Vaginal candidiasis, or thrush, is a disease that every adult woman has heard of. Unfortunately, so many women have come across this scourge at least once. Sometimes a cure occurs over a long period of time with multiple relapses and the likelihood of overflowing into a chronic form. But one should not worry too much either, since the fungus can also become active against the background of stress.
So, in the vagina is a white coating. What could it be? Why is a white plaque formed in the vagina? We will talk about this in this article.
Pathology Description
Thrush is a pathology that occurs in a woman’s vagina, which got its name because of the milky-white discharge on the genitals that accompany it. This is a fungal disease, the causative agent of which Candida albicans is part of the microflora in 80 percent of people. However, its presence does not always lead to problems. The female vagina is not a priori sterile, it contains various microorganisms, including Candida albicans. It maintains a normal pH, which is important for the fertilization process.
Vaginal candidiasis occurs quite often, can be treated, but if there are provocative factors, it returns again.
The vaginal microflora is a kind of protection against harmful microorganisms; in the normal state, it helps to avoid infection. The immune system of a woman keeps the number of bacteria under control and, if necessary, reduces their number. However, sometimes the system fails, which increases the risk of candidiasis, then a white coating forms in the vagina.
Causes of occurrence
There are many reasons for the appearance of thrush. Here are the most common ones:
- Taking antibiotics . Nowadays, almost no disease can do without antibacterial therapy. This, of course, is effective, since it has become possible to cure fatal diseases in a couple of days of taking the above drugs. But they inhibit the entire microbial system in the body, not only harmful, but also useful, which leads to a violation of the vaginal microflora.
- Fungus . They are not afraid of antibacterial therapy, therefore, when an antimicrobial agent kills beneficial microbes in the vagina, their place does not remain empty for long and Candida albicans quickly takes over.
- Oppression of the immune system . Candidiasis is very common in patients with HIV or any other immunity disease. If the thrush, in addition to the vagina, appears in other places, such as the intestines or oral cavity, then it makes sense to check for immunodeficiency virus. Chronic inflammatory processes can also cause a decrease in immunity. There is a white plaque in the vagina without itching.
- Violation of metabolic processes . Most often, the root cause is diabetes. With this disease, there is a failure in protein and fat metabolism, which can lead to the multiplication of the fungus.
- Improper nutrition . For example, when a woman, calling herself a sweet tooth, leans on flour, soda and sweets, there is a risk of a malfunction in the balance of proteins, carbohydrates and fats, which will subsequently lead to candidiasis.
- Hormonal imbalance .
- Pregnancy Often also affects the change in the microflora of the vagina and increases the risk of thrush.
- Taking birth control pills . This is one of their side effects.
- Thyroid disease .
- Improper intimate hygiene . A rare change of pads or tampons during menstruation creates excellent conditions for the development of candidiasis.
Signs of Vaginal Candidiasis
The thrush has rather specific manifestations, it is hardly possible to confuse them with something else, which facilitates the diagnosis. A woman can independently determine this disease, however, prescribing treatment for herself is fraught with unpleasant consequences. The main symptoms of thrush are:
- White curdled vaginal discharge.
- Itching and burning in the vagina. In no case is it possible to scratch the affected areas, as this can provoke the penetration of pathogenic microbes into the tissues.
- Painful urination. A defenseless epithelium weakened by candidiasis cannot withstand such an aggressive environment as urine.
- Pain during intercourse. Doctors do not recommend continuing sexual activity during treatment of thrush.
- Unpleasant odor of secretions, strong, pronounced, with a sour tint.
Symptoms may be mild or one at a time. In such a situation, the diagnosis can be quite difficult without examination. Only a specialist can accurately determine the root cause of the disease and prescribe the correct treatment.
The first signs of thrush appear, as a rule, shortly before menstruation. Itching and burning tend to intensify after a shower or bath. Is white plaque dangerous in the vagina?
Possible complications and consequences
With severe candidiasis, there are several options for the course of the disease. In the first case, the woman took the necessary measures for treatment on time, turned to the specialist and complied with all his recommendations. With this option, the cure is quick and effective. The second option provides for untimely and incorrect intervention in the course of the disease. In this case, there is a likelihood of a thrush flowing into a chronic form with a white curd on the vagina.
In 70% of cases, chronic thrush leads to complications, for example, to:
- Tubal obstruction.
- Immunodeficiency of the body.
- Infertility.
- Spikes in the pelvic organs.
- Candidiasis sepsis (infection of the blood with a fungus). An effective remedy for thrush is discussed below.
When is the time for a doctor?
You should definitely consult a doctor if you observe the following symptoms:
- Recurrent candidiasis (usually four times a year).
- A weekly intake of drugs does not give a result.
- The appearance of an allergic reaction while taking antifungal drugs.
- If the temperature rises against the background of thrush, there is a general malaise and pain in the lower abdomen.
- Bloody issues.
Treatment
Treatment of mild forms involves a one-time intake of effective remedies for thrush, such as Flucostat. You can combine it with Livarol candles. You can increase the effect of taking antifungal drugs with the help of vitamin complexes. Treatment must be carried out in conjunction with a sexual partner.
Therapy also involves maintaining a diet. A special diet excludes sugary foods, including drinks and fruits, starchy vegetables and pasta, as well as yeast derivatives. It is considered useful to add lactic acid products to the diet.
Finally
This is how thrush appears in women. Causes, symptoms, treatment - all this is described in detail in this article.