Heloo, lingies_mum-ga!
Vaginal thrush is a relatively common problem and can often be
treated quite quickly. However, for some women, it can be a recurring
problem.
An Overview of Vaginal Thrush and its Symptoms
*********************************************
Some excerpts from the article, “Vaginal Thrush.” (updated 4/2001) at
http://www.prodigy.nhs.uk/ClinicalGuidance/ReleasedGuidance/webBrowser/pils/PL170.htm
follow:
“Any female can develop thrush. It is very common. However, certain
situations make thrush more likely. The vagina has a certain amount of
mucus and also contains many harmless 'defence' bacteria. The mucus
and defence bacteria help to protect the vagina from Candida (and
other germs). Situations that may alter these natural defences and
make thrush more likely include pregnancy, having diabetes and taking
antibiotics. In some women 'douching' (cleaning) the vagina, using
spermicides or using tampons when menstruation is light may also upset
the normal condition of the vagina and allow thrush to develop more
easily.”
“It is common to have several thrush infections in a lifetime. Some
women have frequent episodes. The following suggestions may help some
women to prevent recurring episodes of thrush.
Hygiene - thrush is not due to poor hygiene. However, excess washing
and douching of the vagina, bubble baths, scented soaps, spermicides,
etc, may alter the normal conditions of the vagina. The normal mucus
and defence bacteria may be upset by these things and allow Candida to
infect. It is best to wash just with water and unscented soap and not
to douche the vagina.
Toileting - when using toilet paper wipe from the front to the back.
This avoids pushing Candida forward from the anus (back passage) which
may sometimes be the cause of thrush.
Clothes - don't wear nylon underwear or tight fitting jeans too
often. Loose cotton pants are best. Stockings rather than tights are
preferable. The aim is to prevent the vaginal area being constantly
warm, moist and airless.
Periods - use towels rather than tampons when your period
(menstruation) is light as tampons absorb the protecting mucus of the
vagina
Antibiotics - be aware that thrush is more likely if you take
antibiotics for another condition. Antibiotics may kill the defence
bacteria in the vagina, but as Candida is a yeast and not a bacteria,
this will not be killed by antibiotics. This is not to say that every
course of antibiotics will lead to thrush, but some women are
particularly prone to this problem. If you are prescribed antibiotics
then have some anti-thrush cream ready to 'nip it in the bud' at the
first sign of thrush. Adding a couple of tablespoons of vinegar or
bicarbonate of soda to the bath while taking antibiotics might help to
prevent an episode of thrush.
** Contraception** - it is controversial whether taking the
contraceptive pill increases the chance of having thrush. ** It is
generally agreed that the contraceptive pill should not be stopped
because you get thrush. Despite this, if you have found that since
starting the pill thrush has become more of a problem, then it may be
worth considering changing to another form of contraception.**
* However, it is possible that increased sexual activity is the reason
for an increase in thrush infections.*
Sex - make sure the vagina is well lubricated before having sex as
friction may cause minor damage to the vagina, which may make thrush
more likely. A lubricant during sex might help (such as KY jelly) if
natural secretions do not seem sufficient. Some women find that having
sex is the main reason for recurring thrush. In very difficult cases,
some women resort to either placing some anti-thrush cream in the
vagina before sex or using a small anti-thrush pessary after sex.”
Treatments for Vaginal Thrush
******************************
I would imagine you have tried medications to treat vaginal thrush.
However, some suggestions follow:
“The treatment that is commonly used for vaginal yeast infections is
an anti-fungal medicine. This is placed inside the vagina in the form
of a cream with without a pessory. Treatments are usually used for a
day or so before the infection is cleared completely.”
“Creams and suppositories are safe to use, even if the infection
reoccurs frequently. However, some infections simply won’t respond to
these treatments, or reoccur too frequently. These infections will
usually respond better to oral medication. It would be best to get
that advice from your doctor or a nurse if your initial treatment
doesn’t help.There are also some homeopathic remedies (natural
remedies)…. as well as home remedies for yeast infections. Boric acid
or garlic may work well for some women. Or applying Natural Yoghurt
(yoghurt that contains live acidophilus culture) directly to the
vagina will help soothe it whilst helping the yeast germs inside the
vagina return to a normal level. It may also help prevent thrush if
applied on a regular basis.”
