The appearance of the coveted stripes on the test affects expectant mothers in different ways: some do not change their habits, while others panic and give up all pleasures. Including sex! In fact, there is no need to deprive yourself and your partner of your sex life for nine months - you just need to take a couple of nuances into account. Let's talk about them.
First, let's establish the main rule: pregnancy is not a disease. The times when this stereotype existed passed about 30 years ago. Today, progressive medicine tells us that the months of waiting for a child are a period when a woman can (and should) lead a normal life. Of course, there are certain restrictions, but they are very individual and are discussed with your doctor in each specific case.
A pregnant woman's body undergoes many changes that affect her sex life. But for every problem there is always a solution - if there is a desire. Sexual desire.
Breast tenderness
Who among us has not recalled with nostalgia how huge and beautiful our breasts were during pregnancy and breastfeeding? For some women, it increases by 2-4 sizes! There’s just a catch: with volume comes hypersensitivity and pain. Some pregnant women can’t even sleep without special underwear, let alone caresses and passionate hugs!
Agree that now, like in a strip club, the rule applies: “You can look, but you cannot touch.” This game inflames the sexual appetites of both partners.
High humidity
Don't laugh, sometimes this can really become a big problem! Increased secretion of vaginal lubrication is associated with hormonal changes, and there is no way to correct the situation.
Choose positions with a tighter, tighter girth.
Thrush
Hormonal changes in the body often cause thrush. Is it worth explaining that, together with other “features” of pregnancy, thrush can make sex unbearable. It is, of course, not dangerous for a partner, but itching, discharge and burning prevent a woman from getting at least some pleasure. And sex is an act of love, not a sacrifice.
The situation is further complicated by the fact that during pregnancy most drugs for thrush simply cannot be used. But if the first symptoms of thrush occur, you should immediately consult a doctor. At any stage of pregnancy you can use Pimafucin ® - vaginal suppositories, cream, tablets. In 1-2 days it reduces the severity of symptoms, and at the same time does not pose a danger to both the expectant mother and the child. All forms of the drug are allowed at any stage of pregnancy and even at the very beginning. This is especially important since almost all medications are prohibited for expectant mothers in the first 12 weeks. And treatment usually lasts only 3-6 days.
Good news
There is no need to exclude sex during treatment. If you are used to making love at night, then you can insert vaginal suppositories immediately after the end of the act of love. And if you prefer sex early in the morning, then, as usual, use Pimafucin ® suppositories before bed.
Father's fears
Sometimes this item interferes with sex worse than any thrush. The larger the belly of the expectant mother becomes, the more often the happy father tries to avoid sex. Women usually blame everything on their excess weight, but the reasons for this behavior can be very different.
Dad is worried that the child is looking at him
Dad is afraid of hurting the child
It's funny, but he really thinks so!
Put pressure on his paternal feelings - it is a scientifically proven fact that in order to successfully bear a child, a woman needs positive emotions during pregnancy. And sex is the main source of endorphins!
It is important
There are situations when the doctor leading the pregnancy strongly recommends that you abstain from sex during pregnancy. Check with your attending physician about the presence of such contraindications.
In situations where a woman is literally tormented by thrush, complex treatment is required. Often this disease is cured quickly, but under the influence of unfavorable factors, the acute form of the disease develops into recurrent vaginal candidiasis. With increased fungal activity, therapy causes certain difficulties, since frequent relapses are associated with a decrease in the body's immune system.
The diagnosis of “recurrent thrush” in women is made in cases where the disease returns every month. There are only short periods of remission and frequent exacerbations.
The reasons for frequent thrush are as follows:
- depressed immunity;
- taking hormonal contraceptives or;
- lack of immunoglobulin A in the body;
- disruption of the vaginal microflora and creation of a favorable environment for the development and reproduction of pathogenic microorganisms;
- incorrectly selected therapeutic course;
- damage to the body by other representatives of fungi;
- increased sensitivity to fungal infection, accompanied by an allergic reaction;
- self-medication.
Thrush often appears in cases where the viability of certain forms of yeast-like fungi is quite high. Even after complex treatment, the infection remains in the body, and the disease will return under certain conditions.
