What causes thrush? Your vagina naturally has a certain amount of yeast. Thrush is caused by the growth of too much yeast. You are more likely to get thrush if you have recently taken antibiotics, you have diabetes or your immune system is weakened (for example, because you have HIV).
Thrush is caused by an overgrowth of yeast known as Candida albicans. Vaginal creams and pessaries help reduce overgrowth of candida and ease thrush symptoms. Thrush outbreaks, while uncomfortable, do not cause any long-term health issues. Consult your doctor if you have recurrent thrush.
A recurring yeast infection (vaginal thrush) is defined as an episode of thrush four or more times in a year. In some cases, there is a medical reason that you are more prone to thrush infection. Some hormone treatments may also affect your risk of repeated episodes.
Thrush can be confused with other conditions that cause itching and redness with or without discharge. These other conditions include herpes infections and bacterial infections. Your doctor will examine you and take a swab or do further tests to confirm the diagnosis.
It's normally kept in check by other bacteria and microorganisms in the body. When illnesses, stress, or medications disturb this balance, the fungus grows out of control and causes thrush. Medications that can make yeast flourish and cause infection include: Corticosteroids.
Causes of oral thrush
wearing dentures (false teeth), particularly if they don't fit properly. having poor oral hygiene. having a dry mouth, either because of a medical condition or a medication you are taking. smoking.
Untreated oral thrush can lead to more-serious systemic candida infections. If you have a weakened immune system, thrush may spread to your esophagus or other parts of your body.
Thrush isn't usually anything to worry about in these cases. However, your doctor may want to take a swab from your vagina to confirm the diagnosis and/or carry out tests to check for any underlying cause. They can also advise you about the most suitable treatment and give you a prescription, if necessary.
Foods containing simple sugars, including many fruits. White flour and other glutenous grains. Anything fermented with yeast, such as alcoholic drinks. Some dairy products, including whole milk.
The symptoms of recurrent thrush are similar to those you would expect with a simple thrush infection. Some women find that their symptoms disappear completely between infections, while others struggle with continual symptoms that can improve or worsen at different times.
Clotrimazole works by killing the overgrowth of yeast that is causing the infection. The symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection should start to improve within a few hours after starting this medication, but it may take as long as a week for the symptoms to go away completely.
If thrush isn't treated it eventually goes away on its own. There's no need for your partner(s) to have treatment unless they have signs and symptoms of thrush.
How long does oral thrush last? With treatment, oral thrush should clear up in about two weeks. Without treatment, it may last up to eight weeks or longer. Monitor your symptoms and visit a doctor immediately if you believe it has spread to your esophagus, as this can cause more serious infection.
In the vagina, chronic yeast infections can happen when there's an imbalance or variation in vaginal bacteria. These bacteria normally help keep Candida from overgrowing. An imbalance or variation can happen if too much bacteria are removed via antibiotics or douching.
What does thrush look like? If you have vaginal thrush, the skin outside your vagina may be red, cracked or damaged. You may see a thick, white vaginal discharge (it may look like cottage cheese). For more information, see 'symptoms of vaginal thrush'.
It may be time to see a doctor if: your symptoms don't get better after treatment with over-the-counter anti-fungal vaginal creams or suppositories. you have extreme itching, swelling, or redness. you are in pain.
Health practitioners often recommend anti-fungal treatment for thrush. There are two main types of treatment: oral (tablets taken by mouth) or topical (creams or vaginal pessaries applied directly to the vaginal area). The topical treatment generally works a bit quicker than the oral.
You can use Canesten® thrush treatments either day or night. However, vaginal treatments are best applied before you go to bed, as you can expect some leakage with the product use. For best results, lie down as soon as possible after inserting the vaginal products.
The cream should be thinly applied and rubbed into the affected areas once daily, preferably at night before retiring, for two to three weeks. The affected areas should be washed and dried thoroughly before the cream is applied. A physician or pharmacist should be consulted if symptoms do not improve within seven days.
Cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, arugula, cabbage, and radishes, are among the most powerful foods that kill Candida. They contain isothiocyanates, which are sulfur- and nitrogen-containing compounds that inhibit the growth of Candida.
Women tend to be more likely to get vaginal yeast infections if their bodies are under stress from poor diet, lack of sleep, illness, or when they are pregnant or taking antibiotics. Women with immune-suppressing diseases such as diabetes and HIV infection also are at increased risk.
Other than itching and being dried out, it can lead to or exaggerate yeast infections. The vagina is a delicate ecosystem and if something as serious as dehydration throws it off, the PH balance can be thrown off and a domino effect of complications can be set into motion.
A yeast infection can happen if your skin gets damaged. Yeast can also “overgrow” in warm or humid conditions. An infection can also happen if you have a weak immune system. Taking antibiotics can also cause an overgrowth of yeast.