What are the potential dangers of untreated yeast infections. How can invasive candidiasis affect various body parts. Why is proper diagnosis crucial for effective treatment of vaginal yeast infections. What are the risks associated with yeast infections during pregnancy. How long does it typically take for yeast infections to clear up.

Understanding Yeast Infections and Their Potential Complications

Yeast infections, particularly vaginal candidiasis, are common fungal infections that affect many women at some point in their lives. While often considered a minor inconvenience, untreated yeast infections can lead to more serious health issues. These infections typically cause symptoms such as thick, white discharge, irritation, itching, and swelling of the vulva and vagina.

If left untreated, yeast infections can worsen, potentially leading to:

• Increased inflammation and discomfort
• Skin infections due to cracking or scratching
• Fatigue
• Oral thrush
• Gastrointestinal problems
• In rare cases, invasive candidiasis

Invasive Candidiasis: A Serious Complication of Yeast Infections

Invasive candidiasis is a severe condition that occurs when a yeast infection spreads to other parts of the body. While uncommon in relation to typical vaginal yeast infections, it can have serious consequences if left untreated.

Invasive candidiasis can affect various body parts, including:

• Bloodstream (candidemia)
• Heart
• Brain
• Bones
• Eyes

Candidemia, a form of invasive candidiasis affecting the bloodstream, is particularly concerning. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it is one of the most common bloodstream infections in the United States.

Who is at risk for invasive candidiasis?

Invasive candidiasis is typically associated with open sores exposed to yeast infections rather than vaginal yeast infections. Individuals with weakened immune systems, those undergoing medical procedures, or patients with long-term catheter use are at higher risk for developing this serious condition.

The Importance of Proper Diagnosis for Yeast Infections

Accurate diagnosis of yeast infections is crucial for effective treatment. Many symptoms of yeast infections can mimic those of other conditions, including:

• Bacterial vaginosis
• Chlamydia
• Gonorrhea
• Trichomoniasis
• Herpes

Interestingly, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) reports that approximately 66% of women who purchase over-the-counter yeast infection treatments do not actually have a yeast infection. This highlights the importance of seeking professional medical advice for proper diagnosis.

When should you see a doctor for a suspected yeast infection?

It’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional if:

• You’re not entirely sure you have a yeast infection
• Symptoms persist after a week or two of self-treatment
• You experience recurring infections (more than one in a year)
• You have additional symptoms such as fever, foul-smelling discharge, or abdominal pain

Yeast Infections During Pregnancy: Special Considerations

Pregnant women are more susceptible to yeast infections due to hormonal fluctuations. If you’re pregnant and suspect a yeast infection, it’s crucial to seek medical advice for proper diagnosis and treatment.

What treatment options are safe during pregnancy?

Topical antifungal treatments are generally considered safe during pregnancy. However, oral antifungal medications, particularly fluconazole (Diflucan), should be avoided. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns that oral fluconazole taken during the first trimester may increase the risk of birth defects. Additionally, a 2016 study linked its use during pregnancy to an increased risk of miscarriage.

Treatment and Recovery: What to Expect

The duration of a yeast infection can vary depending on its severity and the chosen treatment method.

How long does it take for a yeast infection to clear up?

Typically, mild yeast infections are expected to resolve within a few days to a week with proper treatment. Moderate to severe infections may take 2 to 3 weeks to clear completely. It’s important to complete the full course of treatment as prescribed, even if symptoms improve before the medication is finished.

Can Yeast Infections Resolve on Their Own?

While there’s a possibility that a yeast infection might resolve without treatment, it’s not advisable to leave it untreated. Untreated infections are more likely to worsen or lead to complications. Moreover, what seems like a yeast infection could be a more serious condition requiring different treatment.

What are the risks of leaving a yeast infection untreated?

Potential risks of untreated yeast infections include:

• Worsening of symptoms
• Spread of the infection to other areas
• Development of skin infections
• Increased discomfort and irritation
• In rare cases, progression to invasive candidiasis

Recurrent Vulvovaginal Candidiasis: A Chronic Concern

Recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (RVVC) is defined as experiencing four or more yeast infections within a year. The Department of Health and Human Services reports that approximately 5% of women will experience RVVC.

