Diseases accompanied by inflammatory processes in the female genital organs are most often caused by the active life of various microorganisms. One of the most common ailments is candidal vulvitis (or genital candidiasis, thrush). It belongs to the group of diseases of the female reproductive system affecting the mucous membranes.
Disease Description
Candidiasis vulvitis is a fungal infectious disease that affects primarily the external genitalia. The cause of the disease is the active life of yeast fungi of the genus Candida. These fungi are found in small quantities in the female body, their number is controlled by the beneficial microflora of the vagina. For various reasons, the balance of the number of beneficial bacteria and pathogenic fungi can be disturbed, which leads to the rapid multiplication of the latter. This leads to the development of candidal vulvitis. Photos of the symptoms of the disease are available in specialized medical literature.
Causes of candidiasis
As was said, the disease occurs when the healthy microflora of the vagina is disturbed and the number of fungi of the genus Candida is increased. This may be due to the following reasons:
- Taking a number of drugs, including antibiotics. Antibiotic treatment not only kills pathogens, but also violates the vaginal microflora. Fungi, unlike bacteria, are resistant to the action of an antibiotic, and therefore begin to multiply rapidly after taking a course of antibiotics.
- Weakening of the protective functions of the body. With a decrease in immunity, the body is not able to effectively fight infections. The immune system is affected by many factors, including stress, acute and chronic diseases, and hypothermia.
- The use of oral contraceptives. Hormonal contraceptives increase the acidity of the vaginal environment, which is an ideal environment for the growth of Candida fungi.
- Non-observance of the rules of intimate hygiene. Candidiasis vulvitis can be caused by wearing tight underwear, especially from synthetic materials, improper use of sanitary pads, and too frequent use of soap for intimate hygiene.
- Infectious diseases of the uterus and vagina.
- Injury of the genital mucosa during intimacy.
Forms and symptoms of candidiasis
The disease can occur in various forms, each of which has its own clinical picture.
What is the difference between candida vulvitis and balanitis? The second ailment relates to men. It means inflammation of the skin on the glans penis.
Acute genital candidiasis
In the acute form of the disease, the symptoms are most pronounced. Its main features include:
- Abundant curdled vaginal discharge with a characteristic sour smell.
- Burning and itching of the external genitalia.
- Sexual intercourse causes pain, increasing irritation of the mucous membranes.
During the examination, a gynecologist reveals rashes on the external genitalia that look like small vesicles, as well as redness and swelling of the walls of the vagina and labia.
Treatment of the acute form of the disease, as a rule, is no more than two months. In the absence of the necessary therapy, candidal vulvitis becomes chronic. In men, thrush also happens.
Chronic candidiasis
This form of the disease occurs with mild symptoms or even asymptomatic. Discharge is weak or absent, as is the characteristic acidic odor. Itching may be permanent or intermittent.
When examined by a specialist, thinning of the vaginal tissues is often detected.
Without constant preventive therapy, chronic candidal vulvitis can become acute.
Candidate Carriage
This form is asymptomatic, the characteristic manifestations of the disease are not detected even when viewed on a gynecological chair. The development of pathology can be detected only by deviations as a result of the smear. Asymptomatic thrush occurs in every fifth woman of reproductive age.
This form shows an increase in immunity and preventive treatment, especially if a woman is planning a pregnancy. The weakening of immunity during the period of bearing a child with a high probability can lead to the appearance of symptoms of acute candidiasis.
Diagnostics
The diagnosis of candidiasis vulvitis is made by the gynecologist after the initial examination of the patient. To confirm it, a laboratory study of the vaginal smear is performed. In addition, an examination for sexually transmitted diseases is necessarily prescribed, since genital candidiasis is often accompanied by other genital infections.
Treatments for candidiasis vulvitis
After confirming the diagnosis, complex treatment is prescribed. Despite the assurances of pharmacological companies, it is not worth believing that one tablet is able to replace a full-fledged complex therapy. The disappearance of symptoms does not mean that the disease is defeated, since it can only go from acute to chronic.
At the first signs of an acute inflammatory process, you should consult a gynecologist for qualified medical help, and then strictly follow the instructions of your doctor. During drug treatment, it is also necessary to strengthen the immune system. Fulfillment of all these conditions is a guarantee that the disease will not return.
