How and with what should thrush in women be treated? A positive effect can be achieved with the help of complex therapy, which may include: Why does thrush appear during pregnancy?

Most women do not consider thrush a serious problem. Thanks to modern advertising, every woman knows which drug and how to cure thrush. At the first symptoms, we rush to the pharmacy and purchase a miracle remedy that allows us to cope with the disease in one day. But after some time the problem returns, and the drug does not help. Why is this happening?

Thrush or vaginal candidiasis is an infectious disease caused by the pathogenic fungus Candida. First of all, it is necessary to treat not the symptoms of thrush, but its cause. Otherwise, the disease will gradually turn from an acute form into a chronic one. Local medications, widely offered in pharmacies and promising to get rid of the problem within a day, are aimed specifically at the symptoms of the disease, which is why candidiasis returns again.

It is important to treat thrush from the first symptoms in order to stop the infection in time and prevent the transition of the acute form of the disease to chronic. Thrush is not a sexually transmitted infection, but can be transmitted sexually.

Symptoms of thrush in women are:

• curdled white vaginal discharge;
• itching and burning of the genitals;
• painful urination;
• discomfort during sexual intercourse.

In men, candidiasis is rare; its signs are:

• itching and burning, white coating in the genital area;
• hyperemia of the foreskin;
• painful urination;
• pain during sexual intercourse.

At the onset of the disease, both women and men complain of itching and white, curd-like discharge from the genitals. The severity of these symptoms directly depends on the severity of the disease, but usually thrush follows a typical scenario for everyone. First, hyperemia and swelling of the external genital organs appear, then they are accompanied by itching and burning. The mucous membrane becomes inflamed, and copious discharge appears.

Treatment of thrush

Many women are in no hurry to see a doctor because of thrush, making attempts to cure the disease on their own. At the initial stage of the disease, self-medication is acceptable, but it is better to consult a doctor and conduct a microbiological study of the pathogenic flora and determine the cause of candidiasis.

Treatment includes a number of successive stages:

1. Detection of a focus of fungal infection.
2. Prescription of antifungal drugs.
3. Identification and treatment of the root cause of the disease.
4. Normalization of immune defense.
5. In women, stabilization of the vaginal microflora is carried out.
6. In men, local treatment with antifungal creams is mandatory.

Treatment must be individual; the doctor prescribes medications based on the stage of the disease and the characteristics of the fungus. In mild cases, local remedies can be used; in more serious cases, a therapeutic course is carried out with systemic drugs.

To treat thrush, antifungal drugs are prescribed in the form of tablets, capsules, vaginal suppositories and cream. The main active ingredients of these drugs are fluconazole and intarcazole. In 90% of cases, antifungal drugs have a positive effect, especially with the simultaneous use of oral and vaginal drugs.

Recurrent thrush requires a systematic one-time dose of antifungal drugs after a strictly defined period (usually every month) for 6-12 months.

A mild form of the disease can be treated with local remedies - vaginal suppositories and creams based on miconazole, clotrimazole, tioconazole and butoconazole. Over the course of several days, the drugs are inserted into the vagina. If a cream is used, it can also be applied to the external genitalia, since they too can be affected by the causative agent of the disease.

As a rule, the symptoms of thrush with adequate treatment disappear quickly - even before the end of the full course of treatment. But it should not be completed ahead of time in order to avoid relapse of the disease due to an untreated infection.

How to cure thrush using traditional medicine methods?

Traditional medicine recipes are successfully used to treat vaginal candidiasis. But experts are confident that folk remedies can only relieve the symptoms of the disease, but not cope with its root cause. Therefore, it is recommended to use folk recipes in conjunction with medications, and not instead of them.

Treatment of thrush with soda

Soda is an excellent remedy that has an antiseptic effect. A solution of baking soda is used for douching. To prepare it, you need to boil a liter of water and add a teaspoon of soda to it.

Together with the soda solution, it is advisable to prepare a decoction of calendula or yarrow: a teaspoon of herb per glass of water, bring to a boil and let cool.

First, douching is carried out with a soda solution, then with a herbal decoction. To completely eliminate itching and discomfort in the genital area, douching procedures should be repeated for 3 days, and to consolidate the results - for one week.

During the treatment period, it is important to avoid sexual intercourse with a partner. It is allowed to use soda solution in pregnant women, since it is completely harmless and does not affect the fetus, unlike medications.

Treatment of thrush with garlic

Garlic, as an antiviral and antifungal agent, can cure thrush, successfully eliminate its symptoms and prevent fermentation processes in the body.

Garlic water is used to treat candidiasis; with its help, you can cope with the disease in 3 days. To prepare it, you should take two peeled cloves of garlic, chop them using a grater or a press and pour the resulting pulp with a liter of warm boiled water. Douching with garlic water is done 2 times a day - morning and evening, until complete recovery.

Instead of douching, you can moisten a cotton-gauze swab with freshly squeezed garlic juice and insert it into the vagina overnight. In the morning, the used tampon is removed, and the procedure is repeated in the evening.

Treatment of thrush in women is carried out within 10 days. A tampon soaked in garlic juice may cause local irritation and burning, but there is no need to worry, the product reliably fights fungal infection.