Who is at higher risk for recurrent yeast infections?

While RVVC can occur in healthy women, it’s more common in individuals with:

• Diabetes
• Weakened immune systems
• HIV/AIDS
• Hormonal imbalances

If you’re experiencing frequent yeast infections, it’s crucial to consult a healthcare provider for a comprehensive evaluation and personalized treatment plan.

Prevention Strategies for Yeast Infections

While yeast infections are common, there are several steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing them:

• Maintain good hygiene practices
• Wear breathable, cotton underwear
• Avoid douching or using scented feminine products
• Change out of wet or damp clothing promptly
• Practice safe sex and use condoms
• Manage underlying health conditions, such as diabetes
• Limit antibiotic use when possible

How can diet impact yeast infection risk?

Some studies suggest that a diet high in sugar and refined carbohydrates may increase the risk of yeast infections. Incorporating probiotic-rich foods or supplements may help maintain a healthy vaginal microbiome and reduce the risk of yeast overgrowth.

The Role of Probiotics in Yeast Infection Management

Probiotics, particularly strains of Lactobacillus, have shown promise in preventing and managing yeast infections. These beneficial bacteria help maintain a healthy vaginal pH and can inhibit the growth of Candida yeast.

How effective are probiotics for preventing yeast infections?

While research is ongoing, several studies have demonstrated that probiotic supplements or probiotic-rich foods may help reduce the incidence of yeast infections, especially in women prone to recurrent infections. However, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen.

The Impact of Lifestyle Factors on Yeast Infection Risk

Various lifestyle factors can influence your susceptibility to yeast infections. Understanding these factors can help you make informed decisions to reduce your risk:

• Stress levels
• Sleep quality
• Exercise habits
• Clothing choices
• Personal hygiene practices

How does stress affect yeast infection risk?

Chronic stress can weaken the immune system, potentially making you more susceptible to yeast overgrowth. Implementing stress-reduction techniques such as meditation, yoga, or regular exercise may help support overall vaginal health and reduce infection risk.

The Connection Between Gut Health and Yeast Infections

Emerging research suggests a potential link between gut health and the risk of vaginal yeast infections. The gut microbiome plays a crucial role in overall immune function and may influence the balance of microorganisms throughout the body, including the vaginal area.

Can improving gut health help prevent yeast infections?

While more research is needed, maintaining a healthy gut microbiome through a balanced diet, regular exercise, and possibly probiotic supplementation may contribute to reduced yeast infection risk. Avoiding excessive antibiotic use and managing stress can also support both gut and vaginal health.

Yeast Infections in Men: An Often Overlooked Issue

While yeast infections are more commonly associated with women, men can also develop these infections. Male yeast infections typically affect the genital area and can cause symptoms such as redness, itching, and a burning sensation.

What are the risk factors for male yeast infections?

Factors that may increase the risk of male yeast infections include:

• Uncontrolled diabetes
• Weakened immune system
• Poor hygiene
• Use of antibiotics
• Sexual contact with an infected partner

Men experiencing symptoms of a yeast infection should seek medical attention for proper diagnosis and treatment, as symptoms can mimic those of other conditions, including sexually transmitted infections.

The Role of Sexual Activity in Yeast Infection Transmission

While yeast infections are not typically considered sexually transmitted infections, they can be passed between sexual partners. Understanding the relationship between sexual activity and yeast infections can help individuals take appropriate precautions.

Can sexual activity cause or exacerbate yeast infections?

Sexual activity itself doesn’t cause yeast infections, but it can contribute to their development or spread in several ways:

• Friction during intercourse can cause micro-abrasions, potentially increasing susceptibility to infection
• Spermicides or lubricants may alter the vaginal pH, creating an environment more conducive to yeast overgrowth
• An infected partner can pass the infection back and forth

If you or your partner have a yeast infection, it’s advisable to abstain from sexual activity until the infection has cleared to prevent reinfection or transmission.

Alternative and Complementary Treatments for Yeast Infections

While conventional antifungal treatments are the gold standard for treating yeast infections, some individuals explore alternative or complementary approaches. It’s important to note that these methods should not replace professional medical advice or prescribed treatments.

