Vaginal candidiasis is a fairly common problem. According to statistics, 70% of women at least once in their life had this diagnosis, and 5% of them suffer from recurrent conditions 4 times a year or more. The pharmaceutical industry regularly offers new drugs to combat fungal disease. Are long-used and well-known candles with nystatin from thrush effective, client reviews about the medication, recommendations for use, are known in this article.
Normal microflora, what is it?
From the first days of life, the genitals of girls begin to colonize more than 60 bacteria that create local immunity, protecting against harmful microorganisms. So in the vagina contains:
- lactobacilli;
- streptococci;
- candida;
- bifidobacteria;
- staphylococci;
- enterococci and others
Together, these bacteria create an ideal microflora with an optimal level of acidity up to 3.8-4.5 pH. When the balance is disturbed, for example, part of the microorganism dies as a result of antibiotic therapy, the medium acquires a slightly alkaline indicator exceeding 6.0 pH, which creates conditions for the multiplication of pathogens.
In 80% of cases, inactive microflora of the genitals contains round Candida round cells, the growth of which is constrained by sour milk bacteria, preventing them from forming mycelial filaments. Stress, eating habits, sexual life, especially the menstrual cycle and pregnancy directly affect the microflora of the vagina, so it can change its set of bacteria.
What do we know about thrush
Vaginal candidiasis is a disease that is caused by an uncontrolled increase in the number of yeast-like fungi from the genus Candida. The diagnosis itself is not dangerous and does not extend to other organs, but it causes a lot of inconvenience. The second name "thrush" arose due to white curdled discharge, which are symptoms of the disease.
Candidiasis affects not only women, but also representatives of the stronger sex, who are carriers of Candida on the penis in 18% of cases. In men, this pathology has a slightly different name - candida balanoposthitis, and most often develops as a result of a decrease in immunity, obesity and the presence of diabetes mellitus.
Causes of Fungal Disease
The inflammatory process can be caused by the following factors:
- decreased immunity as a result of transferred viral infections, chronic diseases;
- hormonal changes during pregnancy, menopause, or PMS;
- the use of hormonal contraceptives;
- long-term antibiotic therapy;
- intestinal dysbiosis;
- constant wearing of daily pads that impede the movement of air to the external genitalia;
- change of climatic conditions;
- personal hygiene products with an abundance of fragrances, for example, tampons, pads, lubricants and shower gels. Such products contain a large amount of alkali;
- avitaminosis;
- smoking;
- stress, overwork and chronic fatigue syndrome;
- obesity;
- abuse of sweets, pastries, sodas and coffee;
- wearing tight and narrow underwear made of synthetic fibers;
- metabolic disorder (diabetes mellitus).
Symptoms of vaginal candidiasis
In fact, confusing thrush with other diseases is very difficult, because it has quite striking manifestations:
- whitish plaque on the labia and cheesy discharge;
- burning and itching;
- swelling of the vagina;
- pain during intimacy;
- small rash, redness on the mucous membrane and adjacent areas of the epidermis.
Diagnosis and therapy
When the characteristic signs of thrush appear, you need to contact a gynecologist who will make a smear on the microflora. This is important, since under the guise of candidiasis dangerous sexually transmitted diseases can hide. That is why you can not engage in self-medication, because you can pick up medications, and only a doctor can schedule a course of admission after examination and obtaining test results.
With independent prescriptions of medicines, it is possible to bring thrush (or other genital infections) to a chronic form, which is then quite difficult to cure. It is better to work on Candida mushrooms in the early stages.
Using
The use of nystatin suppositories should be agreed with the doctor. After examination, the gynecologist decides on treatment. As a rule, vaginal suppositories are prescribed. In some cases, an additional course of oral antifungal agents (tablets) is additionally prescribed.
One of the popular drugs are nystatin suppositories. In gynecology, obstetrics, they are used to prevent candidiasis during long-term antibiotic therapy. They are also often used after extensive operations.
Nystatin suppositories from thrush reviews are positive. As a result of many years of experience using the drug has established itself as an effective tool in the fight against yeast-like fungi.
According to the instructions, suppositories with nystatin from thrush are a polyene antibiotic, which in small doses slows down the growth of bacteria, and in large doses it contributes to the death of the fungal cell. The peculiarity of the drug is that it acts only on Candida, without destroying colonies of other microorganisms.
Suppositories are prescribed not only for the treatment of existing vulvovaginal candidiasis, but also for the prevention of its occurrence during treatment with antibiotics, before surgical interventions on the intestines or genitals.
Release form
The drug is produced in three versions:
- nystatin suppositories - use for the treatment of vaginal candidiasis (dosage of 250 and 500 thousand units);
- tablets - for complex therapy, elimination of infection in the intestines and other organs;
- ointment - local effects on the skin, mucous membranes and nails.
Suppositories are cylindrical in shape and yellow in color. In a cardboard package are two blisters for five candles, respectively.
Application features
Contraindications for treatment with this tool are only hypersensitivity to constituent substances. During pregnancy, nystatin suppositories from thrush are allowed. This is due to the fact that the drug has low bioavailability, that is, it acts locally, without penetrating the circulatory system, without being absorbed into the mucous membranes.
The product is low toxic, therefore, has no side effects. With excessive susceptibility to the antibiotic, a local reaction is possible, for example, a feeling of itching on the mucous membranes. The use of suppositories does not affect the performance, driving vehicles and other equipment.
