Is it possible to treat thrush during. How to get rid of thrush at home quickly and forever. Local therapy and general treatment characteristics

Statistics say that every second woman has had a thrush at least once in her life. This is not surprising, since the causative agent of the disease - a fungus from the genus Candida - is always present on the mucous membranes of the vaginal region. The disease (candidiasis) develops when optimal conditions are created for the life of the fungus, and its population is rapidly increasing.

Figure 1 - Candidiasis - a common disease

The Candida family has about one and a half hundred species of fungi. Of these, 20 species are capable of living in the human body. In 90% of cases, the disease is caused by fungi of the Candida albicans species.

Candida is transmitted by:

• with primary infection - during childbirth or during the first year of life;
• in case of secondary infection - during intimacy (almost 100% probability), by contact and household means (underwear, household items, food).

If the word "Candida" appears in the test results, do not rush to the pharmacy. The main thing is not the presence of the fungus, but its concentration and the presence of signs of the disease. Thrush manifests itself:

• in women - in the form of vulvovaginitis (colpitis);
• in men - in the form of balanoposthitis.

The main signs of thrush in women:

• itching, burning, irritation, swelling, redness of the mucous membranes;
• curdled discharge from the genitals, the smell of discharge is fermented milk;
• pain during intercourse;
• burning sensation when urinating.

If the disease is diagnosed in one "half", everyone needs to be treated. Therapy "one by one" does not make sense - all the fungi will come back after the first intimacy.

It is impossible to have sex until the thrush is completely cured. If the disease is diagnosed in your sexual partner, and the symptoms do not bother you, you will still have to be treated.

The main signs of Candida infection in men:

• itching, burning sensation;
• redness, swelling of the head, foreskin, whitish bloom;
• pain during intercourse.

Figure 2 - Candida is diagnosed in women and men

Candidiasis is diagnosed by:

• external signs;
• the results of bacterial culture of smears from the vagina and urethra;

How to cure thrush in a woman?

Candida loves warm, humid places with minimal air access, so the fungus is more than comfortable on the vaginal mucosa. To get rid of an unpleasant neighborhood, you need to use drugs:

• local action: vaginal suppositories, tablets, creams with econazole, clotrimazole, miconazole, econazole (Clotrimazole, Pimafukort);
• systemic action: tablets, capsules with fluconazole, itraconazole (Nystatin, Fluconazole, Difluzole, Diflucan);
• preparations for strengthening the immune system, probiotics, symbiotics (Wobenzym, Lactovit, Daktiale, Derma-Pro, Vagilak, Viferon).

Figure 3 - Untreated disease spreads rapidly

On average, the course of treatment takes 3 to 6 days. Fungal spores mature within 20 days, so a second course of treatment may be necessary. Some drugs (such as Betadine) can be used during menstruation.

In 20% of cases, the treatment prescribed by the doctor does not help. If thrush continues to bother you after a week:

• it is not candidiasis. We'll have to retake the tests, undergo additional examinations.
• the disease is not caused by Candida albicans, but by another type of fungus, which is more difficult to destroy;
• this is a relapse possible with diabetes, during antibiotic therapy, reduced immunity.

If relapses of candidiasis occur more than 4 times a year, the doctor will prescribe preventive treatment.

Figure 4 - Chronic and recurrent candidiasis requires lifestyle changes

Topical preparations can cause inconvenience - leakage, stain clothes. So that they are evenly distributed over the surface of the vaginal mucosa and do not cause discomfort, it is best to use them before bed. Suppositories and tablets should be placed approximately in the middle of the vagina. Medicines too close will leak out, and too far away may injure the delicate cervix.

In case of thrush, douching and other ways to “wash there” are prohibited, as this causes an imbalance in the microflora.

How to cure thrush in a man?

To overcome candidiasis will help:

• locally - creams with clotrimazole;
• systemically - fluconazole (drugs Fluconazole, Diflazon, Forcan, Medoflucon, Mikosist).

The duration of the average course of treatment is 5 days.

Underwear and towels should be changed daily during treatment. Hygiene procedures are carried out with products without fragrances and additives. Despite the fact that most drugs are used topically, alcohol should not be consumed during treatment.

Figure 5 - Men are prescribed drugs of local and systemic action

How to avoid recurrence of candidiasis?

Candida is a conditionally pathogenic microorganism that is usually present in the microflora of intimate areas. In order not to provoke its excessive reproduction again:

• strengthen the immune system;
• do not wear tight synthetic underwear;
• follow the rules of personal hygiene;
• consume enough vitamins, cut back on fast carbohydrates;
• reduce the amount of foods and drinks that contain mold and yeast.
• use contraception;
• avoid stress.

Figure 6 - During the treatment of thrush, you will have to adjust the diet

Regardless of the lifestyle, thrush can develop:

• when the hormonal background changes (pregnancy, taking birth control pills, endocrine diseases);
• after operations;
• as a result of antibiotic therapy;
• in the course of serious illness;
• with vaginal dysbiosis;
• after hypothermia.

