A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P R S T U V W

THRUSH - CANDIDA INFECTION

What is Thrush ?

Thrush (or infection with the organism candida albicans) is a fungus infection which can affect the skin or bowel. The most common areas of the body to suffer from thrush are the vagina and vulva. Candida often causes a vaginal discharge, and this has the appearance of thin cottage cheese. Many women do not notice this discharge, but they will have itching: the irritation and desire to scratch is sometimes severe. Constant scratching further damages the skin, which gives a burning sensation. Occasionally, women can have a mild thrush infection with no symptoms at all.

How does Thrush occur ?

During the reproductive years when periods are regular, women produce a lot of hormone called oestrogen. This makes the cells of the skin of the vagina full of glucose. There are good bacteria called lactobacilli that are present quite naturally and normally in the vagina. These act on the glucose to produce a mild acid in the vagina. This acidity is the vagina's protection against infection: other germs just do not thrive in an acid environment. Anything, therefore, which interferes either with oestrogen production or with these helpful lactobacilli may lead to thrush or other infections.

Why does Thrush occur ?

Thrush infections frequently follow a course of antibiotics for cystitis or chest infections. This is because the antibiotics kill off the good lactobacilli in the vagina. Any alteration of oestrogen levels may make a woman susceptible to thrush: it is therefore commoner if you are on the pill. On the other hand, vaginal infections can be quite a problem before puberty and after the menopause when oestrogen levels are low. Thrush can be sexually transmitted; both partners can infect the other. Thrush is common in pregnancy and is a particular problem in diabetes. Repeated or persistent thrush often alerts a doctor that diabetes may be the cause. Some women have a candida infection in the bowel which is symptomless. This can be a cause of infection elsewhere.

Treatment involved for Thrush

A swab may be taken from your vagina to confirm the diagnosis. Patients with recurring infections may be checked for diabetes. Rarely, tests of the body's immune system may be suggested: various so-called immune disorders make people very susceptible to thrush. There are many different antifungal drugs available to treat thrush. They may be given by mouth. They may also be given as a vaginal pessary which is inserted into the vagina on going to bed. This allows the pessary to dissolve overnight. In some cases, a single dose is sufficient, in others longer treatment will be prescribed. Ointments or creams can be applied to the vulva as well. The partner should also use an antifungal cream, taking particular care to apply it under the foreskin. Creams and pessaries can be used safely in pregnancy but oral treatments should not be taken.. Some women do suffer from constant recurrences of thrush which cause a lot of distress. They may be prescribed a course of treatment for the bowel in tablet form. There are other vaginal infections which occur at the same time as thrush or at other times. The treatments for these may also be in pessary or tablet form. When antibiotics are needed for some reason, attacks of thrush can often be prevented by giving an antifungal drug at the same time. It is better not to use soap, disinfectants or vaginal deodorants to treat thrush as these can irritate. Women with persistent discharges which are not thrush should get advice from a gynaecologist or sexually transmitted disease (STD) clinic.

During treatment for Thrush

Most cases of vaginal thrush respond to treatment within a few days. There are no side-effects. Some women find the pessaries messy to use.

After Treatment

Thrush often recurs. Conditions like diabetes which lower resistance to infection are then considered and tested for.

If Thrush is left untreated

The body's natural defences might overcome the infection by themselves. It is not a serious illness but it is most distressing and uncomfortable.

Effects on family of Thrush

The sexual partner of someone with thrush has a responsibility to be sure that he has no infection. He may be the reason why the infection recurs.

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