Some representatives of the fair sex,Having discovered symptoms of thrush, they decide not to go to the gynecologist and to be treated in the hospital. In the best case (relatively speaking), they buy pills and ointments, do steam baths and douches, hoping that everything will pass anyway. In the worst case, the ladies endure, gritting their teeth. Such is the mentality of Russian women. But can thrush really pass on its own, without consequences and harm to the health of lovely ladies? The answer will definitely be negative. Why? Let's try to understand this issue in order.
What is thrush and how dangerous it is
Candidiasis, also known as thrush, isa certain type of fungal infection. The cause of the disease is yeast-like fungi of the genus Candida. In fact, such microorganisms are present in the body of every person. The location is the mucous membrane of the mouth, vagina. In small quantities, they do not cause any changes or disorders. But as soon as you get sick with something serious or catch a more pathogenic strain of the fungus, the microflora is disturbed and the infection begins to spread further. After taking a pill, so advertised on television, the ladies calm down. What to worry about if all the symptoms have passed. In fact, the absence of signs does not mean that the disease has completely receded. After some time, candidiasis may reappear. And it will be more difficult to get rid of it, since the fungus will spread to other organs. Therefore, it is so important not to neglect the disease.
Who is at risk or who should beware of
There is a misconception that thrushis transmitted only sexually. In fact, it can appear in newborns, and in teenagers, and in women who have never had sexual intercourse, and in case of prolonged abstinence. Moreover, if you have been diagnosed with this disease, it does not mean that you will infect your partner or, even more so, that he is to blame for your illness. The cause should be sought in health problems. After all, while everything is fine with you, the immune system copes with such a load normally. But as soon as your body stops fighting, all hidden diseases will immediately come to light. And until you undergo a comprehensive examination, do not find out why you have thrush, you will not be able to get rid of it.
The causes of candidiasis: who is to blame and what to do?
As you already understood, thrush does not just happenwill appear in a completely healthy representative of the fair sex. What can provoke and accelerate the development of yeast-like fungi of the genus Candida? Anything, from improper treatment, diabetes, AIDS, to chlamydia, mycoplasmosis. Therefore, this issue should be given special attention.
- Reception of broad-spectrum antibiotics
Nowadays, when many medicationsare sold without prescriptions, ladies buy them on the advice of "knowledgeable" friends, without even thinking about the consequences. How often do women take antibiotics for colds, without even realizing that they do not help in such cases. But even if you take these drugs as prescribed by your doctor, you should be prepared for serious consequences. Here and upset stomach, and intolerance to some foods, and that same thrush. The thing is that antibiotics destroy not only harmful bacteria, but also lactobacilli - those that do not allow yeast-like fungi to multiply. As a result, the flora is disrupted, and our body cannot resist infection. Plus, antibiotics can be considered an excellent source of nutrition for Candida fungi, which because of this actively multiply on the female genital organs. Thus, the longer you take medications, the worse it will be for you. That is why experts recommend using probiotics during treatment, which soften the effect of drugs on the body.
- Synthetic underwear
As surprising as it may sound to you, butConstant wearing of synthetic panties can lead to vaginal candidiasis. Such fabric simply does not let air through and, tightly adhering to the skin, does not allow heat to escape normally. As a result, the closed area sweats and heats up a lot. Increased humidity and high temperature are what contribute to the rapid reproduction of fungus. Therefore, we refuse beautiful but dangerous things that can lead to such diseases. And it is not only about thrush. For example, thongs can provoke cystitis and candidiasis, which, while walking, transfer bacteria from the anus to the vaginal opening. By the way, the same thing happens when a girl washes herself with a shower under pressure.
- Pregnancy, intake of oral contraceptives
Pregnant womenquite often encounter such a nuisance as thrush. Usually it happens at the end of the second and in the third trimester. This happens because the hormonal balance in the body of the expectant mother is disturbed. Please note: if candidiasis appears, immediately inform the gynecologist about it. So that the disease is not transmitted to the baby, the pregnant woman needs to undergo a whole course of treatment. Moreover, the drugs are selected such that will not harm the fetus. Remember that thrush will not just go away! As for contraceptives, almost all contraceptives that contain estrogen also have a negative effect on your health. As a result, the pH decreases, and bacteria and fungi, including Candida, begin to multiply on the mucous membrane. By the way, in this case, women feel much worse on those very red days when the hormone level reaches a critical point.