This method can also be used during pregnancy, when it is undesirable to use medications.

Treatment of thrush with herbs

Mix yarrow, juniper and sage in equal proportions. Pour a teaspoon of herbal mixture into a glass of boiling water and leave for 15 minutes. The finished infusion is taken orally in half a glass before meals, and is also used for douching several times a day.

Chamomile is an excellent plant that boosts immunity and fights candidiasis. Chamomile inflorescences contain saponin, a substance that has a beneficial effect on the immune system.

Pour a pack of pharmaceutical chamomile into a thermos and pour 2 liters of boiling water, leave for 6 hours. Fill the bath with warm water and pour the strained chamomile infusion into it. You should take such a bath for at least 45 minutes; if the water cools quickly, you can add hot water. For acute symptoms of candidiasis, it is enough to take a bath 2 times a week.

For preventive purposes, you can take a chamomile bath once a week. The method is harmless and effective.

Do men need treatment for thrush?

According to experts, thrush should be treated not only by women, but also by men, that is, both sexual partners. In men, this disease is called candidal balanoposthitis, which has its own symptoms and complications.

How to treat thrush in men - your doctor will tell you; self-medication is unacceptable . Otherwise, the risk of exacerbation of the infection increases, which can threaten the reproductive health of a man.

Incorrect or untimely treatment causes complications such as blisters and erosions on the male genital organ, infection in the scrotum and groin area.

The consequences of such complications are: prostatitis, urethritis, impotence, infertility. Therefore, it is necessary to treat thrush in men simultaneously with treatment of the sexual partner.

The following systematic approach is usually used in the treatment of men:

• use of antifungal medications;
• increasing the body's immune defense;
• local treatment with antifungal creams.

Prevention of disease relapse

Prevention of thrush is not aimed at destroying the fungal infection, but at preventing it and eliminating the risk of exacerbation of candidiasis. The Candida fungus is found in the normal human microflora; it provokes a surge in thrush when the body's immune defense is reduced.

Exacerbation of candidiasis can be caused by: hypothermia, lack of personal hygiene, swimming in a polluted body of water. To prevent the development of thrush, you must adhere to a number of rules.

1. Personal hygiene. Regular showering, changing underwear daily, frequently changing tampons and sanitary pads, and washing hands before using the toilet in men all prevent the development of yeast infections.
2. Sexual hygiene. Unprotected sexual intercourse with thrush leads to infection of the sexual partner. Promiscuous sex life without the use of barrier contraception significantly increases the risk of the disease. You should think about your health in advance.
3. Preventive medical examinations. Most women do not like to visit the gynecologist's office unless absolutely necessary. And that's wrong. Even in the absence of any complaints, you should make an appointment with a women’s doctor at least once every six months. Preventive examinations make it possible to detect problems in advance and begin treatment in a timely manner.
4. Selection of underwear. The fungus loves a warm and humid environment, where it begins to actively reproduce. To avoid this, you should avoid synthetic underwear and panties such as thongs or thongs. When relaxing by a pond, do not stay in a wet swimsuit after swimming, try to immediately change into dry underwear.
5. Proper nutrition. Food products affect the vaginal microflora. Floury and sweet, spicy and hot dishes increase acidity, which leads to the development of candidiasis. It is necessary to eat more fruits and vegetables, dairy products. Limiting alcohol and nicotine is also a prevention of infection, since they negatively affect the immune system and the internal environment of the whole body.
6. Boosting immunity. To improve the body's resistance, it is better not to resort to synthetic immunomodulators without a doctor's advice, since these drugs should be used in courses; they can be successfully replaced with natural foods. Pomegranate juice, seafood and other healthy foods have a positive effect on the immune system and do not require medical indications.

It is worth noting that self-medication of thrush can cause more problems than benefits. Any drugs have an effect on the body as a whole and affect its functioning not only for the better. Therefore, it is important to strictly follow the doctor’s recommendations and not engage in amateur activities.

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28.03.2018

How to treat thrush in women is a question that worries those who regularly experience cheesy discharge from the genital tract and accompanying symptoms in the form of itching, burning and inflammation. Candidiasis is a rather unpleasant disease, which often lies dormant in a woman’s body, but when immunity decreases for one reason or another, it begins to become active. Fungi multiply literally exponentially, inflammatory processes intensify, and the woman’s quality of life decreases. In addition, it is important to remember that against the background of thrush, the female body is quite vulnerable to other infections that can become a complication.

Remedies for thrush in women today are quite varied and varied. At the same time, their main advantage is that they are offered in pharmacies without a prescription, which means that buying the necessary drug and undergoing a full course of treatment will not be any problem.

Basic principles of therapy

What helps with thrush in women - this question is extremely relevant when everything underneath is literally baking and itching. Doctors note that the following points are among the basic principles of therapy:

Determining factors aggravating the situation and eliminating them (for example, a woman has a bad habit - smoking, it must be eliminated so that the body does not lose immunity; or a woman neglects the rules of personal hygiene - in such a situation it is necessary to reconsider the approach to daily intimate hygiene procedures)

1. Excluding the presence of infections, as well as exacerbations of papilloma or herpes;
2. Conducting laboratory tests confirming the disease (and this despite the rather characteristic symptoms of the pathology);
3. Choosing a suitable drug, or even a complex of drugs;
4. Restoration of vaginal microflora.