What are some popular alternative treatments for yeast infections?

Some alternative treatments that have gained popularity include:

• Tea tree oil
• Garlic
• Apple cider vinegar
• Boric acid suppositories
• Coconut oil

While some of these remedies have shown potential in laboratory studies, their effectiveness and safety in treating vaginal yeast infections haven’t been conclusively proven in clinical trials. Always consult with a healthcare provider before trying any alternative treatments.

The Impact of Hormonal Changes on Yeast Infection Risk

Hormonal fluctuations can significantly influence the vaginal environment, potentially increasing the risk of yeast infections. Understanding these hormonal impacts can help women better manage their vaginal health throughout different life stages.

How do hormones affect yeast infection susceptibility?

Several hormonal factors can contribute to increased yeast infection risk:

• Menstrual cycle changes
• Pregnancy
• Use of hormonal contraceptives
• Menopause
• Hormone replacement therapy

Estrogen, in particular, can promote glycogen production in vaginal tissues, which serves as a food source for yeast. This is why yeast infections are more common during pregnancy or when using high-estrogen birth control pills.

The Psychological Impact of Recurrent Yeast Infections

While the physical symptoms of yeast infections are well-documented, the psychological impact of recurrent infections is often overlooked. Chronic or recurring yeast infections can significantly affect a person’s quality of life, potentially leading to anxiety, depression, and sexual dysfunction.

How can individuals cope with the emotional toll of recurrent yeast infections?

Coping strategies may include:

• Seeking support from healthcare providers or support groups
• Practicing stress-reduction techniques
• Engaging in open communication with partners
• Focusing on overall health and well-being
• Considering counseling or therapy if needed

It’s important for healthcare providers to address both the physical and emotional aspects of recurrent yeast infections to provide comprehensive care.

Emerging Research and Future Directions in Yeast Infection Management

The field of yeast infection research continues to evolve, with new studies exploring novel treatment approaches and prevention strategies. Staying informed about these developments can help individuals and healthcare providers make more informed decisions about yeast infection management.

What are some promising areas of yeast infection research?

Current areas of interest include:

• Development of new antifungal medications
• Exploration of biofilm-disrupting therapies
• Investigation of personalized probiotic treatments
• Research into the vaginal microbiome and its role in infection resistance
• Studies on the potential of immunotherapies for recurrent infections

While these areas show promise, it’s important to rely on evidence-based treatments recommended by healthcare professionals while research continues to advance our understanding of yeast infections and their management.

Why It Should Be Diagnosed and Treated

Without treatment, a yeast infection could become more serious. There’s a chance that it could resolve on its own, but it could also worsen.

A vaginal yeast infection (vaginal candidiasis) is a relatively common fungal infection that causes thick, white discharge along with irritation, itchiness, and swelling of the vulva and vagina.

Keep reading to learn more about the downsides of ignoring yeast infections.

If left untreated, vaginal candidiasis will most likely get worse, causing itching, redness, and inflammation in the area surrounding your vagina. This may lead to a skin infection if the inflamed area becomes cracked, or if continual scratching creates open or raw areas.

Uncommon side effects of an untreated yeast infection include:

• fatigue
• oral thrush
• gastrointestinal problems

Invasive candidiasis

Invasive candidiasis occurs when the yeast infection affects other parts of the body, such as the:

• blood
• heart
• brain
• bones
• eyes

Invasive candidiasis is usually associated with an open sore that’s exposed to a yeast infection. It isn’t typically related to vaginal yeast infections. It can cause serious health complications if not promptly treated.

Candidemia

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), candidemia is one of the most common forms of invasive candidiasis in the United States. It’s also one of the most common bloodstream infections in the country.

Yeast infections are common during pregnancy due to fluctuating hormones. If you’re pregnant and think you may have a yeast infection, see a doctor so that you can get the right diagnosis and treatment.

Topical antifungals are safe to use during pregnancy, but you won’t be able to take oral antifungal medications.

According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), oral fluconazole (Diflucan) taken during the first trimester of pregnancy may cause birth defects. A 2016 study also linked the use of oral fluconazole taken during pregnancy with an increased risk of miscarriage.

