Vaginal fungus: fungal infection of the vaginaIt burns, itches and an increased discharge sets in: In the case of vaginal fungus, a yeast fungus in the vagina usually triggers unpleasant symptoms. Women are more susceptible to the fungal infection in certain phases of life, such as pregnancy or menopause. In addition, vaginal fungus can develop after taking certain medications such as antibiotics. Treatment usually works well with the right measures. Learn more here.
What you want to know?
What is vaginal fungus?
75 out of 100 women have vaginal thrush at least once in their lifetime. 1 Women of childbearing age are most frequently affected. 2 Background for the infection is a weakened vaginal flora. As a result, the number of lactic acid bacteria (lactobacilli) is too low. However, the microorganisms are necessary to keep the pH of the vaginal flora acidic, protecting it from the spread of pathogenic bacteria and fungi.
The lack of lactic acid bacteria thus clears the way for the spread of Yeast infections, more precisely the pathogen Candida albicans. It is also found in healthy vaginal flora, but only in small amounts. If its number increases, an infection develops and the inflammation becomes noticeable by itching or burning in the intimate area.
Causes of the fungal infection
The vaginal flora can be upset by various factors.
Causes of vaginal fungus include:
Antibiotics: Women often notice a vaginal fungus after therapy with antibiotics. The reason: these drugs attack all bacteria in the body. The beneficial lactic acid bacteria of the vagina are also significantly reduced. Fungi can multiply unchecked due to the disturbed vaginal environment.
altered hormonal balance: Pregnancy and menopause are accompanied by fluctuating hormones, especially estrogen. The change usually facilitates the growth of the fungus.
weakened immune system: Diseases that attack the body's defenses pose a risk of vaginal mycosis. This includes, for example, diabetes mellitus. External influences such as private or occupational stress have a similar effect
Stress. sexual intercourse: vaginal fungus is not a venereal disease. However, it is possible that the fungus is transmitted during sexual intercourse. This is how the yeast fungus enters the vagina from the outside.
Excessive intimate hygiene: Often the reason for a vaginal fungus is also incorrect intimate hygiene with intimate deodorants or soaps or vaginal rinses. These actions can also lead to irritation of the sensitive vaginal wall and a reduction in lactic acid bacteria.
Conversely, a lack of intimate hygiene is also possible as a cause for the proliferation of the fungus.
Symptoms: Recognizing vaginal mycosis
Vaginal fungus is noticeable through the following symptoms:
– Itching, – Burning, – Swelling, – Redness and – Increased discharge.
Especially the Discharge can give an indication of which disease is really behind the condition. In the case of vaginal fungus this whitish-creamy to friable.
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Fungus and bacterial infection at the same time
Often it does not remain alone with the fungal infection: It comes to a so-called Mixed infection of fungi with bacteria. It is difficult to tell the difference between a pure fungal infection and a mixed infection because the symptoms are confusingly similar. A gynecologist can give you the exact diagnosis. When it itches. Burns: Off to the gynecologist!
As soon as you are unsure about the actual cause behind your condition, you should consult a gynecologist. The gynecologist has a trained eye and will use short, painless tests to determine whether it is a vaginal fungus, a mixed infection or another condition such as bacterial vaginosis. A Swab is one of the most common diagnostic methods. The doctor takes some vaginal fluid and examines it for the yeast fungus.
If a fungal infection occurs repeatedly, it may be necessary for the partner to be examined as well. In this way, you can prevent the pathogens from being passed from man to woman again and again through sexual intercourse (Ping Pong Effect).
In addition, doctors recommend avoiding excessive consumption of sugar, which is a breeding ground for fungi.
Treatment: Declare war on the fungal infection
For treatment, it is first necessary to find out what is the cause behind the fungal infection. Why the body could not adequately fight the fungus? Depending on the trigger, a series of over-the-counter medication from the pharmacy more. For example, you can choose between antifungals in the form of creams, tablets or suppositories, and vaginal therapeutics in the form of sprays.
The octenisept ® vaginal therapeutic agent is always the right choice – it is effective against bacterial and fungal infections*.
For women during pregnancy, it is important to know that a vaginal infection can slightly increase the risk of complications such as miscarriage or premature birth. 3 In addition, there is a risk that the infection will be transmitted to the baby during birth – so treatment is necessary in any case.
Sometimes, in the case of a bacterial infection, therapy with antibiotics is also advisable. Your doctor will prescribe you an appropriate preparation.
This is how you can prevent vaginal fungus
Most affected women are embarrassed by the disease in the intimate area. However, you should never postpone treatment and talk to your sexual partner talk honestly about it – this is the only way to prevent infection. Better to wait with sexual intercourse until the infection has cleared up.
If vaginal fungus keeps bothering you, stay in touch with your gynecologist to Preventive measures find out together. These include
– minimizing certain medications (for example, antibiotics or the birth control pill), – strengthening the immune system, and – practicing healthy intimate hygiene.
Get tips for the latter in our guide:
These symptoms are an indication of a vaginal fungus: itching, burning, swelling, redness and a changed discharge. However, the exact diagnosis should be made by a gynecologist.
A fungal infection in the intimate area is cured with the help of various medications. Depending on the preparation, the duration may vary, usually the treatment is only one to six days. 4
itching, redness& Co. do not disappear on their own. You should therefore always consult a doctor or pharmacist for advice. Start a suitable therapy in time.