Thrush (or vaginal candidiasis) is a common female disease that every woman has had at least once in her life. The disease is caused by an overgrowth of yeast called Candida albicans, which is found naturally in all people in the body. Excessive increase in fungus in the vagina provokes the appearance of a strong thrush.
According to studies, about 75% of women had a fungal infection. And half of them had a strong thrush repeated more than once.
Risk factors
Thrush, also known as vaginal candidiasis, is an inflammation of the vaginal tissue. The vaginal environment may change due to several factors that increase the risk of infection:
- Infection often occurs after treatment with oral antibiotics. They kill protective bacteria, thereby allowing the fungus to survive and multiply.
- Fluctuations in hormonal levels can occur during menopause or menstrual periods.
- In some cases, women face the appearance of a strong thrush after ovulation. This is due to a jump in the hormone progesterone, which rises after ovulation. It is necessary for the development and attachment of the ovum to the uterus. In the absence of pregnancy with the onset of menstruation, hormonal levels return to normal.
- Taking oral contraceptives can also change the microflora of the vagina and lead to the spread of fungal infection.
- Diseases that suppress the immune system, such as HIV or AIDS, can also be risk factors.
Causes
Why does strong thrush occur in women? There are a number of provoking factors that cause this disease:
- Reduced immunity is the main cause of the appearance of strong thrush, both as a result of fatigue or great stress, and as a result of the disease.
- Pregnancy.
- Frequent relapses of severe thrush in women can be a sign of poor functioning of the immune system, such as diabetes or HIV / AIDS.
- Some medications (antibiotics, oral contraceptives and steroids).
- Tight clothing, artificial fabrics or poorly breathing underwear predispose to the development of a strong thrush.
- Poor hygiene. A fungal infection can also spread from the rectum to the vagina. Therefore, after visiting the toilet, you must wipe from front to back.
Regardless of the causes of severe thrush, you need to visit your doctor for diagnosis and treatment.
Symptoms
The most common and first symptom of a fungal infection is a change in the nature of the discharge. They turn white, the texture changes to a cheesy one. Odor, as such, is usually absent. Due to the strong discharge in thrush, itching, burning, irritation and redness of the genitals appear. In addition, a woman may experience discomfort or pain during urination, as well as during and after intercourse.
Symptoms of severe thrush are similar to signs of other diseases. These include infections and sexually transmitted diseases, such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, or trichomoniasis.
It is believed that thrush is not contagious. But sometimes the infection can be transmitted to the partner through sexual intercourse. If symptoms develop in a partner, you should contact your doctor to decide on the most effective treatment.
Diagnostics
The effectiveness of treatment consists in the correct diagnosis, as well as the elimination of infections and diseases that are similar in symptoms.
Diagnosis of strong thrush is as follows:
- examination by a gynecologist using special mirrors,
- taking a smear,
- urine and blood tests,
- consultation of other specialists if necessary.
Treatment methods
What to do with a strong thrush? Vaginal suppositories, creams, or tablets are commonly used to treat fungal infections. In addition to medications, it is recommended to maintain a low-calorie diet, personal hygiene.
For the treatment of severe thrush, there are many drugs. All of them are divided into groups depending on the active substance in the composition. The main ones include:
- Polyenes. Medicines of this group are of natural origin. They can be used to prevent the occurrence of a yeast infection. An example of this group of drugs is Nystatin.
- Triazoles. By inhibiting the reproduction and spread of fungal infections, the drugs are suitable for the treatment of chronic forms of thrush. Antifungal drugs are often prescribed by doctors. These include Diflucan and Flucostat.
- Imidazoles. The components of drugs of this group penetrate into the deeper layers of tissues, have a disinfecting effect. Such drugs, such as Clotrimazole, are used in the treatment of frequently recurring forms of thrush.
- Macrolides. Medicines with a wide spectrum of action. Low toxicity, which allows them to be taken in childhood, as well as during pregnancy and during breastfeeding. Such a drug is Pimafucin.
Flucostat
The most famous and quite effective thrush tablets for women is Flucostat. The main active ingredient of an antifungal agent is fluconazole. The drug is available in the form of capsules and is taken orally. With very strong thrush, treatment takes a couple of days, with weakly expressed mild forms, 2 capsules are enough. The cost varies from 250 to 600 rubles, depending on the dosage.
The advantages of using "Flucostat" include:
- treatment on any day of the cycle;
- intake during or after a meal;
- compatibility with other medicines, such as birth control pills;
- brevity of the course of treatment.
Diflucan
Another type of effective pill for thrush for women is Diflucan. Ease of use is its single use. This antifungal agent is available in the form of capsules, a solution for intravenous administration and a powder for the preparation of a suspension. The active substance of the drug is fluconazole. With strong thrush, a single dose of Diflucan is effective.
