Vaginal mycosis in pregnancy is quite common because hormones change the pH of the vagina from acidic to alkaline. This weakens the protective barrier of the reproductive organs and creates an environment in which the fungi thrive. The first symptoms of vaginal mycosis when pregnant are whitish, lumpy vaginal discharge and itchy vulva.

Vaginal mycosis in pregnancy(other names are: thrush or fungal vaginosis) is primarily due to hormonal changes - the risk of its appearance increases with antibiotic therapy, as well as damage or irritation of vaginal tissue, diabetes, the use of certain medications and improper hygiene procedures.

Vaginal mycosis in pregnancy - symptoms

The signal of vaginal mycosis, caused by yeast (most oftenCandida albicans ), is primarily persistent burning anditchingof the vagina and labia. These ailments are accompanied by densevaginal dischargein various shades of white - from milky to yellowish. Vaginal discharge is thick, often lumpy, and cheesy - similar to curdled milk or cottage cheese. Its smell - unlike the bacterial contamination - is almost imperceptible; sometimes you can smell a sweet yeast odor. Usually, vaginal discharge is accompanied by a feeling of vaginal dryness. The labia may be red and swollen.

Vaginal mycosis needs to be eliminated. Not only because it causes unpleasant ailments. For any imbalance, abnormal microflora weakens the protective barrier of the vagina and other microorganisms can quickly develop, especially bacteria, which can be very dangerous. Therefore, you should see a doctor who will make a diagnosis (mycosis can be confused with other diseases of the appendages) and prescribe the appropriate treatment. If you have to wait a few days for your appointment, you can buy an over-the-counter ointment to ease the burning. In addition, start taking a gynecological probiotic that rebuilds the correct vaginal microflora by restoring the acidic pH.

You must do it

To reduce the risk of vaginal mycosis:

  • use antibiotics only as a last resort
  • wear cotton panties, avoid artificial underwear and tights as moisture promotes the growth of yeasts
  • carefullyrinse with soap or liquid with a natural pH
  • do not irrigate the vagina
  • wear panty liners only when necessary

Vaginal mycosis - treatment

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and perform a gynecological examination. He will also take a sample with a cotton ball (swab the vaginal discharge). The swab is sent to a laboratory where it is examined to see if it is a fungal infection and if so, what species of fungus. The doctor can also measure the pH value in the vagina by placing a small strip of paper (called a litmus paper) in it, which takes a few seconds. Vaginal mycosis usually affects both the vagina and the mucosa around the vaginal opening and the urethra. Therefore, the treatment of vaginal mycosis often consists of combined therapy with vaginal globules and a fungicidal cream, which is applied to the skin around the vaginal opening. The duration of the treatment and the frequency of lubrication depends on the preparation. For the treatment of vaginal mycosis, preparations containing the following fungicides are usually used: clotrimazole, econazole or miconazole. If the local treatment does not work, it can be supplemented with the treatment with oral tablets. Contrary to what has been said in the past, your partner does not need to undergo treatment unless he or she has become infected. The risk of transferring mycosis from the vagina to the penis is negligible (less than 5%). Infection in a man is manifested by redness, burning, itching and pimples on the foreskin and penis. Intercourse during the treatment is not forbidden, although probably not many women want to do so. The use of a condom protects your partner against mycosis, and if you do not use it, the man should wash his penis after sexual contact. Even if a partner is left untreated, he cannot relapse to his partner.

Important

So that vaginal mycosis does not come back

Mycosis is sometimes difficult to cure, not only in pregnant women, so the therapy must be effective - untreated ailments will keep coming back. If you have had vaginal mycosis four or more times a year - this is called recurrent mycosis. In such cases, a long-term treatment (usually 6 months) may be necessary, in which the treatment with oral tablets is combined with a treatment with cream and vaginal suppositories (or pessaries).

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Pregnancy