Vaginal thrush: what it is, symptoms, causes and treatment

Vaginal thrush occurs as a result of the excessive growth of fungi that live in the vagina, the intestine and the mouth. Therefore, good overall health and proper hygiene are essential to prevent these fungi from multiplying excessively and eventually causing this condition. Let us take a closer look at it, how to identify it and the best way to deal with it.

What candida is and its symptoms

Vaginal thrush is a vaginal fungal infection that affects 75% of women at some point in their lives. In fact, some may experience two or more episodes. It is not considered a sexually transmitted infection, as it can also be passed on in other ways, but it is true that sexual activity increases the risk. This infection can occur through contact between the mouth and the genitals. The main symptoms of thrush are irritation, unusual discharge and intense itching in the vagina, the vulva and the tissues around the vaginal opening. In addition, vaginal thrush may be a mild to moderate problem if the following symptoms are present:

• A burning sensation when urinating or during sexual intercourse.
• Vaginal rash.
• Swelling and redness of the vulva.
• Vaginal discomfort and pain.
• Watery vaginal discharge.
• Thick, white, odourless vaginal discharge. Its texture is very similar to cottage cheese.

In some cases, vaginal thrush can become more complicated. For this reason, it is important to pay attention, especially if any of the following circumstances apply:

• Extensive redness, swelling and itching that may cause cracks or sores in the skin.
• Pregnancy.
• Uncontrolled diabetes.
• A weakened immune system as a result of certain medicines or conditions such as HIV.
• If you have had a candida infection more than 4 times in 12 months.

What causes thrush in women

Now that we know what candida is and its symptoms, let us look at its possible origin and risk factors. First of all, vaginal thrush is usually caused by the fungus known as Candida albicans. It lives in our body, but its growth is controlled by certain bacteria, such as lactobacillus. However, when it disrupts the natural balance and grows excessively or penetrates certain deeper vaginal layers, an infection develops.

What factors can cause this situation?

As we have said, uncontrolled diabetes, pregnancy, a weakened immune system or the use of certain medicines are some of the most common causes. For example, a course of antibiotics that disrupts the vaginal flora or hormone therapies with oral contraceptives may encourage this condition to appear.

Treatment for vaginal thrush

Treatment for thrush in women will depend on the fungus causing it. If it is caused by one other than Candida albicans, it may be more severe and require more aggressive treatment. To treat mild or moderate symptoms and infrequent episodes, doctors usually recommend:

• A single dose of oral medication. The medicine chosen is fluconazole, unless the woman is pregnant. However, if symptoms are severe, two single doses taken 3 days apart are recommended. This treatment must be prescribed by a doctor.
• Vaginal therapy. In this case, an antifungal in the form of a suppository, cream, ointment or tablet is applied for 3 to 7 days. These medicines contain ingredients such as miconazole and terconazole, and some of them are available without a prescription.

In any case, if this does not resolve the symptoms or the infection returns after a couple of months, the most appropriate thing is to see a doctor. Other recommendations that doctors may make if there are frequent vaginal thrush infections and the symptoms are severe include:

• Multiple-dose oral medicines. If the doctor considers it appropriate, they will prescribe an oral antifungal medicine to be taken several times a day. Again, this treatment is not recommended for pregnant women.
• Prolonged vaginal therapy. This involves inserting an antifungal into the vagina. In some cases, it is done once a week for 6 months.
• Azole-resistant therapy. This is one of the strongest treatments and is given vaginally. It is only used when the candida is resistant to the usual antifungal medicines.

It is important to point out that the sexual partner should also be treated (even if they do not have symptoms), as they could be a carrier.

Prevention of thrush

If you want to prevent thrush, it is essential to take different steps. For example, one measure to reduce vaginal fungal infections is to wear cotton underwear that is not tight-fitting. Likewise, it is important to avoid situations such as the following:

• Staying in wet swimsuits and sportswear or other wet clothing for a long period of time.
• Baths and jacuzzis with very hot water.
• Tight tights.
• Antibiotics without a prescription to treat a cold or a viral infection.
• Scented feminine products (pads, tampons...).
• Bubble baths.
• Vaginal douching, which can destroy the flora in this area.

On the other hand, vaginal or oral prebiotics and probiotics can be used. In this way, they help to improve the vaginal microbiota and boost local immunity. As a result, imbalances and the overgrowth of certain organisms naturally present in the vaginal flora, which cause the symptoms and the infection, are prevented. At Farmaciasdirect, we recommend consulting a GP when you notice symptoms compatible with this infection. It is also necessary to do so when you are not sure whether you may have it or not. If you have used over-the-counter pharmacy products such as antifungal creams, tablets or vaginal suppositories and the symptoms have not disappeared or new ones have appeared, we recommend consulting a specialist doctor. In this way, they will be able to assess whether or not you have vaginal thrush and how to proceed appropriately.