Thrush – Symptoms and Treatment

Vaginal candidiasis, better known as thrush, is a common health problem faced by many women worldwide. According to statistics, approximately 75% of women experience this infection at least once in their lifetime. It is one of the most common vaginal infections, second only to bacterial vaginosis. It is characterised by a particularly unpleasant set of symptoms, including irritation, unpleasant and sometimes copious discharge, as well as severe itching in the vagina and vulva. These symptoms can severely affect women’s daily comfort and quality of life, so it is important to know how to effectively manage and treat this condition.

Causes of thrush

Candida is a yeast fungus that lives naturally in the vaginal microflora and whose growth is controlled by Lactobacillus (good) bacteria. When the body weakens, the natural vaginal microflora is disturbed and its acidity decreases, which creates favourable conditions for fungal growth. The Lactobacillus bacteria are then unable to perform their function properly and Candida can grow to excessive levels, causing symptoms of thrush.

Dandruff can occur for a variety of reasons:

• Antibiotic use. These drugs reduce the amount of good bacteria in the vagina.
• Hormonal imbalance. Changes during pregnancy, lactation or menopause (or while taking the contraceptive pill) can change the balance in your vagina.
• Diabetes mellitus. If diabetes is not controlled, increased sugar levels in the vaginal mucous membranes can favour the growth of yeast fungi.
• Weak immune system. If you have HIV or another immune system disorder, Candida fungus can spread uncontrollably.
• Perfumed hygiene products (limbs). The use of these products can alter the PH balance in the vagina.
• Sexual intercourse. Although vaginal candidiasis is not considered a sexually transmitted infection, it can be transmitted through sexual contact.
• Stress. Stress weakens the immune system, and Candida fungus, like other organisms, reacts to stress.

Candida albicans is the most common fungal species that causes fungal infections. However, when thrush recurs more than a few times a year or the infection is resistant to standard treatment, it is necessary to assess the possibility that the infection is caused by a different Candida strain. This fungus normally lives inside the body (e.g. mouth, throat, intestines, vagina) and on the skin without causing any health problems. However, under certain conditions, the fungus can start to multiply actively and cause candidiasis.

Symptoms of thrush

Symptoms of thrush can vary from mild to very severe, and some women may even have no symptoms at all, despite having an infection. Symptoms of this condition are varied and may include the following unpleasant sensations:

• itching and irritation in the vagina and genital area;
• burning sensation, especially during sexual intercourse or urination;
• redness and swelling in the genital area;
• pain and tenderness in the vagina;
• vaginal rash;
• thick, white, odourless vaginal discharge with a cottage cheese texture;
• watery vaginal discharge.

Sometimes, especially in more complicated cases, cracks in the vaginal wall can occur. If thrush recurs four or more times a year, it may indicate a chronic form, which is important to monitor and treat to avoid long-term complications.

The main way to diagnose thrush is to visit a gynaecologist for a detailed examination and tests. Often the infection is detected during the first standard gynaecological visit, when a pelvic examination is carried out. To confirm the diagnosis, the doctor usually takes a vaginal swab sample, which is then sent to a laboratory for a full examination.

When symptoms of thrush persist or recur several times a year, it is possible that the cause lies in another strain of Candida fungus. In this case, the laboratory test becomes an important tool to identify which Candida species is responsible for the persistent or treatment-resistant symptoms. The results of this test allow clinicians to propose a targeted and effective treatment plan focused on the specifically identified pathogen, giving patients a better chance of a quick and effective recovery.

Milk thistle in men

Although women are most often affected by thrush, men can sometimes suffer from it too. In most cases, the infection is transmitted during sexual intercourse, although it is not considered a sexually transmitted disease. However, thrush can also occur without sexual intercourse because, like women, men naturally have a certain amount of the Candida albicans fungus in their bodies. If circumstances are favourable, this fungus can begin to multiply actively.

Candidiasis in men may be less symptomatic than in women, but this does not mean that it does not cause any discomfort. Men may also experience these unpleasant symptoms:

• redness and white patches along the penis;
• cracked skin on the head of the penis;
• Thick, white discharge under the skin of the glans penis or other folds of skin;
• itching, burning sensation when urinating;
• pain or discomfort during sexual intercourse.

A urologist or family doctor can usually diagnose the condition at the first visit and prescribe appropriate treatment. In milder cases, doctors often recommend topical preparations such as antifungal ointments. For more severe cases, antibiotics may be prescribed to effectively control the infection.

Thrush during pregnancy

Thrush during pregnancy is quite common and occurs in up to 30% of pregnant women due to the increased levels of oestrogen, which favours the growth of the fungus. If this infection is suspected, it is necessary to consult a doctor for an accurate diagnosis. The treatment of thrush during pregnancy is different from the usual one, as oral antifungal drugs are contraindicated due to the potential harm to the developing foetus. However, topical medications for the treatment of thrush are considered safe during pregnancy.

Although thrush is not dangerous for the baby, the Candida fungus can be transmitted during childbirth. This can cause a rash and oral thrush in the newborn. To avoid these complications, it is important to start treatment as soon as possible..

Treatment of dairy disease

Treatment of thrush is tailored to the severity of symptoms and the frequency of recurrence.

1. For mild to moderate symptoms and rare cases:

• Use of topical antifungal drugs – drugs used for 3-7 days are usually effective in eliminating the infection. These drugs may be available as creams, ointments and suppositories, many of which can be bought without a prescription.
• Single-dose medicine: A single dose is taken orally and can be given for more severe symptoms, with the possibility of repeating the dose after three days. This method is not recommended during pregnancy.

If the treatment does not work or the symptoms return within two months, it is necessary to consult your doctor again.

2. For severe symptoms or frequently recurring infections:

• Long-term use of topical antifungals: daily use of an antifungal for up to two weeks, followed by weekly use for up to 6 months.
• Multidose: multiple oral doses. This treatment is not recommended for pregnant women.

Prevention and care of dairy disease

• As a common problem, prevention and proper care are important for every woman. In order to prevent or manage the symptoms of this condition, there are a number of actions that can help maintain a healthy vaginal microflora and reduce the risk of infection. Here are some basic recommendations on how to effectively take care of your health and prevent thrush:Avoid using tampons: tampons should not be used when applying vaginal creams or suppositories, as they can absorb the medicine; it is better to use sanitary towels.

• Avoid using tampons: tampons should not be used when applying vaginal creams or suppositories, as they can absorb the medicine; it is better to use sanitary towels.
• Wear loose cotton clothing: Nylon and other materials that retain body heat and moisture should be avoided, as these can worsen the condition.
• Sleep without underwear: This helps the skin to breathe.
• Relieve itching with cold compresses or cool baths: This prevents more irritation or infection.
• Wash the vagina only once a day: Use plain water or a mild, unscented soap and always air dry.
• Change damp or wet clothes as soon as possible: This helps to prevent moisture build-up.
• Abstain from sex until the end of the treatment: When using medication in the vaginal cavity, it is important to remember that sexual intercourse can slow down the recovery process. In addition, some medicines can reduce the effectiveness of the latex used in condoms or diaphragms, making these contraceptives less reliable.

The symptoms and treatment of thrush are certainly questionable, but with proper understanding and prevention and treatment methods, the condition can be controlled. Although some women may experience thrush without symptoms, in most cases it causes itching, burning and discomfort that can significantly impair quality of life. It is important to be aware that thrush can be provoked by a variety of factors, including the use of antibiotics, hormonal fluctuations, or even stress, so it is essential to monitor changes in your body and to consult a gynaecologist if you suspect any. Various treatments, ranging from topical agents to systemic treatments, can quickly restore comfort and health.