be taken very seriously. After all, if you do not start treatment in time and start the disease, 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 re-infection. About 5% of women get thrush several times a year. This is due to the fact that for the treatment of other diseases resort to long-term use of antibiotics.

What is the microflora of the female vagina?

Before talking about what a 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. In the case of a decrease in the number of some of them in the vagina, the habitat becomes alkaline and favorable for the reproduction of pathogens and bacteria that provoke the development of various ailments and inflammatory processes.

Various microorganisms inhabit the female genital organs almost from birth, from the moment the microflora is formed. They do not cause disease, do not harm the body. With age, the period of menstruation, the onset of sexual life, pregnancy, their set and quantity changes all the time. Of course, among them there are not only positive and harmless, 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, 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 cells of a rounded shape. But under favorable conditions, their presence does not affect the well-being of a woman.

The effect of thrush on sexual intercourse

Many are concerned about the question of what are the causes of thrush in women. After all, itching and discomfort can appear at the most unexpected moment, which leads to a 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 giving up intimate relationships, you can protect yourself from the disease. 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 during an illness is not very desirable, besides, sexual intercourse will only bring a feeling of discomfort, pain. It is better to first undergo the necessary course of treatment and make sure that the infection has gone completely. Thus, 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

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 dysbacteriosis, hormonal imbalance. Too long medications, such as antibiotics, adaptation to a new climate that is unusual for the body, daily pads, tampons, tight and uncomfortable underwear, and intimate hygiene products can also cause a disease. Women often suffer from thrush who suffer from beriberi, obesity, diabetes mellitus, who abuse confectionery, eat fatty, spicy, carbohydrate dishes, pastries. The causes of the disease can be smoking, microtrauma of the mucous membrane of the genital organs, overwork, stressful situations, regular lack of sleep.

How do you know if a woman has thrush?

Itching, burning sensation and discomfort in intimate places, curdled discharge and a specific smell from the vagina indicate that this 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 multiplication of yeast microorganisms on the vaginal mucosa. The infection destroys the structure of cells, penetrates very deeply, and forms microscopic lesions. The mucous membrane inside the vagina becomes inflamed, there is a feeling of pain and burning. The inflammatory process leads to the expansion of small vessels of the mucous membrane and swelling of the walls of the vagina. At the same time, the body tries to fight the fungus and the toxins that it releases.

Pain and discomfort during intercourse, as well as swelling of the vagina, are not always alarming. Many people think that this is a normal reaction of the body, which will pass with time, and only when discharge and smell appear, 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 the manifestation of more alarming signs, especially since today there are drugs that can suppress the infection in one or two days.

Warning symptoms of thrush

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

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

The active phase of the development of thrush

If the treatment of thrush in women is not started on time, the disease can progress. In this case, the inflammatory process goes beyond the vagina, affecting the surrounding tissues, small and large labia.

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

Symptoms of thrush can spread not only to the inner and outer region of the vagina, but to the perineum, the skin between the buttocks and the inguinal folds. Women who have the above symptoms become nervous, they have a sleep disturbance, a bad mood. Especially strongly unpleasant sensations are manifested during a long walk or during menstruation.

In what cases it is impossible to self-medicate?

If the initial symptoms of thrush can be easily and quickly eliminated with the help of appropriate drugs, then its more complex form requires medical intervention. During the period of the disease, 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, began to actively multiply in the urinary system and spread to other organs. As a result, the patient feels aching pain in the abdomen, 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 with a gynecologist, who, based on the results of tests and laboratory tests of a smear, will prescribe the 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 that, it will be necessary to bring the microflora into a healthy state and increase the protective properties of the immune system. An excellent option is to conduct complex therapy using special drugs.

Effective drugs for thrush

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

Among antifungal medicines, drugs such as Fluconazole, Iconazole, Clotrimazole, Ketoconazole, which can be bought in the form of suppositories, creams, capsules and tablets, are considered effective. As a local and general treatment for the active fight against fungi, the means "Pimafucin", "Nystatin", "Mikosist", "Natamycin", "Levorin" are used.

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

Thrush pills for women can get rid of the disease and unpleasant symptoms in just a couple of days, while it takes a week or even more to treat with gels, ointments and suppositories. At the same time, the tablets provide a comprehensive and effective treatment for the fungus, which reduces the likelihood of a recurrence of the disease. With a mild form of the development 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.

We treat thrush at home

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

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

Traditional medicine for the treatment of thrush

Alternative treatment of thrush in women has practically no contraindications, but you must first consult a doctor (especially for pregnant women).

