Vaginal thrush: how to spot the symptoms and treat it?

 

What exactly is vaginal thrush?

 

Thrush is a common yeast infection caused by a yeast known as candida albicans. This is a harmless fungus that can reside in your vagina. When everything is in order, your vagina contains a delicate mix of yeast and bacteria. Some of the microorganisms operate to prevent excessive yeast growth. However, the equilibrium can be upset, causing the yeast to proliferate uncontrollably. The end result, thrush symptoms occur on your vagina or the outer part of your genitals and it became irritating.

 

Vaginal thrush is one of life's most vexing problems for many women; up to three out of every four of us experience it at least once. It is normally harmless, and studies demonstrate that it has no long-term effects on your health. However, vaginal thrush symptoms can be extremely unpleasant, including itching and irritation, a thick creamy discharge, and stinging when you pee.Thrush can be more than just inconvenient, especially if it recurs. According to studies, less than 5% of women have 'recurrent' or 'complicated' thrush, defined as 3-4 bouts per year.

 

Symptoms of vaginal thrush 

Thrush does not always present with visible signs. If you do experience symptoms, they will differ from person to person and may be moderate or severe.Common symptoms include itching and irritation in your vagina or vulva, thick, white vaginal discharge that isn't generally fragrant, and burning or stinging when you pee or have sex.

 

Watery discharge, redness and/or swelling, a rash, and vaginal soreness may also occur in certain circumstances.

 

What exactly causes vaginal thrush? 

Candida albicans thrives in warm, moist places, such as your vagina. It can also overgrow if the balance of bacteria in your vagina changes. This means that anything that alters the circumstances in your vagina may cause thrush, such as:

 

·         Pregnancy promotes hormonal changes that impact your vagina, increasing the likelihood of thrush. While candida is found in 20% of women, it is found in 30-40% of pregnant women. Symptomatic thrush is also more frequent among pregnant women. There is no evidence that thrush can harm your unborn child, but research is being conducted to see whether treating thrush during pregnancy can lessen the chance of premature labour. 

·         using contraceptive pills or hormone replacement therapy (HRT) - taking drugs that induce greater levels of the hormone oestrogen can also make you susceptible to thrush, but the specific reason for this is unknown. 

·         sex - you can acquire thrush if you've never had sex, although it can be caused by sex in some people, and there is some evidence to imply a link. There isn't enough research yet to establish whether thrush can be passed from partner to partner. If you have thrush and your partner has no symptoms, they usually do not require treatment. 

·         medicines - at least one-quarter of women develop thrush while using antibiotics. These medications can disrupt the balance of bacteria in your vagina, causing yeast to develop 

·         diabetes - poorly controlled diabetes can allow more yeast to grow a weaker immune system - this could be due to chemotherapy or HIV It could suggest that your body is struggling to keep yeast overgrowth under control due to damaged or irritated vulval skin, which can allow candida albicans to develop out of control. It can occur if you have an underlying vulval skin condition, such as psoriasis.

 

Self-care Tips 

While you wait for antifungal medication to take effect, there are a few things you may do to alleviate your thrush symptoms. Some may also help prevent it from returning: 

·         Avoid using scented soaps, washes, or shower gels on your vulva, and don't clean inside your vagina (read more about how to clean your vagina) 

·         Dry your vulva thoroughly after cleaning or swimming, and avoid sitting about in a wet swimsuit Because yeast thrives in warm, moist environments. 

·         Choose breathable, cotton underwear and loose-fitting trousers instead of tight garments and underwear. 

·         Try to keep your blood sugar levels under control if you have diabetes. 

·         If you suspect that sex is causing your thrush, you should consult a doctor. 

·         Thrush external cream can be used for aid. aginal thrush?

 Thrush is a common yeast infection caused by a yeast known as candida albicans. This is a harmless fungus that can reside in your vagina. When everything is in order, your vagina contains a delicate mix of yeast and bacteria. Some of the microorganisms operate to prevent excessive yeast growth. However, the equilibrium can be upset, causing the yeast to proliferate uncontrollably. The end result, thrush symptoms occur on your vagina or the outer part of your genitals and it became irritating.

 Vaginal thrush is one of life's most vexing problems for many women; up to three out of every four of us experience it at least once. It is normally harmless, and studies demonstrate that it has no long-term effects on your health. However, vaginal thrush symptoms can be extremely unpleasant, including itching and irritation, a thick creamy discharge, and stinging when you pee.

Thrush can be more than just inconvenient, especially if it recurs. According to studies, less than 5% of women have 'recurrent' or 'complicated' thrush, defined as 3-4 bouts per year.

 Symptoms of vaginal thrush

Thrush does not always present with visible signs. If you do experience symptoms, they will differ from person to person and may be moderate or severe.

Common symptoms include itching and irritation in your vagina or vulva, thick, white vaginal discharge that isn't generally fragrant, and burning or stinging when you pee or have sex.

 Watery discharge, redness and/or swelling, a rash, and vaginal soreness may also occur in certain circumstances.

 What exactly causes vaginal thrush?

Candida albicans thrives in warm, moist places, such as your vagina. It can also overgrow if the balance of bacteria in your vagina changes. This means that anything that alters the circumstances in your vagina may cause thrush, such as:

 ·         Pregnancy promotes hormonal changes that impact your vagina, increasing the likelihood of thrush. While candida is found in 20% of women, it is found in 30-40% of pregnant women. Symptomatic thrush is also more frequent among pregnant women. There is no evidence that thrush can harm your unborn child, but research is being conducted to see whether treating thrush during pregnancy can lessen the chance of premature labour.

·         using contraceptive pills or hormone replacement therapy (HRT) - taking drugs that induce greater levels of the hormone oestrogen can also make you susceptible to thrush, but the specific reason for this is unknown.

·         sex - you can acquire thrush if you've never had sex, although it can be caused by sex in some people, and there is some evidence to imply a link. There isn't enough research yet to establish whether thrush can be passed from partner to partner. If you have thrush and your partner has no symptoms, they usually do not require treatment.

·         medicines - at least one-quarter of women develop thrush while using antibiotics. These medications can disrupt the balance of bacteria in your vagina, causing yeast to develop

·         diabetes - poorly controlled diabetes can allow more yeast to grow a weaker immune system - this could be due to chemotherapy or HIV It could suggest that your body is struggling to keep yeast overgrowth under control due to damaged or irritated vulval skin, which can allow candida albicans to develop out of control. It can occur if you have an underlying vulval skin condition, such as psoriasis.

 Self-care Tips

While you wait for antifungal medication to take effect, there are a few things you may do to alleviate your thrush symptoms. Some may also help prevent it from returning:

·         Avoid using scented soaps, washes, or shower gels on your vulva, and don't clean inside your vagina (read more about how to clean your vagina)

·         Dry your vulva thoroughly after cleaning or swimming, and avoid sitting about in a wet swimsuit Because yeast thrives in warm, moist environments.

·         Choose breathable, cotton underwear and loose-fitting trousers instead of tight garments and underwear.

·         Try to keep your blood sugar levels under control if you have diabetes.

·         If you suspect that sex is causing your thrush, you should consult a doctor.

·         Thrush external cream can be used for aid.