Have you heard of natural flora? These are naturally-occurring micro-organisms or germs living inside us or on our skin. They are usually very helpful with our bodily functions and do not cause harm, unless they multiply too much.
Vaginal Thrush is a common yeast infection that affects most women at some point in life.
It is caused by a fungus, Candida spp, a family of the yeast family. Candida spp. is one of the germs which lives on our skin and around the vagina and vulva of women and normally doesn’t cause to many issues. If the germs multiply, that is when thrush can occur.
Vaginal thrush in women can be treated with medications, however they can be recurrent and very unpleasant.
Candida spp. lives naturally on and in our bodies. Their numbers are kept in check by our immune systems and other harmless bacteria. However, when there’s an imbalance in our body physiology that favours their growth, they multiply rapidly and cause problems.
Causative organisms of the Candida spp. could be Candida albicans, Candida glabrataor Candida tropicalis.
Although thrush is not considered a sexually transmitted infection, there’s a small risk of passing it on through and during sex.
Symptoms can include
- Itchy vulva
- Soreness of the vulva
- Vaginal discharge – odourless, may be thick and creamy white or thin and watery
- Painful urination/sex
Severe symptoms include:
- Redness around the vagina, vulva and perineum
- Vaginal fissuring and/or swelling
- Excoriation on the vulva
- Skin rashes near the vagina (rare)
Vaginal thrush can be treated with over-the-counter medications. But, if it is taking a while to stop or reoccurs, it is recommended to to see your doctor.
Medications used can either be used topically on the vagina or through the mouth (orally). Some can be accessed over-the-counter while some are only available by prescription only.
It is advisable to stay away from sex or use alternative contraceptive methods as cream treatments damage latex condoms and diaphragms.