Thrush – or, speaking in professional language, urogenital candidiasis – is a lesion of the mucous membranes and skin of the genitourinary organs caused by yeast-like fungi of the genus Candida.
This condition got its name because of the specific secretions resembling milk.
Contrary to popular belief, both a virgin and a sexually active woman can develop thrush, from which it becomes clear that urogenital candidiasis is not a sexually transmitted infection (STI).
Who is at risk?
Recently, data have appeared that chronic recurrent thrush does not develop in everyone, but only in persons with certain features of immunity and an individual reaction to the pathogen.
Predisposing factors for the development of thrush are:
- Insufficient hygiene of the genital organs;
- Excessive hygiene of the genitals – the use of gels for intimate hygiene, douching without a doctor’s prescription;
- It should be noted that for hygienic care of the genitals, it is enough to wash with clean running water;
- Wearing tight synthetic underwear, especially thongs;
- Use of daily sanitary pads;
- The use (especially uncontrolled) of antibacterial drugs;
- The presence of diabetes mellitus and other endocrine disorders (imbalance of sex hormones, thyroid hormones, etc.);
- Change of sexual partner / casual unprotected relationships;
- The use of intimate gels, lubricants and other means;
- Sometimes thrush can occur when using condoms, other local contraceptives;
- The development of thrush is influenced by the emotional state, severe stress is also equated to a risk factor.
Manifestations and forms of thrush:
The first symptom of vaginal candidiasis is usually sharp, rapidly increasing and becoming almost constant itching in the perineum and vagina. Nature has endowed a woman with a particularly large number of nerve endings in this part of the body, so vaginal candidiasis is the most intolerable and causing the most problems.
Then appear white plaque on the mucous membrane of the vagina and grayish “curdled” discharge.
In addition, there is candidiasis of the nail folds, oral cavity, penis in men, skin folds, etc.
Diagnosis of thrush:
At present, the usual diagnosis of fungal vulvovaginitis, which is reduced to microscopy of a vaginal smear and, in rare cases, to culture with the release of fungi of the genus Candida, is not enough.
What should a modern examination for thrush include?
- Establishment of the type of pathogenic fungi.
- Determination of the number of pathogenic fungi in smears.
- Identification of the sensitivity of the isolated species of fungi to antifungal drugs.
Treatment for thrush:
Cessation of sexual life for ten days.
Wash yourself as often as possible by adding a furacilin tablet or a spoonful of baking soda to the water.
Eliminate spicy, spicy and pickled foods from the diet – everything that makes urine too “caustic” and can additionally provoke itching (already of an allergic origin). Better lean on fresh vegetables, fruits, dairy products, cereals.
Give up for a while from prolonged physical exertion, copious feasts and a long stay in the heat – everything that leads to profuse sweating.
During menstruation, change pads more often – every 4-6 hours, regardless of the amount of discharge.
For treatment, the doctor prescribes a combination of local and general antifungal drugs.
Modern approaches in the treatment of thrush >>
Prevention of thrush:
Promptly detect and treat genital infection.
Maintain physical health and emotional status.
When using antibiotics in connection with the treatment of any infectious diseases, be sure to take systemic antimycotics – “Diflucan” once 150 mg.
If you use lubricants (lubricants) during intercourse, then use only water-soluble types. Do not use creams and other fat-containing products.
If you have an allergic reaction to latex condoms, use polyurethane products.
Be sure to use a condom if you have casual sex.
