Thrush (or vaginal candidiasis) is a common female disease that every woman has experienced at least once in her life. The disease is caused by an overgrowth of a yeast called Candida albicans, which is found naturally in all people in the body. An excessive increase in the fungus in the vagina provokes the appearance of a strong thrush.
According to studies, about 75% of women suffered from a fungal infection. And half of them had severe thrush more than once.
Risk factors
Thrush, also known as vaginal candidiasis, is an inflammation of the vaginal tissue. The vaginal environment can change due to several factors that increase the risk of infection:
- Infection often occurs after treatment with oral antibiotics. They killprotective bacteria, thereby allowing the fungus to survive and multiply.
- Hormonal fluctuations can occur during menopause or menstrual periods.
- In some cases, women experience severe thrush after ovulation. This is due to a surge in the hormone progesterone, which rises after ovulation. It is necessary for the development and attachment of the fetal egg to the uterus. In the absence of pregnancy, with the onset of menstruation, the hormonal background returns to normal.
- Oral contraceptives can also change the microflora of the vagina and lead to the spread of a fungal infection.
- Illnesses that suppress the immune system, such as HIV or AIDS, can also be risk factors.
Reasons
Why does severe thrush occur in women? There are a number of provoking factors due to which this disease occurs:
- Reduced immunity is the main cause of severe thrush, both as a result of fatigue or great stress, and as a result of illness.
- Pregnancy.
- Frequent recurrences of severe thrush in women can be a sign of a poor immune system, such as diabetes or HIV/AIDS.
- Some medications (antibiotics, oral contraceptives and steroids).
- Tight clothing, artificial fabrics, or poorly breathable underwear predispose to severe thrush.
- Bad hygiene. Fungal infection can also spread from the rectuminto the vagina. Therefore, after using the toilet, you must dry yourself from front to back.
Regardless of the causes of severe thrush, you should 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 become white, the consistency changes to curdled. The smell, as such, is usually absent. Due to strong secretions with thrush, itching, burning, irritation and redness of the genital organs appear. In addition, a woman may experience discomfort or pain during urination, as well as during and after sexual intercourse.
The symptoms of severe thrush are similar to those of other diseases. These include infections and sexually transmitted diseases such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, or trichomoniasis.
Thrush is not believed to be contagious. But sometimes the infection can be passed to a partner through sexual intercourse. If a partner develops symptoms, a doctor should be contacted to decide on the most effective treatment.
Diagnosis
The effectiveness of treatment lies in the correct diagnosis, as well as the exclusion of infections and diseases similar in symptoms.
Diagnosis of severe thrush is as follows:
- examination by a gynecologist with special mirrors,
- swabbing,
- study of urine and blood,
- consultation of other specialists whennecessary.
Treatment methods
What to do with a strong thrush? Vaginal suppositories, creams, or tablets are commonly used to treat a fungal infection. Also, in addition to medication, it is recommended to maintain a low-calorie diet and personal hygiene.
There are many drugs for the treatment of severe thrush. All of them are divided into groups depending on the active substance in the composition. The main ones are:
- Polyenes. Medicines of this group of natural origin. They can be used to prevent yeast infections. An example of drugs in this group is Nystatin.
- Triazoles. By suppressing the reproduction and spread of a fungal infection, drugs are suitable for the treatment of chronic thrush. Antifungal drugs are often prescribed by doctors. These include Diflucan and Flucostat.
- Imidazoles. The components of drugs of this group penetrate into the deep layers of tissues, have a disinfecting effect. Such drugs, such as Clotrimazole, are used in the treatment of often recurrent 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 prettyeffective pills for thrush for women is Flucostat. The main active ingredient of the antifungal agent is fluconazole. The drug comes in the form of capsules and is taken orally. With a very strong thrush, treatment takes a couple of days, with mild mild forms, 2 capsules are enough. The cost varies from 250 to 600 rubles, depending on the dosage.
The benefits of using Flucostat include:
- treatment on any day of the cycle;
- taken during or after meals;
- compatibility with other medications such as birth control pills;
- brief treatment.
