Vaginal thrush is an ailment that is caused by a yeast infection, Candida albicans, and affects the vagina and the area surrounding it. This condition is not sexually transmitted. Candida is a mild infection that lives on the skin, gut, bowel, vagina and the mouth. It’s a common condition in pregnant women and those aging around forties and thirties. Some of the common causes of vaginal thrush include wearing very tight clothes which leads to lack of aeration, using antibiotics, using products that cause irritation around the area, taking chemotherapy, having changes in the menstrual cycle and use of oral contraceptives.
The Symptoms of vaginal thrush
The symptoms of vaginal thrush are:
- Itchy vulva,
- soreness and a burning sensation;
- reddening of the vagina and vulva.
- A white thick vaginal discharge which is odorless.
- Pain when having sex and urinating.
Prevention measures against vaginal thrush
Some of the measures one can take to prevent themselves from getting the infection incudes; after going to the toilet wipe you from front to back to prevent spread of the infection to the vagina. Do not use soap to clean your genitals. Avoid using perfumed sanitary towels and other perfumed products around your genitals. Avoid wearing body hugging pants and wearing synthetic underpants rather wear cotton underpants whenever it’s possible.
Vaginal thrush diagnosis
In order to diagnose for vaginal thrush, a simple and painless test is carried out that involves using a cotton pad to get some vaginal or penis cells which are then taken to the laboratory to be analyzed. Earlier testing is advisable to take in case a person has thrush symptoms that are quite alike to those of vaginal thrush. It’s advisable to have a test when you have sex with new or multiple partners, if you have taken thrush treatment measures but the symptoms don’t seem to go away in seven days, if you have a foul vaginal discharge that is abnormal, experience abdominal pain and being pregnant or you are a lactating mother. Read more.
There exists a number of ways that can be used in to treat thrush. Treatment methods could be determined by how severe the symptoms you show are. For minor thrush symptoms the doctor could prescribe antifungal medication to be used for a short while for serious symptoms the medication could be longer.
Thrush treatment alternatives include the following;
Use of tablets: tablets called fluconazole are commonly used and are effective where only one tablet could cure thrush. They often have side effects which range from nausea, diarrhea, bloating and vomiting. These tablets are not recommended for pregnant women as they could have effect on the baby.
Pessaries and use of thrush creams: This kind of treatment could be messy and often causes irritation. It is also known to damage condoms hence should be used having sex. They don’t have many side effects as compared to use of tablets. Pregnant women are advised to use their hands to insert pessary to avoid injuries to the cervix.
In summary, vaginal thrush is an infection that affects both men and women and is always to seek medical help in case one experience some if the symptoms stated above before the condition becomes severe. Click here for more information: http://jockitchcrusader.com/jock-itch-cream-vs-powder-the-ultimate-anti-fungal-showdown/