Vaginal thrush:itching and burning in the intimate area

Many of you are probably familiar with vaginal yeast infections. At least 75 percent of all women experience it at least once in their lifetime. However, very few talk about it—vaginal yeast infections are a taboo topic for many. Here, you can learn more about what a yeast infection in the intimate area is, how to recognize the infection, what causes it, and what you can do about it.

What is vaginal thrush?

Thrush (vaginal yeast infection) is medically referred to as vaginal mycosis or vulvovaginal candidiasis. It is an infection of the vagina (internal) and the vulva (external), caused by yeast fungi of the genus Candida. Three out of every four women suffer from vaginal thrush at least once in their lives. It is usually caused by the yeast Candida albicans, which thrives in moist and warm climates like those found in the mouth, throat, gut or intimate area. In many women, it is naturally found in the vagina in small numbers and is usually harmless. However, if it multiplies too much, it can cause a fungal infection.

In many cases, the reason for the proliferation of the yeast Candida albicans is a fragile vaginal flora. If its finely balanced pH becomes unbalanced due to hormonal fluctuations, a weakened immune system or medication such as antibiotics, the number of protective lactic acid bacteria usually decreases. These, in turn, are essential to keep the pH of the vagina in the physiological acidic range. Both, a high number of lactic acid bacteria and a stable acidic environment, prevent yeasts and other pathogens from multiplying.

 

Vaginal thrush pathogens can be transmitted in any warm and moist environment:

• in the sauna
• damp, used towels and flannels

Incorrect care and treatment of the intimate area can also promote vaginal thrush. This includes:

• Over-washing the intimate area
• Using intimate deodorants
• Wearing thongs and synthetic materials

In healthy, sexually mature women, lactobacilli or lactic acid bacteria are predominant in the vagina. Their role is to create lactic acid from glycogen (starch), which is present in the cells of the vaginal skin. The resulting acidic vaginal environment inhibits the growth of bacteria and yeasts.

Disruption of this balance can result in yeasts, such as the pathogen that causes thrush (Candida albicans), spreading and causing typical symptoms of vaginal thrush.

If you are suffering from possible symptoms of vaginal thrush, then you can start by taking our self-test. The test gives you an indication of whether you have vaginal thrush. Please also seek medical advice.

A visit to your gynaecologist will provide certainty and clarity. A thorough medical history, gynaecological examination or microscopic assessment is used to differentiate between a vaginal fungal infection and other infections such as bacterial vaginosis. The more precise the diagnosis, the more efficient the subsequent treatment.

Make sure to consult a gynaecologist if:

• you’re experiencing the symptoms described, such as itching, burning or pain, for the first time
• you have recurring episodes of vaginal thrush
• you are pregnant and suspect you have vaginal thrush
• you are experiencing additional symptoms such as fever
• the treatment does not work despite using it correctly.

Pregnant women showing any signs or symptoms of vaginal thrush should always consult their gynaecologist.

Don’t worry – you can cure vaginal thrush quickly with the right treatment.

In rare cases, vaginal thrush recurs. Various causes can be behind a recurring or long-lasting infection. This may be related to what’s known as the ping-pong effect.
The ping-pong effect describes the spread of the fungus through unprotected sex and its subsequent reproduction when the vaginal flora is imbalanced or the immune system is weak in general.

A combination treatment with cream and tablets containing an antimycotic agent, such as KadeFungin 3, is suitable for treating vaginal yeast infection (thrush).

Antimycotics are medicines that specifically target yeasts. Clotrimazole is an effective active ingredient that has been relied upon for decades. Clotrimazole is a proven broad-spectrum antifungal agent. This means that it is effective against various yeasts. The principle behind it is that the active ingredient prevents the fungus from building up an intact cell membrane, thereby preventing the pathogen from multiplying any further.

KadeFungin 3 is available over the counter from pharmacies as a cream, tablets or as a combination pack. Combination treatment is ideal for acute treatment. The combination pack includes both cream and tablets.

Do you swear by the healing powers of natural or home remedies? When it comes to vaginal thrush and home remedies, you might have been recommended yoghurt-soaked tampons, garlic, vinegar rinses, tea tree oil or an anti-fungal diet to get rid of it.

But stay away from these ‘remedies’! Firstly, there is no scientific basis for any of these so-called remedies. Secondly, garlic, vinegar or essential oils can irritate the sensitive skin of the vagina, and yoghurt often contains lactic acid bacteria that are foreign to the vagina. Yoghurt also contains additives that don’t belong in the vagina. And thirdly, it is always better to have a vaginal yeast infection checked by a doctor and cured ‘completely’ instead of trying to deal with it on your own.

Thrush is not a sexually transmitted infection, but a fungal infection. Sex is very rarely the cause. If yeast is transmitted during sex, it does not necessarily lead to an infection. This is because a healthy vaginal flora and intact skin flora in the male genitals normally repel pathogens and prevent them from spreading.

However, sex is not recommended during antifungal treatment. This is both due to the sensitivity of the vaginal skin and also because of potential pain.
If a yeast infection persists or keeps coming back despite treatment, it may be caused by an unnoticed infection in the man. It is then advisable to have this clarified by a urologist.

Thrush is nothing to worry about, but this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take it seriously. You need to cure it with a proven antifungal agent. This is the only way to ensure you will be rid of annoying symptoms such as itching, burning or even pain after just a few days.

What else? Pay particular attention to gently caring for your intimate area, using clean towels and maintaining good sexual hygiene.