What happens if thrush is not treated?

Figure 7 - Thrush untreated in time is fraught with serious problems

The diagnosed disease must be treated. Despite the fact that the Candida fungus is a conditionally pathogenic microorganism, the body needs help to cope with overgrown colonies and neutralize the consequences of their vital activity. Untreated disease:

among women:

• will reduce immunity, as a result of which secondary genital infections will develop;
• will provoke mucosal erosion;
• disrupt the menstrual cycle;
• will cause inflammation of the cervix.

in men:

• will lead to prostatitis, vesiculitis, capable of provoking infertility.

How to cure thrush during pregnancy?

Statistics say that Candida fungi are detected in 80% of expectant mothers. Before giving birth, you must definitely say goodbye to them. If this event is postponed until later, the baby will become infected during childbirth. Transmission of the fungus is also possible after - during feeding or hygiene procedures. This is fraught with thrush in the mouth, in girls - on the genitals, and a series of subsequent problems with the baby's health.

For the treatment of expectant mothers, gynecologists prefer to use topical preparations - suppositories, tablets, creams. Suppositories Pimafucin and Primafungin can be used in any trimester of pregnancy, Terzhinan tablets - in the second. Systemic drugs are prescribed if the disease cannot be cured locally. Only a doctor prescribes drugs and prescribes a treatment regimen, depending on the clinical picture; amateur performance is unacceptable here.

Figure 8 - Self-medication of candidiasis is unacceptable

How to cure thrush in the mouth?

Since Candida fungi live on all mucous membranes, they can provoke diseases in the oral cavity. Typical signs:

• redness of the mucous membrane, swollen palate, gums, throat;
• "Geographic" language - the surface is covered with whitish dots, later - spots, shaped like a circle or oval;
• painful swallowing;
• cracks in the corners of the mouth, which quickly become covered with a curdled bloom. Redness increases in size;
• temperature increase;
• enlargement of the submandibular lymph nodes.

Candidiasis, untreated in time, passes from the tongue to the cheeks, then to the lips and pharynx. When trying to scrape off plaque, blood appears.

Candidiasis of the mucous membranes of the oral cavity is diagnosed visually (at advanced stages), according to the results of bacterial culture and laryngoscopy. When treating children, drugs are selected taking into account the age category.

Figure 9 - Candida fungi are able to live even in the mouth

Thrush in the mouth is especially dangerous for babies. Oral discomfort causes them to refuse to suckle, which quickly leads to dehydration and exhaustion. Fungal infection can spread to other vital organs - intestines, lungs, etc. Girls develop vaginal candidiasis, which provokes inflammation and the development of synechia.

Figure 10 - Launched thrush threatens the baby's life

To overcome the disease at the initial stage, it is enough to treat the oral cavity and affected areas with an antiseptic solution (for example, Miramistin, Hexoral, Maxicold) and an antifungal drug (for example, Candide, Nystatin). You can rinse your mouth with a soda solution. At more severe stages, systemic drugs are used - Fluconazole, Mikosist, Futsis, Diflucan. Lips and skin can be treated with antihistamines (Fenistil). Avoid contact with mucous membranes (eyes, nose, mouth).

Figure 11 - Untreated fungus colonizes the palate, esophagus, lungs, and other organs

For the period of treatment, reduce the consumption of sweets, avoid smoked meats, spicy, salty foods, foods containing yeast, and mold.

In no case do not lubricate the affected areas of mucous membranes and skin with rose jam. This promotes the growth of fungal colonies.

Treatment of all types of thrush should be carried out under the supervision of a physician. Strengthen your immune system, follow the recommendations of nutritionists, use contraceptives, and most likely you will not face an unpleasant neighborhood. Be healthy!

Video 1: How to treat thrush (answers the gynecologist L. Shupenyuk)

Video 2: How to cure thrush in women and men. Simple tips. Effective remedies

Video 3: Treatment of thrush in the mouth of a baby

Video 4: On self-medication for thrush: why not

Literally every woman knows what candidiasis of the vaginal mucosa is, and 30% of them suffer from chronic, recurrent thrush. In women, drug treatment has recently been not always successful, since only in modern paid clinics they are suitable for the treatment of any disease, taking into account the sensitivity of microorganisms to various antibiotics and, in the case of candidiasis, to antifungal drugs.

Otherwise, the treatment may not be effective. This is due to the fact that since the discovery and the beginning of the active use of antibiotics and other antimicrobial, antimycotic agents, pathogenic microorganisms gradually began to adapt, to develop resistance to certain antibiotics, antimycotics. Doctors have long been sounding the alarm that with every decade, commonplace bacteria, viruses, fungi have become much more aggressive than 50-60 years ago, and the immune response to their introduction or reproduction in the majority of the population is weakening.

Unhealthy food, meat products stuffed with growth hormones and antibiotics, an abundance of chemicals in everyday life, in food, polluted air, a lot of negative information and constant stress, worries - gradually destroy the natural processes in the body, which cannot cope with the increased load, hence decrease in the body's defenses.