Among the people, St. John's wort infusion, which needs to be douched, is very popular for the treatment of thrush, raspberry leaves and sage, tea tree oil are used in the same way. An excellent and effective component is oak bark, which has antimicrobial and soothing effects. It is good to use freshly prepared and unsweetened juice from cranberries or viburnum during illness. The components that they contain prevent the development of the disease, relieve symptoms and strengthen the immune system.

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 drags on for whole months, and the disease returns again and again, reducing the quality of life and forcing once again 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 secretions on their genitals, similar in texture 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 their own microflora, without causing any problems. The woman's vagina is not normally sterile. Microorganisms are present on its epithelium, including this one. It is involved in maintaining a normal pH level of the vagina, which is very important for the epithelium itself, the fertilization process.

The vagina's own flora also 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 own” 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 quite a few 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 is 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 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 own microflora of the vagina.

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

Decreased immunity, which inhibits the growth and reproduction of conditionally pathogenic flora. is the most common opportunistic infection in patients infected with HIV. If patients develop candidiasis in many places (oral cavity, vagina, intestines) and do not respond well to treatment, then there is a high probability that HIV is the root cause. Chronic inflammatory diseases and long-term bacterial infections can also adversely affect the body's immune defenses. ()

Disturbed metabolism- almost always this condition is caused. Few people know that with this disease in the human body, not only there is a failure in the regulation of sugar levels, but also fat and protein metabolism 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 drugs 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 the 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 takes place in diabetes mellitus, affects their formation only in a negative direction. The result is a decrease in immunity and the lack of necessary control over the state and composition of the microflora. Fungi willingly take advantage of this, given a good nutrient medium, and multiply uncontrollably, causing candidiasis.

Unbalanced and irrational nutrition Normally, a person should 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, sweet carbonated drinks. Their pancreas tries but cannot produce enough of the hormone to bring their blood glucose levels down to even the upper limit of normal. Then everything happens approximately as it was described in the case of: 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 genital organs, including the vagina, is highly dependent on the hormonal background in her body.

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

Incorrectly selected hormonal contraceptives can change the level of hormones in the blood so much that the likelihood of developing candidiasis will increase.

Many diseases of the endocrine system may 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 such conditions under which heat and moisture do not go outside, and these are ideal conditions for the reproduction of fungi.

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

So, thrush is characterized by:

Curdled discharge from the external genitalia. They are especially noticeable on dark underwear. They are mucus with a lot of white lumps.

Feeling of itching and burning 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 combing, the discharge spreads to 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 liquid as urine, and inflammation increases the sensitivity of receptors.

Pain and burning during intercourse- this is just one of the reasons why it is worth giving up sexual activity until the disease recedes.

Smell - it 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 this is a very big problem. Patients believe that all her interlocutors will certainly be able to catch him. Many venereal 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 be disturbed by only one of the indicated signs. It is impossible to learn 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 manifestation of the disease is useless, and self-treatment 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 diagnosis. Diagnoses are made by the doctor on the basis of tests, examination and complaints of the patient. Even in such cases, the presence of other sexual infections associated with thrush is not excluded. Self-medication is unacceptable. All appointments must be made by the attending physician.

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

Is thrush transmitted to men?

Normally, a man's body constantly encounters the same fungi as a woman's. Since they are contained in the vagina of most women, the sexual organs of the partner 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 the female. Therefore, if a man has reduced immunity, has diabetes mellitus or other prerequisites, then he can easily become infected with thrush. Moreover, a sexual partner can bring a large amount of fungus into a 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 an order of magnitude easier for a man to remove all pathogens from the surface of the penis by simply washing it thoroughly, unlike a woman. Yes, and the sexual intercourse itself in the presence of candidiasis is a thoughtless action, contrary to the recommendations of doctors and is unlikely to give pleasure.

How to treat a husband for thrush?

Treatment of a spouse or partner is carried out according to the same scheme as that of 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, candidiasis in men is asymptomatic. If there are visible signs of the disease, a thorough examination should be carried out to identify an infection that reduces 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 results of the tests, 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 prepared for this and, if possible, provide the most complete and reliable information that will help the doctor.

The specialist may ask:

What symptoms are of concern? You need to describe in detail.

When were the first manifestations of the disease noticed?

Have the signs of the disease changed since its onset? If so, how.

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

What causes symptoms to worsen? If the condition worsened, what caused it? When and for what reasons does relief come?

Have there been symptoms before?

Have you ever been treated for a sexually transmitted disease?

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

How and with what do you protect yourself?

Has your partner noticed discharge from the penis?

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

How many days do periods last? What is their regularity?

Has douching ever been used or not?

Are there any chronic diseases? If there 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 mycelia. This examination method is considered more informative, since it is impossible to recognize the type of fungal infection that caused thrush.