It should be noted that gestation period is also included among the risk factors. Constant women are far from uncommon. This is due to a decrease in the body’s protective functions and hormonal disorders.
Treatment of frequent thrush in women
Treatment of recurrent thrush is carried out comprehensively. The gynecologist chooses the course of therapy.
Diagnosis and treatment of the disease are carried out under the strict supervision of a specialist. Trying to get rid of candidal colpitis on your own is strictly prohibited. Therapy continues even after all clinical manifestations of the disease have been eliminated. Often the reason that thrush recurs every month is due to insufficient treatment.
To cure a disease, it is extremely important to identify the root cause of its occurrence.
For this purpose, you need to seek help from a doctor. He will conduct laboratory tests in the gynecology department and, based on the data obtained, will prescribe an adequate course of therapy. If during the first episode it is enough for a specialist to examine a smear taken from the vaginal mucosa during an examination, then with the frequent return of the disease, studying the discharge from candidiasis turns out to be little.
Includes the following activities:
- examination on a gynecological chair and taking vaginal contents to study the microflora;
- stool, urine and blood tests;
- determination of sensitivity to medications using bacteriological culture;
- consultations with specialized specialists (immunologist, urologist, gastroenterologist, endocrinologist).
Therapy for chronic recurrent vaginal candidiasis has the following goals:
- stopping the activity of candida fungi;
- eliminating the root cause of the development of vaginal candidiasis;
- strengthening the immune system;
- restoration of the microflora of the vaginal lining;
- treatment of the sexual partner.
Frequent thrush in women is treated according to the following regimens:
- usage ;
- taking systemic antifungal drugs and;
- complex therapy with the use of vaginal suppositories and antibiotics.
Regardless of the chosen course, control diagnostics are carried out every week.
There are a huge number of antifungal drugs, long-term use of which gives good results. The use of Nystatin, Fluconazole, Diflucan is effective. Positive dynamics are noted in the case of the use of antifungal ointments and other local remedies, including Ketoconazole, Hexicon, Gynoflor, Livarol.
To prevent thrush from returning, you can use additional immunomodulatory drugs and agents designed to eliminate dysbiosis. These include any probiotics, as well as Lactofil and Linex.
Frequent relapses of thrush can be prevented. To this end, it is necessary to eliminate the impact of unfavorable factors and overcome a number of diseases.
- Increased protective functions of the body. The recurrent course of the disease is often provoked by suppressed immunity. Such disorders can be caused by diabetes mellitus, chronic allergic or infectious processes and cachexia. Even an incorrect daily routine, excessive physical activity and mental stress negatively affect the immune system.
- Refusal of long-term use of antibacterial drugs. Taking such drugs is allowed only in exceptional cases and only as prescribed by a doctor. Medicines in this group destroy both pathogenic and beneficial microflora, but do not affect the fungus. Due to this, the infection begins to progress, and women often develop thrush.
- Fighting hormonal imbalances. The use of contraceptives and pregnancy can provoke disorders. Often this process occurs due to ovarian dysfunction, changes in the functioning of the thyroid gland and obesity.
The cause of thrush may be poor diet. An increased amount of carbohydrates in the diet causes the signs of candidiasis to reappear. Women are advised to completely avoid or minimize the consumption of fried, salty and spicy foods.
Particular attention should be paid to personal hygiene.
To prevent the disease from recurring, regular use of sanitary pads should be avoided. You need to wash yourself twice a day, but do not use soap, but special intimate hygiene products. You should also choose your underwear carefully. It is not recommended to wear tight models made of synthetic materials. The choice should be made of cotton fabrics and loose tailoring.
To prevent thrush from returning and often reminding itself, you should also stop drinking alcoholic beverages. It is better to give preference to teas based on medicinal herbs that effectively affect the body as a whole.
Scheme for effective treatment of thrush
Comprehensive treatment of thrush is of great importance, as it can significantly improve the condition of women's health and reduce the recurrence of this disease. A disease such as thrush or candidiasis of the vaginal mucosa is known to almost every woman. In some patients it even becomes chronic.
