Table of Contents
What’s this
Vaginal candida is an infection caused by Candida albicans, a naturally occurring saprophytic fungus in the oral cavity, in the vagina and especially in the intestine. In some situations, candida can proliferate, resulting in an infection that is simple to treat but whose symptoms can be very annoying. There candidiasis in fact, at the level of the vagina it causes a intense burning accompanied by itching, causing a continual need to scratch. However, rubbing does not offer any relief, on the contrary, it tends to worsen the situation by inflaming the area even more. The pain practically pays off impossible to have sexual intercourse (however not recommended during infection) and, in the worst cases, it is also difficult to sit, walk, wear underwear and sleep.
In addition to the itching and burning, candida infections are easily recognizable due to pabsence of odorless, whitish and thick secretions, similar to cottage cheese. Vaginal candida is very common in women of childbearing age and it is estimated that over half of the female population suffers from it at least once in their life. Curing candida is quite simple with therapies that last a few days but in some cases the infection can relapse and recur regularly, even every month and for some time.
Causes and symptoms
As we have seen, candida is a fungus which normally lives inside the intestinal lumen, mouth and vaginal canal. When the presence of the fungus falls within certain limits, this it does not involve any kind of problem. However, if the candida proliferates excessively, there is ainfection which leads to symptoms typical of this disease which include:
- itch;
- burning;
- swelling;
- redness;
- ache;
- white, thick and odorless vaginal discharge.
What are the conditions under which candida proliferates? The infection can be due to numerous causes including:
- taking antibiotics;
- stress reduction of immune defenses;
- vaginal pH imbalances;
- pregnancy;
- use of oral contraceptives;
- some diseases (for example diabetes and HIV).
Candida therefore tends to appear when the immune defenses are lowered and when the intestinal microbiota and intestinal bacterial flora undergo significant changes due to drug therapies, hormonal imbalances or changes in the natural pH of the vaginal mucosa, which is normally acidic and equal to 4-4.5. Although the treatment of candida requires simple and rapid therapies, in some predisposed women, candida can recur and it is important to pay more attention to prevent it.
What to do
Candida can be cured thanks toapplication of antifungal ointments or pessaries to be used for a few days, generally not more than a week. The therapy comes from the gynecologist, after having ascertained the presence of Candida albicans through a visit and possibly a vaginal swab. Alternatively, it is possible to self-diagnose candida by observing the symptoms and carrying out tests that measure pH vaginal: in the presence of white, dense and odorless discharge, itching and burning and with a normal pH, it is generally faced with vaginal yeast infections.
During the infection it is important avoid scratching or rubbing excessively the genital area during cleansing. Sexual intercourse is not recommended and it is good that the partner also follows the treatment, so as to avoid reinfection.
The relapses they are quite frequent and can occur, as well as for reinfection by the partner, even in periods of high stress, in case of reduction of the immune defenses, during pregnancy and near the menstrual cycle. To prevent the chronic candida o recurrent candida it is also important to follow a healthy diet, limiting the consumption of sugar and refined flours and avoiding the use of liquid soaps and bars with an excessively high pH compared to the vaginal one.
As for thePersonal care, better to opt for delicate detergents with a slightly acidic pH (between 4.5 and 5.5 approximately) and avoid too frequent washing and internal washing. Since fungi and yeasts proliferate in hot and humid environments, it can helpuse of breathable underwear in pure cotton and not colored. For the same reason, beware of clothing that is too tight and tight or made of synthetic materials, which retain sweat. During the menstrual cycle it is recommended touse of plastic-free sanitary pads and panty liners, opting for example for those in organic cotton or washable, to be replaced at least every two or three hours.
Natural remedies
Using the right remedies, vaginal candida is really simple to eradicate and the infection heals in a few days. They exist on the market ointments, pessaries and detergents intimate antifungals without side effects that can be prescribed by the gynecologist or purchased without a prescription. Since these are effective and risk-free drugs, the advice is not to resort to do-it-yourself in the treatment of candida. THE grandmother’s remedies against candida, for example, include washing with baking soda: although this remedy can give relief, it is not able to cure candida and the symptoms will soon return to be felt.
To assist the drug therapy, however, it is possible to carry out washes with mallow, chamomile, calendula and mint. These plants have an anti-inflammatory and refreshing action and help relieve burning and itching. To take advantage of its properties, it is sufficient to prepare an infusion with a tablespoon of dried drug in a cup of hot water. One or more of the plants mentioned can be used and the infusion, filtered and lukewarm, can be used for rinse the external genital area and calm the symptoms of candida. Alternatively or in addition to washing the genital areas, it is possible to apply pure aloe vera gel which helps to refresh and soothe the itch, also thanks to the lubricating action.
Frequent candida sufferers can prevent candida relapses thanks to the use of delicate and natural intimate cleansers containing Tea tree essential oil, with antifungal action. For internal use, always for preventive purposes. it is possible to follow courses of treatment with echinacea, schizandra and eleutherococcus which help to increase the immune defenses and to better cope with periods of high stress. If antibiotic therapy is to be followed, it is better to take probiotics before, during and after treatment, to support the intestinal bacterial flora and prevent the proliferation of pathogens.
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