To find out which fungus provoked the disease, bacterial sowing of a smear on nutrient special 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 vaginal microflora.

All ongoing studies of specialists indicate the fact of the connection of thrush with other sexually transmitted infections. In most cases, candidiasis occurs in a complex, while the symptoms of thrush are masked by latent infections. There is a trend of their growth and wide distribution in recent decades. That is why doctors recommend a differential diagnosis of thrush. This will identify 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 in the chronic form of candidiasis helps to identify diabetes mellitus. The first symptom of this serious disease is thrush. If the tests show, the woman is recommended to contact an endocrinologist and follow his recommendations.

The participation of a gastroenterologist is also important. Abdominal ultrasound may be needed to effectively treat candidiasis. Most likely, you will need to donate feces and check the intestines. If there are indications, 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, urinalysis according to Zimnitsky, a smear from the urethra).

When should you consult a gynecologist?

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

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

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

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

With recurrence of candidiasis after a treatment course.

If during treatment appear blood and purulent discharge. 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 doctors try to get by with local preparations. These are tablets, 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:

Content

Many women periodically experience symptoms of a disease called thrush or candidiasis. Only at an appointment with a qualified gynecologist will you receive complete information about what thrush is and how to heal from it. Self-treatment in this case is very undesirable, because. the disease, if ignored or improperly treated, smoothly turns into a chronic form, which has more dangerous health consequences than its initial stage.

Causes of thrush

What is a thrush? This is a disease caused by the yeast fungus Candida. Representatives of conditionally pathogenic flora are found in the body of all people, in the mouth, intestines, genital mucosa and on the skin. Surprisingly, these fungi can be beneficial, they are involved in the synthesis of B vitamins. But, due to certain conditions, the number of fungi increases and then the person feels all the “charms” of candidiasis.

You can literally get sick with candidiasis from everything. Scientists are still arguing about what thrush is, a variety of versions have been put forward. There is not one reason, but several. Vaginal candidiasis - manifests itself mainly in women, but the manifestation of symptoms of thrush is not excluded in children and men. Let's look at a few possible reasons.

Among women

What is thrush and what causes it? The most basic reason is a decrease in acidity in the vagina, i.e. violation of its normal microflora, this occurs due to a number of circumstances:

• underwear made of synthetics, which creates conditions for the reproduction of bacteria;
• taking antibiotics. They act on the microflora of the human body by destroying beneficial bacteria called saprophytes, which have a protective function and prevent the reproduction of fungi;
• taking contraceptive drugs often causes hormonal disorders;
• sweet tooth are more prone to fungal manifestations;
• improperly selected or cheap means for hygiene of intimate areas;
• stressful situations, depression;
• during a long journey by train or bus, due to a forced sitting position;
• hormonal disorders due to diabetes and pregnancy lead to hormonal disorders.
• during the climax.

In men

Men are also susceptible to infection with thrush. In the stronger sex, candidiasis can be caused by balanoposthitis (inflammation of the glans penis of fungal etiology). Candidiasis in this case strikes the inner leaf of the foreskin with great speed, causing a lot of inconvenience. A feature of the male disease is both a bright, abrupt onset and its rapid disappearance, although this does not mean that it is not necessary to be treated.

In children

In teenage virgin girls, when the formation of the hormonal system occurs, thrush may begin. Can cause disease

• improper hygiene;
• wearing synthetic tight-fitting underwear;
• sitting on cold surfaces such as tiles, stones, earth.

If the expectant mother has candidiasis, then during childbirth, passing through the birth canal, the baby in 98% of cases will become infected with these bacteria. The disease often appears in children under one year of age in the mouth. This trouble appears in infants or in those whose diet is one milk. Reasons for the manifestation of candidiasis in children:

• the dry air of the room where the child is located leads to a decrease in saliva in the mouth, which protects the mucous membrane;
• rare walks in the fresh air;
• prolonged baby cries;
• difficult nasal breathing leads to drying of saliva, the protective functions of the mucosa decrease, which contributes to the growth of the fungus;
• Mold in the room promotes the growth of fungus.

Types of disease

There are a lot of types of candidiasis, more and more often researchers are discovering new subspecies of this disease:

1. Spicy- the initial stage of the development of thrush, when all the symptoms appear brightly, the clinical picture is confirmed by the result of the tests. This period lasts up to one month.
2. Chronic candidiasis is acquired due to ignoring the symptoms, the infected person does not seek help from a specialist or self-medicates.
3. Candida sepsis- the most severe and rare form, when the blood and all internal organs are infected with fungi. It begins due to a strong decrease in the body's defenses, for example, during immunodeficiency syndrome or after chemotherapy for cancer patients.