At the same time, the pharmaceutical industry continues to produce new and new means to fight infections, viruses and fungi. As for thrush, most women consider this disease to be a slight imbalance in the microflora of the vagina. This is so if antibiotic therapy, the use of hormonal contraceptives, pregnancy - in these cases, after drug withdrawal or the end of pregnancy, thrush in a woman after treatment with a local drug quickly passes.

However, if thrush occurs in combination with other gynecological diseases, latent sexually transmitted infections, is the first sign of diabetes mellitus, its relapses constantly occur after treatment - this indicates serious disruptions in the body, metabolic disorders, immunodeficiency states, hormonal disorders, diseases of the endocrine system etc.

This is, as it were, a bell, a signal that the local immunity has weakened, since Candida is a fungus that is always present in the normal microflora of the vagina in healthy women, and the presence of favorable factors for the growth of the fungal flora leads to its active reproduction. Therefore, many women are interested in the question - by what means and how to treat thrush in women effectively, safely and quickly?

Choosing the best drug and correct treatment for thrush in women

The Russian pharmaceutical market is unusually rich in various preparations for thrush - candles, creams, ointments, tablets. All of them are divided into 2 main groups:

• Preparations for local treatment - ointments, suppositories, creams, vaginal tablets - are the best choice for gentle therapy, since their use does not have a systemic effect on the entire body. They are used for mild or uncomplicated forms of vaginal candidiasis, as well as for chronic thrush in complex therapy with antimycotic drugs taken orally.
• Systemic, general action drugs are tablets that have an effect on the entire body, getting into the focus of inflammation, and into other systems and organs. They are used for severe and often recurrent candidiasis.

You can endlessly understand which of them are most effective. The main thing is to rely on the result of the bacterial inoculation analysis when choosing drugs, which should determine the sensitivity of the identified colony of fungal agents to a specific active ingredient.

Sometimes, with chronic thrush, Candida glabrata fungi are detected, unlike the usual pathogens of Candida albicans thrush, they are considered more resistant to antimycotics.

That is why it is important for recurrent thrush to identify the pathogen using bacterial culture. In this case, the attending physician will prescribe a known effective remedy that will be less toxic and with the least side effects. In our article you can find out about the pros and cons of using any suppositories for vaginal candidiasis.

Basic principles in the treatment of primary thrush or uncomplicated candidiasis

Treatment of thrush in women should begin with eliminating the causes of its occurrence, reducing the influence of provoking factors (narrow synthetic underwear, violations of intimate hygiene, abundant use of sweets, flour products, rare change of tampons and pads, etc.), treatment with antifungal drugs and restoration of intestinal microflora and vagina:

• It is advisable for a mild form of thrush to do only with local treatment, since the systemic effects have a toxic effect on the liver and kidneys. For uncomplicated candidiasis, various vaginal suppositories or vaginal tablets are used, which include antimycotic drugs.
  • Clotrimazole - Canesten, Candizol, Yenamazole 100, Antifungol, Candibene
  • Miconazole - Klion-D 100, Gyno-dactarin, Ginesol
  • Isoconazole - Gyno-travogen
  • Natamycin - Pimafucin
  • Feticonazole - Lomexin
  • Sertaconazole - for thrush in a woman, treatment with Zalain is effective, but in a chronic process, its use is not advisable.
  • Econazole - Gino-pevaril, Ifenek
  • Imidazole -Ginofort, Mikogal, Ginesol 7, Candide B6
  • Ketoconazole - considered the most effective drug - Livarol, Vetorosal, Mycozoral, Nizoral, Ketoconazole, Brizoral, Oronazole.
• On the recommendation of a doctor, local treatment of thrush in mild cases can be replaced with a single dose of Fluconazole (), the analogues of which are Flucostat, Diflucan, Mikosist, Mikomax, Tsiskan, Diflazon, Mikoflucan.
• Acute thrush, depending on the choice of the drug, is treated from 1 day to 7 days, while the effectiveness reaches 85-90%. During therapy, a woman should refrain from sexual relations and strictly observe intimate hygiene.
• As a prophylaxis for the resumption of thrush after treatment, you can periodically wash away with a weak solution of soda, boric acid or potassium permanganate.

Many women believe that douching for thrush is the best, inexpensive, affordable and effective treatment. This is a big misconception. , potassium permanganate, etc. solutions - a very dangerous, unacceptable method of treatment.

• When thrush is detected for the first time, if it has arisen as an independent disease, other tests do not reveal any other bacterial infection, doctors do not recommend using drugs such as Terzhinan and Polygynax for the local treatment of thrush in a woman. Although these funds contain nystatin (an outdated antifungal drug), they are suppositories with a wide antibacterial spectrum of action, and with thrush, their use violates the vaginal microflora, suppresses the beneficial flora and leads to the occurrence of gardnerellosis (see).
• It should be remembered that the disappearance of the signs of thrush does not always indicate that the disease has been cured. After therapy, it is imperative to re-examine the vaginal smear.