It is important to remember: although candidiasis is considered a disease that is not sexually transmitted, it can still be detected in a woman’s partner. Moreover, it is often asymptomatic. This means that in order to prevent thrush from occurring in a couple, it is necessary to examine and treat both partners at once. Doctors often approve of such a remedy for thrush in women as traditional therapy. As a rule, non-traditional healing methods are often prescribed in conjunction with official medicine.

What drugs are usually prescribed

When answering the question of how to treat vaginal candidiasis in women, doctors often note that the range of drugs is quite wide. Thus, drugs are divided into local and systemic. However, effective products include active ingredients of 2 main groups:

• Azole derivatives: substances that slow down the growth of fungi, but at the same time have a low effect on their complete destruction. These include fluconazole, clotrimazole, fenticonazole, etc. Their main task is to make fungal cells more permeable so that they can be destroyed from the inside.
• Polyene antibiotics: these are agents that penetrate the cell of a pathological microorganism and disrupt compounds important for its life, leading to the destruction of the cell. These substances include levorin, nystatin, natamycin.

If you look at the form of release of drugs, then most often systemic drugs are produced in the form of tablets and capsules for oral administration. It is important to understand that such drugs have an effect on the entire body as a whole, including the source of inflammation. Such dosage forms are often called the best remedy for thrush in women who know firsthand about the chronic course of the pathology.

Local options often complement systemic ones. They are usually offered in the form of:

1. Candles;
2. Kremov;
3. Mazey.

But it happens that such options are also found in tablets. They are usually recommended for a mild course of the disease (in this case, their independent use is allowed) or for a complicated chronic course of the problem (here they are used in combination).

Principles of treatment

If we are talking about the acute phase of candidiasis, then remedies against thrush in women are mainly used locally. As a rule, 1-2 suppositories or several days of tamponing are enough for the disease to recede. However, it is important to understand that if any allergic manifestations begin during therapy, you must immediately consult a doctor so as not to worsen the situation.

After completing the course of treatment, which is usually prescribed by a doctor, a couple of weeks later it is worth taking a smear for the presence of pathogens. This will allow you to evaluate the success of the treatment. It is worth remembering that often the fungus simply goes into a dormant state, and then, under favorable conditions, recurs.

Therapy for chronic form

If we are talking about choosing an effective remedy for thrush for women suffering from chronic forms of pathology, then the range will be significantly wider.

Candidiasis is considered chronic, which manifests itself at least 4 times a year. It follows more complex patterns than the acute form. In this case, you will have to take an integrated approach. Doctors prescribe for therapy in this situation:

• Antifungal drugs - these can be both systemic and local options;
• Probiotics are agents that are responsible for normalizing the microflora of the female genital tract;
• Inflammation relievers;
• Vitamins and minerals responsible for strengthening the body as a whole.

Chronic therapy lasts a long time. The acute form is usually eliminated within a week, while chronic candidiasis is eliminated within several months. At the end of the course of treatment, you will have to regularly carry out maintenance courses for the purpose of prevention - in this case, doctors recommend using vaginal suppositories with an antimycotic effect once a week, and using tablets once a month.

How to treat candidiasis in women and what remedies for candidiasis in women are questions that interest many. Experts have compiled their own guide to what is best to use and in what situations.

System Tools

These drugs include tablets and capsules, often with fluconazole, in different dosages - standard: 50, 100 and 150 mg. On the shelves of pharmacies you can find drugs that meet these conditions, such as:

1. Diflazon, etc.

In the acute phase of the disease, to eliminate all unpleasant symptoms, one of these drugs is usually prescribed at a dosage of 150 mg per dose. A single use is quite enough to cope with an unadvanced form of pathology. The active substance can remain in the blood for a long time and have a therapeutic effect.

• Irunin;
• Itrazole;
• Rumicosis.

In addition, you can use drugs containing ketoconazole:

1. Mycozoral;
2. Oronazole, etc.

Mycozoral

Products based on nystatin and natamycin are also in demand - Pimafucin is a popular drug with them.

Despite the fact that such drugs show a high effect and cope with acute manifestations of candidiasis at a high level, they have several large and tangible disadvantages. For example, they cannot be used in pregnant and lactating women. You also need to take into account a whole list of side effects, which is why they may not be suitable for everyone. So, such drugs can lead to:

• For digestive disorders: nausea, diarrhea, and manifestations of flatulence are not uncommon when taking them;
• Causes serious liver and kidney toxicity;
• To the appearance of headaches and the development of dizziness;
• To allergic reactions.

Convulsions were also observed while taking them.

Often, when they talk about the most effective remedy for thrush in women, they mean suppositories or vaginal tablets. Such drugs are inserted into the vagina while lying down. The frequency of use depends on the instructions or recommendations of the doctor - usually 1-2 times a day.

To enhance the effect, it is often recommended to use ointments or creams on the external genitalia. Douching with antiseptics can also be used additionally.

The undoubted advantages of using local drugs are their safety (such drugs have few side effects), as well as a targeted and targeted effect on the source of inflammation.