A mild yeast infection is expected to clear up in a few days to a week. Moderate to severe infections may take 2 to 3 weeks.

Can yeast infections go away on their own?

There’s a possibility that a yeast infection can go away on its own. The probability varies from person to person.

If you decide not to treat the infection, however, it might get worse. There’s also the possibility that you’ve misdiagnosed your condition, and what you thought was candidiasis was a more serious problem.

According to the Mayo Clinic, 75 percent of women will experience a vaginal yeast infection at some point in their lifetime.

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) indicates that about 5 percent of women will experience recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (RVVC). This is defined as four or more vaginal yeast infections in 1 year.

RVVC can occur in healthy women, but it’s more common in women with diabetes or weak immune systems from conditions such as HIV.

According to the HHS, about 66 percent of women who buy yeast infection medicine don’t actually have a yeast infection.

The symptoms may be caused by an allergic reaction or irritation due to sensitivity to tampons, soaps, powders, or perfume. Or they may have another vaginal infection, such as:

• bacterial vaginosis
• chlamydia
• gonorrhea
• trichomoniasis
• herpes

You should see a doctor if you’re not 100 percent sure that you have a yeast infection. They may diagnose you with a yeast infection, or they may discover a more serious condition.

If you’re treating what you think is a yeast infection without doctor diagnosis and it doesn’t clear up in a week or two, see a doctor. The medication you’re using may not be strong enough, or you may not have a yeast infection.

You should also visit a doctor if the infection returns in a couple of months. Having more than one yeast infection in a year could be an indication of an underlying medical condition.

Don’t put off seeing a doctor if your symptoms include:

• fever
• foul-smelling or yellow discharge
• bloody discharge
• back or stomach pain
• vomiting
• increased urination

Vaginal yeast infection should be properly diagnosed and treated. If left untreated, a yeast infection may lead to health problems, such as:

• skin infections
• fatigue
• oral thrush
• gastrointestinal problems
• invasive candidiasis

Diagnosis is a critical step, as the symptoms of a yeast infection are similar to more serious conditions, such as:

• bacterial vaginosis
• chlamydia
• gonorrhea

Why It Should Be Diagnosed and Treated

Without treatment, a yeast infection could become more serious. There’s a chance that it could resolve on its own, but it could also worsen.

A vaginal yeast infection (vaginal candidiasis) is a relatively common fungal infection that causes thick, white discharge along with irritation, itchiness, and swelling of the vulva and vagina.

Keep reading to learn more about the downsides of ignoring yeast infections.

If left untreated, vaginal candidiasis will most likely get worse, causing itching, redness, and inflammation in the area surrounding your vagina. This may lead to a skin infection if the inflamed area becomes cracked, or if continual scratching creates open or raw areas.

Uncommon side effects of an untreated yeast infection include:

• fatigue
• oral thrush
• gastrointestinal problems

Invasive candidiasis

Invasive candidiasis occurs when the yeast infection affects other parts of the body, such as the:

• blood
• heart
• brain
• bones
• eyes

Invasive candidiasis is usually associated with an open sore that’s exposed to a yeast infection. It isn’t typically related to vaginal yeast infections. It can cause serious health complications if not promptly treated.

Candidemia

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), candidemia is one of the most common forms of invasive candidiasis in the United States. It’s also one of the most common bloodstream infections in the country.

Yeast infections are common during pregnancy due to fluctuating hormones. If you’re pregnant and think you may have a yeast infection, see a doctor so that you can get the right diagnosis and treatment.

Topical antifungals are safe to use during pregnancy, but you won’t be able to take oral antifungal medications.

According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), oral fluconazole (Diflucan) taken during the first trimester of pregnancy may cause birth defects. A 2016 study also linked the use of oral fluconazole taken during pregnancy with an increased risk of miscarriage.

A mild yeast infection is expected to clear up in a few days to a week. Moderate to severe infections may take 2 to 3 weeks.

Can yeast infections go away on their own?

There’s a possibility that a yeast infection can go away on its own. The probability varies from person to person.