Since thrush is often combined with other gynecological diseases, latent infections, you should definitely contact your gynecologist if:

• After treatment persists or relapse occurs 1-2 months after treatment.
• In addition to signs of thrush, there is weakness, fever, pain in the lower abdomen.
• If side effects, irritation of the mucous membrane or allergic reactions appear on the drug for thrush, or purulent or bloody discharge appears during treatment ().

How to treat chronic thrush in women

Lack of free time, workload, family household affairs often force women to self-medicate, despite the fact that everyone knows very well that one cannot engage in self-diagnosis and take medications without a full examination and control of recovery.

In addition, it is impossible to determine the disease by the sensations, symptoms and nature of the discharge, and thrush very often masks other hidden infections (bacterial vaginosis, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, etc.), allergies and other gynecological chronic diseases.

The wrong choice of medication, too short courses of therapy leads to chronic, often recurrent thrush, to candida resistance to many antimycotic drugs, this aggravates the further treatment of candidiasis. Antifungal agents for thrush have a lot of side effects, contraindications, their incorrect use can lead to complications and to the transition of the disease into a chronic one.

Therefore, a woman, if any discomfort in the genital area occurs, should find time for herself, undergo an examination by a gynecologist on time and follow all the doctor's recommendations. Gynecologists say about the occurrence of chronic thrush when exacerbations of the disease occur more often 4 times a year. The usual treatment prescribed for acute thrush in such cases is not effective. The basic principles of the treatment of chronic thrush in women:

• Preparations for local therapy - creams, suppositories, ointments are used the same as for milder forms of thrush.
• The systemic intake of antifungal agents in tablets for thrush must be added to local therapy.
• Treatment of chronic thrush usually lasts several months and includes therapy for possible concomitant diseases, general strengthening vitamin therapy, oral contraceptives are excluded, antibiotics are taken, and the possible is restored.
  • Fluconazole - analogues Flucostat, Diflucan
  • Itraconazole - analogues, Canditral, Itrazol, Rumikoz, Orunit, Orungal
  • Pimafucin
  • Ketoconazole - analogues Oronazole, Fungavis, Nizoral, Mycozoral.
• When establishing a mixed vaginal infection caused by causative agents of gardnerellosis, candidiasis and trichomoniasis, Neo-Penotran Forte suppositories are used.
• After carrying out antifungal treatment and confirmed by tests of elimination of candidiasis, eubiotics should be used, which restore the healthy microflora of the vagina. The doctor may prescribe suppositories Acylact, Bifidumbacterin.
• Various physiotherapy procedures are also widely used for the treatment of often recurrent thrush:, CMT, darsonvalization,.

One of the treatment regimens for chronic thrush

At the initial stage of treatment of chronic thrush in women, the following drugs are used:

• Local treatment - suppositories of Clotrimazole 200 mg., Course of 10-14 days, 1 suppository at night.
• Fluconazole tablets 150 mg, on day 1 of treatment, 4 and 7 days
• Tablets with the active substance Itraconazole (Irunin, etc.) 200 mg., 1 tablet per day for a week

With maintenance therapy:

• Local treatment - suppositories of Clotrimazole 500 mg. for six months, 1 candle per week.
• Also, 1 tablet of Fluconazole 150 mg. Once a week for six months.
• Itraconazole tablets 200 mg. 1 time per month - 1 table. 2 r / day also within six months.

When a thrush suddenly bursts into the usual rhythm of a woman's life, she often has to change plans. It is impossible to go to the pool, fitness is not convenient, sex life gives unpleasant sensations, you don't even want to do your usual things, all thoughts are occupied with discomfort in the genital area and the only question is "How to cure thrush?" So much so that one pill and never come back.

Candidiasis can even appear in healthy women against a background of stress, overwork, climate change, during pregnancy, and the use of oral contraceptives. In women with somatic diseases (diabetes mellitus, obesity, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, thyroid gland, overweight), thrush appears even more often.

It is believed that in men, genital candidiasis is less common, and therefore they talk less about it. However, in fact, it is detected in 10% of men who complained to a urologist or dermatovenerologist, which means that the issue also requires discussion.

In young children, the course of genital candidiasis has some peculiarities - they more often than in adults involve the skin in the process. Oral candidiasis is more common in babies.

Any stress factor can activate the reproduction of fungi living on mucous membranes - illness, hypothermia, climate change, change of sexual partner, inaccuracies in nutrition, overwork, and so on.

In young children, candidiasis appears against the background of immunodeficiency states, when taking antibiotics. More often premature, weakened babies are exposed to it.

For candidiasis to appear in a man, his body must be well, very weakened - a chronic illness, alcohol abuse, prolonged use of antibiotics, chronic stress and overwork.

Pregnant women and lactating mothers, as well as people suffering from chronic diseases, are especially susceptible to the development of candidal infection.

In pregnant and lactating women, the process develops due to natural immunosuppression (the immune system is suppressed by hormones so that the fetus, like a foreign one, is not rejected by the mother's body), changes in hormonal levels.