There are, of course, certain disadvantages - for example, it is inconvenient to use, some contamination (the laundry can get dirty), etc.

Local remedies can be based on:

1. Clotrimazole: tablets and suppositories Clotrimazole, Canesten, Candibene, Antifungol, etc.;
2. Nystatin: suppositories and ointment Nystatin, Terzhinan, Polygynax;
3. Miconazole: suppositories and ointment Klion-D, Neo-Penotran, Metromicon-Neo;
4. Ketoconazole: suppositories.

Clotrimazole is often called the best remedy for thrush in women. After all, it penetrates tissue quite quickly and easily. This product shows good results in the fight against various fungi. Depending on the situation and symptoms, it can be used 2 tablets at a dosage of 100 mg for 3 days or 1 tablet for 6 days. But it is worth remembering that this remedy is not recommended for use in women in the first trimester of pregnancy, during menstruation, or in case of individual intolerance to the components of the drug.

Nystatin is also not recommended for pregnant women and for the development of individual manifestations of intolerance to the components of the drug. But at the same time, the strength of this treatment option is the fact that the fungus does not acquire resistance to it. Therapy with this option lasts at least 7 days.

Miconazole 100 mg is used once daily. The course is a little more than 2 weeks.

Ketoconazole is used in a dosage of 400 mg, 1 suppository for 3-5 days. It is recommended to use such drugs at night. Moreover, this option is in demand for both acute and chronic forms of thrush.

What rules must be followed during treatment?

When choosing the best remedy for thrush for women, doctors recommend not to forget about fairly simple rules that will make the therapy more effective. So, in order for the mushrooms to die faster, you will have to adhere to a certain diet. During therapy, it is recommended to exclude from the diet:

• A variety of sweets, including sweet fruits;
• White bread and sweet products;
• Products containing yeast;
• Spices, spices and spicy dishes.

To increase the microflora of the genital tract, it is worth adding fermented milk products without sugar and without fillers - ideally these should be kefir and yoghurt with a short shelf life, i.e. those called farmers.

You should definitely follow the rules of hygiene - change your underwear every day, choose cotton swimming trunks, excluding synthetics and thongs. If panty liners are used, they should be unscented. The same rules apply to intimate hygiene products. In this case, the woman will be protected from allergies.

During treatment, you should use sexual rest - this will prevent the transmission of fungi to your partner and reduce the likelihood of additional infection with various infections.

Traditional therapy

When asked how to treat thrush in women, doctors often answer - including traditional medicine. In consultation with your doctor, you can use washing or douching with herbal decoctions. An excellent solution would be baths with chamomile, string, and calendula. These plants are famous for their anti-inflammatory effect.

To reduce itching, it is often recommended to use douches with soda. To prepare the solution, you need to dilute a teaspoon of soda in half a liter of warm water (take boiled water). Repeat washing and douching 2 times a day.

It is also recommended to use tampons with sea ​​buckthorn oil. This folk remedy is famous for its antiseptic and healing properties. It is necessary to twist a tampon from several layers of gauze, dip it in pharmaceutical sea buckthorn oil, and then insert the resulting tampon into the vagina and leave it overnight. It is worth remembering that sea buckthorn oil is very easily soiled.

It is often recommended to use honey as a remedy for thrush in women. It must be diluted with water in a ratio of 1 to 10. But this is only if there is no allergy to this product. The resulting liquid should be treated with the affected areas of the mucous membrane several times a day.

When washing with thrush, it is often recommended to use baby or laundry soap. Such options are highly active in reducing the proliferation of microorganisms. Traditional medicine is an effective remedy for thrush in women. But only if it is used correctly, with the permission of a doctor and in addition to official medicine, and not instead of it. It is believed that after the symptoms disappear, therapy should be continued for a couple of days.

Any effective remedy for thrush in women will be a real means of salvation for a lady. After all, thrush, despite the fact that it is not an extremely dangerous or contagious disease, is still a very disturbing pathology. Therefore, it should not be started, but it is better to choose treatment in time and correctly.

Often severe thrush occurs due to the use of antibiotics or decreased immunity. In this case, patients feel pain during bowel movements and sexual intercourse, itching in the genitals and note the presence of discharge similar to cottage cheese. With such symptoms, it is important not to delay visiting a doctor, since severe manifestations of thrush require careful treatment.

Causes

Sometimes thrush appears for no apparent reason, but the following factors often provoke it:

Symptoms of severe thrush

With the development of severe thrush, patients experience the following symptoms:

• itching and burning of the genitals;
• discharge;
• pain during bowel movements;
• pain during sexual intercourse;
• swelling of the external genitalia.

Some patients experience all symptoms at once, while others experience partial symptoms. Despite this, when similar symptoms first appear, it is important to immediately consult a gynecologist. Self-medication and diagnosis are prohibited. Not only thrush, but also other diseases that are sexually transmitted have similar symptoms.

How dangerous is the disease?

If the disease is not treated, unpleasant complications may occur. Sometimes cervical candidiasis or cystitis and urethritis occur. The most serious danger is thrush, which is complicated by sexually transmitted infections. In such situations, inflammatory processes in the genital organs may begin, which often cause infertility.