- Improper diet
Ladies who are constantly on diets and torturing themselvesstarving themselves, risk getting a whole bunch of diseases, including thrush. Vitamin deficiency, iron deficiency and other essential microelements - this has never been beneficial. But to get in great shape, you just need to eat a balanced diet and go to the gym. The second category of people are those individuals who cannot deny themselves the pleasure of eating fatty, salty, smoked, spicy foods. Such food not only provokes the proliferation of fungi, but also significantly accelerates this process. Therefore, you should not go from one extreme to another. Every day, a woman should eat one ripe apple. The diet must include vegetables, fruits, berries. Cooking method - either steam, boil, or bake in the oven. Fry, marinate, salt less. By the way, regarding salt. You are unlikely to be able to immediately reduce the dosage - the food will seem bland and tasteless. But if you gradually reduce the amount, then eventually you will be able to switch to the prescribed norm. This will help get rid of not only thrush, but also stomach problems, swelling, bags and bruises under the eyes, as well as excess weight.
- Problems with the endocrine system
Thrush can be a symptom of a more serious condition.and dangerous disease. This concerns diabetes, hypothyroidism and Itsenko-Cushing's disease, problems with the thyroid gland. Often the endocrine system begins to "play up" with severe obesity.
- Problems with the immune system
If you have thrush immediately afterAfter you have undergone treatment for it, you should immediately get tested for malignant tumors, leukemia, AIDS. Problems with the immune system can also occur after chemotherapy, long-term treatment with immunosuppressants, antibiotics, hormones, etc.
- Intoxication
People who regularly consume alcoholdrinks or drugs, get sick more often and more severely than people leading a healthy lifestyle. And the whole problem is that because of such hobbies, the body becomes intoxicated, which simply cannot cope with the infection. The same thing happens to patients who take medications for a long time. As in the previous cases, thrush will not go away on its own, even if you stop taking medications and quit drinking alcohol.
- Damage
Another fairly common reasonthe appearance of thrush - frequent damage to the skin and mucous membrane. The problem may be that you wear dentures that constantly squeeze and rub, and in erosion, burns, etc. Therefore, if you feel discomfort or have been injured, be careful, treat cuts in a timely manner, try to avoid repeated injuries.
- High temperature and humidity
The person sweats, moisture accumulates in the folds,bacteria begin to multiply there. It is good if a woman has the opportunity to use at least wet wipes to wipe her skin. But, for example, working in production, doing housework, walking outside, it is unlikely that the fair sex will be able to run into the ladies' room every five minutes. By the way, this is why some experts recommend changing your swimsuit immediately after water procedures. The fact is that the sun instantly heats up our skin, but thongs or bikinis take a very long time to dry. As a result, we get a comfortable moist environment in which bacteria feel quite good.
- Sexual contacts
You can also catch Candida fungi duringhaving sex with a partner without a condom. And this disease is popularly called "marital thrush". Therefore, always use protection if you are not married to a young man. By the way, in men this disease may not manifest itself for quite a long time, while he will remain a carrier. Thus, thrush is not just a disease, but a sign that something is wrong with your body. For infection and spread, certain factors must be present that negatively affect the immunity of the fair sex. And until these causes are eliminated, thrush will not only not be able to go away on its own, but will also constantly appear after treatment.
And is it a yeast infection: we determine the disease
Of course, set it yourselfdiagnosis is impossible without medical education and practice. The symptoms that occur with thrush may also be accompanied by other diseases. Plus, it all depends on what caused the candidiasis, what stage you are at now, what other diseases you have, etc. During an exacerbation, the following symptoms characteristic of thrush almost always occur. Firstly, it is itching and burning in the genital area. At the same time, the unpleasant sensations always intensify in the evening. This manifestation is especially pronounced in the premenstrual period. After menstruation, a slight relief comes. It is at this time that a woman may decide that the thrush has gone away on its own. But after a week, the symptoms reappear. Secondly, with thrush, a certain substance of a white or slightly yellowish color is released from the vagina, similar in appearance to cottage cheese. The quantity and quality depend on the severity of the disease. In especially neglected cases, the discharge can also be brown or greenish. Please note: if a woman has chronic vulvovaginitis, the presence of such formations is not necessary. With thrush, there is usually no pronounced unpleasant and repulsive odor. But over time, a slightly sour aroma may appear, which is impossible to get rid of even after taking a shower or bath. By the way, the latter is not recommended for candidiasis, since the discomfort and itching after hot water will only intensify. Also, you should not have sex with candidiasis. Not only will this not bring you pleasure, but it will also do a lot of harm. You can infect your partner, and it will hurt you during penetration. And later, when you are cured of the disease, you will again catch Candida fungi from your man. The next symptom is a rash on the mucous membrane. These can be very small bubbles, inside which there is a slightly cloudy or completely transparent liquid. The location is the vagina and vulva. There may also be swelling or hyperemia. Women during an exacerbation experience incredible pain and burning when urinating, as if the genitals are being eaten away by acid. The fact is that urine affects the inflamed skin, causing such unpleasant sensations. Please note: all of the above signs and symptoms can appear both together and separately. It all depends on the affected area. Sometimes inflammatory processes either affect only the genitals or the vagina. But usually this disease spreads to both. Plus, if you do not start treatment at the first signs, the bladder and cervix suffer.
