12 myths about thrush
The immediate cause of the development of candidiasis (thrush) is the vital activity of unicellular fungi of the genus Candida (yeast-like fungi). Normally, these microorganisms are part of the microflora that lives in the oral cavity and intestines of most people, as well as in the female genital tract. Pathological phenomena are observed in cases where fungi begin to multiply too rapidly. In this case, an inflammatory process occurs that affects the mucous membranes and manifests itself with very unpleasant symptoms: itching, burning, pain and profuse discharge that has a specific appearance. The problem is very common: according to statistics, about 30% of people have had thrush at least once in their life.
Although the disease is successfully diagnosed and treated, there are many misconceptions about it. Today we will try to dispel the most famous myths about thrush.
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Any vaginal discharge indicates thrush
This is not true. Vaginal discharge can be varied, including those not associated with any pathologies. With thrush, the discharge has a creamy or curdled structure. They are thick, painted in white, less often - grayish or greenish, almost do not smell. The presence of a sharp, unpleasant odor, as a rule, indicates that the rapid development of fungi is combined with another infection.
The cause of candidiasis is tight underwear
The main factor in the occurrence of thrush is hormonal imbalance, which creates an environment in the genital tract favorable for the rapid reproduction of fungi. No wonder about half of cases of vaginal candidiasis occur in the initial period of pregnancy. Tight underwear does not provoke the development of thrush, however, the greenhouse effect that appears in the intimate area of the body with prolonged wearing of tightening panties made of synthetic fabrics can help create favorable conditions for enhancing the pathological process when it has already begun.
To reduce the risk of an increase in the activity of fungi, it is worth choosing underwear made from cotton or linen. Panties made of natural silk are also suitable. As for the style of linen, the safest is the classic cut. Thongs and very tight shorts can only be worn occasionally.
Special personal hygiene products prevent thrush
The myth is being introduced and strongly supported by firms producing detergents that supposedly have antibacterial activity. In fact, plain warm water is the best hygiene product for your intimate area. Regular use of any kind of soap or gel leads to a change in the acidity of the internal environment of the vagina, followed by the growth of colonies of pathogenic microorganisms. If such a remedy really provides an antibacterial effect, when it is used, the beneficial microflora first of all dies, which gives room for the development of pathogens.
Many women, trying to get rid of thrush, resort to vaginal douching. This is very harmful! A stream of water actively flushes out beneficial microflora, which limits the growth of pathogenic fungi.
It is necessary to pay attention to such personal hygiene product as panty liners. They should be changed as often as possible so as not to create accumulations of pathogenic microorganisms in the intimate area. When choosing “daily”, it is important to give preference to options not treated with wet impregnations and flavors.
Candidiasis is difficult to diagnose
Reliable diagnosis of thrush can be carried out in any laboratory. For this, a microscopic examination of a vaginal smear and an assessment of bacterial culture are carried out. As a result, the presence of a fungus in the contents of the genital tract and the intensity of growth of its colonies are revealed. Such research is quite reliable, and also inexpensive.
Thrush can be treated with any antifungal agent
Today there are many drugs, the active ingredients of which are actively fighting a wide range of pathogenic fungi. However, in some cases, the treatment is ineffective. In such a situation, the doctor prescribes additional laboratory tests to accurately determine the type of Candida fungus that caused the problem. Based on the results of the analysis, drugs are selected that have a narrower spectrum of action.
The remedy for candidiasis prescribed by the doctor can be used repeatedly
The statement has some basis. Some of the antifungal agents successfully treat thrush the second or even third time it occurs. Keep in mind, however, that fungi can adapt to the effects of drugs and produce treatment-resistant strains.
In addition, repeated recurrence of candidiasis attacks should lead to a general examination of the body. Such phenomena indicate the presence of a constantly acting factor that enhances the activity of pathogenic microflora. As a rule, it is a chronic disease that requires specific treatment.
Antifungal drugs for a single dose completely relieve thrush
It is impossible to eliminate the fungus from the body forever. Single-dose drugs are very convenient; with proper selection, they quickly remove unpleasant symptoms, but, unfortunately, they do not eliminate the root cause of the problem. To achieve a long-term absence of exacerbations, it is necessary to find out what factors provoke them, and undergo comprehensive treatment.
A special diet helps in the fight against candidiasis
There is no diet that can cure thrush or prevent its development. Experts note some connection between the activity of pathogenic fungi and an excess of fast carbohydrates in the diet, but this factor begins to act only in cases where candidiasis is already present.
People with diabetes have an increased risk of developing thrush. This is associated with the instability of the hormonal background, characteristic of such patients. A diet that involves reducing the amount of simple carbohydrates in food reduces the manifestations of diabetes and, accordingly, the likelihood of developing candidiasis in diabetics.
Candidiasis can provoke premature birth
A pregnant woman's thrush is very unpleasant, but, alas, a frequent occurrence. The disease cannot cause premature birth, but the risk of infection of the fetus undoubtedly creates. In addition, the expectant mother cannot take most medications for the treatment of candidiasis. If symptoms of the disease occur, a woman should urgently consult a doctor leading a pregnancy to prescribe a treatment that is safe for the fetus (usually local).
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Thrush is a sign of immunodeficiency
People with chronic candidiasis often have a decrease in immunity, but thrush is not a symptom of immunodeficiency. It can be assumed that the weakening of the body's defenses increases the risk of developing candidiasis, but does not become its immediate cause.
Too frequent sexual intercourse and change of sexual partners contribute to the development of candidiasis
Contrary to popular belief, thrush cannot be called a specific female problem. Men also suffer from candidiasis, and the transmission of fungi from a sexual partner is quite possible. However, the disease is not due to sexual intemperance or promiscuity. Its cause is a state of the body in which fungi living in the genital tract begin to multiply excessively.
Both sex partners must be treated for thrush
Fungi of the genus Candida can exist in the host's body for decades without causing any inconvenience. The situation is quite real when a thrush torments one of the sexual partners, while the other is healthy. Given that it is impossible to completely remove fungi from the body, and therapy is aimed at reducing the activity of their reproduction (that is, bringing their number to a normal level), the treatment of the partner who is only a carrier of opportunistic microflora seems useless.
A person who regularly suffers from candidiasis should seriously think about his health. It is not the thrush itself that is dangerous, but the reasons leading to its development. In such a situation, simple relief of seizures will not give the desired result; it is only a temporary solution to the problem. A comprehensive examination and adequate complex treatment are required.
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Maria Kulkes Medical journalist About the author
Education: First Moscow State Medical University named after I. M. Sechenov, specialty "General Medicine".
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