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Causes, signs and symptoms of thrush

What is a yeast infection?

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Thrush is the mucous membranes of the female genital organs, caused by fungi of the genus Candida. The disease is manifested by itching and tinged mucous membranes, accompanied by inflammatory reactions may also a common sensitizing effect on the body.

In recent years, thrush has become a fairly common disease. Such fungi in healthy people, normal lives on the skin and mucous membranes. Also the fungi of the genus Candida can be found in milk and fruits, various household items, dust in the air of hospital wards and many other places. These fungi are regular component of a healthy human microflora, but under certain conditions they can cause disease "thrush", i.e., candidiasis.

Thrush is mainly a disease which affects women and not men. If the hormonal disturbance or weakening of the immune system occurs excessive multiplication of yeast-like fungi that causes the disease. Yeast-like fungi affect not only the external and internal genitals, but other parts of the human body – there are negative changes of functions of internal gastrointestinal tract, peripheral blood, etc.

In the vagina there is an acidic environment that prevents the reproduction of fungi. But in violation of the vaginal acid balance is the reproduction of yeast-like microorganisms and a disease occurs.

Thrush can develop from infection from the outside, and because of their own fungi. This can happen when the human body is weakened and reduced defenses. Thrush can affect not only the mucosa, but in some cases can quite seriously affect internal organs. Most often it affects the esophagus, small intestines and lungs, and the bladder is much less common incidence of candidiasis of the liver and heart. Thrush (candidiasis)can spread sexually.

Symbiosis with a yeast infection

In the body healthy women have Candida present as symbiotic (mutually beneficial co-existing) of a microorganism. Balance associations (viruses, bacteria, fungi) is supported by useful microflora (mainly lactobacilli), the immune system, General and local resistance of the body and mucous membranes.

Microscopy of vaginal smears of healthy women in the microbial Association allocate up to 90% of lactobacilli (lactobacilli). Candida find isolated colonies, mainly in the stage of blastospores (yeast-like). Phase blastospores – this is a manifestation of dimorphism of candida, which has important diagnostic value.

Regulatory effect of lactobacilli is due to their food tropism to carbohydrates. Lactobacilli perform several functions, including, deprive the Candida diet (eat carbohydrates) to produce lactic acid and reutin. Lactobacillus is autochthonous (local) microorganisms, which are markers of a healthy microbial and fungal balance. Harmless for fungal organism and coexistence can persist throughout a person's life.


The pathogenesis of thrush

The starting mechanism of the pathogenesis of yeast infection is the adhesion (sticking) of fungi to the surface of the mucous membranes and itching.

Proven itching for thrush is the result of irritation of the nerve endings of the mucous membranes:

  • Products of metabolism (life) fungi factor chemicobiological aggression;
  • Growth tubes pseudomycelium (pseudohyphae) factor of mechanical influence.

Given the etiopathogenesis, there are two main forms of influence of Candide on the body:

  • Moderately pathogenic. Short-acting predisposing factors exceeding the threshold of homeostasis, stimulate the explosive growth of fungi. In the vaginal smear in the subclinical and early clinical phase of the disease there are growing forms of fungi (filamentous phase) with a large number of processes pseudomycelium. A large number of growing forms Candide is the second (pathogenic) side of the dimorphism of Candida. Symptoms: itching in the groin, perineum or anus plaque on the mucous membranes of the folds of the labia minora and other visible parts of intimate organs of the female. Bloom color – white or with a yellowish tint. The localization of the pathogen with moderate development of the pathological process on the surface of the mucous membranes. Treatmentsimple, subject to the timely and eventual elimination of precipitating factors. During this period, it is important to prevent sensitization of the organism metabolic products of the fungus. Otherwise, re-infection on the background of hypersensitivity inflicting severe forms of thrush;
  • Pathogenic. History note predisposing factors for long periods. A yeast infection complicated by the inflammatory reactions. Clinical signs and symptoms depend on the localization process. Detect the pathogen on mucosal surfaces (surface localization), in severe cases, internal organs (visceral localization). Treatment of persistent relapses. Do not self medicate. Perhaps the development of the so-called vicious circle of pathogenesis.

The symptoms of yeast infection

In women the main symptoms of yeast infection (candidiasis) are:

  • Spotting a thick vaginal discharge of white or yellow. Sometimes have a greenish tint;
  • Itching and burning inside the vagina, especially while in warm water;
  • Rash and redness in the vaginal area. Often found edema of the external genitalia. The painful feeling during intercourse and also when urinating.

A complete list of all symptoms of female yeast infection

Symptoms in different women can have different degrees of severity. Female patients of childbearing age the most pronounced symptoms about a week before the beginning of the cycle. Found and asymptomatic of yeast infection.