To be treated or not to be treated for thrush
Still wondering if you should trust doctors?and go to the hospital to get a diagnosis and treatment? What doubts can there be? You should understand that such diseases simply cannot go away on their own. The fungi that caused the inflammatory processes will not simply stop multiplying and will not sink into oblivion. In the future, if thrush is not treated, a representative of the fair sex may begin to have problems with reproductive function. Plus, there are risks of infecting the baby, which is in the womb. And this will not lead to anything good. Self-medication is the last thing a woman should do. The fact is that medications in most cases have a negative effect on the immune system. And this, in turn, gives complete freedom of action to Candida fungi. As a result, the affected area only increases. And it will be much more difficult to get rid of this scourge. Even a doctor finds it quite difficult to cope with thrush, because, as mentioned earlier, it is not necessary to have sex for the fungi to begin their activity in the body. Candidiasis indicates that something is wrong with a woman. Perhaps she has serious diseases that affect hormonal levels and immunity. Therefore, the first thing you will have to do is undergo a full examination to rule out the presence of concomitant diseases. If any, they are treated first. Then, medications are prescribed that stimulate increased immunity, relieve dysbacteriosis, restore acidity, etc. Plus, a special diet rich in vitamins, minerals and protein is prescribed. At the same time, the diet should not include products that affect the development of Candida fungi. Moreover, self-medication or hoping for a miraculous relief from the problem is impossible during pregnancy. Remember that fungi can also be transmitted to the baby. Considering that many drugs can negatively affect the development of the fetus, this issue should be approached with caution. By the way, if a woman is diagnosed with thrush, her sexual partner should also be treated. Moreover, even if there are no visible manifestations of the disease, he is still obliged to undergo an examination. As mentioned earlier, candidiasis may not appear immediately, but after some time. How is the treatment of thrush carried out? The patient is prescribed antifungal drugs, which are taken locally (ointments and creams) and orally (tablets). But even if you have completed a course of treatment, this does not mean that you have completely gotten rid of the scourge. Thrush can return if you have not completely gotten rid of it. For example, the dosage was prescribed incorrectly, the woman stopped taking the medication immediately after she felt better. Also, sometimes antifungal drugs do not always cope with the task. The fact is that fungi quickly get used to certain drugs. As a result, the drugs that helped before do not bring any benefit next time. This is why some modern clinics offer patients to take culture tests. In the laboratory, samples are taken to determine which drugs the fungi are sensitive to. And based on the results of the study, a full treatment is prescribed.
- Medications
Today there is quite a largenumber of antifungal drugs that help to cope with thrush. But due to the general availability and not very controlled use, the fungus is becoming increasingly resistant to them. Tablets and pills cost differently, depending on the manufacturer and the popularity of a particular drug. Unfortunately, not everyone can afford expensive treatment these days. And if you are limited in finances, do not hesitate to tell your gynecologist about it. The doctor will select a less expensive drug that will not be inferior in its properties to its analogues.
- Candles, ointments and creams
These remedies help to get rid of the symptomsthrush already on the second day. The disease itself goes away after a week. To achieve positive results, it is necessary to regularly use antifungal suppositories, ointments or creams for a week.
- Douching
As for this method, almost everythingGynecologists are against such measures. The fact is that the liquid washes out not only harmful bacteria, but also destroys the flora. At the same time, the fungus simply stops developing so quickly. Perhaps the symptoms (itching, burning) will also go away. And this is much more dangerous, since the fair sex will decide that she has completely overcome the disease. And the fungi will gradually spread to other organs.