In addition to this, lactating women have a decrease in the body's reserve forces after childbirth, due to stress and blood loss, as well as due to the feeding itself - all the useful elements leave the mother's body with milk, and she often simply does not have time to replenish them, the cells are depleted, protective mechanisms are weakened.

Patients with diabetes mellitus, obesity, and HIV infection are also at risk of developing thrush more than others.

With diabetes mellitus, the level of glucose in the cells rises, which is a good breeding ground for fungi, and metabolism is also disturbed.

With obesity, metabolic processes in cells slow down, toxic substances accumulate, the load on the liver increases and conditionally pathogenic flora multiplies.

Suppression of immunity occurs with HIV infection. Against its background, even the most harmless microorganism can cause severe inflammatory processes. Candida, which is an almost permanent inhabitant of the body, is the first to "turn up" and cause damage not only to the genitals, but also to the skin and mucous membranes of the oral cavity.

Thrush treatment methods

To cure thrush now, in fact, is no longer so easy. The reason is universal fame.

There is a lot of information about thrush and its symptoms - both in print media, on TV, and on the Internet, and booklets in the clinic - all tell about the current, what kind of "beast" it is and how to treat it.

Uncontrolled medication, wrong regimens, treatment without sensitivity, the use of only traditional methods has led to the fact that Candida has acquired resistance to a number of drugs, it has the property of passing into special forms that are not sensitive to drugs. as quickly as possible?

Preparations for thrush

Given the structure of the male genital organs, it is most convenient to use oral medications for the treatment of candidiasis - fluconazole, itraconazole. Appointment schemes are standard.

Fluconazole 150 mg once inside, in case of severe course, repeated administration after 7 days. A weekly regimen of 50 mg per day is often used. Itraconazole is prescribed at a dosage of 200 mg per day for three days, or 200 mg 2 times a day for a course of 1 day.

Nystatin and natamycin are prescribed when an intestinal infection is suspected.

In addition to oral administration, ointment forms are widely used in men. Antifungal cream is applied to the head of the penis according to the instructions, for a course of 7 to 14 days. Most often in combination with oral medication.

The cure must be confirmed by laboratory tests.

Why is thrush dangerous?

It is sometimes quite difficult to cure thrush, which is associated with the development of resistance of the pathogen to antifungal agents. However, you still need to treat it, because with an advanced course, the process becomes chronic, disrupting the usual rhythm of life of patients.

With a strong weakening of immunity, the fungus penetrates into the deep layers, spreads with blood to other organs and tissues, candidiasis becomes generalized, and threatens human life.

Candidiasis in a pregnant woman can penetrate the baby ascending, infect the amniotic fluid, placenta, fetal organs and even lead to termination of pregnancy.

Candidiasis in nursing is dangerous because the mother can transmit the infection to the child. A cured episode of thrush is not yet a reason to calm down. You always need to remember about prevention so that you no longer have to deal with unpleasant symptoms.

Graduated from the Belarusian State Medical University. Works as an obstetrician-gynecologist in the 4th antenatal clinic of the Healthcare Institution "1st GKB" in Minsk Specializes in reproductive health, pediatric and adolescent gynecology.

Inna Kandrashova

obstetrician-gynecologist of the Atlas Medical Center, Candidate of Medical Sciences

Candidiasis (or thrush) is caused by a yeast of the genus Candida. Normally, it is present in the natural microflora of the human body, without causing discomfort. But under the influence of certain provoking factors, the fungus begins to multiply uncontrollably, which causes the appearance of extremely unpleasant symptoms: dryness and burning sensation in the vagina, discharge, and discomfort during urination.

1. Thrush is asymptomatic

By the way, thrush is not always accompanied by vivid symptoms. Quite often, this disease is detected during a routine examination and is a surprise for a woman. This is due to the fact that there are many reasons provoking candidiasis. In particular, if such are chronic immunodeficiency states, then the disease may be asymptomatic.

2. It is not sexually transmitted

Thrush has long ceased to be a sexually transmitted disease. In fact, the manifestation of this disease is considered a kind of marker of the state of the immune system. There can be a great many reasons for thrush: from changing time zones and nutrition to the manifestation of an allergic reaction and an acute respiratory viral infection. It happens that after sexual intercourse, the symptoms of candidiasis appear more pronounced. But this is due to the fact that in the case of an existing yeast infection, the vaginal mucosa becomes inflamed, it becomes loose and easily injured during sexual intercourse. This causes unpleasant sensations.

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3. It develops against the background of other infections

It happens that candidiasis develops against the background of any other urogenital infections, which are just sexually transmitted. These include chlamydia, ureaplasmosis, trichomaniasis. The causative agents of these diseases provoke inflammation in the vagina, as a result of which the normal pH in this area is disrupted, as well as the ratio of normal and pathogenic microflora.

4. Thrush cannot be cured with one tablet!

On TV, you can often see advertisements that it is enough to take just one pill to treat candidiasis. But, often, such treatment is not enough to kill the pathogenic microflora and restore normal. In the treatment of thrush, a combination of drugs should be used. Depending on the cause of thrush, both diet and lifestyle adjustments may be recommended.