If you decide not to treat the infection, however, it might get worse. There’s also the possibility that you’ve misdiagnosed your condition, and what you thought was candidiasis was a more serious problem.

According to the Mayo Clinic, 75 percent of women will experience a vaginal yeast infection at some point in their lifetime.

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) indicates that about 5 percent of women will experience recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (RVVC). This is defined as four or more vaginal yeast infections in 1 year.

RVVC can occur in healthy women, but it’s more common in women with diabetes or weak immune systems from conditions such as HIV.

According to the HHS, about 66 percent of women who buy yeast infection medicine don’t actually have a yeast infection.

The symptoms may be caused by an allergic reaction or irritation due to sensitivity to tampons, soaps, powders, or perfume. Or they may have another vaginal infection, such as:

• bacterial vaginosis
• chlamydia
• gonorrhea
• trichomoniasis
• herpes

You should see a doctor if you’re not 100 percent sure that you have a yeast infection. They may diagnose you with a yeast infection, or they may discover a more serious condition.

If you’re treating what you think is a yeast infection without doctor diagnosis and it doesn’t clear up in a week or two, see a doctor. The medication you’re using may not be strong enough, or you may not have a yeast infection.

You should also visit a doctor if the infection returns in a couple of months. Having more than one yeast infection in a year could be an indication of an underlying medical condition.

Don’t put off seeing a doctor if your symptoms include:

• fever
• foul-smelling or yellow discharge
• bloody discharge
• back or stomach pain
• vomiting
• increased urination

Vaginal yeast infection should be properly diagnosed and treated. If left untreated, a yeast infection may lead to health problems, such as:

• skin infections
• fatigue
• oral thrush
• gastrointestinal problems
• invasive candidiasis

Diagnosis is a critical step, as the symptoms of a yeast infection are similar to more serious conditions, such as:

• bacterial vaginosis
• chlamydia
• gonorrhea

Thrush in women: danger of self-treatment

In our article, we will try to figure out whether it is possible to effectively, and most importantly, safely cure thrush on our own. First, let’s consider what kind of disease it is and why it occurs.

What in everyday life is called “thrush” in medicine is called vaginal or genital candidiasis . The name owes its origin to the microorganisms that cause this disease. The fungal parasite Candida albicans (Candida albicans) is normally present in the body of every healthy person. For the first time, each of us meets him in the natural environment – the birth canal. In quantities not exceeding the norm, the microbe Candida albicans may even be needed by the human body: it serves as food for beneficial bacteria involved in the synthesis of vitamins K and B12. But quite often, when certain conditions arise, uncontrolled reproduction of the fungal flora occurs, which leads to the occurrence of thrush.

What can serve as an impetus to the accelerated rate of reproduction of the fungus? The reasons for this are numerous. The most important of them, according to doctors, is the modern lifestyle – uncontrolled consumption of drugs, in particular, antibiotics and hormonal drugs; consumption of unhealthy foods, especially those rich in sugar; high levels of stress; unprotected sex. Also, the cause of thrush can be a decrease in the protective functions of the body, weakening of the immune system, the presence of certain diseases that weaken the body and some drugs for their treatment.

Having understood the causes of the disease, we will consider how reasonable it is to treat thrush at home. TV commercials and pharmacists in pharmacies assure us that thrush is very easy to defeat with just one capsule of the hyped drug; articles on the Internet call for the use of folk remedies: soda, honey, herbal preparations and even laundry soap.

Why, trusting such advice, a woman cannot cope with her problem? Symptoms either do not change, or only get worse: itching and burning become unbearable, especially at night; the discharge can be so plentiful that in a short period of time they soak through the underwear and bed linen, while having a very unpleasant odor. And only when the symptoms of the disease significantly reduce the quality of life, completely disrupting its rhythm, the woman turns to the doctor.

According to the leading gynecologists of our clinic, as a rule, patients come to them who have tried more than one remedy in self-treatment of thrush. And this fact does not make the doctor’s work easier at all, but rather complicates it, since prolonged unsuccessful self-treatment of vaginal candidiasis leads to the transition of the disease into a chronic form, which is much more difficult to treat and complicates the diagnosis.

