Thrush is a common infection caused by an overgrowth of Candida albicans yeast. Although it is most often seen in the elderly, infants, and young children, thrush can affect women of any age. It usually appears as white patches or plaques on the inner cheeks, tongue, palate, and tonsils. Thrush can be uncomfortable and cause unpleasant symptoms like soreness, itching, burning sensation in the affected area, and thick white discharge from the vagina.
Don’t hesitate to seek medical attention if you think you may have thrush. Early diagnosis and treatment can help reduce the risk of serious complications.
What is vaginal thrush?
Our body naturally hosts bacteria. Most of these bacteria are “good bacteria”, which help digestion and other bodily functions. However, some “bad” or harmful bacteria cause vaginal thrush.
The yeast Candida albicans causes this disease. This yeast lives in the bowel in trace amounts. It is usually harmless. However, if it grows in number, it will become harmful. The germ causes thrush. It lives on the skin and in trace amounts in the vaginal area.
How common is vaginal thrush in women?
Almost 75% of women experience thrush symptoms in their lifetime. These symptoms can range from vaginal itching to burning or white discharge and stinging and burning while urinating. Vaginal creams and tablets can help in treating thrush.
6 symptoms of vaginal thrush
To go for thrush treatment, you need to identify the symptoms first. There are several tell-tale signs of thrush. Some women experience any one or all of these symptoms. If one experiences any of the following symptoms, one can be assured it is thrush.
1. Patches around the mouth
Thrush around the mouth results in creamy white spots around the mouth. The thrush infection causes the fungus to accumulate along the lining of the mouth. It results in spotting. It also causes soreness around the mouth.
2. Soreness inside the mouth
The symptoms of thrush in the mouth differ from the vaginal thrush symptoms. Though it is not contagious, the yeast causes ulcers or lesions inside the mouth. It makes the mouth feel sore and results in dryness.
3. Lesions inside the mouth
Apart from soreness in the mouth, the thrush causes lesions as well. The creamy white lesions affect the mouth. It causes dryness and soreness. The spots or the lesions appear on the inner cheek, tongue and gums, lips, and roof of the mouth. One can treat the thrush discharge with a thrush cream. Proper thrush medication will ensure immediate remedy for this condition.
4. Difficulty in swallowing
Since this condition primarily infects the mouth and throat, it makes swallowing a challenge. The lesions on the roof of the mouth and the inner throat cause pain when swallowing food or any liquid. It causes a burning sensation and many experience pain as they try to swallow their food.
5. Bad taste in your mouth and vaginal irritation
As thrush infection plagues your mouth, it results in white plaques. The plaques, when wiped off, leave behind red areas that can bleed. It results in a loss of taste and causes redness inside the throat and mouth.
In many women, the thrush symptoms are also noticeable in their vaginas. It results in thick, white thrush discharge from the vagina, which leads to irritation and itching. It also causes pain while urinating or having intercourse.
6. Fever, if the infection spreads
In the case of invasive thrush in women, it can even lead to fever. The infection can cause the temperature in the person to rise. It results in the person experiencing chills in their body. The intensity of the tremors and the chills you experience depend on how you get thrush.
What causes thrush in women?
1. Fungal infection
The fungus, Candida, multiplies due to the thriving environment in the mouth or the throat and causes the infection. It dries up the mouth and encourages fungal growth.
2. Compromised immune system
A weak immune system, especially people with diabetes or chronic illnesses, are more likely to develop thrush. A malfunction of the T-cells compromises the immune system, which makes it easy for thrush to develop and thrive.
3. Chemotherapy
Oral thrush is a common side effect for those who receive cancer treatments. People who undergo chemotherapy experience thrush symptoms, where the sides of their mouth dry up, and lesions form in that area.
4. Diabetes
High sugar levels encourage yeast to thrive in urine, sweat, and saliva. It encourages the yeast to thrive in such conditions. Since the mouth, saliva, and genitals are moist, the yeast considers it the ideal place to thrive.
5. HIV
Though there is no direct connection, the vaginal thrush symptoms also include contracting HIV. Thrush influences the T-cells making the immune system weak. It exposes the body to foreign viruses and STDs like HIV.
Vaginal thrush treatment
1. If it is in your mouth
When treating thrush, the medical professional must determine its location. They will examine the mouth to see the presence of any lesions. They will also scrape inside the mouth to analyse the mouth cells for the thrush treatment.
2. If medical experts find thrush in your oesophagus
If the experts find the thrush in the mouth in your case, they will also check for its presence in the oesophagus. In the oesophagus, the thrush causes are slightly different than in the mouth. The treatment also varies. If needed, they will also run blood tests. They will also perform a biopsy and an endoscopic exam.
How to prevent vaginal thrush?
One can take some precautionary steps to prevent vaginal thrush. Using a thrush cream can soothe the symptoms to some extent. The other ways to prevent thrush are:
● Wipe your bottom from front to back after using the restroom
● Do not wash your genital area with soap
● Do not use antiseptics in the genitals
● Avoid using scented products for the sensitive areas
● Do not wear tight-fitting underwear
Conclusion
Though recurrent thrush does not cause any long-term health implications, it does interrupt the quality of life. The thrush medication can help an individual find relief. Also, maintaining personal hygiene can curb how you get thrush.
Using medications, proper treatment, and regular check-ups for thrush in women who are immuno-compromised can prevent the symptoms and recurrence.
FAQs related to vaginal thrush in women
1. What is the main cause of thrush in women?
The yeast, Candida albicans, causes thrush. This yeast lives in the bowel in trace amounts. When it grows in number it becomes harmful. It lives on the skin and in trace amounts in the vaginal area.
2. What is the best cure for thrush?
The best way to cure thrush is by using anti-fungal medications. Use prescription medication from a health professional.
3. Why do I keep getting vaginal thrush?
Since it is an STD, it can reoccur due to poor personal hygiene and the immune system.
4. How to soothe thrush itching?
The best way to soothe thrush itching is by using anti-fungal medicine. It can relieve irritation and soothe private areas.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information contained herein is not a substitute for and should never be relied upon for professional medical advice. Book a consultation with Ova Singapore’s medical team to learn more about reproductive healthcare here.