Vaginal Thrush

Many women have experienced severe itching on their genitals at some point in their lives; the itching can be embarrassing as it is persistent. It is also painful because it leaves the genitalia and vulva area red and irritated.

Worse off is the intense pain when urinating and during intercourse leaving many women bewildered and embarrassed.

In our society tackling issues that have to do with the sexual organs is considered rather immoral.

Even getting a story with the word VAGINA published is near impossible worse still many women who have a problem do not talk about it thus leading to further complications.

For many women describing their vagina to a qualified medical Doctor is an ordeal so they would rather try homemade remedies or cures recommended by others.

Vaginal thrush infections are extremely common with 75% of all women developing the infection at some point during their lives.

Reproductive Health Specialist at the University Teaching Hospital (UTH) Swebby Macha says that Vaginal Thrush or vaginal yeast Infection is also known as vaginal candidiasis.

It is a fungal infection caused mainly by Candida albicans in 90% of all cases and the remainder due to other species.

Candida albicans is yeast that lives in the mouth, throat, intestines and genitourinary tract of most humans and is usually considered to be a normal part of the bowel flora (the organisms that coexist with us in our lower digestive tract).

Dr Macha adds that 20% to 50% of all women normally have yeast in their private organs adding that this can be without the presence of symptoms.

“A vaginal yeast infection is not considered a sexually transmitted infection (STI) though about 15% of men develop symptoms such as itching and penile rash following sexual contact with an infected partner.”

Then what causes thrush?

Dr Macha explains that the female environment maintains its own balance of micro-organisms.

He says that when this balance is disrupted for example if the fungus Candida albicans is allowed to multiply unchecked thrush sets in.

Many factors can disrupt the natural balance of micro-organisms that live in the nether regions,

Women should be weary of wearing tight underwear.

Women are also advised to avoid using douches or feminine hygiene sprays, keep away from the vaginal soaps, sprays and douches as they do they more harm than good.

Anne Dama a 55 year old says she never had thrush until she turned 45 years of age then she says the itching starts and sex became unbearable because of the pain.

  

Dr Macha says that hormonal changes such as during menopause, ovulation, pregnancy, birth control pills, and hormone treatment also contribute to the onset of thrush.

He adds that sometimes insertion of tampons can also cause thrush due to scratches.

Other factors that cause the lowering of the Immune System are HIV/AIDS, Steroid use, pregnancy, anticancer drugs and Diabetes.

The trend of using antibiotics to treat any slight ailments also contributes to the destruction of bacteria that protects the private parts.

So how can you know when you have thrush? Women are constantly been advised to go for regular checkups at gynaecologists as soon as they notice something amiss.

Anything strange should not be taken lightly and must be discussed with a qualified medical doctor.

Dr Macha says that irritation and Intense itching of the genitals are symptoms of thrush as well as Redness of vulva-vagina area and pain when urinating or having intercourse.

Many women in Zambia rarely make an effort to check themselves regularly, this is essential because once one has any weird discharge they can easily know.

“Vaginal discharge symptomatic of thrush is typically thick or curdy with the appearance of cottage cheese or ‘sour’ milk.”

Dr Macha adds that Vaginal discharge from thrush is usually odourless unless in cases of a mixed vaginal infection

There are some women who complain of experiencing thrush all the time, saying they can treat it but it always comes back.

According to Dr Macha about 5% of women suffer frequent symptomatic recurrences of the yeast infection. Vaginal thrush is considered recurrent when at least four episodes occur within one year.

“Risk factors for recurrent thrush include diabetes, prolonged antibiotic use, pregnancy, high-dose oral contraceptives, and use of spermicides. HIV/AIDS and tight underwear are also known to cause recurrent thrush.” He says

Apart from the symptoms; vaginal yeast infections can be diagnosed clinically through the history and pelvic examination.

Laboratory tests include vaginal swabs to look for Candida albicans. Other useful laboratory tests which although uncomfortable but not painful include urine tests.

Many medical personnel carry out Pap smears to rule out the possibility of cervical cancer.

If treated properly many thrush infections clear within a week of starting medication though oral medications may take slightly longer for symptom relief.

 For recurrent infections, longer durations of antifungal treatment may be required. Oral medications are typically recommended if the symptoms are severe.

Many women like using over the counter drugs but

Dr Macha says that although most vaginal yeast infections can be treated with over the counter medications, a woman should confirm the diagnosis with her doctor to ensure proper treatment.

This advice is a timely caution especially bearing in mind that some people work in chemists yet are unqualified.

The common treatments used by medical personnel for treatment include antifungal vaginal pessaries or creams such as clotimazole, miconazole, and nystatin.

Fluconazole given as a single oral dose is the most commonly used oral medication for vaginal thrush but Dr Macha says it is not prescribed to pregnant women as it is not safe.

Male partner treatment with antifungal cream or oral medication is advised to avoid re-infection.

The age old adage that states that prevention is better than cure is a timeless piece of wisdom which women should apply by doing the following;

Women should ensure that the genital area dry especially after a shower, changing out of a wet bathing suit immediately after swimming also keeps thrush at bay.

Wiping from the front to the rear after using the toilet as doing it the other way can transfer harmful bacteria from the anus.

Dr Macha also advises women to wear loose-fitting cotton underwear, to avoid use of vaginal douches or feminine vaginal hygiene sprays and to avoid deodorant tampons.

“Do not use products that irritate the vulval area, this includes antiseptics or disinfectants.”

He says women should see a doctor when symptoms manifest.

“Because other conditions may produce symptoms that are similar to those of vaginal thrush and some yeast infections but may have a more serious disease as an underlying cause.”

Typically a vaginal, yeast infection is not life threatening and responds well to treatment with antifungal agents.

So get yourself to that gynaecologist and yourself checked out.