5. Sometimes you need to treat your partner too

Should I be treated with my partner? Obviously, if the cause of candidiasis was SARS or climate change, then it is not necessary. If thrush is combined with sexually transmitted infections, the man also needs to be treated.

6. It is almost impossible to get rid of it forever.

Based on the fact that there are many causes of this disease, it is unlikely. Many women travel frequently, change their eating habits, periodically catch colds ... There is no guarantee that candidiasis will never bother you again. If you have treated thrush, and she returned, it may not be because you were prescribed the wrong course. This means that there is some reason in your life that provoked it again.

How long should thrush be treated? In this case, everything is very individual. For example, if candidiasis has developed against the background of other genital infections, a single treatment is sufficient. If these are chronic forms, then you should not count on "taking one pill". The doctor may suggest different schemes, depending on the causes of candidiasis. Among them there are those that take about a year.

8. Check your intestines!

If you often encounter thrush, the doctor should certainly be alerted to this. In this case, it is especially important to consider the problem not only at the level of the vagina, but also much wider. It is necessary to examine the intestinal microbiota, refer to a gastroenterologist, ask about the patient's lifestyle, how she eats, whether she plays sports, how much she sleeps. These are all very important for developing an individualized treatment plan.

9. You can cure thrush with proper nutrition

If a woman regularly encounters thrush, it is possible that we are talking about systemic candidiasis. In this case, fungi of the genus Candida actively multiply not only in the intimate area, but also in the small intestine, disrupting its microflora, and (or) in the oral cavity. This is the so-called systemic candidiasis, which is treated for a long time (from two months). Its therapy includes several stages: taking antifungal drugs, as well as drugs that destroy the protective film of pathogenic microorganisms, replanting beneficial fungi that displace pathogenic ones. The final phase is the intake of prebiotics, which accelerate the reproduction of microflora friendly to us.

It is very important to adjust your diet to treat any type of yeast infection. Candida's favorite food is simple sugars. Therefore, to limit their growth from the menu for the period of treatment, one should exclude refined sugar, products from premium flour, limit dairy products (they contain sugar - lactose), as well as sweet fruits. I also recommend to my patients to limit the use of cereals and any cereals, even whole grains, for the period of treatment of thrush. During digestion, they are also broken down into simple sugars. Therefore, you can afford no more than 150 g of the same porridge per day.

Yeast fungi, which are found in some products, for example, in cheeses with mold, in curdled milk (fungi are used for fermentation), can also provoke the growth of pathogenic microflora. All of the above must be abandoned for the period of treatment.

When, according to the test results, it becomes clear that beneficial fungi have completely replaced pathogenic fungi, prebiotics can be connected to the treatment of thrush, as well as foods that contain them can be included in the diet. Do not do this before time! After all, in this way we will feed, including Candida, and it is important for us to "put them on a diet." Of the products containing prebiotics, we can recommend those with a lot of pectin (for example, apples, pears, berries), as well as coarse fiber: greens, all types of cabbage, raw roots (carrots, radishes, radishes).

We would like to thank the Atlas Medical Center and the Dr. Gavrilov Center for their help in preparing the material!

This article is for informational purposes only. If you find yourself with symptoms of any disease or feel unwell, see your doctor first! The tips in this resource can help you in emergencies when it is not possible to reach a qualified healthcare professional.

The appearance of thrush in women is due to a decrease in local and general immunity. This disease is not classified as a strictly sexually transmitted disease, but it can be a marker for the presence of PPIs. Such a fungal pathology brings a lot of inconvenience to both women and men. Therapy should be given to both partners at the same time. Consider the causes, symptoms and treatments for thrush.

General information

Treatment of thrush should be comprehensive. For successful home therapy, you should know the following important points:

• The development of thrush occurs with a decrease in immunity. Various diseases, for example, diabetes mellitus or tuberculosis, can lead to this condition. Also, a decrease in general and local immunity is associated with prolonged use of antibiotics, oral contraceptives, the presence of chronic infections (including sexually transmitted infections), tumors, and HIV infection. The formation of thrush against the background of severe stress is not excluded, since it also acts as a factor for reducing immunity.
• The causative agent of thrush is a fungus that normally lives on the skin and mucous membranes. That is, a woman has a small amount of fungus in her vagina that is not capable of causing pathology.
• Against the background of a decrease in immunity, the activity of the fungus increases, its ability to attach to the walls of the vagina increases, which is accompanied by colonization and the formation of inflammation.

Given these important aspects, the treatment of thrush or candidiasis at home should be comprehensive. It should be understood that the development of such a disease is a signal about the failure of immunity, the cause of which must be 100% clarified.

Components of thrush treatment

How does it manifest?

The development of symptoms in candidiasis is due to the active growth and development of the fungus. It should be noted that the clinical picture in women is more pronounced than in men. In the stronger sex, a similar fungus can cause balanitis, inflammation of the urethral canal. But in general, the disease is more common in women.