According to its localization, candidiasis is divided into the following types:

1. Candida fungus of the genitourinary system. The area of ​​the vagina is affected with the transition to the external genitalia, sometimes the urethra and bladder become inflamed. In men, it manifests itself on the glans penis in the form of redness and the formation of ulcers, microcracks.
2. Thrush of the oral mucosa- the disease manifests itself in both young children and adults. It is localized on the tongue, cheeks, gums and is called candidal stomatitis.
3. Candidiasis of the surface of the skin, nails.

Symptoms

What is vaginal thrush and how does it manifest itself? Symptoms help to suspect the disease, but only diagnostic tests can reliably confirm it. Candida albicans can greatly worsen a girl's well-being. In the early days, when candidiasis is in acute form, the symptoms of the disease are:

• general weakness, increased body temperature;
• unbearable itching inside the vagina and genital area;
• vaginal discharge in large quantities, they have a bright white color and a sour smell;
• pain when urinating;
• itching and pain in the sphincter area, the presence of microcracks on the walls of the anus, pain during defecation;
• pain during sexual activity.

What is male thrush and what to do when it appears? In the stronger sex, the disease often occurs without symptoms, but if they are, then some inconvenience is felt:

• redness of the entire head of the penis;
• pain and burning during urination;
• plaque on the surface of the glans penis.

What is a baby thrush? This disease in the oral cavity, manifests itself in the form of small red spots with a characteristic whitish coating on the tongue and cheeks. At the same time, it is considered the norm when a child under one year old has a whitish coating, in which case you can not panic and do not consult a doctor. In most cases, the manifestations do not cause inconvenience to the child.

What does it look like

The doctor during the appointment and visual examination can easily determine the presence of candidiasis in a woman. Characteristic signs are a strong swelling of the external genital organs with a pronounced red color. During an examination on a gynecological chair, a specialist can see white, thick discharge and swelling of the labia before inserting the instrument into the vagina - a clear sign of the disease.

During the treatment of a man to the doctor for complaints of discomfort, the urologist notes:

• severe redness of the urethra;
• the head of the penis is edematous and crimson;
• the surface of the glans penis is loose, not smooth, has a white coating, sores, microcracks, slight discharge.

In children, it is easy to determine the disease using a visual examination of the oral cavity:

• sores in the form of pale red spots on the cheeks and tongue;
• white coating on the tongue and cheeks inside.

Is it sexually transmitted

Candidiasis is not considered a sexually transmitted disease, however, it is highly likely to be transmitted sexually. Especially often this disease occurs in men and women who lead promiscuous sex life, without protection by contraceptives. Especially young people who abuse alcohol and drugs.

How to treat

To get rid of the disease, it is necessary to undergo a complete, effective and adequate treatment. Many people think that taking one magic pill, even the most expensive one, will solve the problem and permanently save you from the disease in one day - this is an erroneous opinion. Particular attention should be paid to strengthening the immune system, this will help vitamins. The doctor prescribes antifungal drugs, the course of treatment is from 7 to 10 days.

Adult drugs

Treatment for men and women is no different, in both cases it is aimed at the destruction of fungi of the genus Candida. The treatment is carried out both locally with warm baths, with the addition of soda, and douching with herbal infusions to wash away plaque and secretions, as well as a course of taking antifungal drugs, in the form of tablets and suppositories.

Women

For the treatment of thrush, women use such drugs:

• Diflucan. This drug is available in the form of tablets, has the property of suppressing the reproduction of yeast fungi. Indicated for use in the fight against all types of candidiasis. The duration of treatment is from 7 to 14 days. Contraindicated in pregnant women during breastfeeding and children under 16 years of age. It is used as a single course, the dosage is determined by the attending physician, depending on the severity of the disease and the location of its localization. Before use, talk to your gynecologist.
• Miramistin- solution or ointment, is an analogue of Diflucan. It is used as an antiseptic after operations, to combat and prevent the occurrence of streptococci, staphylococci and yeast fungi. Actively affects sexually transmitted diseases. Treatment is carried out by irrigation of the affected areas of the mucosa. People with a reaction to the components of the drug, this product is contraindicated. Sometimes the treatment of the disease with Mirimistin has a side effect in the form of redness and itching in the area where the solution or ointment is applied.
• clotrimazole prescribed topically in the form of ointments, aerosol, vaginal tablets for the treatment of urogenital candidiasis. Before going to bed, a tablet is injected deep into the vagina, and the external genitalia is lubricated with a thin layer of ointment or irrigated with a solution. The course of treatment of the disease consists of 2 weeks of continuous use. There are no side effects. Contraindication is the first three months of pregnancy.