“Unfortunately, complete prevention of vaginal yeast is not possible
or desirable, as normal amounts of yeast are needed for good health.
However, like using natural yoghurt, there are some ways that may help
yeast overgrowth. Reducing the amount of sweets and sugar in your diet
would help.”
Read “Vaginal Thrush.” Pupiline at
http://www.pupiline.net/features/sexandyou/0102236421141.cfm?
Comprehensive information about vaginal thrush, causes and treatments:
***********************************************************
Read “Thrush Advice Bureau” at
http://www.pupiline.net/features/sexandyou/0102236421141.cfm for a
good overview of thrush, causes and treatments.
Some other important information on causes of persistent thrush:
****************************************************
“Thrush infections frequently follow a course of antibiotics for
cystitis or chest infections. This is because the antibiotics kill off
the good lactobacilli in the vagina. **Any alteration of oestrogen
levels may make a woman susceptible to thrush: it is therefore
commoner if you are on the pill.*** On the other hand, vaginal
infections can be quite a problem before puberty and after the
menopause when oestrogen levels are low. Thrush can be sexually
transmitted; both partners can infect the other. Thrush is common in
pregnancy and is a particular problem in diabetes.** Repeated or
persistent thrush often alerts a doctor that diabetes may be the
cause.** Some women have a candida infection in the bowel which is
symptomless. This can be a cause of infection elsewhere.
“Thrush often recurs. Conditions like diabetes which lower resistance
to infection are then considered and tested for.”
Read “What is Thrush?” Surgerydoor. (updated 9/3/2001) at
http://www.surgerydoor.co.uk/medcon/detail2.asp?level2=Thrush
Vaginal Thrush and Contraceptive Pills
***********************************
Specific information concerning contraceptive pills follows:
“The combined pill contains the hormones oestrogen and progesterone
which alter the level of natural hormones in the body. The amount of
yeast present in the vagina may depend upon hormonal balance so taking
the contraceptive pill may make you more likely to get thrush. Newer
contraceptive pills contain much smaller amounts of hormones and seem
to be less likely to cause thrush. Hormonal changes also explain why
some women get thrush before their period.”
http://www.thrushadvice.org/causes.html
*(Please consider the other important causes of recurrent thrush on
this page)
Since this site is an advertisement for a particular medication, you
needn’t consider the rest of the links unless you are interested.
“Some people feel that thrush becomes more of a problem when they
start taking the contraceptive pill. This is controversial, but if
thrush is becoming a recurrent problem, it may be worth reconsidering
your method of contraception and discussing alternatives with your
doctor. It is more likely however, that recurrent thrush infection is
due to lack of lubrication during intercourse than the actual
contraceptive pill. Without adequate lubrication, the natural defences
in the vagina can be disturbed by friction and this predisposes to
infection.”
Read “Thrush/Vaginal” at http://www.wellway.co.uk/thrush_vaginal.html
Some information of the effect of thrush on other forms of
contraception
***********************************************************
“Vaginal thrush treatments can also damage the latex in diaphragms
and other barrier contraceptives like condoms.” From “The
Contraception Fact Sheet.” Family Planning Queensland. (updated
7/18/2002) at http://www.fpq.asn.au/!factsheets&brochures/fs-barrier-diaphragm.htm
Additional Reading
“Thrush: Candiada Allbicans” at http://www.femail.com.au/thrush.htm
I am not a doctor, and cannot dispense medical advice. Also, I
cannot recommend different types of contraceptive pills or methods of
birth control, since that is the specialty of a good gynecologist.
Therefore, I would highly recommend you heed the advice given by Dr.
Paula Weadon in the article “An Overview of Vaginal Thrush: A
Patient’s Guide. Ponsonby Medical Center (October 25, 2000) at
http://www.ponsonbymedical.co.nz/healthtopics.asp?A=6232
"Women with recurrent unexplained thrush should see a specialist.
Accurate diagnosis of the condition requires a laboratory test of the
vaginal discharge."
I think you have pinpointed a very important factor in your
reoccurance of thrush, and the link to birth-control pills. Make sure
you are emphatic about that link when you visit your doctor.
I hope this information is helpful and you can find some relief for
your symptoms. Good luck!
umiat-ga
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