Vulvovaginal candidiasis (Vaginal thrush) therapy

A lot of women suffer of vulvovaginal candidiasis or vaginal trush. Recurrent infection is also common. The recurrent infection will be developed in case:

• that at least four specific episodes occur in one year
• or at least three episodes unrelated to antibiotic therapy occur within one year.

Greater than 50 percent of women more than 25 years of age develop vulvovaginal candidiasis or vaginal thrush at some time of their life. In the same time, fewer than 5 percent of these women experience recurrences. Since this is common problem, it is also common treatment option in gynecologist’s office.

What is vulvovaginal candidiasis?

Vulvovaginal candidiasis or vaginal thrush is a yeast infection of the vulva and vagina. This yeast infection affects approximately 75 percent of women at some time in their lives and many women suffer recurring attacks. Although it is easily treated, thrush or vulvovaginal candidiasis can be very unpleasant and uncomfortable for a woman. Problem is that thrush is affecting woman’s sex life and her confidence. Yeast or Candida is a fungus that occurs naturally in the vagina, mouth, digestive system and other parts of the body. Symptoms only appear with over growth of this fungus. Yeast growth is normally under control by the friendly bacteria in our body. However, if the balance of bacteria is upset and the yeast cells are able to overproduce, a yeast infection known as candidiasis can occur. Infections are most common in premature babies, in adults who debilitate by general ill health and in those with a suppressed immune system.

What causes vaginal thrush?

Yeast infections affecting the vulva and vagina known as vulvovaginal candidiasis are a common cause of vaginal irritation. A particular type of yeast called Candida albicans is responsible for up to 80-92 percent of cases of vulvovaginal candidiasis or vaginal thrush. In many cases, a precipitating factor for the infection is not clear, but several factors have been associated.

• Diabetes makes these patients susceptible to yeast infections when their diabetes control is poorly controlled.
• Antibiotics kill off friendly bacteria as well as infectious strains they may cause an imbalance in the yeast environment. Off course, this is causing vulvovaginal candidiasis in some women.
• Suppressed immune system in some women due to chemotherapy, HIV or immunosuppressive drugs, are more susceptible to vaginal yeast infections.
• The use of vaginal sponges and intrauterine devices has also been associated with candidiasis in a number of reported cases.
• Mechanical factors may also be important because perspiration associated with tightly fitted clothes or poorly ventilated underwear increases local temperature and moisture. Mechanical irritation of the vulvovaginal area by clothing or with sexual intercourse may also predispose already colonized areas to yeast infection. One study demonstrated a positive relationship between the monthly frequency of sexual intercourse and the incidence of recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis in some women.
• Studies did not establish an association between douching and vulvovaginal candidiasis. –As well, the use of sanitary towels or tampons does not increasing the risk for vaginal thrush. Some studies claim that wearing tight clothing can also provoke an infection but this theory is unproved for now.

What are the typical symptoms for vulvovaginal candidiasis?

In some cases, women did not report any symptom present in vaginal thrush. However, most commonly an infection will produce symptoms. Typical symptoms are:

• itching of the vulva
• thick white curd-like discharge from the vagina
• irritation in the region of the vulva and vagina
• burning on passing urine
• pain during sexual intercourse, or dyspareunia.

If you think that you may have a vaginal yeast infection, then it is extremely important to ask your doctor to confirm the diagnosis. Some of the symptoms associated with thrush can resemble other conditions, so get examn by your doctor first to confirm the diagnosis. Most commonly confused are some sexually transmitted diseases such as trichomonas, Chlamydia and gardnerella. That is why consulting your doctor will also rule out the possibility that the irritation is there because of some more serious infection. You must role out possibility it could be cancer of the vagina or cervix, or by the presence of a foreign body. To confirm diagnosis, your doctor will undertake a history and examination. On examination, the white curd-like discharge is visible and the vulva and vagina may look red and swollen. Your doctor will probably take a sample of the discharge and examine it under the microscope for the presence of yeast. If you suffer from recurrent bouts of thrush and are certain of the diagnosis, there are many over-the-counter treatments available. You could buy some of these from your local chemist without a prescription.

What treatments are available for vulvovaginal candidiasis or vaginal thrush?

Anti-fungal medications are common treatment option to target the yeast infection. The group of drugs commonly used, are azoles. These drugs include Imidazole, Miconazole, Clotrimazole and Fluconazole. Over-the-counter treatments in the form of creams, pessaries, tablets, and suppositories are very effective in thrush treatment. Treatment duration varies according to the type of medication used for vaginal thrush. Fluconazole is available as a single dose tablet, but side effects are mild and include headache, rash and nausea. Pregnant women should not receive the oral azoles. Dramatic relief after the first 24-48 hours should follow treatment, no matter what your doctor choose. However, you must be sure to follow the recommended instructions for your medication. If you are required to complete a week long course and do not finish it, the infection will probably return. Try to avoid topical corticosteroid creams, because it frequently exacerbates the burning sensation in patients. Some studies have reported success in a limited number of women with recurrent infections who ate live or active yoghurt containing lactobacillus. However, there is a lack of positive studies in this area so you could try this treatment option on your own. If you are one of the small percentage of women who suffer from antibiotic induced candidiasis, your doctor may prescribe prophylactic anti-fungal therapy. The best treatment option is to have anti fungal along with the antibiotics. Yeast free diets did not have any benefit for vulvovaginal candidiasis or vaginal thrush.

Ozone therapy for vaginal thrush

Vaginal insufflations of ozone is treatment option for disorders of the female reproductive area. This way doctor will treat vaginal, uterine, ovarian or lower abdominal problems. The conditions it might help include thrush, for which it is outstandingly effective, often where all else has failed. Beside vaginal thrush, ozone therapy is working to treat endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory diseases and fibroids as well.