Unfortunately, sometimes treatment for thrush is ineffective, which can be caused by self-administration of medications. After a woman fell ill with candidiasis, she went to the doctor, who prescribed her an effective antibiotic to treat candidiasis. When the situation repeats itself and a woman starts having thrush again, she goes to the pharmacy on her own and purchases the same medicine.
Such an unfavorable factor as a negative effect on the body also affects:
- frequent stressful situations;
- unfavorable environmental conditions;
- poor diet;
- hormonal imbalances;
- increased radiation.
All these factors explain that with each development of thrush, treatment with more powerful antibiotics and other medicinal compounds is required. It is worth knowing that it is not required if the cause of the disease is pregnancy, the use of hormonal contraceptives, as well as drugs that were used to treat infectious and viral pathologies.
The main causes of thrush:
- diseases related to gynecology;
- malfunction of the thyroid gland;
- sexually transmitted infections;
- weakening of the immune system.
In all these cases, you first need to completely cure the disease that caused candidiasis and only after that do you begin complex treatment of thrush in women.
In order to answer the question of how to properly treat thrush, it is important to note that it is impossible to completely get rid of Candida fungus. Any medications, as well as special treatment procedures, can only stop the development of the disease and prevent relapse.
Complex therapy must include these treatment methods:
- determining the sensitivity of the Candida fungus to medicinal compounds that will be used to treat thrush in women;
- normalization of the mucous membrane of the genital organs, as well as restoration of normal microflora;
- strengthening the immune system;
- elimination of diseases that can provoke the appearance of immunodeficiency;
- treatment of sexually transmitted diseases;
- getting rid of certain factors that can develop candidiasis in a woman, namely the presence of bad habits, thoughtless use of antibiotics and drugs that contain sex hormones.
It is important to know how to treat thrush in this case. There are a significant number of different methods for treatment. Sometimes people try to make a diagnosis for themselves, select a therapeutic regimen, etc. It will be difficult to count on a positive outcome. There may be no effect for a variety of reasons.
Sometimes drugs that are not effective enough are prescribed. Their exposure may not produce the optimal effect. Not every doctor walks parallel to time, which may result in some limitations. Some doctors recommend using products that have been used for a very long time. But nowadays there are many more interesting and productive ways.
If a relapse occurs, you should not use the same drugs. This is due to the ability of microorganisms to gradually develop some resistance to their main components. It is very important to consult a doctor and choose the best medications.
The treatment course can be quite long, but it will probably also be productive, which will ultimately allow you to get rid of the disease forever. It is important to understand when to treat relapses so that it is not too late. For some reason, some people delay starting treatment, which can lead to various problems. If you follow the advice and prevention, it will be easier to prevent a relapse. It’s easier to do this than to take the corresponding course again later.
Candidiasis is back: is the husband to blame for cheating?
If you are diagnosed with thrush, a relapse may occur after sexual intercourse, but this is not yet a reason to suspect your partner of cheating. A man is a carrier of infection and may not even know it.
During treatment, antifungal drugs should be taken by both partners. Thrush constantly returns in cases where the course of therapy is carried out unilaterally. The husband remains a carrier of the infection, since fungi that belong to the Candida group remain in his body, and the disease may return.
In addition, factors that provoke the appearance of signs of the disease, the main one of which is itching, may be inflammation of the mucous membranes, suppression of the immune system, damage to other infections and failure to comply with personal hygiene rules. This creates a favorable environment for the development of candidiasis. Accordingly, you should not blame your spouse for the fact that the thrush has returned. There are a huge number of reasons why relapses occur.
Treatment of frequently occurring candidiasis should be carried out exclusively by a gynecologist. A woman who does everything in accordance with his recommendations will have a minimal risk of relapse. Therapy is carried out comprehensively. Not only the symptoms of the disease are eliminated, but also the factors that provoke its recurrence.
Recurrent thrush () is a monthly recurrence of candidiasis, which is diagnosed in approximately 2.5% of women. This disease leads to a weakening of cellular immunity, as a result of which it becomes difficult for the female body to fully resist harmful microorganisms (fungi and bacteria).
Treatment of recurrent thrush requires a serious approach and involves eliminating the root cause of immune disorders. An exacerbation of candidiasis every month is associated with menstruation and sexual intercourse, which is why women cannot fully enjoy sexual relations, as they are accompanied by a strong burning sensation in the genitals.