Diflucan
Another type of effective thrush pills for women is Diflucan. Ease of use lies in its single use. This antifungal agent is available in the form of capsules, solution for intravenous administration and powder for suspension. The active substance of the drug is fluconazole. With severe thrush, a single dose of Diflucan is effective.
In general, the drug is well tolerated, but sometimes side effects may occur, such as:
- headache;
- nausea;
- stool disorder;
- skin rash;
- abdominal pain.
Contraindications include:
- hypersensitivity to drug components;
- impaired liver and kidney function;
- arrhythmia;
- pregnancy and breastfeeding.
1 Diflucan tablet costs about 400 rubles.
Pimafucin
The medicine is available in the form of a cream, suppositories and tablets. The tableting form of "Pimafucin" is recommended for the treatment of acute forms of thrush. The active ingredient is natamycin. Tablets should 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 pills for thrush for women, men and even children. In addition to the tablet form, the drug is available in the form of suppositories, creams and drops for the treatment of thrush in infants. The active substance of the drug is nystatin. The course of treatment averages 7-14 days. Symptoms may disappear after a few days, which is not an indication to stop taking 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 pills for thrush for women. The active ingredient is clotrimazole. In addition to vaginal tablets, the drug is available in the form of suppositories, cream, gel, spray. The gel and spray is commonly used against a fungal infection of the skin. For treatmentstrong thrush, it is recommended to use a cream, suppositories or tablets. The course is about 6 days. "Clotrimazole" in the form of vaginal tablets or suppositories is injected deep into the vagina 1 time per day. The external genital organs, if necessary, are treated with a cream. Contraindications to taking the drug are:
- pregnancy up to 12 weeks,
- hypersensitivity to clotrimazole,
- open wounds.
The cost of "Clotrimazole" in a pharmacy starts from 29 rubles, depending on the form of release.
Lomexin
Lomexin is a relatively new drug used to treat severe thrush. The active substance is fenticonazole nitrate. Release form 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 spectrum antifungal also used to treat severe thrush. The active substance is itraconazole. "Irunin" is available in the form of vaginal tablets and suppositories. For the treatment of severe thrush, the drug must be injected deep into the vagina once before bedtime. Wellthe use of an antifungal agent is from 7 to 14 days. The drug is prohibited for use before 12 weeks of pregnancy and in childhood.
The cost of the antifungal agent "Irunin" averages about 400 rubles.
Polygynax
Another type of drugs for the treatment of severe thrush is the vaginal capsules "Polygynax". The drug belongs to the combined antibiotics. "Polygynax" has an antibacterial, bactericidal and antifungal effect. Due to the content of nystatin, neomycin sulfate and polymexin, the drug is contraindicated for use in the first trimester of pregnancy and during breastfeeding. Also, the limitations include 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 drug "Polygynax" varies depending on the number of capsules in the package, on average it ranges from 350 to 620 rubles.
Terzhinan
The drug belongs to the combined type of antifungal agents. "Terzhinan" has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antiprotozoal effects due to the content of a large number of active ingredients. They are ternidazole, nystatin, neomycin, prednisolone. The course of treatment is an average of 10 days. The drug is necessaryuse strictly according to the instructions. To do this, the vaginal tablet is first dipped in water for 20-30 seconds. After that "Terzhinan" is injected deep into the vagina. The procedure must be carried out daily in the evening before going to bed.
Contraindications to the use of "Terzhinan" is individual intolerance to the components of the drug, the first trimester of pregnancy and lactation. The price for "Terzhinan" is quite high, averaging 500 rubles.
Prevention measures
More than 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. Also, the main symptoms include the appearance of white curdled discharge.
There are several effective recommendations for preventing a recurring vaginal fungal infection.
- Some doctors recommend adding yogurt or cranberry juice to your diet to help restore a normal vaginal environment. In this case, the normal microflora will not contribute to the spread of fungal infection.
- It is also recommended to stop wearing synthetic underwear and tight clothing. Preferablyuse cotton fabrics.
- Feminine hygiene products, vaginal deodorants and sprays should be avoided as they can cause recurrent irritation of the vaginal tissue.
- Using white non-deodorized toilet paper will also help prevent severe thrush.
- Proper hygiene.
