Thrush
Thrush most commonly occurs in the vaginal area or in the mouth. Most men, women and children carry Candida in and on their bodies and generally, it causes no problems. When the balance of the naturally occurring ‘good bacteria’ in the body is altered in some way causing the opportunistic Candida to move in and take over. The Candida strain most likely to cause Thrush is Candida Albicans, though sometimes a more resistant strain Candida Glabrata can cause Thrush.
Thrush, also called yeast infection or Candidiasis, is a very unpleasant condition which is very sore and itchy. It can also cause burning and in vaginal Thrush, a yeasty smelling discharge. In babies, Thrush in the mouth can cause difficulties in feeding and is very distressing for mother and baby alike. It looks like a whitish film over affected areas.
Symptoms - Vaginal Thrush
- Itching
- Soreness with any contact
- Burning on urination
- Pain during intercourse
- Swelling of the vulva
- Smelly discharge
Oral and Vaginal Thrush
Causes and Risk Factors
Candida likes warm moist environments with low acidity and a good supply of sugar. The vagina is generally a highly acidic environment which usually keeps Candida at bay. There are a number of factors which can alter this however, and this results in Candida being able to invade.
- Antibiotics.
Antibiotics not only kill the nasty bacteria, but also kill off the good bacteria which maintain the balance of the gut flora. This gives Candida, waiting in the wings, a chance to take over. In addition, if you are taking antibiotics you will already be feeling unwell and your immune system will be struggling to deal with the primary infection. Again this is very good news for Candida.
- Lowered Immune System
If your body’s immune system is compromised owing to stress, illness, HIV, trauma, poor nutrition, serious injury or fatigue caused by overwork or something else, you are more likely to suffer from Thrush.
- Contraception
- The Pill
The contraceptive pill can interfere with the way a woman’s body metabolizes sugar. The result is more sugar available for Candida to feed on.
- IUD
Women who use an IUD tend to suffer from increased bleeding and heavier periods. They are also more likely to suffer from vaginal infections. These also may contribute to an increased likelihood of getting Thrush.
- Diabetes
Diabetes often leads to higher blood sugar levels and a higher level of sugar in vaginal secretions and in urine. Candida loves sugar so can thrive in this environment.
- Diet
A high sugar diet can increase the likelihood of getting Thrush. Other foods like tea, coffee, wine and dairy products are thought to increase the sugar level in urine, and therefore predispose an individual to develop Thrush.
- Bathing
Soaps, bubble baths, shower gels, deodorants can all contribute to changing the PH of the vagina making it less acidic. Vigorous towelling, scrubbing or excessive washing of the area can cause damage to the delicate membranes of the vagina and vulva, which can also encourage Thrush.
- Periods and Pregnancy
- Menstrual blood can change the PH of the vagina and trigger an episode of Thrush. This is especially true if tampons are left in too longs or sanitary pads not changed often enough.
- Pregnancy can trigger Thrush as the massive hormonal changes affect the vaginal environment increasing the sugar levels which Candida uses to grow.
- Babies often acquire oral Thrush at birth while passing through the birth canal.
- Sex
Thrush is not a sexually transmitted disease, but sexual activity may play a role in a Thrush flare up. Semen can change the PH of the vagina and some damage may occur in penetrative sex where there is inadequate lubrication. Women rarely acquire Thrush from sex. It is usually more down to a change in their body. However, men can acquire Thrush from sex with an infected partner and need to be treated at the same time even if he does not show any symptoms
to prevent a cycle of re-infection.
- Tight Clothing
A smile is coming to my face here as I remember what I thought was an ‘old wives’ tale’ that fresh air is the best thing to cure Thrush! The truth is that tight clothing, especially tights or pantyhose make matters much, much worse. ‘Let it all hang out’ is very good advice if you are suffering from vaginal Thrush!