Finding The Right Vaginal Thrush Treatment For You
Commonly caused by the fungi Candida albicans, thrush is an infection that can occur in both men and women most commonly on the skin, inside the mouth and around the genitals – anywhere that is warm, moist and dark.
However worrying as this all may sound, for women, vaginal thrush can be easily treated.
Causes of Vaginal Thrush
Usually harmless, the Candida albicans fungi go unnoticed, kept under control by the body’s immune system and good bacteria that live on our skin and inside our gut.
With more than half of all women experiencing vaginal thrush at least once in their lifetime, often developing suddenly, certain factors can cause the Candida albicans fungi to multiply, resulting in a thrush infection.
With this in mind, we consider the possible ‘triggers’ that can see thrush occurring.
It is important to remember that one way to try to reduce your likelihood of getting thrush is to maintain a healthy immune system; eat well, get regular exercise and keep stress levels down. If you think you may have thrush, or you’re experiencing reccurring bouts, have you also considered if the following may be triggering your attack?
- You are pregnant.
- You wear tight clothing – such as skinny jeans or nylon underwear. This type of clothing prevents natural ventilation to genitalareas.
- You’ve been taking certain antibiotics. They can kill off the ‘friendly’ bacteria that keep our immune system working properly!
- You have diabetes or HIV or are undertaking chemotherapy – or any other illness which weakens the body’s immune system
- You use products that can irritate the vagina, such as vaginal deodorant, bubble bath or other perfumed products – overuse of these can destroy good bacteria.
Many women believe that thrush is caused because they are ‘dirty’. This is not true; if anything, women who clean themselves too often are more at risk as they are washing away the friendly bacteria that keep our natural balance just right.
How will I know if I have it?
The most common symptoms of vaginal thrush are:
• Itching, soreness and irritation of the vulva
• Pain, or discomfort, during sexual intercourse
• Pain, or discomfort, during urination
• Vaginal discharge. This may not always be present but if occurs is odourless.
It can also be thick and white, like cottage cheese.
About the Author: Maria Bantellis is a health writer on fungal conditions such as Vaginal Thrush Treatment
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