In men the main symptoms of yeast infection (candidiasis) are:

  • Painful peeling and burning sensation near the glans penis, increasing after sexual intercourse;
  • Redness and swelling of the glans penis and foreskin;

  • In severe thrush may be pain during intercourse and urination.

All the necessary information about male thrush

In General, men have a yeast infection is rare. Basically, it begins to develop with the progression of diabetes.


Causes of thrush

A yeast infection in women there for different reasons. Sometimes it is difficult to define, but the presence of factors causing the disease is always accompanied by unpleasant symptomsand leads to disruption of the vaginal flora. With imbalance of the number of beneficial bacteria decreases. These microorganisms inhibit the intense spread of the infection, their deficiency contributes to the rapid growth of yeast fungi that cause vaginal yeast infection (candidiasis).

The diagnosis of "thrush" put adult women and very young girls. The occurrence of this disease is not associated with age and sexual activity. Ill even those who are not sexually active.

Try to understand the reasons for the emergence of this fungal infection:

  • The treatment of cancer. Chemotherapy, the use of immunosuppressive funds, radiation therapy and other procedures that are accessed in the treatment of cancer, harm the microflora of the vaginal mucosa and are accompanied by symptoms of yeast infection;
  • Hormonal disruptions. Hormonal disorders are caused by different reasons. Failures happen during menopause and pregnancy, thyroid abnormalities and dysfunction of ovaries. The appearance of thrush is typical for the early signs and stages of diabetes. It is often seen in older women. Doctors recommend regular blood tests on the content of sugar in the blood;

  • Chronic diseases. The incidence of yeast infection is often associated with serious chronic diseases. At risk are people with HIV, women with diagnoses of bronchitis, tonsillitis, pyelonephritis and cirrhosis of the liver;

  • A weak immune system. In most cases the development of yeast infection occurs when a weakened immunity. The body's defenses are reduced by burns, food poisoning, beriberi, various injuries and other diseases.

  • Food. The vaginal candidiasis can be caused by anorexia, irregular and unbalanced diet. Dangerous and some diet. The appearance of thrush contributes to the abuse of pastries and sweets. Frequent consumption of fruits and vegetables, especially carrots, as well as restriction of products containing easily digestible carbohydrates, can alleviate the symptoms, but it concerns only the light stages of thrush;

  • Antibiotics. Taking antibiotics is one of the most common causes of candidiasis, especially if we are talking about longantibacterial treatment. Fungal agents of yeast infection are concentrated in the intestines. Antibiotics cause dysbiosis of the intestine and create a favorable atmosphere for the growth and spread of fungi in the vagina and other organs;
  • Synthetic lingerie. Moist environment perfect for the life and growth of the fungus of thrush. There are cases, when the lesion occurs when bathing and following wearing damp clothes. Not like synthetics. Underwear made of synthetic fabrics can cause thrush. Kombidressy, Thong, tight tights are not recommended for frequent wear. Such clothes promotes the violation of heat transfer, which leads to the growth of fungi.

Local factors

To the local causes of thrush include the following factors:

  • Deodorized pads, vaginal sprays, scented toilet paper, intimate gels – all of these tools weaken the local immune system and cause of thrush;
  • Frequent douching destroys the healthy microflora of the vagina. Many women don't know this and abuse the procedure. When thrush is unacceptable douching with chamomile, baking soda and potassium permanganate;
  • Vaginal dysbiosis is triggered by the rare changes of sanitary pads and sanitary tampons. On long trips, when there is no possibility to take a shower, your risk increases;
  • Hypothermia. Any failure in the immune system and the weakening of self-defense of the body activates reproduction of fungi and malicious causes candidiasis.

Ruthless thrush and young girls, not sexually active. The cause of the disease in such cases be hormonal disruptions, failure to intimate hygiene, intestinal dysbiosis or antibiotics.

Burning and itching, an unpleasant and sometimes painful sensations during and after sex should alert every woman. Disturbing symptoms of candidiasis can be associated with serious disorders in the female body, such as diabetes, cancer, HIV infection, bowel disease. Without professional diagnosis the treatment of these diseases is impossible. Be attentive to their health, regularly be surveyed at the gynecologist and do not ignore the recommendations of doctors.

Other causes of thrush

In addition, allocate the specific and General causes of vaginal yeast infection:

  1. Specific causes of vaginal thrush.The susceptibility of women to yeast infection due to gender anatomy and physiology.

    There are two specific reasons:

    • Anatomical. External genitals women have an extensive area covered by mucous membranes. The structure of the vulva provides good aeration and a colonization of fungi in the folds;
    • Physiological. The female body is exposed to regular cycles of physiological and biochemical changes. Pregnancy is accompanied by normal processes (hormonal changes, weakening of the body), sometimes pathological processes (metabolic acidosis, blood glucose).
  2. Common causes (triggers) of vaginal thrush. Of the many reasons that cause yeast infection, there are several General factors in the development of thrush.

