Thrush

What is it?

Vaginal candidiasis (candidal vaginitis) is an infection of the vaginal lining caused by yeast-like fungi of the genus Candida. Many people know this condition by its code name: thrush.

Candida, or fungus, is an opportunistic microorganism. It lives quietly in our bodies, but under certain conditions its numbers grow, and that leads to nasty little ailments.

Why did I get thrush?

There are LOTS of reasons.

From wearing synthetic underwear and menstruation to long-term use of an intrauterine device.

And on top of those, there's a whole list:

• a new partner
• traumatic injury to the vaginal tissue
• pregnancy and the postpartum period
• unprotected sex (though the fungi themselves are rarely transmitted)
• endocrine disorders
• various immunodeficiencies
• self-medicating and taking certain medications incorrectly
• all sorts of secondary causes: vitamin deficiency, allergies, chronic illnesses.

Do I have thrush?

Halfway through this post, many of you may already have thought you have thrush. So it's better to check yourself against this symptom checklist:

• burning and itching around the vagina and vulva
• cottage-cheese-like vaginal discharge (specifically heavy, with large clumps and a characteristic sour-milk smell)
• problems urinating
• pain during penetration

Symptoms often get worse when your period starts or after contact with water (showers, swimming pools, swimming in lakes or the sea, etc.).

What should I do?

If you've found symptoms from the checklist, you need to see a gynecologist and get the following tests:

1. A pelvic exam in the gynecologist's chair

2. A vaginal swab to check your flora*

3. A culture of vaginal discharge*

4. A pelvic ultrasound (if needed and if prescribed)

In complicated forms of the condition, additional tests may be needed.

• to make a differential diagnosis (there may be several infections at once) and to detect fungi

When does it need treatment?

Treatment for vaginal candidiasis is prescribed when there are complaints, clinical signs and laboratory confirmation (!) of Candida fungi.

No treatment is needed if fungi are found without any clinical signs. Fungi are part of the opportunistic flora, and they can live in the vagina in small amounts. And that's normal.

Don't self-medicate

Only a gynecologist can prescribe treatment, and then monitor it, individually for each patient, taking into account the clinical picture, the form of the condition and how severe the symptoms are.

How can you lower the risk?

1. Don't use daily panty liners and don't wear tight synthetic underwear

2. Treat conditions of the genitourinary, endocrine and digestive systems in good time

3. Avoid taking antibiotics without medical supervision

4. Have a preventive check-up with a gynecologist once a year