men

How to treat candidiasis for men:

• Flucostat released in the form of capsules, solutions. The course is from 2 weeks, while the dosage is prescribed by the doctor. Instructions for the use of flucostat suggest side effects in the form of sleep disturbance, stool, digestive system, skin rashes. Contraindicated in children under 3 years of age.
• Fluconazole has an active antifungal effect. Available in the form of tablets and capsules. It is taken once every 24 hours, the course is from two weeks to one month. About the drug Fluconazole, the doctors' reviews are positive, candidiasis passes rapidly. During the reception, there may be a violation of the stool and increased flatulence. Instructions for the use of Fluconazole provides contraindications for children under 14 years of age.
• Pimafucin- an antifungal drug. Available in the form of suppositories, tablets and cream. No more than 4 tablets per day are prescribed, the duration of treatment is from 7 days. Candles are administered rectally (into the rectum), the glans penis is lubricated with cream twice a day. Instructions for use pimafucin suggests side effects: mild itching, which goes away on its own.

During pregnancy

During pregnancy, doctors prefer to treat candidiasis locally in the form of baths, irrigation with an antiseptic solution, or applying an antifungal cream to the affected mucous membranes. Folk remedies also enter the course of treatment, although they take more time in the fight against the fungus. Such procedures will not harm the bearing of the child. Acceptable drugs during pregnancy: suppositories and ointment Clotrimazole, Nystatin ointment, Epigem aerosol, tea tree oil.

For a child

To cure fungal stomatitis in a child, the following drugs are sometimes prescribed:

• Nystatin for children in granules is convenient for the preparation of a therapeutic solution. According to the instructions for treatment, the drug is diluted with water and the child's oral cavity is lubricated no more than twice a day. Discuss the medication with your pediatrician.
• Sodium tetraborate released in the form of a ready-made solution, which is applied to a wrapped bandage around the finger and the tongue, the inner surface of the baby's cheeks are processed. You need to press on the affected areas with force to remove the plaque. Talk to your pediatrician before use.

Treatment with folk remedies

The safest method of treatment for health is folk recipes. Due to the natural components, these methods are suitable for the treatment of women, men and children. For girls, the following options are suitable:

1. In 1 liter of warm boiled water, dilute 2 tsp. soda, mix well. With this solution, it is necessary to douche at home several times a day. Soda water not only destroys the reproduction of fungi of the genus Candida, but also relieves itchy sensations in the vagina.
2. 1 st. l. dilute tea tree oil with 250 ml of warm water, soak a cotton swab in the solution and treat the entrance to the vagina. This procedure is carried out before going to bed.

For men, the following procedures are suitable:

1. In 1 liter of warm water, dilute 1 tbsp. l. soda and 1 tsp. iodine. It is necessary to place the foreskin in this solution, having previously opened the glans penis, hold it for at least 15 minutes. The process of treating the disease is repeated several times a day for one week.
2. In the fight against candidiasis, celandine juice showed good results, you need to drink it on an empty stomach, once a day for a month. It is an antibacterial, antifungal agent.

Children are also treated with folk remedies:

1. Wipe the oral cavity with soda solution, removing white plaque.
2. Chamomile or St. John's wort is brewed in the amount of 2 tsp. 250 ml of boiling water, insisting on a water bath. The resulting solution wipes the tongue with a sterile bandage, moving from its root to the tip.

Complications

Modern medicine warns that by ignoring the symptoms of candidiasis, you are putting your life in danger. The transformation of the initial stage of the disease into a chronic one, in which the entire human body is affected by the fungus, in this case only inpatient treatment will be effective. Women with a chronic form of candidiasis are at risk of developing cervical erosion. As a result of the disease in men, erections and sexual activity decrease. In the absence of treatment, cases of infertility in both cases are not uncommon.

Prevention of thrush

In order for the disease not to catch up with you again, you need to completely reconsider your lifestyle and take a number of comprehensive preventive measures:

• Correction of the food culture involves the replacement of harmful sweets with fruits. Reduce, and it is better to completely abandon fatty and cholesterol-rich foods, including animal products - meat, fish, milk, eggs. Introduce more vegetables and herbs into your daily diet. Thanks to this diet, you will forget about candidiasis forever.
• Change thick synthetic underwear to cotton.
• If you need to take antibiotics, you need to use prophylactic drugs based on lactobacilli.
• Avoid panty liners.
• Establish daily intimate hygiene with the help of high-quality products for the care of this area.
• Daily work on the psycho-emotional state, avoiding stress and depression in your life.