In the case of a chronic form, treatment of candidal vulvitis requires much more complex and lengthy. The patient needs a complete examination of the body, especially for venereal and other infectious diseases of the genital organs. According to its results, treatment of all concomitant diseases is prescribed. Directly the chronic form of thrush is treated with a long course of taking antimycotic (antifungal) drugs for candidal vulvitis.
Drug treatment
General and local agents are used to treat candidiasis. These include capsules, tablets, creams, and candles. If the patient identifies specific pathogens of the disease, antibacterial treatment can be prescribed.
The following drugs are for topical vulvitis candidiasis preparations:
- ointment and cream "Clotrimazole";
- vaginal suppositories "Pimafucin";
- vaginal suppositories and Miconazole cream;
- ointment "Thioconazole";
- suppositories "Nystatin";
- cream "Butoconazole".
The attending physician determines the necessary form and dosage of the medicine, as well as the duration of the course of treatment. Cream preparations are usually prescribed to treat candidiasis in case of early diagnosis of the disease. With a prolonged course of the disease with intense symptoms, the simultaneous use of local and general antimycotics is recommended. The latter include drugs such as Ketoconazole and Fluconazole in tablet form.
Of great importance in the treatment of this disease is the general increase in the patient's immunity. For this purpose, the administration of immunomodulating agents and multivitamin complexes is prescribed.
When treating genital candidiasis, it is necessary to strictly adhere to the recommendations of the attending physician and observe the following general rules:
- Full sexual rest during the entire period of therapy, up to a full recovery.
- A required course of treatment for the patient’s permanent sexual partner. Candidiasis is sexually transmitted, therefore, to prevent re-infection, a course of treatment is necessary for both partners.
- Before applying the cream to the external genitalia or using vaginal suppositories, you need to thoroughly wash yourself. It is useful to use a decoction of chamomile for this.
- In addition to the main treatment, it is also recommended to improve (or restore) the intestinal microflora, taking probiotics prescribed by a doctor for this purpose.
- At the end of therapy, a woman needs to re-take tests. This will allow you to judge the effectiveness of the treatment.
How to treat candidal vulvitis in pregnant women? Only a specialist should select medicines and strictly control the entire course of therapy. The independent choice of drugs, their improper use or non-compliance with the instructions of the attending physician can extremely negatively affect the fetal development.
Also, we must not forget that such a seemingly harmless disease, like thrush, without adequate timely treatment can extremely negatively affect the health of the female reproductive system.
Effects
Like any infectious disease, without treatment, vulvitis entails many dangerous consequences for the female body, including irreversible ones.
For example, due to a lesion by the fungus of the urogenital canal, painful erosion occurs.
The long-term effect of the fungus on the tubes of the uterus leads to the development of adhesions, which in the future can cause infertility.
Without proper treatment, an ascending fungal infection affects the internal organs, primarily the bladder, ureters and kidneys. Together with other infections, candidiasis often causes cystitis and pyelonephritis.
In some cases, "harmless" candidal vulvitis causes infertility.
Also, against the background of candidiasis, other infections of the reproductive system, including sexually transmitted infections, often develop. Moreover, against the background of thrush, they can flow unnoticed for a long time.
Affected by a fungal infection, the genitals gradually lose their sensitivity, which leads to discomfort and soreness with intimacy.
Prevention of genital candidiasis
Very often, candidiasis, appearing once, returns again and again. In order for the disease to no longer bother, you need to not only properly treat it, but also follow simple prevention rules:
- Linen should be in size and only made from natural materials.
- You need to wash yourself daily, but the frequent use of soap violates the microflora of the vagina.
- During menstruation, pads should be changed at least five times a day.
- Be sure to eat properly and balanced. A large number of sweets and yeast baking creates a favorable environment for the propagation of fungi of the genus Candida.
- An important role for the health of the whole body is played by sports, adherence to work and rest.
A healthy lifestyle is the main condition for strong immunity, and therefore the health of the whole organism.
conclusions
Candidiasis vulvitis is an unpleasant, but with timely treatment, a completely non-dangerous disease. To avoid complications, one should not leave him unattended or self-medicate, turning to girlfriends for advice or testing for himself the means of “traditional medicine”. In order for the thrush to disappear once and for all, it is necessary to follow the doctor's recommendations throughout the treatment period, and, of course, lead a healthy and active lifestyle.