Chronic thrush is characterized by periodic exacerbations, at least 4 times a year. It turns out that, without properly treating the first appeared acute form of the disease, a woman can “earn” herself an endless chain of relapses and life “from thrush to thrush”, which will negatively affect her psychological state. Also, chronic thrush, with the seeming harmlessness of symptoms, is dangerous for its complications. A fungal infection can affect neighboring organs together with other microbes. The chronic form of vaginal candidiasis can also cause inflammation of the appendages (adnexitis), inflammation of the cervix, the formation of adhesions in the fallopian tubes, which greatly complicates the process of conception and can lead to infertility.

Mushrooms, to which the yeast-like fungus Candida albicans belongs, are the oldest form of life on our planet. Their age is more than 2.5 billion years. During its existence, having survived a lot of cataclysms on a planetary scale, mushrooms not only did not disappear from the face of the earth, but also went a long way in their evolution. The viability of mushrooms and their desire for self-preservation is beyond fantasy. In this regard, considering the issue of fungal survivability not on a global scale, but on the scale of an individual person, we must understand that Candida albicans will strive to survive by all means, and every mistake in treatment, be it the wrong choice of the drug, the wrong dosage, or the absence of any therapy at all, will definitely lead to the reproduction of the fungus exponentially, and consequently to the aggravation of symptoms.

In addition, despite the fact that in the vast majority of cases, Candida albicans is the causative agent of thrush, it must be understood that in addition to albicans, there are about 170 types of Candida fungus that are more resistant to drugs. Each type of fungus has a different sensitivity and susceptibility to therapy, therefore, it requires a special, often qualitatively different, approach to the choice of means on the way to recovery.

What else is the danger of treating thrush at home, besides the risk of worsening symptoms and the transition of the disease to a chronic form? Symptoms of thrush – itching, burning, discomfort of the genital organs, discharge – are characteristic of a number of diseases, some of which can be dangerous not only to health, but also to the life of a woman.

With all the external similarity, the cause of unpleasant symptoms may not be a fungus of the genus Candida at all. Very often, the trigger mechanism for the pathogenesis of the disease is a bacterial infection, the most common of which is bacterial vaginosis.

Bacterial vaginosis is caused by an alteration or imbalance in the bacteria normally found in the vagina. As a result of such a violation, there is an increased reproduction of certain microorganisms, most often Gardnerella vaginalis (Gardnerella vaginalis). The causes of bacterial vaginosis, as well as its symptoms, are in many ways similar to thrush: an unhealthy lifestyle, stress, pregnancy, the presence of an intrauterine device, a change in sexual partner, wearing sanitary pads and synthetic underwear. But with all the outward similarities, bacterial vaginosis has a significant difference: in comparison with thrush, it is not treated with antifungal drugs. Therefore, trying to cure a bacterial infection with drugs to combat vaginal candidiasis, you can aggravate the course of the disease and get complications. A bacterial infection without adequate treatment multiplies intensively in the vagina, and the urethra is located nearby. Through the urethra, a bacterial infection can enter the bladder and cause urethritis and cystitis.

Many sexually transmitted infections have similar symptoms with thrush – trichomoniasis, gonorrhea, ureaplasmosis and others. The main clinical symptoms are itching, discharge and burning. Sexually transmitted diseases, without timely diagnosis and adequate treatment, can also lead to severe complications, including infertility. The most important point in the treatment of STDs is the simultaneous treatment of a woman’s sexual partner, without which her full recovery is impossible. Self-treatment without examination and laboratory tests is impossible.

The main danger of self-treatment or ignoring the symptoms of thrush is that their apparent “harmlessness” may hide completely different diseases that are not associated with any infection or vaginal dysbiosis.

So, for example, inflammation of the fallopian tube or even oncological diseases of the cervix and other organs of the small pelvis can manifest themselves. With secondary candidiasis caused by disorders of carbohydrate metabolism (prediabetes), according to our doctors, the patient’s frequent complaint is itching, burning, discharge from the genitals. And there are frequent cases in the practice of our gynecologists, when patients who turned to them with complaints of thrush were eventually diagnosed with diabetes.