    These include:

    • Dysbiosis – an imbalance of the associations of viruses, bacteria and fungi;
    • Hormonal imbalance under the influence of internal or external causes;
    • Violation of the barrier function of the body, nonspecific natural resistance and cooperation of T - and b - lymphocytes, as well as specific humoral immunity;
    • Sensitization of the organism) (allergic reaction to metabolites of fungi);
    • Stressful situations and emotional stress;

    • Climate change;
    • The use of hormonal drugs;
    • Pregnancy.

On topic: the 3 most effective means of thrush


From what appears thrush?

All changes to the internal equilibrium of the organism that cause yeast infection: STDs, pregnancy, antibiotic therapy, diabetes, use of hormonal contraceptives, hormone therapy, deficiencies in personal hygiene, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, kidney and liver, in one way or another accompanied by dysbiosis, hormonal disorders, damage to natural protective barriers and immune system disorders, and sensitization of the organism to fungi or other agents.

The most common reasons for what you receivethrush:

  • Dysbacteriosis. Vaginal thrush a proven breach of the microbial balance in the intestine and the external genitals of a woman. The decrease in the number of lactic acid bacteria stimulates the development of yeast-like fungi. The population of the Candida quickly grows in the absence of food of a competitor;
  • Hormonal imbalance. Hormonal imbalance invariably reduces protective functions of the body. The mechanism of stimulation induced hormonal imbalances are varied and complex, it is associated with the violation of internal cooperation systems of the body (the Restoration of a hormonal background folk remedies);

  • Defects of the immune system. First among the reasons for the appearance of thrush is the damage of cellular immunity. Likely well as abnormalities in the complement system (phagocytosis) and humoral immunity (production of immunoglobulins). Immune system disorders are diagnosed by laboratory methods. (See also: list of the best foods that increase immunity);

  • The weakening of the protective barriers. Thrush damages the mucous membranes of the genitals, excretory system and the digestive tract. Thrush in pregnant women is accompanied by the attack on the placental barrier, and it is – protection against intrauterine infection of the fetus;
  • Candidature. Allergic reaction to Candida and the products of their metabolism – one of the reasons for stubbornly continuing maids a-milking. Allergies and autoimmune reactions develop in the body in response to high-molecular agents – metabolites of the fungus and fragments of its protein structures;
  • Predisposition to thrush. In the period of menstruation and pregnancy, in diabetes, taking certain antibiotics and birth control pills, corticosteroids, cytotoxic drugs and anti-diabetic drugs, and in chemical or mechanical traumas, surgical interventions and involvement of geographical factors (in hot countries the incidence is higher) there is a change in acid balance of the vagina. Also high humidity and irritation of the vagina may occur the growth of yeast bacteria.

A list of the best home remedies for yeast infection you can find here


How dangerous is thrush?

Fungi belong to the group of conditionally pathogenic microorganisms. Finding them in small numbers (asymptomatic carriers) has no effect. Patients withpredisposition to dysbacterioses, disorders of hormonal and immune systems are at risk of acquiring yeast infection in the chronic form.

A state of high sensitivity to fungi and products of their metabolism dangerous manifestation of an exaggerated immune response. As a concomitant disease, a yeast infection dangerous complications and changes in clinical picture of the underlying disease.

Can you get a yeast infection?

The causative agent of thrush is opportunistic fungusthat in small amounts is involved in the associative interaction of the normal microflora of the gastrointestinal tract and vagina. To talk about the possibility of Contracting thrush is incorrect. A more accurate term – the provocation of yeast infection or transmission of the causative agent.

The transfer of Candida in the genital tract of women can happen through:

  • The introduction of massive quantities of fungi from the patient men;
  • Falling of the vagina the Candida is not specific to women species composition;
  • Tamperdata the originator of the natural reservoir of Candida – bowel – vagina.

The first method of infection.

Adding massive amounts of Candida from the patient men in a sexual way not previously stricken women in some sources it is indicated as the most probable route of transmission. Proof – statistics of cases of women over the aggravation of yeast infection after unprotected sex.

The second method of infection.

The most likely causative agent of candidiasis – candida albicans (90% of patients). However, it is known more than 150 different types of fungi are potential pathogens of candidiasis. Evidence – laboratory studies on the upregulation of adhesion (survival on mucous membranes), such as C. glabrata, C. tropicalis, C. krusei, C. Parapsilosis. It is also proven increased resistance of some species of fungi that are not common organisms of thrush, medicines, and stronger pathogenicity.

The third method of infection.

