Thrush
One of the most common infections of the vulva and vagina is thrush or vulvo-vaginal candidiasis. Thrush is very common, generally affecting women of childbearing age. It is very rare for anyone to get thrush before puberty or after menopause. Candidiasis affects 3 in 4 women at some time in their lives, of which 40-50 per cent will have recurring problems with thrush.
Thrush is caused by an overgrowth of the yeast Candida albicans. This fungus is usually a harmless inhabitant of the gastrointestinal tract, skin and vagina, but it can overgrow opportunistically and cause infections.
Normally, host defences act locally in the vagina to combat infection and to keep levels of Candida under control. ‘Protective' vaginal bacteria produce lactic acid to create an acidic vaginal environment that is hostile to other invading micro-organisms such as Candida albicans. However, there is a multitude of factors, or triggers, such as side-effects of broad spectrum antibiotics or levels of oestrogen hormone, which may alter the vaginal pH balance, destroy the ‘protective' bacteria and increase risk of infection.
Gynaecological fungal infections are the body's response to external and internal influences.
Main triggers of thrush include:
- Intake of medicines such as antibiotics
- Trauma of sexual activity or tampons
- Stress
- Perfumed soap, shower gels and bubble baths
- Periods and menstruation
- Wearing of tight clothing
- Pregnancy.
Vaginal thrush is a mild to moderate infection and usually responds well to topical preparations or systemic treatment with oral antifungals. Thrush that is recurrent or severe (for example in women suffering from diabetes) should be referred to a doctor for further investigation.
Symptoms of thrush can include:
- A thick, white vaginal discharge
- Vulval and vaginal itching
- Redness, soreness and swelling of the vulva and vaginal walls
- Burning or stinging of the vulva when passing urine due to inflammation and cellular damage caused by the infection
- Pain during sexual intercourse.
