Vaginal thrushis a very common infection caused by an overgrowth of the Candida Albicans yeast in the body. These yeast are typically found within our intestines and a few of them are in the vagina. Most of the time, they are harmless but could also be cause a lot of symptoms if they augment in number. It is said that around 75 percent of women in who obtained vaginal thrush will have it lifetime.
Some of the signs and symptoms to be alert of are vaginal discomfort, production of white discharge, stinging or burning sensation when urinating, redness or swelling of the vagina, and splits in the genital skin. Thrush could also occur in other areas of the body like the mouth. This infection is not a sexually transmissible infection. Apparently, this annoying condition is caused mainly by too much yeast Candida Albicans which is a result of antibiotic use, oral contraceptive use, diabetes, pregnancy, menstrual cycle changes, systemic and immune disorders, and other vulval skin problems.
The medication to answer this problem is focused at decreasing the amount of yeast for them not to further the symptoms. You can get over the counter treatment solutions from the pharmacy that could be of use like antifungal creams or vaginal tablets and oral drugs. The creams and vaginal tablets are applied into the vagina for a day until a week depending on the instruction. The oral medications (fluconazoles) are one of the best means to aid the disease and a little more expensive but should not be utilized by pregnant women. If the symptoms did not last for a long period of time, say just a few days, treatment is not commonly indicated.
Here some useful tips you must remember to help prevent vaginal thrush. Right after urinating or defecating, wipe off your bottom from front to back to avoid the proliferation of the yeast. Do not apply ordinary soaps to wash you vagina, try using a glycerine-containing one. Avoid using antiseptics, douches, or any perfumed sprays in these sensitive areas, as well as perfumed toilet papers and menstrual products. You must also wear something airy and snug and avoid those that are tight-fitting or synthetically made, if possible. Try also changing your detergent soap for washing your clothes and avoid using fabric conditioners.
It is not prohibited to have sex when having a vaginal thrush. However, you may experience discomfort and burning sensation during the act, so it is advised for you use a lot of lubricant. This is not sexually transferrable but male partners can sometimes get redness and irritation after sex. Some of the treatment products used can wear of the condoms so use the products following sex.
If you experience repeated episodes of thrush and its symptoms, it is recommended that you see a doctor to confirm that it is truly a thrush and that you are not having a sexually-transmitted infection. Your doctor will perform thorough physical examination and look for the presence of other skin conditions with the same symptoms. Any factor that increases the number of the Candida Albicans should be identified and managed. If no contributing factors are indentified, a course of preventive therapy may be necessary.
There is no evidence to support treat male partners of women who have vaginal thrush. There is also no clear evidence that dietary modification can prevent thrush.