Vaginal fungus
The vaginal mycosis is one of the most common genital diseases in women. It is estimated that 75% of all women contract this fungal infection at least once in their lives. Mostly yeast fungi are the cause, but the treatment is relatively uncomplicated.
Vaginal mycosis: summary
– The vaginal fungus is particularly noticeable through a burning and itching sensation
– Vaginal discharge and swelling may also occur
– External treatment is usually given
– Systemic treatments are initiated in particularly severe cases
– Caution is advised with typical home remedies, as they can tend to negatively affect the vaginal flora
1. Explained: What is vaginal mycosis??
This is a Infection of the vagina with fungi. Exactly which fungus is present can vary depending on the infection. In many cases, Candida albicans (yeast fungus) is responsible. The same fungus is also most often responsible for the counterpart to vaginal mycosis, penile mycosis in men, for the infection.
2. What symptoms may occur? Recognize symptoms early: severe itching in particular is the defining symptom of a fungal infection. Is usually supplemented by a burning sensation only a few days later. The most common symptom is severe itching in the vagina. Around the vagina on. Not infrequently, this is carried by a burning sensation, which can also last longer and vary in intensity. Itching is considered to be the first noticeable symptom of vaginal mycosis and is therefore usually the harbinger of other symptoms that may develop in the further course of the disease. While the burning and itching sensation manifests primarily in the area around the vagina, the pubic area (vulva) may also be affected. In many cases, a worsening of the symptoms can be observed shortly before menstruation.
Odorless vaginal discharge can, but does not necessarily have to be a symptom. The vagina is subject to constant discharge, although this is normally so slight that women do not actively notice it. The fungal infection could change. Not only the amount of vaginal discharge, but also its consistency is another indicator of infection. Usually, the discharge should be rather Milky to translucent and largely odorless its. Due to the fungi, it might instead acquire a firmer consistency, be crumbly and look rather whitish and opaque. It is also conceivable that pain is caused by the fungus during sexual intercourse. If the disease has already spread and is in an advanced stage, similar pain may also occur during urination.
3. How to diagnose vaginal mycosis?
Do not wait too long: the symptoms can worsen over time, and spreading is also conceivable. Therefore, women should consult their gynecologist at the first concrete suspicion.
The diagnosis is made at the Gynecologist, who first visually examines the vagina for this. Sometimes swelling can already be seen there, which indicates a fungus. The gynecologist can also detect coatings on the mucous membrane at the entrance to the vagina, which are very easy to identify due to their gray and whitish color. A striking feature of these is that they can be removed without much effort. The skin underneath is very irritated and reddened in the case of the disease. Smaller external nodules are conceivable, but do not necessarily have to appear. Therefore, they are only consulted as a supplement in the diagnosis.
In the further course of the examination, a smear is taken. Under the microscope, it is possible to determine whether a fungal infection is present. One of these is manifested by thread-like structures. This in turn is a distinguishing feature from bacterial infection. Usually the smear, away from the initial examination at the gynecologist, is examined in a laboratory. Then the type of fungus can be determined more precisely.
4. How is vaginal fungus treated?
Fungal infections must be treated with medication. The gynecologist will prescribe the necessary medication for this purpose, which must be carefully taken or applied according to his recommendation and the instructions for use. The drugs for this are called "antifungals". Are available over the counter in many cases. Nevertheless, this does not replace a visit to the doctor. Such drugs use imidazole active ingredients, which are called, for example, as follows:
Often they are sold as a combination pack. These consist on the one hand of an externally applied cream and so-called "vaginal tablets" respectively suppositories, which are introduced internally. An alternative to this are creams with an elongated applicator that is inserted deep into the vagina to distribute the active ingredients there. The use of the drug depends on the active ingredient. Usually used either as cures (over three or six days) or as a one-time treatment. An application must be carried out exactly according to the manufacturer's instructions.
An internal, systemic treatment is carried out only in severe cases or if the previous antimycotics showed no success. Also with constantly flaring up new fungal infections Systemic treatment is the treatment of choice. Antimycotics are then still administered, but this time internally in the form of tablets. They are not available without a prescription. Are therefore prescribed by the gynecologist. These drugs use active ingredients such as fluconazole. Belong to the group of triazoles.
5. Causes of vaginal mycosis
Contrary to what is often amed, poor hygiene is only in extremely rare cases the cause of a fungal infection. The causes are far more diverse.
Like all areas of our body, the vagina is also consistently attacked by bacteria and a few fungi. Since the lactic acid bacteria that exist there ensure a low acidic pH, the spread of fungi is impossible with a healthy vaginal flora. On the other hand, the spreading can take place as soon as the flora consists of bacteria not an ideal composition has more. This can occur, for example, if there is excessive hygiene in the intimate area, as too many benign bacteria are then destroyed, which brings the vaginal flora as a whole out of balance.
Other typical causes
– Hormonal changes, especially due to excessive production of estrogen
– Pregnancy or discontinuation of the contraceptive pill as a reason for hormone changes and associated changes in the vaginal flora
– Metabolic disorders can have a negative effect on the flora, as can diseases such as diabetes
– A chronically weakened immune system, for example in the case of an AIDS infection, favors the unhealthy multiplication of fungi
– Taking immunosuppressants for the same reason
"Wrong" Clothing can also indirectly be a cause. Due to synthetic, low-quality substances, the vagina can no longer breathe freely, consequently excessive moisture accumulates. Coupled with the warm temperatures, ideal conditions are created in which fungi can multiply freely.
Attention: Fungi are transmissible during unprotected sexual intercourse! Accordingly, a conceivable cause is also that the infection took place via a penile fungus. Whether the infection actually spreads after contact with such a male fungal infection depends just as much on the causes explained above, such as, among other things, the activity of the immune system.
Natural feminine hygiene with water – for a well-groomed body feeling.
Whether in monthly hygiene or after going to the toilet: a small shower for the intimate area always ensures a safe feeling of cleanliness. It may also be worthwhile to rediscover the toilet routine for prevention and relief. Instead of investing in a bidet or shower toilet, you can buy a handy easy bidet these days. The advantage: it is not only affordable, but also offers convenient cleansing both at home and on the go.