Treatments and tests for embarrassing conditions

by Cohens Chemists

• What is Vaginal Thrush?
  Vaginal thrush, also known as candida, vulvovaginal candidiasis or vaginal candidosis, is a yeast infection. It is caused by the candida species of fungus, usually Candida albicans. Candida albicans is naturally found in the vagina and is harmless. However, when it multiplies it can cause irritation and swelling of the vagina and vulva. In the majority of cases thrush can be treated effectively.
• How is Vaginal Thrush treated?

  Oral and topical (creams) medications that can be used to treat vaginal thrush are available from Treat Discreet without a prescription. For example, Canesten is available as a single dose tablet for treating thrush.

  
  Treating recurrent thrush
  Recent studies have shown using a treatment strategy known as `maintenance therapy` can significantly reduce the recurrence of thrush.

  The studies found that using oral fluconazole (Canesten Caps) on a weekly basis or intravaginal clotrimazole (Canesten Cream) on a monthly basis, were effective in preventing thrush from recurring.

  The studies also found that the level of protection against thrush was reduced when these treatments were stopped.
  
  Pessaries,  Combi-Creams and Combi Pessary/Creams are also available.

• Are there any products which can alleviate the symptoms of Thrush?
  There are several products available which can alleviate some of the symptoms of thrush, these include:
  - Vagisil Deodorant Spray
  - Vagisil Feminine Cream
  - Vagisil Feminine Wash
  - Vagisil Powder
  - Vagisil Wipes
• Who does Vaginal Thrush affect?
  Thrush most commonly affects women in their thirties and forties, and those who are pregnant. Many women are affected by vaginal thrush at some point in their lives and, in some women, it recurs regularly.
• What causes Vaginal Thrush?
  There are a number of factors that have been associated with triggering episodes of thrush. However, with the exception of pregnancy, antibiotics, and poorly controlled diabetes, evidence for individual risk factors has been found to be inconclusive. Probable and possible factors for thrush are outlined below.
  
  Probable Risk Factors
  - Antibiotics - thrush occurs in about 30% of women who are taking a course of systemic, or intravaginal antibiotics. Although using any type of antibiotics can increase your risk of getting thrush, to develop the condition, the Candida fungus must already be present.
  - Pregnancy - if you are pregnant, changes in the levels of female sex hormones, such as oestrogen, make you more likely to develop thrush. During pregnancy, the Candida fungus is more prevalent (common), and recurrent infection is also more likely.
  - Diabetes mellitus (poorly controlled) - if you have diabetes mellitus which is not effectively controlled, you are more likely to develop thrush.
  - Immunodeficiency - if your immune system is weakened by an immunosuppressive condition, such as HIV or AIDS, your risk of developing thrush is increased.
   
  Possible risk factors
  - Contraceptives - it is thought that contraceptives, particularly combined oral contraceptives, increase the risk of thrush. However, the results of studies that have been carried out in this area have been inconclusive.
  - Sexual behaviour - although thrush is more common during the peak years of sexual activity (during the thirties and forties), there is little evidence to support that the condition is spread during sex, or that there is any benefit in treating sexual partners. However, women who have oral sex may be at greater risk of developing thrush.
  - Tight-fitting clothing - wearing tight-fitting clothing, such as tights, or using panty liners, may increase your chances of developing thrush.
  - Female hygiene - there is little evidence to suggest that sanitary towels are a risk factor for thrush. There is also no evidence that tampons, or vaginal douching, are risk factors for developing the condition.
  It is not known what makes some women more prone to thrush than others, but women with poorly controlled diabetes or a seriously damaged immune system have an increased risk of developing the condition.
• How do I know if I’ve got Vaginal Thrush?

  The symptoms of vaginal thrush include:
  - vulval itching,
  - vulval soreness and irritation,
  - vaginal discharge,
  - pain, or discomfort, during sexual intercourse (superficial dyspareunia), and
  - pain, or discomfort, during urination (dysuria) may sometimes be present.
  

  
  Vulvovaginal inflammation
  As well as the above symptoms of thrush, you may also have vulvovaginal inflammation. The signs of vulvovaginal inflammation include:
  - erythema (redness) - of the vagina and vulva,
  - vaginal fissuring (cracked skin) - in severe cases of inflammation,
  - oedema (swelling from a build up of fluid) - also in severe cases of inflammation, and
  - satellite lesions (sores in the surrounding area) - this is rare, but may indicate the presence of other fungal conditions, or the herpes simplex virus.
   
  Vaginal discharge
  A vaginal discharge is a common symptom of vaginal thrush. It is often white and `cheese-like`, but may also be watery or purulent (contain pus). The discharge is usually odourless.

• How do I stop Vaginal Thrush recurring?

  Recent studies have shown using a treatment strategy known as `maintenance therapy` can significantly reduce the recurrence of thrush. 
  
  The studies found that using oral fluconazole (Canesten Caps) on a weekly basis or intravaginal clotrimazole (Canesten Cream) on a monthly basis, were effective in preventing thrush from recurring.

  The studies also found that the level of protection against thrush was reduced when these treatments were stopped.