Mistakes in the treatment of candidiasis
In most cases, the culprits that the disease has become chronic are the patients themselves.
Thrush causes discomfort and inconvenience in women, and once she gets rid of it, the patient may think that the worst is over. Unfortunately, recurrent thrush is not so uncommon - monthly recurrences of the disease occur in 2.5%, and can “torment” a woman’s body up to 4 times a year. The disease must be treated immediately, as the infection can spread and cause problems in the pelvic organs.
Causes of recurrent breast milk
The main reasons for the development of chronic candidiasis include:
- Hormonal imbalances. Among such disorders, diabetes mellitus, pregnancy, diseases of the ovaries, thyroid gland, etc. should be highlighted.
- Chronic pathologies of the liver, stomach and genitourinary system (for example, kidneys, gall bladder).
- Infectious diseases of a chronic nature. Periodic relapses of candidiasis may be a consequence of chronic infectious processes occurring in the body. In the fight against them, the immune system loses a lot of strength, which leads to a weakening of its protective functions. As a result, favorable conditions are created for the proliferation of pathogenic microorganisms.
- Taking antibiotics. These drugs reduce immunity, which can lead to...
- Poor nutrition. Excessive consumption of sweet, fatty, spicy foods can lead to dysbacteriosis and the proliferation of fungi.
- Incorrect use of eubiotics. Eubiotics are beneficial lactic bacteria that are found in dried form in some medications. With their help, an optimally acidic environment is created in the vagina. However, yeast-like fungi of the genus Candida, which are the source of thrush, perfectly resist such an environment along with lactic bacteria. Therefore, taking eubiotics without first consulting a doctor is strictly prohibited.
Symptoms of chronic thrush
Recurrent candidiasis has the same symptoms as the acute form of the disease, but they are less pronounced and are characterized by monthly exacerbations. This is the main difference between this form of pathology and ordinary thrush.
The main signs of chronic thrush are:
- Vaginal discharge. They are light, thick, reminiscent of cottage cheese. In the chronic form of the disease, the discharge is not abundant and intensifies during periods of exacerbation.
- Itching and burning. They can disturb a woman constantly or periodically (for example, after a bath, at night, when wearing tight underwear, etc.). The burning sensation is localized in the vagina and is often accompanied by redness of the mucous membrane and its swelling. During periods of exacerbation, the itching can be very severe and bring a lot of discomfort to the woman. Scratching the infected area can lead to additional damage and the formation of microcracks.
- Painful sensations during sexual intercourse. Because of this symptom, a woman may experience fear of sexual relations or refuse them altogether. A long course of the disease often leads to depression and disruption of the nervous system.
- Discomfort when urinating. Due to inflammation and swelling of the genitourinary system, the process of urination becomes painful.
- The presence of a specific odor from the vagina. It is mild and reminiscent of the smell of kefir. This is how thrush differs from gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, etc.
Diagnosis and treatment of chronic candidiasis
If you have the above symptoms, you should immediately seek help from a qualified specialist, since in 65-75% of cases of untimely treatment, thrush leads to:
- pelvic adhesions and tubal obstruction;
- intrauterine infection of the fetus during pregnancy;
- infertility;
- frequent inflammation of the pelvic organs.
Before starting treatment, it is necessary to undergo a thorough examination, which will exclude other diseases of the genitourinary system and establish the true cause of thrush. Diagnosis begins with a questioning of the patient, during which the symptoms are clarified, when they appeared, what provokes the deterioration of the patient’s condition, whether similar signs were observed previously, etc.
After collecting primary data, the doctor examines the patient on a gynecological chair and takes a smear from the cervix and vaginal mucosa. With thrush, fungal mycelium will be observed under a microscope in large quantities. However, microscopic examination is not enough because it does not determine the type of fungus. Therefore, when examining a patient, an additional bacterial culture of the smear is prescribed.
Recurrent thrush requires timely and highly effective treatment, which can only be obtained under the direct guidance of the attending physician. Self-medication very often leads to complications of the situation and the occurrence of undesirable consequences.
Treatment of chronic candidiasis should be comprehensive and aimed at:
- fight against fungal microorganisms;
- strengthening the immune system.