- Diet
During the treatment period and a couple of months after the fullrecovery, the fair sex must adhere to a strict diet. You will have to limit yourself in sweet, salty, spicy, dairy and pastry. Dishes that use yeast are strictly prohibited. A small amount of fermented milk products with bifidobacteria is allowed. In large supermarkets, you can easily find such fermented baked milk, curdled milk, kefir.
Prevention of disease
Is it possible to prevent thrush?It is quite difficult to answer this question unequivocally, because there are quite a few reasons why this disease could have occurred to you. But if you still follow a few basic rules, the risks of infection with Candida fungi will be reduced to a minimum.
- In time we visit a specialist
The first thing to remember is that a womanshould visit a gynecologist at least once every six months. It is desirable that visits to other specialists are also made every 6-8 months. After all, as you already understood from the article, if you do not have health problems, thrush will not threaten you.
- We follow the food
The next thing you need to do to avoid this happening again iscandidiasis has appeared - regularly consume yogurts and kefir, which will help restore normal intestinal microflora. Also, do not forget to eat foods such as onions and garlic. And, of course, eat vegetables and fruits every day for lunch, breakfast or dinner. And drink as much liquid as possible. The daily norm for an adult woman is 1.5 liters. At the same time, you will have to limit yourself in foods that change the acidity of the vagina. This also applies to sweet dishes.
- Wear quality things
Next on the list are things.Throw away everything unnatural, synthetic, dense, constricting and digging into the skin. Choose cotton panties that do not interfere with normal thermoregulation. At the very least, they should have small inserts made of cotton fabric.
- We use condoms and special lubrication
Always use condoms, especially ifyou are not living long or dating a young man. This remedy also perfectly protects against unwanted pregnancy. You remember that OK can cause thrush. It is also not recommended to douche after sexual intercourse, as this only worsens the situation. By washing out the beneficial microflora, you will destroy the natural protection. Unfortunately, many representatives of the fair sex forget about this. Believe me, scientists have repeatedly proven that men practically do not feel the difference whether he is with or without a condom. Rather, the psychological factor plays a big role here, when guys themselves suggest this. If your young man insists on interrupted intercourse or shifts protection to you, he simply does not appreciate and does not care about your health. The second rule that you should pay attention to is the use of lubricant. The fact is that not all women can get excited enough. As a result, the penis simply injures the mucous membrane. Therefore, it is recommended to use special products, but only water-soluble ones.
- We keep clean
Personal hygiene deserves special mention.So, remember once and for all: a woman should wash herself at least twice a day. But you shouldn’t run to the shower too often, otherwise you will wash off not only pathogenic, but also beneficial bacteria from your skin. It is advisable to take a look in the shower after each bowel movement. You need to wash, wipe and dry yourself from the pubis to the tailbone, and not vice versa. You don’t want to bring some nasty stuff from the anus to the vagina. Remember that a towel is a personal thing. No one except you should touch it. You won’t give your toothbrush even to your children and husband. So why don’t you think about the fact that each family member should have their own dry terry towel. And not just one, but several: for hands, face, body, hair, feet. You also need to make sure that they are changed on time, are always clean, fresh and dry. Choose special products for intimate hygiene. There are wipes, gels, sprays on sale that are designed specifically for this purpose. And remember, such products should not be antibacterial. You do not want to harm yourself, right? Also, do not use regular shower gel or laundry soap, so as not to disturb the alkaline balance. A lady should have wet wipes for intimate hygiene in her bag. With their help, you can monitor cleanliness even at work, when visiting, or during a walk.
- We take the medicine correctly
Are you facing long-term antibiotic treatment?Then don't forget about antifungal medications that will help prevent thrush. They are not that cheap, but if you don't want to spend a couple thousand rubles and a lot of nerves on fighting candidiasis, be sure to remind your doctor about this.
- We conduct an active way of life
In a healthy body, as one famous saying goesproverb - a healthy spirit. Representatives of the fair sex who lead a sedentary lifestyle have impaired blood circulation in the pelvis, and the flora of the vagina changes. Therefore, be sure to exercise, go to the gym, walk more, do morning exercises, and stretch every hour and a half at work. Thus, if you monitor your health and follow basic hygiene rules, thrush will not appear again. But if this does happen, do not wait for a convenient opportunity, but immediately go to the gynecologist for an examination. The sooner you do this, the better.