At the initial stages of development, thrush does not pose a threat to the lives of patients, but it brings a number of inconveniences and interferes with sexual life. If after treatment of the disease it occurs again after a certain time, this indicates a weakened immune system or a hormonal imbalance. In such situations, it is important not only to carry out treatment aimed at eliminating thrush, but also to find the cause that provokes a violation of the immune system. If you ignore this, thrush will continue to appear.

Diagnosis of the disease

First of all, the doctor interviews the patient, finding out how long ago the disease appeared, what could have provoked it, whether there is discharge, whether there is an unpleasant odor, whether pain is bothersome. This is followed by an examination and taking a smear from the vaginal mucous tissue. During the examination of the smear, the absence or presence of a fungus that causes thrush is revealed. However, this method is not considered effective because it does not provide information about the type of fungus. To find out this data, you need to do a bacterial culture on a nutrient medium.

If thrush is chronic, a comprehensive examination will also be required. Such measures are due to the fact that often the development of the disease is the first symptom of diabetes mellitus. Therefore, it is important for the patient to donate blood, the analysis of which will show the amount of glucose in the blood. In addition, it is recommended to do an ultrasound examination of the peritoneum, a test for intestinal dysbiosis and a stool test.

How to treat thrush?

Before you begin to treat the disease, it is important to identify the cause that triggered it. For example, if this is due to the use of antibiotics, you need to consult with your doctor about the possibility of stopping their use. If the development factor is reduced immunity, it is important to undergo a course of therapy aimed at improving the immune system. Only after this the thrush is treated directly. Often, topical medications are used for therapy - suppositories, or creams and ointments. However, each of these drugs has disadvantages:

1. Inconvenient to use. These medications need to be used hourly, and since they are used vaginally, this is not always convenient.
2. Irritation occurs. Sometimes, when using medications for local effects, allergies and irritation of the genital mucosa occur.
3. Action. Medicines have only a local effect, and do not help against fungi that are in the intestines. Because of this, thrush often reappears.

Based on this, complex treatment of thrush is currently used in medical practice. In addition to local medications, antifungal medications are used that are taken orally. The effect of them is achieved quickly enough and patients feel their effect after the first use.

Despite the development of modern medicine and the pharmaceutical industry, the issue of treating thrush in women remains relevant. Advertising in the media definitely “taught” everyone how and how many diseases can be treated, including candidiasis.

This common knowledge has played a cruel joke on patients dealing with thrush - uncontrolled use of antifungal drugs (tablets, suppositories, ointments) leads to the development of pathogen resistance to them, which means that each subsequent episode requires the selection of others.

Candidiasis is an infectious disease in which fungi of the genus Candida affect the mucous membrane of the genital organs. The prevalence of candidiasis is high; for reasons of seeking help from a gynecologist, thrush is in second place after bakvaginosis.

The direct cause of the development of the disease is, of course, the presence of a fungus of the genus Candida on the mucous membrane of the vulva and vagina. However, if the body is healthy, the defenses are able to maintain the balance of microflora, and infection does not appear. A number of factors contribute to the occurrence of thrush:

Exogenous, i.e. factors affecting the body from outside:

• taking antibacterial drugs, it should be noted that the occurrence of thrush does not depend on the duration of the course or on the form used by patients. Undoubtedly, the longer the course of treatment, the more women are at risk of developing thrush, but there is a category in which even one tablet is enough to activate the growth of fungi and the appearance of symptoms of infection. Of the local forms, the occurrence of thrush is provoked by suppositories containing iodine, metronidazole and clindamycin.
• microtraumas and other damage to the vaginal mucosa. Injury occurs when using aggressive detergents, spermicides, when inserting tampons, during sexual intercourse, etc.
• Long-term use of hormonal drugs and cytostatics leads to a decrease in immunity, both systemic and local.
• widespread use of oral contraceptives for therapeutic and contraceptive purposes, especially with a high content of the estrogen component.
• the emergence of resistance of fungi of the genus Candida to antifungal drugs due to the uncontrolled use of these drugs for symptoms similar to thrush, without laboratory confirmation of the diagnosis.
• The ability of candida to change its biochemical properties depending on environmental conditions has been proven.

Endogenous causes, i.e. those that affect a woman from the inside:

• diseases of the endocrine organs, especially diabetes. Problems with the thyroid gland and ovarian dysfunction also aggravate the condition.
• pregnancy and postpartum period.
• chronic deficiency of vitamins and microelements - iron deficiency anemia, deficiency of B vitamins, vitamin C.
• severe chronic diseases that weaken the defenses - hypertension, bronchial asthma, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (liver, gall bladder, dysbacteriosis, colitis).

The main goal of treatment is to remove the pathogen from the body.

The combination of clinical manifestations and laboratory confirmation of the diagnosis indicates that, first of all, etiotropic treatment should be prescribed and only then can immunity be corrected and the vaginal microflora restored.

When prescribing treatment, there is no point in trying to cover all parts of the process at once; this leads to polypharmacy and an unnecessary increase in the cost of treatment regimens for candidiasis.

Sometimes, when treating inflammatory processes with antibiotics, specialists use it to prevent the development of candidiasis.