Today, there are a large number of drugs that help cope with recurrent thrush, available in the form of tablets, gels, douching solutions and suppositories. Depending on the severity of symptoms and the individual characteristics of the patient, the doctor selects the most effective treatment for a particular case.
Levorin, Nystatit, Natamycin, Polygynax, Mikosist, etc. are prescribed as antifungal agents.
When taking these medications, it is very important to strictly follow the dosage prescribed by the doctor and not violate the established treatment regimen.
It should be noted that antifungal drugs negatively affect the condition of the vaginal microflora. Therefore, to restore it, medications containing beneficial bacteria are prescribed. Among such products, candles with lacto- and bifidobacteria should be highlighted.
In addition to antifungal medications, immunomodulators are also prescribed. Topical preparations, that is, those that are inserted directly into the vagina, are highly effective. For resistant forms of candidiasis, physiological procedures (electrophoresis, laser therapy, magnetic therapy, mud baths) are prescribed as additional therapy. The standard one lasts about 6 months. All this time, the woman must be registered with a doctor.
Recurrent thrush and treatment according to all the rules
To achieve success, it is very important to choose a truly effective treatment. To do this, you need to contact a trusted specialist, who usually prescribes a full examination. Thanks to it, it is possible to identify hidden infections, various chronic diseases and other problems. Based on the research, the doctor will be able to formulate a therapeutic course that is optimal in all respects.
- Duration and complexity of treatment of secondary candidiasis.
- It is usually based on special antifungal medications.
- It is necessary to take medications only under the strict supervision of a specialist.
- It is important to treat both partners at the same time, even if one of them does not have characteristic symptoms.
The treatment course is prescribed on an individual basis and only by a qualified doctor. But we can distinguish several main stages of the proposed course:
- Tablets and special suppositories are used for a long period. Typically it can be up to about three months.
- Examination by an endocrinologist. If you are overweight or have used hormonal drugs, such an examination becomes a necessity.
- An examination by a urologist will allow you to check the condition of your bladder and kidneys.
- Drawing up the correct nutrition plan. It would be advisable to seek support from a professional nutritionist. It is generally recommended to include natural juices, yogurt, antifungal products, etc. in the diet.
- Consultation with a gynecologist. Nowadays, recurrent thrush in women is quite common. Thanks to the examination, it is possible to identify the presence of latent infections, etc.
- Once a week it is recommended to take special tests, which will be prescribed by the doctor. Based on the data obtained, the therapeutic course is adjusted.
If a relapse occurs, the regimen can usually be repeated, but using different medications. They must be selected on an individual basis. Only the doctor has the right to determine the duration of the appointment and other facts. Self-medication is not allowed, because it usually leads to frequent recurrences of the disease. You only need to contact a specialist.
How to prevent chronic candidiasis?
The most effective method of controlling chronic thrush is to prevent fungal infections. To reduce the risk of candidiasis, you should follow some rules, namely:
- stop wearing underwear that is too tight;
- give preference only to natural underwear;
- do not use scented personal care products;
- completely abandon hormonal contraceptives that disrupt hormonal levels;
- do not get carried away with douching, since during this procedure not only harmful, but also beneficial bacteria are washed out of the vagina;
- give preference to protected sexual intercourse, especially if it is carried out with an unfamiliar partner.
Only if you strictly follow all the doctor’s instructions will you be able to
Recurrent thrush appears if the acute form of the disease develops into chronic candidiasis; the vaginal walls are deeply affected by Candida fungi.
The chronic form of thrush is characterized by regular recurrence of the disease, which appears more than four times a year. To prevent such a problem, you need to turn to specialists for help. The doctor, after laboratory tests, will prescribe the correct treatment, which will prevent recurrences of the fungal infection.
Chronic candidiasis occurs when an infectious disease is incomplete or incorrectly treated. Thrush is not a sexually transmitted disease, but is transmitted sexually; a newborn child can become infected during childbirth or through household contact.
The main factors for the appearance of candidiasis are hormonal imbalance and a reduced immune system in the body.
This happens for various reasons:
- Problems with the thyroid gland, diabetes.
- Excess weight due to metabolic disorders.
