Table of Contents
What is a vaginal thrush?
A vaginal thrush is a fungal infection in a woman’s intimate area . The vagina (vagina) and the external genital area (vulva) become inflamed. In most cases, the yeast Candida albicans is responsible. More rarely, the pathogens Candida glabrata or Candida tropicalis can also cause a vaginal thrush.
Fungi are part of the human organism and are mostly on our skinand the mucous membranes and are part of the normal body flora. The human immune system keeps them in check and they live in balance with other microorganisms – including the lactic acid bacteria in the vagina. The production of lactic acid creates an acidic environment with a pH below 4.5. These ideal conditions and the immune system prevent excessive growth of yeast and thus infection and fungal infestation in the vagina.
About 75 percent of women are affected by a vaginal yeast infection at least once in their lives. So, the disease of the genital organs occurs quite often. But at what age are you most at risk?
- About 20 percent of women of childbearing age are affected by a vaginal fungus .
- The risk of infection increases during pregnancy.
- Before puberty, a vaginal thrush is fairly rare.
- The risk also decreases due to the lack of estrogen after menopause.
What are the causes of a vaginal thrush infection?
There are several factors that favor a fungal infection:
- an immune system weakened by diseases and infections
- Metabolic disorders (e.g. diabetes mellitus)
- Hormone fluctuations – hormone levels in our body change as a result of taking birth control pills, pregnancy or menopause.
- Mental stress – our immune system is weakened by stress and worries.
- By taking cortisone, antibiotics or cytostatics. These drugs kill not only the harmful, but often the beneficial bacteria as well, thereby promoting the proliferation of a yeast fungus.
- Vaginal douches and intimate sprays – they change the natural acidic environment of the vagina and can thus promote the excessive growth of fungi.
- Synthetic underwear and tight-fitting clothing – sweating and heat build-up create the ideal warm, humid environment for fungi to multiply.
- Infection in saunas, whirlpools and swimming pools – due to the warm, humid climate, the fungus can survive for a long time and spread to other people.
Unprotected sex can also transmit the infection to your partner.
What are the symptoms of a vaginal thrush?
Depending on which pathogen you are infected with, different symptoms appear. All infections have itching and a changed discharge in common.
Typical symptoms of Candida albicans are:
- Itching and burning in the vagina
- Discharge – whitish, creamy to crumbly
- reddened and cracked skin in the vagina area
- unpleasant smell
- Rash or blisters on the vulva
- pain during sexual intercourse
Vaginal Bacteria
Bacterial vaginosis is caused by the bacterium Gardnerella vaginalis. The intestinal bacterium is usually transmitted through contact and smear infection, for example through sexual intercourse. The symptoms are a fishy intimate odor and a thin, greyish-white discharge. Mild pain, itching and skin irritation may also occur. The doctor will prescribe you an antibiotic as therapy. Afterwards, a lactic acid cure is useful to stabilize the vaginal flora.
How is vaginal thrush treated?
If you are unsure whether you have a fungal disease, have your gynecologist take a smear test. The laboratory test can determine whether a vaginal yeast infection, bacterial vaginosis or just an allergic reaction is present.
If you have a fungus in the genital area for the first time, a local treatment is usually sufficient. There are over-the-counter preparations available in pharmacies. These antifungals are available as creams or suppositories. Some drugs come in combinations. The suppositories are inserted deep into the vagina with an applicator. This is best done at night before bed. By lying down, the active ingredient is distributed well and evenly. You should wear a panty liner the next day. The suppositorydissolves slowly and a part is carried out again through the sheath. Apply the cream against the vaginal thrush generously to the external genitals. Depending on the preparation, the treatment time is between two and six days.
A vaginal thrush infection should always be treated. If you do not comply with the specified treatment period or do not treat the symptoms, chronic vaginal thrush can occur. If the symptoms come back more often or are particularly severe, you should definitely consult a gynaecologist. Sometimes it is necessary to take tablets that distribute the active ingredient throughout the body via the bloodstream. If the symptoms recur, the partner should also be treated. It could be that he is the carrier of the fungus even though he has no symptoms. The result is the so-called ping-pong effect, with constant mutual contagion. You should always use a condom during sexual intercourse during the treatment period.
A visit to the doctor is particularly important for pregnant women who suspect a vaginal thrush infection. At birth, the fungus can be transmitted to the child. With the right treatment, however, a fungus is easy to treat and will not bother you for long.