The drug has a fairly pronounced antifungal effect, but it should be remembered that it is not absorbed from the intestine, and therefore cannot suppress the growth of fungus anywhere except in the intestinal lumen.

For uncomplicated candidiasis, imidazole derivatives are widely used for intravaginal administration.

In pharmacies they are presented in vaginal forms based on clotrimazole, miconazole, econazole, butoconazole, and sertoconazole. The duration of treatment can be from 1 to 7 days.

If there is severe itching of the vulva, in addition to suppositories, ointment forms are used - an antifungal cream based on the same derivatives.

There are studies that prove that the effectiveness of antifungal therapy with imidazole derivatives does not depend on the duration of administration, but on the total dose received.

The drug nystatin, known for its antifungal properties, is not suitable for the treatment of uncomplicated candidiasis. A proven therapeutic effect is achieved only by using suppositories for 14 days.

With the help of this drug it is possible with strict adherence to the treatment regimen.

For women who do not want to use vaginal forms of antifungal drugs, there are oral forms of triazoles - fluconazole, itraconazole. They are convenient due to their multiplicity of doses.

If short-term treatment regimens are ineffective, treatment tactics are revised and longer treatment regimens are selected, often in combination with drugs from other groups.

How is thrush treated in women or a review of drugs for thrush?

Drugs for the treatment of thrush (antifungal) are divided into several groups: for systemic use (tablets, capsules), for external use (ointment, cream), for topical use (creams with an applicator for vaginal administration, vaginal tablets). A separate group includes antifungal antibiotics - nystatin, amphotericin B.

- a representative of antifungal drugs of the triazole group. It inhibits the synthesis of certain components in fungal cells (sterols) and blocks its reproduction.

In the pharmacy you can find several drugs that contain fluconazole - Mikosist, Fluconazole (the name depends on the manufacturer). Indications for the use of fluconazole: candidiasis of the mucous membranes of the oral cavity, pharynx, esophagus, genital tract, skin candidiasis.

For uncomplicated candidiasis, fluconazole is prescribed once in a dosage of 150 mg. For a recurrent form of infection - 150 mg 2-3 times with an interval of seven days. To reduce the frequency of relapses, 150 mg is used on the first day of the menstrual cycle for 6-12 months.

Fluconazole is contraindicated during lactation. During pregnancy, the drug is used with caution if this is the only way to cope with the infection. Fluconazole is also prescribed with caution to patients with severe liver and kidney diseases.

- a synthetic antifungal agent, a derivative of triazoles.

Prescribed for fungal infections of any location - skin, nails, mucous membranes, and systemic lesions.

Treatment regimens are selected individually, depending on the severity of the manifestation. For uncomplicated vulvovaginal candidiasis, a dose of 200 mg 2 times a day for one day or 200 mg 1 time a day for three days is prescribed.

For lesions of the oral mucosa, itraconazole is prescribed in a dosage of 100 mg once a day for 15 days. For recurrent candidiasis, it is recommended after the main course to take itraconazole at a dose of 200 mg per day on the first day of the menstrual cycle for 6-12 cycles.

Itraconazole is contraindicated during pregnancy and lactation, and for children under three years of age. Use with caution in patients with heart and liver disease.

Pimafucin- natamycin. Available in the form of tablets, creams, suppositories. Prescribed for skin and mucous membranes affected by fungi of the genus Candida.

Suppositories are prescribed in a dosage of one per day for 6 days. The cream is applied 2-3 times a day to the affected areas of the skin and mucous membranes.

Approved for use during pregnancy and lactation.

Ginofort- butoconazole, an antifungal drug, an imidazole derivative. Active against opportunistic flora, incl. and fungi of the genus Candida.

The drug is prescribed once intravaginally. Thanks to its base, it is fixed on the mucous membrane for a long time, the effect lasts up to 7 days.

Butoconazole is contraindicated for use in pregnant and lactating women, as well as in case of individual intolerance to the components.

An antifungal drug, a derivative of imidazole and benzothiophene. Stops the growth and reproduction of the fungus by inhibiting the synthesis of ergosterol - the permeability of the cell wall increases and the dissolution of the fungal cell occurs. Prescribed only for the treatment of vulvovaginal candidiasis.

It is used once, re-appointment is possible after seven days if the symptoms of thrush persist.

During pregnancy and lactation, the use of sertaconazole is permissible if the expected benefit for the mother is greater than the possible risk for the fetus and child. Given the single dose, minimal absorption and lack of systemic action, the instructions indicate pregnancy and lactation are not a contraindication.

How to treat thrush in women? In case of chronic recurrent candidiasis, it is recommended to determine the type of pathogen and its sensitivity to antimycotic drugs before starting treatment.

Timely identification and elimination of provoking factors will increase the effectiveness of treatment and reduce the risk of relapse.

Gynofort is applied locally twice at weekly intervals or other local drugs are applied for two weeks. Fluconazole is prescribed in three doses of 150 mg with an interval of seven days.

To prevent relapses, prophylactic fluconazole is prescribed on the first day of the menstrual cycle for six months, in severe forms - up to a year.

In severe cases of the disease, fluconazole is prescribed daily for a month at a dose of 50 mg in combination with local forms for a month.

Folk remedies for thrush in women

Thrush in women is treated with folk remedies only in combination with traditional medications.