- Use of antibiotics.
- Incorrect use of oral contraception.
- Chronic gynecological diseases.
- Infectious diseases of the genital organs.
- Failure to comply with personal hygiene rules.
- Violation of the vaginal microflora.
These signs should alert a woman and force her to consult a doctor. The appearance of symptoms will help the gynecologist reliably diagnose the disease and prescribe the correct treatment.
The main symptoms of the disease are:
- Curd-like discharge from the vagina.
- Itching, burning in the genital area.
- Discomfort when walking, during sexual relations.
- Painful sensations after urination, after washing.
- In men, there is a plaque on the head of the penis and swelling of the organ.
To prevent the recurrence of thrush, it is important to follow the doctor’s recommendations and not stop drug therapy after the symptoms disappear.
Recurrent thrush is very difficult to treat with antifungal drugs alone. It is necessary to establish the cause of the disease; by eliminating it, you can get rid of candidiasis forever.
Chronic candidiasis has its own characteristics; this form of the disease proceeds differently from acute thrush:
- The discomfort lasts for more than two months, and the fungal infection progresses.
- Symptoms are not pronounced; thickening of the mucous membrane is observed.
- Cracks, folds form on the skin, and shine is observed.
- The discharge is not strong; in the area of severe fungal infection, a white coating is observed.
- There is severe itching.
- A fungal infection can affect other organs, most often the bladder and intestines.
Treatment of chronic candidiasis lasts a long time; complex therapy is often used. The main task is to boost immunity so that the body can fight the problem on its own. It is important to restore the vaginal microflora, eliminate all infectious diseases, chronic thrush is a consequence of infectious diseases.
An advanced form of candidiasis leads to serious complications. In women, adhesions form, which causes obstruction of the fallopian tubes. This entails the problem of infertility, ectopic pregnancy, and premature birth. Thrush also causes constant inflammatory processes in the pelvic organs.
In men, pathological deviations cause many serious consequences - decreased erection, decreased sexual activity, which leads to infertility.
Relapse Prevention
- treatment of chronic diseases;
- restoration of immunity;
- proper nutrition and rest;
- healthy lifestyle, giving up bad habits (alcohol, smoking);
- visiting a gynecologist at least twice a year;
- absence of promiscuity;
- compliance with personal hygiene rules.
Thrush, as well as its relapses, are curable with the right approach to the treatment itself and to the prevention of candidiasis. The sooner therapy is started, the greater the chance that the disease will not return.
Thrush, or candidiasis, is a disease caused by fungi of the genus Candida. The development of the disease in women is associated with a number of different external and internal factors (hormonal imbalance, irrational antibacterial therapy, non-compliance with hygiene rules).
The symptoms of vaginal candidiasis are familiar to many - itching in the external genital area and a white, curd-like discharge. Despite the fact that there are effective drugs and diet for therapy, it is not always possible to completely cure the disease.
If thrush returns more than four times a year, then a diagnosis of “chronic candidiasis” is made.
Why recurrent thrush appears and what consequences this may have are questions that concern many women.
Testing and treatment of fungal infections
To get rid of the disease forever, it is necessary to carry out a correct diagnosis. Even effective drugs will not cope with the disease if the correct diagnosis and cause of pathological changes in the body are not established. The patient must be given a smear for laboratory testing and a blood test to identify infectious diseases.
The treatment is complex, its duration is determined by the attending physician.
During therapy it is necessary:
- Get rid of fungal microorganisms.
- Strengthen the immune system.
- Restore the microflora and acidic environment of the vagina.
For this purpose, local and general-purpose agents, immunomodulators, and bifidobacteria are used. All tablets, suppositories, creams must be prescribed by a doctor individually to each woman in order to prevent side effects and allergic reactions.
The dosage and duration of use will be determined by the doctor. In addition to drug therapy, for chronic candidiasis, physiotherapy, electrophoresis, and magnetic therapy are recommended.
To prevent relapses, both partners should undergo treatment.
A common infectious pathology of the genitals of women of reproductive age. Up to 75% of women have encountered this unpleasant disease at least once in their lives, and in 40%, recurrent thrush accompanies it throughout their lives.