In general, the drug is well tolerated, but sometimes side effects can occur, such as:
- headache;
- nausea;
- upset stool;
- skin rash;
- stomach ache.
Contraindications include:
hypersensitivity to the components of the drug;
impaired liver and kidney function;
arrhythmia;
pregnancy and lactation.
1 tablet of Diflucan costs about 400 rubles.
Pimafucin
The medicine is available in the form of cream, suppositories and tablets. The tabletting form of Pimafucin is recommended for the treatment of acute forms of thrush. The active substance is natamycin. Tablets must be taken 1 to 4 times a day for a week. The drug is not contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Nystatin
Nystatin is one of the inexpensive thrush tablets for women, men and even children. In addition to the tablet form of the drug, it is available in the form of candles, cream and drops for the treatment of thrush in infants. The active substance of the drug is nystatin. The average course of treatment is 7-14 days. Symptoms may disappear after a few days, which is not an indication for stopping the drug. The price of Nystatin in tablet form varies from 43 to 144 rubles, depending on the number of tablets.
Clotrimazole
The drug also refers to inexpensive thrush tablets for women. The active ingredient is clotrimazole. In addition to vaginal tablets, the drug is available in the form of suppositories, cream, gel, spray. Gel and spray are commonly used against fungal infections of the skin. For the treatment of severe thrush, it is recommended to use cream, suppositories or tablets. The course is about 6 days. Clotrimazole in the form of vaginal tablets or suppositories is administered deep into the vagina once a day. The external genitals are treated with cream if necessary. Contraindications to taking the drug are:
- pregnancy up to 12 weeks,
- hypersensitivity to clotrimazole,
- open wounds.
The cost of "Clotrimazole" in a pharmacy starts at 29 rubles, depending on the form of release.
Lomexin
Lomexin is a relatively new drug used to treat strong thrush. The active substance is fenticonazole nitrate. Forms of release of the drug: vaginal capsules and cream. Treatment with capsules takes 2-3 days depending on the dosage (600 or 1000 mg). The cream must be used until the symptoms disappear completely. The drug is not recommended for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. The effect of the components of Lomexin on the fetus and child has not been studied. The price varies from 490 to 650 rubles.
"Irunin"
A broad-acting antifungal agent is also used to treat strong thrush. The active substance is itraconazole. "Irunin" is available in the form of vaginal tablets and suppositories. To treat strong thrush, the drug must be administered deep into the vagina once before bedtime. The course of use of the antifungal agent is from 7 to 14 days. The drug is prohibited for use up to 12 weeks of pregnancy and in childhood.
The cost of the antifungal agent "Irunin" is on average about 400 rubles.
Polygynax
Another variety of drugs for the treatment of strong thrush is the Polyginax vaginal capsule. The drug refers to combination antibiotics. Polygynax has antibacterial, bactericidal and antifungal effects. Due to the content of nystatin, neomycin sulfate and polymexin, the drug is contraindicated in the first trimester of pregnancy and during breastfeeding. Also limited are individual intolerance to the components. The course of treatment is 12 days. For prophylactic use - 6 days. Capsules are administered intravaginally at bedtime once.
The cost of the Polygynax preparation varies depending on the number of capsules in the package, on average it ranges from 350 to 620 rubles.
Terzhinan
The drug belongs to antifungal agents of the combined type. "Terzhinan" has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antiprotozoal effects due to the content of a large number of active components. They are ternidazole, nystatin, neomycin, prednisone. The course of treatment averages 10 days. The drug must be used strictly according to the instructions. For this, the vaginal tablet is pre-dipped in water for 20-30 seconds. After that, Terzhinan is injected deep into the vagina. The procedure must be performed daily in the evening before bedtime.
Contraindications to the use of "Terzhinan" is an individual intolerance to the components of the drug, the first trimester of pregnancy and lactation. The price of Terzhinan is quite high, averaging 500 rubles.
Preventive measures
Over 75% of all women suffer from a vaginal fungal infection during their lifetime. With incorrect diagnosis and, accordingly, incorrect treatment, relapses often occur.
Antibiotic treatment, hormonal changes, and chronic diseases that weaken the immune system are typical causes of severe thrush. Symptoms range from mild vaginal itching or burning to severe itching, swelling, and irritation. The main symptoms include the appearance of white curdled discharge.
There are several effective recommendations for the prevention of recurring vaginal fungal infection.
- Some doctors recommend adding yogurt or cranberry juice to the diet to help restore the normal vaginal environment. In this case, normal microflora will not contribute to the spread of fungal infection.
- It is also recommended to refuse to wear synthetic underwear and tight clothes. It is preferable to use cotton fabrics.
- Avoid the use of feminine hygiene products, vaginal deodorants and sprays, as they can cause recurrent irritation of the vaginal tissues.
- Using white non-deodorized toilet paper will also help prevent strong thrush.
- Proper hygiene.