The third way is tamperdata thrush. The candidiasis suffer from girls before puberty and women in older age groups. For these categories of patients sexual contamination. Evidence – laboratory studies in which is set the affinity of intestinal and vaginal Candida in the samples of patients.

Can a yeast infection go myself?

Thrush refers to a category of non-hazardousdiseases. However, the hope for self-recovery can be costly if:

  • The body's defenses can not cope with a yeast infection on your own – possible complications;
  • The body is hypersensitive to Candida, Allergy is usually a long time or forever.

The usual treatment of yeast infection under medical supervision lasts for 10-14 days. Much longer running treat chronic forms of the disease.


What if after taking antibiotics thrush appeared?

The balance of the microbial community in the vagina and kichinica supported mainly by the lactobacilli. Long and massive antibiotic therapy destroys not only pathogens, but at the same time lactobacilli. Antibiotics for fungi do not apply. In the absence of competition, the Candida quickly dominate the microbial Association. As a result of developing a yeast infection. For the treatment of thrush and the full restoration of microflora balance regularly, for 7-14 days, take lactobacilli to populate the intestine and vagina of useful flora. Correction of the species composition of lactobacilli and yeast infection treatment is performed under the supervision of a physician of the specialized medical institutions.

Additionally recommended:

  • To abandon the sweet and starchy foods is to deprive the Candida of carbohydrates, the main source of power;
  • To choose gentle to the gastrointestinal tract diet (eliminating constipation and diarrhea) for the successful survival of lactobacilli in the intestines and vagina;
  • Take vitamin B to enhance the synthesis of beneficial flora;
  • Intimate hygiene is carried out using ordinary soap, refuse products containing antibacterial agent;
  • Do not wear tight, tight underwear and outerwear (pants) synthetic;
  • To maintain a moderate physical activity, walking;
  • Sex partner – passing parallel to the course of treatment.

Is it possible to get pregnant with a yeast infection?

Thrush, under the condition of flow without complications, does not render influence on sexual organs. If there are no violations of the hormonal system and/or reproductive function, candidiasis does not reduce the likelihood of fertilization. Successful gestation (gestation) in uncomplicated thrush is also possible. Recommendations about the connection of yeast infection to the reproductive ability of the patienthas the right to give only the attending doctor according to the results of the study.

Is it possible to have sex with a yeast infection?

Refusal to have sex with a yeast infection can be the result of:

  • Own decisions of one partner experiencing discomfort during sexual intercourse, the desire for a quick heal, or having a different motivation;
  • Medical contraindications to a particular stage of treatment on the advice of the attending physician.

In other cases, to have sex with a yeast infection. Don't forget to hygiene before and after sexual intercourse. Prudent during treatment of severe forms of yeast infection to use a barrier contraception products.


Whether the thrush is passed sexual by?

Thrush is not a venereal disease. A small amount of Candida present in the vagina of healthy women. A significant part of the causes of the disease not associated with sexually transmitted infection. However, the specific localization of the vaginal yeast infection puts it on a par with sexual infections, in some cases, it is accompanied by STDs.

A yeast infection from sexual partners of women healthy men is rare. Her bright clinical manifestations of the partner to indicate the presence of comorbidities, e.g., diabetes, venereal disease or of neglecting personal hygiene.


Diagnosis and treatment

Diagnosis: Diagnosis of thrush was early described here

Treatment: yeast infection Treatment - medication list

Home treatment: How to get rid of yeast infection at home?

Treatment during pregnancy: What are the drugs and candles can be used during pregnancy?


Prevention of thrush

Prevention of the disease consists of performing a number of simple actions aimed at maintaining health from an early age, namely: hardening, physical exercises, inculcating a sense of cleanliness.

For adults the recommendations include calls to observe:

  • Security, their best to eliminate external and internal causes that trigger yeast infection;
  • Careful to their own health (in a timely manner to contactto the doctors), the choice of linen and clothes (don't have to create the greenhouse effect), the choice of sexual partners (STDs accompanies thrush);
  • Moderation in dietary habits (limit sweet, starchy, fatty), the use of antibacterial personal care products (also destroy the helpful vaginal flora).

In addition, after taking a shower or bath dry your pubic hair, after bathing try as quickly as possible to put on dry clean clothes, do not use intimate hygiene sprays, scented sanitary pads and toilet paper and bubble baths. All of these tools affect the vaginal acidic environment and can lead to the development of a yeast fungal infection if you are predisposed to it.

There are many drugs for the treatment of thrush. Some of them are used topically (cream, vaginal tablets, suppositories), others orally (tablets, capsules). You should consult with your doctor. At the onset of symptoms should immediately seek medical help. Observing the rules of prevention of yeast infection, it is not always possible to prevent it.