Treatment with nystatin suppositories during menstruation should not be interrupted. It is necessary to abandon intimacy during the use of the drug. The sexual partner is also recommended to undergo treatment with antifungal drugs (tablets or ointment for local application).
Interaction with other medicines
According to the instructions for use, nystatin suppositories are chemically incompatible with hydrogen peroxide, salicylic and lactic acid, potassium permanganate and sodium bicarbonate.
The simultaneous use of the drug with clotrimazole is not recommended, since the effect of the latter from this is reduced. In turn, hydrocortisone reduces the activity of nystatin.
Rules of use and dosage
There is a specific algorithm for the treatment of nystatin suppositories. Indications for the use of the drug are vaginal candidiasis, and local therapy is performed if the infection does not deeply affect the tissues. In the chronic form of thrush, it is additionally recommended to drink drugs in tablets.
Before use, hygiene procedures of the genitals are done. The suppository is injected deep into the vagina twice a day.
The duration of the course is determined by the gynecologist, but, as a rule, it varies from 10 to 14 days. Dosage depends on the clinical picture of the disease of a particular patient.
Nystatin suppositories for thrush during pregnancy: patient reviews
As a result of hormonal changes and a decrease in immunity, expectant mothers are often diagnosed with candidiasis. It manifests itself in everyone in different ways: someone immediately develops severe itching and burning sensation, while in others it is asymptomatic.
In any case, thrush cannot be ignored. Regardless of the gestational age, it is important to undergo treatment, otherwise the disease will turn into a chronic form and lead to intrauterine pathologies of the fetus. During pregnancy, the use of any drugs should be agreed with your doctor.
Quite often, suppositories are prescribed to women immediately before birth in order to disinfect the birth canal in order to avoid infection of the baby.
Treatment of candidiasis in pregnant women with tablets and douching is prohibited. You can only make baths for the external genitalia from a weak decoction of chamomile, calendula or soda solution.
Candles nystatin: analogues
For shallow fungal infections, vaginal tablets and suppositories are used. Consider the most popular remedies for thrush on the pharmacological market (in parentheses the active component):
- Pimafucin (natamycin). Non-toxic drug, widely recommended by gynecologists for pregnant women and during breastfeeding, as it is not absorbed into the bloodstream. It is advisable to use before bedtime, the course of treatment is 3-6 days. Quickly relieves the symptoms of candidiasis. After administration, under the influence of temperature, suppositories acquire a foamy consistency, which contributes to an even distribution of the drug on the mucosa.
- "Kanizon", "Kanesten", "Kandibene" (clotrimazole). The active substance dissolves the cells of the fungus. It is applied once a day for a week. Among the advantages of the drug is a low price.
- Gino-Travogen Ovolum (isoconazole). It has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Quickly removes itching. Effective against mycelia, which are resistant to other drugs. It is applied once a day for three days. It has a high cost.
- “Ginezol 7”, “Klion-D 100”, “Metromicon-Neo”, “Gino-dactanol” (miconazole). The drug has a wide range of effects, is active against fungi and some bacteria. Cannot be combined with alcohol. During pregnancy and lactation, use only as directed by your doctor. Effective in the treatment of recurrent manifestations of thrush. The duration of therapy is 14 days, one candle at bedtime.
- Polygynax, Terzhinan (nystatin). Complex drugs that are often prescribed for chronic candidiasis. Among the minuses of candles is the duration of the course (10 days). Suppositories are pre-wetted with water.
- Livarol (ketoconazole). Safe during pregnancy, has a high rate of muffling symptoms. A short course of treatment - only 5 days, in chronic conditions - 10. High price - minus the drug.
- Zalain (sertaconazole). The high cost of the product is justified by its effectiveness and ease of use. The suppository is administered once, that is, the course of treatment is only one day. If repeated symptoms occur, you can apply again. Suitable for therapy during the menstrual cycle. Highly effective. During pregnancy, it is used if the benefit to the mother is higher than the possible risk to the fetus.
Efficiency
Do nystatin suppositories help with thrush? Previously, the drug was often prescribed, since there were no similar antifungal drugs. Therefore, in the treatment of recurrent conditions, the ineffectiveness of the medication was noted, since due to frequent use, bacteria got used to the active substances of suppositories.
It is this fact that made many doubt the therapeutic effect of nystatin suppositories from thrush. Reviews of patients who have tested the effectiveness of the drug, suggests the opposite. Why do many continue to give them preference? Women after the treatment of candidiasis note the following advantages of these antifungal suppositories:
- Affordable price. Packaging a drug for 10 candles costs from 50 to 80 rubles, depending on the dosage.
- OTC sale.
- Checked by time.
- No side effects during use.
- Suitable not only for treatment, but also as a safe prophylactic.
- It is possible during pregnancy and lactation.
- Quick relief of symptoms within 2–3 days.
- It is easily tolerated, that is, it does not affect the digestive tract, does not cause nausea, etc.
- Oily base. Due to the content of Vaseline in suppositories, the drug moisturizes the vagina, does not cause dryness and irritation.
Summary
Suppositories are first-generation drugs, and recently a lot of new drugs with antifungal effects have appeared, which is why, despite excellent reviews, nystatin suppositories from thrush began to be used much less often.
Many believe that the drug is unjustifiably forgotten by gynecologists, so it is really effective in the treatment of vaginal candidiasis, has no contraindications. Safe, inexpensive and time-tested tool.