Symptoms that occur with thrush in women:

• Severe itching in the vagina. Girls with the development of the disease experience a burning sensation, which causes constant discomfort. Itching with candidiasis worse at night, after taking a shower, during and after sexual intercourse.
• The second most important symptom is the appearance of discharge. With thrush, they have a peculiar character. They resemble cottage cheese in appearance, are white and have an appropriate consistency.
• Sometimes the urinary tract is involved in the inflammatory process. As a result, dysuric disorders are added to the above symptoms. A burning sensation is formed when going to the toilet, unpleasant and often painful sensations.

Also, in women, with the development of thrush, pain occurs during sexual intercourse. Girls experience discomfort, since the vaginal mucosa is in the stage of acute inflammation. Sometimes after the act against the background of candidiasis, bleeding may form.

In men, the situation is different, since the symptoms do not have a pronounced picture. In general, the disease rarely develops in the stronger sex. It is accompanied by more disorders of urination. Therefore, men may complain about the following:

• Frequent and painful urination.
• Redness of the glans penis, its swelling.
• Itching may sometimes appear.

It should be understood that only a doctor can establish the presence of thrush. Even against the background of the presence of a clearly characteristic clinical picture, it is not worth considering that this is candidiasis without a doctor's examination.

Thrush treatment

Most women are faced with the problem of recurrence of the disease. It seems that the treatment was carried out, but the problem comes back again. The causes of frequent thrush can be:

It is these points that are key in the treatment of thrush. In order to correctly and competently undergo a course of therapy, you need to know the following:

• Local and systemic drugs are used to treat the disease.
• Sowing is a prerequisite.
• Search for the cause of the development of pathology. As already mentioned, the fungus that causes thrush lives on mucous membranes under normal conditions. Accordingly, it is necessary to determine exactly what reasons led to its active growth and development. Without identifying the underlying cause of decreased immunity, thrush can come back many times.

In general, treatment is carried out using local and general drugs. Some doctors practice only local, provided that the disease was first identified.

If the treatment of thrush is carried out at home on your own, then you should follow the instructions for using the drug. It is highly recommended to see a doctor if symptoms appear.

Preparations for the treatment of thrush

Consider what drugs are used to treat candidiasis. For local women, candles, balls, creams are suitable. Also, for treatment, girls need to take medications inside, since the problem of the development of thrush may be closely related to the intestines (it is noted that a certain amount of fungi enter the vagina from the gastrointestinal tract). That is, by taking tablets or capsules, a possible reservoir is destroyed.

Thrush treatment should be carried out simultaneously with two partners. Ignoring this important aspect increases the risk of developing the disease again several times.

Systemic therapy

It is necessary to take drugs for the treatment of thrush for women strictly according to the instructions. Usually, three capsules are enough for therapy, which are consumed after three days. As a result, therapy lasts approximately two weeks. Simultaneously with systemic treatment, local therapy is carried out. Consider what medicines are used to treat thrush.

Fluconazole

It is produced in capsules containing 50 and 150 mg of the active substance. There are a large number of drugs on the market based on Fluconazole. These include:

• Fluconazole capsules;
• Diflucan;
• Flucostat;
• Mycosyst.

The difference in these drugs lies in their cost and the severity of side effects. It is noted that Fluconazole in tablets has a higher risk of negative reactions when taken than other drugs from this list. But which drug to choose depends on the patient himself and his purchasing power. Let's consider the main points.

Mechanism of action

When using the drug, the activity of the fungus is inhibited. This means that Fluconazole capsules actively cope with thrush by increasing membrane permeability and disrupting the growth and replication of fungal cells.

The drug practically does not inhibit enzymes in humans, compared to other antifungal drugs. Has no androgen activity. When using it, the growth and development of the following fungi are inhibited:

• Candida (which cause thrush);
• Cryptococci;
• Microsporum;
• Trichophytum.

The agent is used both for the treatment and prevention of the development of vaginal candidiasis. It should be understood that the drug inhibits the activity of fungi not only in the vagina, but in other systems too. Therefore, the medicine is also used for often recurrent candidiasis.

Dosage and adverse reactions

According to the official instructions for the use of Fluconazole, it is administered once inside. The optimal dose is 150 mg. In general, doctors recommend taking capsules every three days. As a result, the course consists of taking 3 tablets and no more.

It is also necessary to take the drug:

• To reduce the risk of relapse. In this case, one capsule of 150 mg is drunk once a month.
• For prophylactic purposes, use 1 capsule once a day. Usually, taking Fluconazole for prophylaxis is required with prolonged use of antibiotics, cytostatics, and so on.

A more accurate dosage is selected by the doctor, taking into account the course of the disease, the frequency of its relapses and concomitant pathologies.

The side effects are as follows:

• From the digestive tract: changes in appetite, taste, nausea, sometimes vomiting, liver dysfunction in the form of jaundice, development of bloating.
• Nervous system: headache, dizziness, convulsions rarely appear.
• Allergy. Sometimes a skin rash may appear. Rarely anaphylactoid reactions.

