Vaginal mycosis, also called thrush, had every fourth woman at least once in her life. Mushrooms less often attack the intimate parts of men. The disease can develop despite the fact that we take care of private hygiene. Unfortunately, vaginal mycosis also has a tendency to recur.

Vaginal mycosisis usually caused byyeastCandida albicans (whitewash), therefore the disease is also referred to as candidiasis or yeast . Like most mushrooms, yeasts grow best in warm, dark and humid places, so the vagina is the perfect place for them. Candida albicans lives on the skin and in the large intestine of every human being and does nothing to harm us. It is an element of the natural flora of our body. The same as the so-called friendly bacteria, i.e. lactobacilli found in the vagina of a he althy woman. They determine that there is a slightly acidic environment there, which is a barrier to pathogenic microorganisms, including yeasts. As long as our immunity is not compromised and the balance between the various microbes in the body is maintained, everything is fine. But when the number of lactobacilli decreases or immunity weakens, the yeasts multiply indiscriminately and cause mycosis.

Vaginal mycosis - what is it?

»Antibiotics , because by killing pathogenic microbes, they also kill the bacteria that are necessary to maintain an acidic vaginal environment. As it turned out, some antibiotics (eg tetracyclines) themselves can also directly stimulate the growth of fungi.» Female hormones, especially estrogens- as much as 14 percent. women get mycosis during pregnancy because the hormonal storm affects the acidity of the vagina. Its environment becomes ideal for the development of white bleach. In addition, immunity slightly weakens during pregnancy. For some women, similar changes, although on a much smaller scale, also occur towards the end of the menstrual cycle. This means that every 3-4 weeks these women are at higher risk of ringworm. Also, those who take birth control pills or use hormone replacement therapy (HRT) are more likely to develop fungal inflammation. Since menstrual blood reduces the acidity of the vagina, some women are also more prone to ringworm shortly beforeor during menstruation.» Weakness, diseases and drugs that reduce immunity(e.g. corticosteroids to treat asthma or lupus).» Stress and improper diet , poor in vitamins and microelements, also have a negative effect on immunity, so they are indirectly responsible for the development of mycosis of intimate places. »Diabetesis also an ally of ringworm. This is because high levels of sugar in the urine may cause Candida albicans to overgrow. Sweet food is a great medium for them.» Excessive, and in fact improper hygiene of intimate placespromotes the development of mycosis. Too intensive (sometimes with irrigation) and frequent washing, especially with alkaline soaps, can disturb the natural balance of the vaginal environment and increase the risk of fungal infection. Also, the use of someone else's soaps, towels or bathing suits, with yeast lurking on, can also cause candidiasis.

Important

Candida is a type of yeast-like fungus. They include several species, including Candida albicans, the most common vaginal mycosis in women and penis in men. Scientists observe that in the last twenty years, significantly more women contracted mycosis caused by new and new types of candida. According to doctors, these new varieties, firstly, cause atypical symptoms of yeast infection, and secondly - they are much more resistant to the so-called standard treatment.

If a woman suffers from recurrent mycosis, she is probably infected by her partner during intercourse. It turns out that men are often carriers of various strains of the fungus and, unaware of it, pass them on to their partners. Candidiasis is also favored by wearing underwear made of artificial fibers and obesity. In both cases, we sweat more, and excessive humidity and heat in intimate areas are the favorite conditions of yeasts.

You must do it
  • If you've ever had vaginal mycosis, tell your doctor who wants to prescribe an antibiotic. He may then choose a different type of treatment or additionally prescribe medications to prevent mycosis.
  • Discuss with your gynecologist about continued use of birth control pills or HRT when you are prone to relapse.
  • Do not irrigate the vagina (unless instructed by a doctor).
  • Take care of the body's immunity; eat properly (eat vegetables, fruits, dairy products - especially yoghurts with live bacteria cultures), get hard and do some sports.
  • Avoid wearing tight-fitting, synthetic-fiber underwear.
  • Wash linen and towels at the temperatureabove 60 ° C.
  • Do not borrow a towel, sponge, soap or bathing suit from anyone.
  • Do not use perfumed soaps and lotions, intimate deodorants or even scented toilet paper.
  • Use liquids or gels designed specifically for intimate hygiene.
  • Pay attention to hygiene when using public toilets; if you are going on a trip, buy disposable covers on the toilet seat at the pharmacy.
  • If you are prone to mycosis during your period, use sanitary towels rather than tampons. Regardless of what you choose, change them frequently (every 3-4 hours).
  • If you have mycosis, don't go to the swimming pool or sauna and don't spread any germs.

Vaginal mycosis - symptoms

Symptoms vary, but the most characteristic is the increasing itching and burning sensation of the labia, which may also be red and swollen. Vaginal discharge usually occurs. They are whitish, dense (sometimes referred to as cheesy) or watery. They have an unpleasant, pungent yeast odor, but may also be odorless. Sometimes a woman also experiences pain and burning while urinating. In men, mycosis of intimate areas affects the glans, foreskin, urethra, and sometimes the anus. The foreskin and the glans can be red, swollen. The man experiences itching and burning in the perineum and pain when he urinates. These are not always strong ailments, so gentlemen, treating mycosis as an embarrassing disease, rarely visit a doctor. Unfortunately, then they are a source of infection for partners. If a woman suspects mycosis, she should see a gynecologist quickly. The doctor usually has no trouble making a diagnosis. But sometimes he or she orders a microbiological test to see what type of yeast may have caused the disease. A sample of vaginal discharge is then taken and examined under a microscope. Sometimes the collected yeasts are grown in a laboratory to determine which drugs they are susceptible to.

Vaginal mycosis - treatment

In order to prevent recurrence of the disease, her partner must be treated together with the woman. A man is usually given oral medications and sometimes topical creams. He only takes one tablet, but the therapeutic concentration of the drug remains in the body for another 3-4 days. Oral treatment is not enough for a woman. The gynecologist also orders vaginal globules, which are inserted at night, and topical creams. Ailments may be slightly alleviated by herbal baths. During treatment, partners should either not have sex with each other or must protect themselves by using a condom. After treatment, it's still worth ituse globules for 7-10 days that rebuild the natural environment of the vagina. You must strictly follow the doctor's instructions and do not stop the treatment on your own as soon as you feel better. Untreated mycosis tends to become stronger and more difficult to treat relapses. If a woman has recurrences, she should check the cleanliness of the vagina 10 days after the end of the treatment, to see if there are any hyphae and to determine the quality of the bacterial flora.

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Female diseases