A lot of diseases similar in clinic are determined by the main symptom – secretions . But in each state they have their own characteristics, differ in color, texture, smell. The differences can be so insignificant that a woman herself often cannot interpret them somehow and attributes everything to thrush. This approach to your health can be a big mistake. Leading gynecologists at the Smitra Clinic warn: what is usually called thrush in everyday life can be a mask for another, much more serious disease!

Our doctors recommend: if you find yourself having alarming symptoms that, in your opinion, are similar to thrush, do not let everything take its course, do not look on the Internet for folk ways to treat a simple and understandable disease, as you think, do not run to the nearest pharmacy for an advertised drug. The most reasonable solution to this problem will be an appeal to a gynecologist. After a conversation and a thorough examination, the doctor will prescribe all the necessary tests and examinations, based on the results of which the treatment tactics will be chosen. Only under these conditions is it possible to fully recover and return to normal life as soon as possible.

Clinic “Smitra” provides a full range of services necessary for the diagnosis and treatment of any gynecological diseases: consultations of gynecologists of the highest category and KMN, modern diagnostic equipment, more than 500 types of tests.

The material was prepared with the participation of gynecologists of the Smitra Clinic.

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What do we still not know about thrush? — UCM Zdravica — UCM Zdravica

Thrush (urogenital candidiasis) is an infectious lesion of the skin and mucous membranes of the urogenital system caused by fungi of the genus Candida.

Symptoms of thrush

The main symptoms of candidiasis that women complain about at the doctor’s appointment are itching and burning, as well as discharge from the genital tract of various consistency (curdled, flaky, creamy).

In patients with thrush, a decrease in overall immunity is usually detected, which can be caused by the following factors:

• imbalance of female sex hormones;
• malnutrition, including the use of a significant amount of sugar-containing foods that create an ideal breeding ground for the development of this type of fungus;
• stress;
• uncontrolled use of antibiotics and corticosteroids;
• infectious diseases of the genital organs;
• diseases that reduce immunity: diabetes mellitus, thyroid pathology, tuberculosis, hypovitaminosis, HIV infection;
• pregnancy;
• first sexual contact;
• wearing tight synthetic underwear.

Remember that completely different diseases can occur with the same symptoms, so only a doctor can diagnose and prescribe the right treatment. You should not resort to advice from the Internet or a pharmacist in a pharmacy.

What happens if you don’t treat thrush?

A careless attitude to the treatment of this disease can lead to a chronic form of thrush, which is dangerous because it spreads to neighboring organs and can lead to diseases such as intestinal candidiasis, cystitis, cervical erosion, etc. If thrush is not treated during pregnancy, then there is a very high risk of transmission from mother to child.

How to treat and why does it appear again and again?

As a rule, folk remedies in the treatment of vaginal candidiasis only alleviate the symptoms of the disease, but do not eradicate its cause.

At the moment, the most effective means are tablet preparations – systemic antimycotics, as well as local ones – suppositories, ointments, creams.

Advertising of many remedies for thrush promises us to get rid of this unpleasant disease once and for all, but, unfortunately, there is no drug that would guarantee getting rid of this type of fungus for life. Mushrooms have been living on Earth for millions of years and have the ability to adapt to any new environment. It is for this reason that a treatment once prescribed by a doctor can be completely ineffective the second time. To prevent relapses, it is also necessary to change a lot in lifestyle and nutrition. In some cases, it is necessary to do a smear analysis to determine drug sensitivity. This is the only way to choose a truly effective treatment and prevent the recurrence of candidiasis.

What can be done to avoid thrush?

In order to avoid this disease and protect the body from its recurrence as much as possible:

• protect yourself during sexual contact, especially if sexual partners change frequently;
• do not resort to frequent douching;
• exclude uncontrolled intake of antibacterial drugs;
• limit the intake of sugary ingredients;
• timely diagnose and treat diseases of the endocrine system;
• do not wear synthetic underwear.

Remember that malnutrition can provoke the development of this disease. For prevention, as well as in the treatment of thrush, the following products should be excluded from the diet: fast food, convenience foods, products containing yeast or a large amount of sugars, including chocolate, honey, jam, bananas, pineapples.