Etiology and pathogenesis
Thrush is caused by yeast-like fungi of the genus Candida albicans, which contains more than 200 species of both harmless and pathogenic strains.
Normally, the vaginal microflora of a healthy woman consists of 95-98% lactobacilli with a small content of opportunistic microorganisms (bifidobacteria, enterobacter, fungi and others). Lactobacilli, breaking down the protein glycogen, produce lactic acid, which maintains the pH of vaginal secretions at a level of 3.8 - 4.2. Such an acidic environment is not to the taste of many pathogens.
Candida fungi belong to the opportunistic flora and are present in small quantities on the skin, oral mucosa, in the intestines, and in the contents of vaginal secretions. With a high level of immunity, both general and local, they do not cause harm and are in an inactive state.
But if the body weakens under the influence of various unfavorable factors, the number of lactobacilli decreases, the environment in the vagina becomes alkaline, dysbacteriosis develops, and the vaginal mucosa begins to actively colonize fungal colonies.
The high susceptibility of women to fungal infections of the genitals is associated with the anatomical and physiological characteristics of her body: the external genitalia, covered with a moist mucous membrane, are the optimal place for the proliferation of fungi. In addition, the female body is subject to frequent fluctuations in hormonal and biochemical processes associated with menstruation and pregnancy.
Recurrent thrush occurs against the background of vaginal dysbiosis.
Causes of vaginal dysbiosis:
- Hormonal disorders: with endocrine diseases, before menstruation, during pregnancy, after abortions and miscarriages, childbirth, as well as during puberty and menopause.
- Inflammatory and infectious diseases of the pelvic organs.
- Venereal diseases.
- Long-term use of antibiotics, corticosteroids, cytostatics.
- Abrupt climate change: hypothermia, overheating, excessive exposure to the sun, when the immune system does not have time to adapt to new conditions.
- Ignoring the rules of personal hygiene of the genitals.
- Irrational use of pads and intravaginal tampons (allergy to the material, rare replacement, microtrauma of the vaginal mucosa).
- Taking oral contraceptives and using other means of preventing pregnancy (intrauterine devices, spermicide ointments).
The microecology of the vagina is disrupted, the growth of fungal colonies increases, which, multiplying, occupy more and more territories of the urogenital zone. Soon signs of acute thrush appear: curdled discharge, itching, pain during urination and sexual relations.
The diagnosis of chronic recurrent candidiasis is made when a woman has four episodes of acute thrush within one year.
Forms of thrush
Thrush or vaginal candidiasis is a fungal disease caused by a fungus of the genus Candida. Recurrent candidiasis is not uncommon, and all because candida is already “by default” part of the opportunistic vaginal flora. In the presence of a number of factors, the immune system cannot restrain their development and thrush occurs. The disease often occurs in women of reproductive age and is divided into 3 forms:
- Asymptomatic form or candidiasis. This form does not manifest itself with visible symptoms, but upon examination it is discovered that the amount of fungus in the body is higher than normal, but the immune system restrains it. The asymptomatic form requires treatment and is fraught with transmission of infection to a partner.
- Acute form. It manifests itself as a normal clinical picture for thrush and is more quickly treatable.
- . This is a form of the disease that is difficult to cure and progresses over more than 2 months. It is observed with low immunity.
Symptoms and causes
The development of recurrent disease is explained by disruption of the functioning of cellular and humoral immunity. There is insufficient production of immunoglobulins and a decrease in the activity of phagocytes. Medicines during this period only suppress the number of fungal colonies, but cannot completely cope with the pathogen. The return of symptoms of the disease occurs either immediately after treatment or several months later.
Signs of chronic thrush:
- Redness and swelling of the vaginal mucosa.
- Feeling of burning, dryness and itching in the genital area.
- A dense white coating that is difficult to separate from the vaginal wall.
- After removing the film, eroded surfaces remain.
- The discharge, in contrast to the acute form, is insignificant, glassy, and stretchy.
- There is no pain during sex, but episodes of discomfort are possible.
Fungi penetrate deeply into the vaginal mucosa with their processes - pseudomycelia, causing inflammation and atrophy of the surface layer of the endothelium. In the case of massive colonization of fungi in the genitals, hypersensitivity to them is formed, which leads to the development of severe complications. There is no clear answer to the question why does thrush recur?