Only folk recipes are often powerless in treating, especially chronic thrush.

The most common are douching and washing with soda and herbal decoctions. The question is quite extensive and deserves a separate article; now we will only highlight the main points.

To prepare a soda solution, you need to take 1 tablespoon of soda per 1 liter of water. The solution can be douched twice a day for at least 10 days or washed before inserting vaginal suppositories.

Another method of treatment with folk remedies is decoctions and infusions of herbs. The list of herbs is large - chamomile, bast bark, calendula, nettle, etc. They are prepared at the rate of 2 tablespoons of dry raw materials per 1 liter of water. They are used like soda - twice a day for 10-14 days.

Prevention

Since Candida lives on the skin and mucous membranes of most people, and taking antifungal drugs prophylactically for everyone is pointless, other methods of prevention are needed.

All that is necessary is to maintain the internal balance of the body, preventing the proliferation of opportunistic flora. The main preventive measures include:

Another important point in the prevention of candidiasis is taking antibacterial drugs only as indicated, taking into account the pathogen and following treatment regimens.

When starting to treat candidiasis, you should remember that the approach must be comprehensive. Only traditional methods of treatment cannot guarantee a complete cure, just like self-medication with traditional drugs. Only properly treated thrush will not return, or will not return soon!

Thrush (or vaginal candidiasis) is a common female disease that every representative of the fair sex has encountered at least once in her life. The disease is caused by an overgrowth of a yeast called Candida albicans, which is found naturally in all people's bodies. Excessive growth of fungus in the vagina provokes the appearance of severe thrush.

According to studies, about 75% of women suffered from a fungal infection. And in half of them, severe thrush recurred more than once.

Risk factors

Thrush, also known as vaginal candidiasis, - This is an inflammation of the vaginal tissue. The vaginal environment can change due to several factors that increase the risk of infection:

• Infection often occurs after treatment with oral antibiotics. They kill protective bacteria, thereby allowing the fungus to survive and reproduce.
• Fluctuations in hormonal levels can occur during menopause or menstrual periods.
• In some cases, women experience severe thrush after ovulation. This occurs due to a surge in the hormone progesterone, which rises after ovulation. It is necessary for the development and attachment of the fertilized egg to the uterus. In the absence of pregnancy, with the onset of menstruation, hormonal levels return to normal.
• Taking oral contraceptives can also change the vaginal microflora and lead to the spread of a fungal infection.
• Diseases that suppress the immune system, such as HIV or AIDS, may also be risk factors.

Causes

Why does severe thrush occur in women? There are a number of provoking factors that cause this disease:

Regardless of the causes of severe thrush, you must visit your doctor for diagnosis and treatment.

Symptoms

The most common and first symptom of a fungal infection is a change in the nature of the discharge. They turn white and the consistency changes to cheesy. There is usually no smell as such. Due to strong discharge, thrush causes itching, burning, irritation and redness of the genitals. In addition, a woman may experience discomfort or pain during urination, as well as during and after sexual intercourse.

The symptoms of severe thrush are similar to those of other diseases. These include sexually transmitted infections and diseases, such as chlamydia, gonorrhea or trichomoniasis.

Thrush is not believed to be contagious. But sometimes the infection can be transmitted to a partner through sexual intercourse. If your partner develops symptoms, you should contact your doctor to decide on the most effective treatment.

Diagnostics

The effectiveness of treatment lies in the correct diagnosis, as well as the exclusion of infections and diseases with similar symptoms.

Diagnosis of severe thrush is as follows:

• examination by a gynecologist using special mirrors,
• taking a smear
• urine and blood tests,
• consultation with other specialists if necessary.

Treatment methods

What to do if you have severe thrush? Vaginal suppositories, creams, or tablets are usually used to treat a yeast infection. Also, in addition to medications, it is recommended to maintain a low-calorie diet and maintain personal hygiene.

There are many medications available to treat severe thrush. All of them are divided into groups depending on the active substance in the composition. The main ones include:

1. Polyenes. Medicines of this group are of natural origin. They can be used to prevent yeast infections. An example of drugs in this group is Nystatin.
2. Triazoles. By suppressing the reproduction and spread of fungal infection, the drugs are suitable for the treatment of chronic thrush. Antifungal drugs are often prescribed by doctors. These include Diflucan and Flucostat.
3. Imidazoles. The components of drugs in this group penetrate into the deep layers of tissue and have a disinfecting effect. Such drugs, for example Clotrimazole, are used in the treatment of frequently recurrent forms of thrush.
4. Macrolides. Broad-spectrum drugs. Low toxicity, which makes it possible to take them in childhood, as well as during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Such a drug is Pimafucin.

"Flucostat"

The most famous and quite effective anti-thrush tablets for women are Flucostat. The main active ingredient of the antifungal agent is fluconazole. The drug is available in capsule form and is taken orally. For very severe thrush, treatment takes a couple of days; for mild, non-acute forms, 2 capsules are sufficient. The cost varies from 250 to 600 rubles depending on the dosage.

The advantages of using Flucostat include:

• treatment on any day of the cycle;
• taken during or after meals;
• compatibility with other medications, such as birth control pills;
• short course of treatment.