When using the drug, changes in the heart and kidneys are rarely formed.

The cost of drugs based on Fluconazole varies from 50 to 300 rubles.

Itraconazole

Refers to drugs that have a broad antifungal effect. When used, the membrane protein is inhibited, which leads to its high permeability and causes the death of the pathogen. As a result, an antifungal effect is formed. It should be noted that the mechanism of action of Itraconazole is similar to that of Fluconazole.

Positive properties:

• high bioavailability of the drug;
• minimum time to reach plasma concentration;
• antifungal action develops rapidly.

In general, Itraconazole is a thiazole derivative. Therefore, it has a wide spectrum of action, which is why it is used to treat many diseases, including vaginal candidiasis.

It is used according to the scheme prescribed by the doctor depending on the severity of the course of candidiasis.

When using the drug, nausea or vomiting may develop. Liver function also suffers from its intake. Additionally, sometimes there is a headache, dizziness and allergic reactions. During pregnancy and lactation, it is used only as directed by a doctor.

The following persons are not allowed to use this drug:

• Suffering from chronic heart disease.
• In the presence of hypersensitivity to drug components.

With caution in severe liver disease, kidney disease and in childhood. The cost of the drug is 300 rubles, depending on the region.

Ketoconazole

It is produced in tablets with an active substance content of 200 mg. The mechanism of action is associated with inhibition of the synthesis of ergosterol, changes in the composition of the cell membrane and, as a result, cell death. Ketoconazole has a fungiostatic and fungicidal effect. This means that when it is taken, death and inhibition of the activity of fungal cells occur.

Active against many pathogens:

• All representatives of the genus Candida.
• Pathogens of dermatomycosis, varicoloured lichen and systemic mycoses.

Additionally, the agent is active against a number of bacteria. It must be taken according to the official instructions:

• one tablet at a time;
• use once a day;
• recommended during meals.

Side effects and the list of contraindications are similar to those listed above.

Conclusion on systemic therapy

To treat vaginal candidiasis in women, it is necessary with the use of tablets. Especially with the development of a relapse, that is, a repeated case of the disease. Men, however, can only use funds from local therapy.

In general, with systemic treatment, it is necessary:

• Use barrier contraception, and if possible, refrain from sexual intercourse.
• Do not take at the time of therapy, oral contraceptives, if possible GCS and cytostatics.
• Correct the underlying cause of thrush.

In the event that the cause of development is a sexually transmitted infection, then treatment is required for this disease. That is, when treating thrush, it is important to eliminate aggravating factors that could contribute to the formation of candidiasis.

Local treatment

The development of thrush in women, as mentioned above, is due to a decrease in immunity, which leads to active colonization of the vaginal mucosa. As a result, an inflammatory process is formed, and as an outcome, the development of a characteristic clinical picture. Since the whole process is localized in the vagina, local therapy is even leading. Without the use of topical medications, the risk of relapse increases. Consider what is appropriate for treating thrush.

Econazole

The active ingredient econazole is found in topical and topical creams. There is Ekodax 1% cream on the market, which is used for the treatment of mycoses of the skin and mucous membranes. This drug is suitable for the treatment of candidiasis in men, as it has a good effect.

The agent is an imidazole derivative. Therefore, he has the following actions:

• Fungicidal. That is, it causes the death of fungi.
• Bactericidal. Helps to reduce the activity of bacteria.

It is active against the fungus of the genus Candida albicans, which usually causes thrush disease.

How to use:

The drug is suitable for the treatment of candidiasis in men, as it is quickly absorbed and causes the death of fungi.

Side effects and contraindications

• Itching and slight burning.
• Redness.
• Dryness development.

Travogen cream

The active substance is isoconazole nitrate. Also a derivative of imidazole. Sold in the form of a cream that contains 1% of the active ingredient. It should be noted that this drug is active against the most common representatives of the genus Candida.

Distinctive features:

• Acts on fungi fungistatic. That is, the medicine does not cause death, but helps to inhibit growth and activity. When used in greater concentration, it can cause a destructive effect.
• It also fights bacteria that can complicate candidiasis treatment.

The cream is applied in a thin layer to the affected areas of the skin and mucous membranes. You need to use it once a day, at night. The desired course duration is 3 weeks. The cost of the drug is 600 rubles or more.

• The medicine is active against fungi, bacteria, trichomanades and protozoa.
• Effectively combats representatives of the genus Candida, as well as gram-positive microbes.

Vaginal tablets are used to treat not only candidiasis, but also vaginitis caused by Trichomonas. The cream can be used by men for therapy.

Mode of application

It is necessary to use the tablets once a day, for 6 days. Before the procedure, you must carry out the usual hygiene procedures. In general, vaginal tablets are used as follows:

• You should lie on your back. It is advisable to do this before bedtime.
• Bend your legs at the knee joint and insert the pill deeply into the vagina.
• Further, it is recommended to lie down for half an hour in order for the medicine to work.

The cream must be applied in a thin layer to the affected areas of the mucous membrane. Use once a day for 14 days.