The reasons for the transition from acute to chronic candidiasis are multifactorial. They are associated with the state of the body: if there are endocrine disorders (diabetes), hormonal imbalances, inflammatory diseases of the pelvic organs, then the course of thrush will be long and persistent.
Causes of thrush recurrences
Frequent monthly thrush should alert you, as it signals a disruption in the functioning of the body. By eliminating the root cause of candidiasis, you can get rid of the disease forever.
Often, if thrush has started again, the gynecologist will send the woman for additional tests. Let's look at the reasons that lead to relapses:
- unhealthy diet and intestinal dysbiosis;
- lack of personal hygiene;
- using panty liners or tampons during menstruation;
- violation of female microflora;
- any factors that reduce immunity;
- long-term use of antibacterial agents or hormonal contraceptives;
- chronic diseases of the pelvic organs;
- hormonal disorders - diabetes, excess weight, enlarged thyroid gland;
- pregnancy;
- after treatment that was carried out without following medical recommendations or with the selection of ineffective medications.
Are relapses dangerous during pregnancy?
Decreased immunity and hormonal imbalance increase the risk of relapse.
Pregnancy is a special period in a woman’s life, but it is during this time that the body loses its ability to fully protect itself from infections and fungi. does not pose a risk to the baby’s development, but it is necessary to get rid of the disease. It is important to visit a gynecologist at the first symptoms and correctly understand the root cause so that the fungus does not return again. The reasons for the development and recurrence of thrush may be the following:
- decreased immunity;
- poor nutrition;
- excessive consumption of sweets;
- increased hormone levels;
- the fungus was not completely cured before pregnancy;
- diseases of internal organs;
- taking antibiotics;
- transmitted from a partner (the likelihood of developing thrush in men is less, but cases are observed).
Treatment
Before this, a diagnosis is carried out, including microscopy of a vaginal smear and inoculation of the biomaterial on special media in order to determine the composition of the vaginal microflora.
Basic principles of therapy
- If fungi are detected in smears: determine the type and sensitivity to fungicidal drugs. The most effective therapeutic agents are selected.
- Measures aimed at restoring the acidity and normal microflora of the vagina - a course of probiotics.
- Treatment of concomitant pathologies and boosting immunity.
Self-medication for candidiasis leads to the transition of the acute form of the disease to a chronic recurrent form, which will require long-term therapy with the use of drugs that affect the entire body to get rid of it.
Local treatment is permissible only for acute forms of candidiasis. In chronic cases, complex therapy is required, combining the use of local medications and drugs that have a systemic effect on the entire body as a whole.
Periodic exacerbations lead to the resumption of the characteristic symptoms of fungal colpitis, inflammation of the genital mucosa.
The drug of choice for recurrent candidiasis is Fluconazole. Doses and treatment regimens are selected by a gynecologist individually for each woman in accordance with the condition of the genital mucosa, the severity of clinical manifestations, age, and the presence of underlying diseases.
Fluconazal is an antifungal agent that inhibits the growth and reproduction of fungal cells. Well absorbed in the intestines when taken orally.
When symptoms of recurrent thrush appear in women, it is recommended to take three Fluconazole capsules: 1 time per day every three days. It will not be possible to completely free the body from fungi; they are part of the normal biocenosis of the body. The goal of therapy is to inhibit the growth of fungal colonies. After a short course of treatment, the fungi gradually begin to multiply again, and soon the next episode of clinical manifestations occurs, and the treatment is repeated again and again.
In order to interrupt constantly recurring exacerbations of the disease, a method of suppressive therapy has been proposed, when there is no need to wait for the next surge in the activity of the pathogenic agent, but it is necessary to inhibit the growth of fungal colonies by taking Fluconazole daily for six months.
If the clinical picture does not improve after all therapeutic and preventive measures are taken, it is possible that fungi have developed resistance to the drug. In this case, repeated culture of the vaginal contents is required. Based on the results of the analysis, other drugs are prescribed: Flucostat, Intraconazole. General action drugs are the most effective, since the medicine, being absorbed in the digestive tract and entering the blood, is distributed to all organs.