"Diflucan"

Another type of effective tablets for thrush for women is Diflucan. Ease of use lies in its one-time use. This antifungal agent is available in the form of capsules, solution for intravenous administration and powder for suspension. The active ingredient of the drug is fluconazole. For severe thrush, a single dose of Diflucan is effective.

In general, the drug is well tolerated, but sometimes side effects may occur, such as:

• headache;
• nausea;
• stool disorder;
• skin rash;
• stomach ache.

Contraindications include:

hypersensitivity to the components of the drug;

dysfunction of the liver and kidneys;

• pregnancy and breastfeeding.

1 tablet of Diflucan costs about 400 rubles.

"Pimafucin"

The medicine is available in the form of cream, suppositories and tablets. The tablet form of "Pimafucin" is recommended for the treatment of acute forms of thrush. The active ingredient is natamycin. Tablets must be taken 1 to 4 times a day for a week. The drug is not contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

"Nystatin"

"Nystatin" is one of the inexpensive tablets against thrush for women, men and even children. In addition to the tablet form of the drug, it is available in the form of suppositories, creams and drops for the treatment of thrush in infants. The active substance of the drug is nystatin. The average course of treatment is 7-14 days. Symptoms may subside within a few days, which is not an indication to stop taking the drug. The price of Nystatin in tablet form varies from 43 to 144 rubles, depending on the number of tablets.

"Clotrimazole"

The drug is also suitable for women. The active ingredient is clotrimazole. In addition to vaginal tablets, the drug is available in the form of suppositories, cream, gel, and spray. The gel and spray are commonly used against fungal skin infections. To treat severe thrush, it is recommended to use cream, suppositories or tablets. The course is about 6 days. "Clotrimazole" in the form of vaginal tablets or suppositories is injected deep into the vagina once a day. If necessary, the external genitalia are treated with cream. Contraindications to taking the drug are:

• pregnancy up to 12 weeks,
• hypersensitivity to clotrimazole,
• open wounds.

The cost of "Clotrimazole" in a pharmacy starts from 29 rubles, depending on the form of release.

"Lomexin"

Lomexin is a relatively new drug used to treat severe thrush. The active substance is fenticonazole nitrate. Forms of release of the drug: vaginal capsules and cream. Treatment with capsules takes 2-3 days depending on the dosage (600 or 1000 mg). The cream must be used until symptoms disappear completely. The drug is not recommended for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. The effect of Lomexin components on the fetus and child has not been studied. The price varies from 490 to 650 rubles.

"Irunin"

A broad-spectrum antifungal agent is also used to treat severe thrush. The active substance is itraconazole. "Irunin" is available in the form of vaginal tablets and suppositories. To treat severe thrush, the drug must be injected deep into the vagina once before bedtime. The course of use of the antifungal agent is from 7 to 14 days. The drug is prohibited for use before 12 weeks of pregnancy and in childhood.

The cost of the antifungal agent "Irunin" averages about 400 rubles.

"Polygynax"

Another type of drug for the treatment of severe thrush is the Polygynax vaginal capsules. The drug belongs to the combination antibiotics. "Polygynax" has antibacterial, bactericidal and antifungal effects. Due to the content of nystatin, neomycin sulfate and polymexin, the drug is contraindicated for use in the first trimester of pregnancy and during breastfeeding. Limitations also include individual intolerance to the components. The course of treatment is 12 days. For prophylactic use - 6 days. Capsules are administered intravaginally before bedtime once.

The cost of the drug "Poliginax" varies depending on the number of capsules in the package, on average it ranges from 350 to 620 rubles.

"Terzhinan"

The drug belongs to the combined type of antifungal agents. "Terzhinan" has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antiprotozoal effects due to the content of a large number of active components. They are ternidazole, nystatin, neomycin, prednisolone. The course of treatment lasts on average 10 days. The drug must be used strictly according to the instructions. To do this, the vaginal tablet is first immersed in water for 20-30 seconds. After which “Terzhinan” is injected deep into the vagina. The procedure must be carried out daily in the evening before going to bed.

Contraindications to the use of "Terzhinan" are individual intolerance to the components of the drug, the first trimester of pregnancy and the lactation period. The price for "Terzhinan" is quite high, averaging 500 rubles.

Prevention measures

More than 75% of all women will suffer from a vaginal yeast infection during their lifetime. With incorrect diagnosis and, accordingly, incorrect treatment, relapses often occur.

Antibiotic treatment, hormonal changes and chronic diseases that weaken the immune system are typical causes of severe thrush. Symptoms range from mild vaginal itching or burning to severe itching, swelling and irritation. Also, the main symptoms include the appearance of white cheesy discharge.

1. Some doctors recommend adding yogurt or cranberry juice to your diet to help restore a normal vaginal environment. In this case, normal microflora will not contribute to the spread of fungal infection.
2. It is also recommended to avoid wearing synthetic underwear and tight clothing. It is preferable to use cotton fabrics.
3. The use of feminine hygiene products, vaginal deodorants and sprays should be avoided as they may cause recurring irritation of the vaginal tissue.
4. Using white, non-deodorized toilet paper will also help prevent severe thrush.
5. Proper hygiene.