Candidiasis

Thrush is a fungal or yeast infection affecting the mouth, esophagus, stomach and vagina. It is otherwise called as Candidiasis. It is caused by an organism called Candida albicans. Vagina is a susceptible host to the organism because Candida flourishes in airless, moist and warm areas. This organism Candida is normally present in our body and does not cause any problem, but when there is any other infection in the body like HIV or any AIDS related disease the infection becomes obvious. Vaginal thrush is generally related with sexually transmitted disease (STD) but can even present without a STD.

Women with vaginal thrush present with the complaint of a watery discharge or thick curdy white discharge which is usually itchy, painful and reddish in the vaginal region. The discharge is odorless and mostly patchy giving an appearance of cottage cheese. Some women complain of a burning sensation, bad odor, swelling, painful urination, painful intercourse and ulcers caused by scratching.

The cause is unknown. Conditions like HIV infection, uncontrolled diabetes, pregnancy induced diabetes, stress, long term steroids therapy, chemotherapy, birth control pills, certain antibiotics tend to increase the risk of having vaginal thrush. It is not difficult to diagnose a vaginal thrush because of its cottage cheese appearance, but some STD's like gonorrhea, chlamydia mimic the same signs and symptoms of a vaginal thrush (that should not be missed). Hence, it's always better to consult a doctor when symptoms appear (especially for the first time and if you are pregnant).

Diagnosis is made by collecting a history about the presence of any chronic illness or on any treatment that compromises the immune system and inspecting the vaginal area and discharge. A vaginal swab is collected by doing a pelvic examination and is sent to the lab to confirm the presence of the organism. The presence of candida in culture confirms the presence of infection.

Vaginal thrush subsides on its own. But unfortunately not always. Untreated vaginal thrush has a high chance of recurrence. Sometimes the woman may find itching and pain beyond control and seek some treatment. Antifungal creams and suppositories are generally used in its treatment. Some of the antifungal topical agents that can be bought over the counters are nystatin, miconazole, butoconazole, tioconazole, terconazole, and clotrimazole. If the infection does not subside with the topical agents, then oral antifungal agents are started. Some of the oral antifungal agents are fluconazole and ketoconazole. As vaginal thrush is common during pregnancy, it is always good to consult your treating doctor for safe medication.

Though infections like this cannot be prevented, there are certain steps that can be taken to avoid or be more careful from getting these types of infection. Wearing cotton panties, wearing loose panties and pants to make the vaginal area more airy, keeping the vaginal area clean and dry by simple washing and wiping after urination and while changing pads during periods, changing pads often before it overflows during periods, changing clothes after exercise or swimming and avoiding douches.

Vaginal thrush is not a sexually transmitted disease, so don't hesitate to visit a doctor and seek treatment while you have any of these symptoms. Studies show that it is normal for a woman to have three to four episodes of this yeast infection every year. Taking appropriate treatment avoids recurrences and unnecessary complications.