Thrush is a typically female disease that every woman has had at least once in her life. White curdled discharge signals an illness , from which the disease got its name.
The causes of thrush lie in many factors. The main ones are pathogens transmitted during sexual intercourse. But this does not make thrush a venereal disease.
The disease received its medical name “candidiasis” from the yeast-like fungus Candida, to which it owes its development. This fungus is not dangerous, participating along with other "brothers" in the metabolic processes of the body. It is located in the oral cavity, in the vagina or on the skin. Under the influence of certain conditions, the fungus gains aggressiveness and causes a disease.
The causes of thrush are, first of all, weakened immunity and the presence of chronic infections. In addition, diseases that are transmitted through sexual intercourse also have a beneficial effect on the development of the disease. Some medicines, such as birth control or antibiotics, are another ally for thrush. Pregnant women and patients with diabetes have a greater risk of getting sick.
Scientists have developed several theories to explain the causes of thrush.
Hormonal disorders
Many doctors are sure that an increased level of hormones (during pregnancy, taking hormones and antibiotics) contributes to a change in the moderately acidic vaginal environment to a highly alkaline one, due to which fungi grow actively. High blood sugar also has a beneficial effect on creating an acidic environment.
Weakened immunity
Antibiotics destroy not only bacteria, but also lactic acid bacilli, which control the amount of fungi in the vagina.
Presumably, recurrence of yeast infections on their own lowers the level of protection of the body, paralyzing the ability to fight the fungus.
The causes of thrush are also allergies. Studies have shown that girls with a tendency to candidiasis are prone to an allergic reaction to pollen. Antibodies to spermicides, Candida albicans, and other substances caused a negative reaction to standard treatment.
Therefore, if you are worried about thrush, and you are also allergic, then it is better to seek help from an allergist. But finding Candida does not mean that you are sick with thrush.
A symptom of the disease is a sharp burning sensation in the genital area. The genitals are blushing. Their mucous membrane is inflamed and hurts. There are copious cheesy discharge.
Thrush in women, the causes of which are established, is treated with medications. There are various pills, vaginal suppositories, ointments and creams. Mostly clotrimazole or nystatin is used.
In addition, you need to stop sexual intercourse until complete recovery. For intimate hygiene, it is best to use special products that contain lactic acid and have an antibacterial effect.
The causes of thrush can be eliminated by adjusting your diet. To do this, abandon hot dishes and seasonings, bakery products and yeast products. Preference should be given to vegetables and fruits, dairy and cereal products.
Various causes of thrush in girls can cause some of its complications. For example, the urethra and bladder may become inflamed. The cervix is also at risk. There is a risk of spreading the infection outside the vagina, while the skin and mucous membranes can be affected . During childbirth, the disease can pass from mother to baby.
A good prevention will be proper body care, especially in intimate places, the right diet, informed choice of sexual partner.