Vaginal candidiasis: what it is, symptoms and treatment options
Vaginal candidiasis is one of the most common infections in women due to the shorter distance between the urethra and the vagina and the imbalance of the vaginal microbiota, in which there is an increase in the amount of fungi of the genusCandida, mostlyCandida albicans.
The imbalance of the vaginal microbiota and an increase in the amount ofCandida it may be related to stress, poor hygiene habits, excessive use of antibiotics or corticosteroids, pregnancy and decreased immune system due to other diseases, favoring the growth of fungi.
The symptoms of vaginal candidiasis are quite characteristic, and it can be noticed by the itchy woman and a burning sensation in the intimate region and the presence of white discharge. As soon as the woman perceives any sign of candidiasis, it is important to go to the gynecologist to start the most appropriate treatment, which is done mainly with antifungals, which can be in the form of pills or ointments.
Symptoms of vaginal candidiasis
Symptoms of vaginal candidiasis usually appear when a woman's immunity is impaired, the main ones being:
- White discharge, like curdled milk;
- Intense itching and burning sensation in the intimate region;
- Pain and burning sensation during intimate contact;
- Swelling and redness of the intimate region.
The woman with these symptoms should consult the gynecologist to diagnose the infection by examining the vagina, such as the Pap smear and, if necessary, to start the appropriate treatment.
Although these symptoms are common in vaginal candidiasis, these same symptoms can also be indicative of other gynecological changes. Check the symptoms below and find out what it may be:
- 1. Redness and swelling throughout the intimate region
- 2. Whitish plaques in the vagina
- 3. Whitish discharge with lumps, similar to cut milk
- 4. Pain or burning sensation when urinating
- 5. Yellowish or greenish discharge
- 6. Presence of small balls in the vagina or rough skin
- 7. Itchiness that appears or worsens after using some type of panties, soap, cream, wax or lubricant in the intimate area
How the treatment is done
The treatment of vaginal candidiasis should be recommended by the gynecologist and is done with the application of antifungal ointments directly on the vagina or use of tablets, and the use of Nystatin, Miconazole, Itraconazole or Ketoconazole may be recommended.
The use of these medications should be done according to the orientation of the gynecologist and during treatment, especially if it is done with the use of ointments, it is recommended to avoid sexual intercourse.
In some cases, an antifungal pill, such as Fluconazole, can also be used in a single oral dose or 3 doses, for 3 separate days of 72 hours. In addition, especially in situations of recurrent vaginal candidiasis, it is necessary to keep using the tablet once a week for at least 6 months, or according to medical advice. Both oral pills and ointments are effective, however, the symptoms subside more quickly when the treatment is done directly in the vagina, with ointment, pills or eggs.
Homemade treatment for vaginal candidiasis
A great home treatment for vaginal candidiasis is to wash the intimate area with water and vinegar, in the proportion of 4 tablespoons of vinegar to half a liter of water. In addition, it is also important to adopt some precautions to prevent recurrence of vaginal candidiasis, such as:
- Wash and dry the intimate area well before sleeping;
- Use loose clothing and cotton;
- Give preference to the intake of probiotics and lactobacillus, such as yogurt;
- Sleep without panties;
- Make intimate hygiene with vaginal gel with a pH between 3.8 and 4.5, avoiding all products and soaps with chemicals.
It is also important to avoid foods rich in carbohydrates, fat and sugar, as they are the main source of food for the fungus that causes vaginal candidiasis.
In addition, an option to improve the vaginal microbiota and prevent vaginal candidiasis is the consumption of lactobacilli. See how to take lactobacilli in capsules.
Food to heal faster
A great strategy to cure candidiasis is to drink water with lemon, without sweetening, during the day, but in addition to putting natural yogurt inside the vagina is another great natural strategy, which has great results. See more tips on natural strategies and how eating can help cure candidiasis faster by watching the following video:
