Is candida transmitted from woman to man? What is thrush? Is thrush transmitted to a man from a woman? Insufficient disinfection and hygiene is a favorable opportunity to “catch” thrush

When studying the question of whether thrush is transmitted from woman to man, it is necessary to study in detail several important factors and features. Today, this disease is quite common, especially among representatives of the fair sex. The appearance of thrush is influenced by many factors, and therefore there are several options for its spread.

Features of the disease

The main cause of thrush is a fungus belonging to the genus Candida. The infection affects the mucous membranes, which causes quite unpleasant sensations in the form of itching and burning. With strong reproduction, colonies of organisms turn into abundant curdled discharge, which is the main sign of this disease. It is because of the color that it is popularly known as thrush.

There are several factors that provoke the appearance of the disease. One of the most common causes is taking antibiotics. It is known that when serious illnesses appear, the doctor prescribes treatment with these drugs. But antibacterial drugs destroy both harmful and beneficial microorganisms.

Often, specialists prescribe additional medications that prevent the destruction of microflora during treatment. Prebiotics are used for these purposes.

Oddly enough, another provoking factor is soap. Products with antibacterial properties often disrupt the normal balance of microflora, which helps to reduce local immunity.

When using hormonal contraception, hormonal levels change, and not for the better:

Candidiasis often occurs in women during pregnancy. The cause of the disease is also a change in hormonal levels.

Some women experience candidiasis as a result of poor diet. This is especially true in cases where the diet contains a large number of sweet products. Often, consumption of such products leads to more serious diseases, such as obesity.

Symptoms of the disease

There are several characteristic symptoms that can help identify thrush in women. These include:

• the appearance of copious vaginal discharge;
• the presence of an unpleasant sour odor;
• the appearance of itching and burning;
• redness and swelling at the inflammation stage.

In advanced forms of the disease, urination is accompanied by pain. During sexual intercourse there is also severe discomfort.

Often the disease occurs without symptoms. Sometimes women lose any signs with the onset of menstruation, and therefore identifying thrush is quite problematic.

How candidiasis spreads

There are people who believe that thrush is transmitted through a kiss or through household methods, but this is far from true. There are several main ways the disease can be contracted. Most often, a man can get thrush from a woman. Although bacteria do not develop so actively in the male body, infection mainly occurs in this way. After candidiasis is transmitted to a man, the effects on the internal organs begin.

A man is faced with external manifestations that indicate the development of the disease. When bacteria are transmitted to a healthy partner, fungi multiply, but this occurs differently in males and females. This is explained by human anatomy. If in a woman the growth of bacteria occurs in the vagina, then in men the disease is localized in the urethra.

But even in this part of the body, fungi are not able to reproduce fully. This is due to the fact that men have stable hormonal levels and strong immunity.

A man can become infected with candidiasis, but the infection often affects the oral cavity. There are other, simpler ways of transmitting the disease. Often, the infection can “migrate” to a healthy partner through a kiss. The disease passes from a woman with candidiasis to a man.

You can get thrush if you have bad habits. This is especially true for smoking, since the harmful components present in smoke negatively affect the microflora of the oral cavity.

Transmission from man to woman

A man can infect a woman with thrush, and this phenomenon is not an exception, as many members of the stronger sex mistakenly believe. If a partner has an infection, the disease can easily spread to the female body and multiply under favorable conditions.

You can get thrush from a man if you have a weakened immune system. When bacteria enter the body, they begin to actively spread and multiply, which leads to the appearance of symptoms of the disease.

Regardless of whether thrush is transmitted to a man or a woman, two partners should undergo treatment to avoid further spread of the disease in the body.

It is worth noting that thrush is contagious only in the active phase with the appearance of pronounced symptoms.

Therefore, when wondering whether thrush is sexually transmitted, the answer can be unequivocal - yes. This method is the most common. If you have the disease, partners should remember that thrush is contagious and it is best to get treatment to avoid further transmission of the infection.

Infection through household objects

Many people wonder: is thrush transmitted through household contact? Infection by this method does not occur so often, but similar cases are also common. Methods of infection through household items are possible if a healthy and sick person lives in the same area. With the general use of soap, sponges, razors and even towels, infection can enter a healthy body.

Both girls and men can transmit or receive the disease through household items. Fungi develop on razors or soap for quite a long time. In general, women most often suffer from infection, since their immunity is less resistant to the effects of the disease.

Thrush in men is not a common disease. A man who has good health, good and high-quality nutrition, does not experience stress and monitors the cleanliness of his sexual intercourse may not worry about this disease at all. But, unfortunately, this is not always the case.

What is thrush?

Thrush is an overly acute development of fungi - candida, which are present in the microflora of many people. This disease is also called “candidiasis”. Carriage of the fungus itself is not a disease as such. Certain conditions are necessary for the development of candidiasis.

Factors contributing to the onset of the disease include:

• Impaired immune function;
• Taking antibiotics;
• Respiratory infections and hypothermia;
• Gastrointestinal disorders;
• Skin diseases;
• Presence of sexually transmitted infections;
• Stressful influence;
• Insufficient sleep.

Can thrush be transmitted to men?

Although this disease is often perceived as exclusively female, certain conditions can provoke this process in men. Medical statistics state that male candidiasis is much less common than female or children's. Representatives of the stronger sex suffer from thrush on the genitals, which can also be transmitted through sexual contact, like other sexually transmitted infections. Despite the fact that it is transmitted through unprotected sexual intercourse with the same ease as in women, males are less susceptible to this disease.

The fact is that the male genital organs do not have such a favorable environment for fungal proliferation. It is the microflora of the female vagina, having moderate acidity, that most contributes to this process. In addition to the genitals, thrush in men can appear on the mucous membranes of the mouth, gastrointestinal tract, and on the skin of the hands and feet.

How is thrush transmitted?

Candida fungi are extremely resistant to environmental influences, so they can be found not only in human microflora, but also on household items. The ways in which the fungus can enter the male body are extremely diverse.

First of all, if we talk about genital candidiasis, in most cases, it is transmitted through unprotected sexual contact. If these fungi are present in the partner’s microflora. Once in the male body, they may not manifest themselves for a long time until the immune system fails for certain reasons.

Oral thrush is often transmitted through kissing, as well as other types of intimate caresses. It can also be obtained through tableware or hygiene items that contain Candida fungi on the surface. Often, a fungal infection can be transmitted by using a public shower or eating in a public canteen.

If sanitary and preventive measures are not observed sufficiently, thrush can be transmitted to a man in medical institutions, hairdressers, and various beauty salons.

How to protect yourself from the disease?

As you can see, the infection can be transmitted to a man in any way and not all of them can be prevented. It follows from this that it is necessary to focus on the prevention of fungal proliferation, which causes the disease.

Preventing candidiasis is quite simple. To do this, you need to adhere to the rules of a healthy lifestyle. You need to carefully monitor your diet and maintain a sufficient level of physical activity. Candidiasis is very rarely transmitted to those who carefully adhere to personal hygiene rules.

A man needs to closely monitor his sexual activity, avoiding untested partners. Remember that the best protection is contraception. Their use will allow you to protect yourself from numerous sexually transmitted and other infections.

Thrush is commonly called candidiasis. It mainly occurs in women, although it can also occur in men. The cause of the disease is yeast-like fungi Candida. If there are few of them, then they do not cause harm, since they are part of the natural microflora of the vagina. But if they begin to multiply and outnumber the required amount that should be contained in the vagina, thrush occurs. This is already a disease. Is thrush transmitted to a man from a woman? The answer to this question can be found in this article.

Symptoms of candidiasis

In women, in the form of severe itching of the external genital organs and vaginal walls. The discharge from thrush is thick, cheesy, white or yellowish in color. Moreover, they are quite abundant, and it is impossible not to notice them. A rash and redness may occur in the vaginal area.

The external genitalia sometimes swell. A slight but unpleasant sour smell appears. Those around him usually do not feel it, only the woman herself. But this is the reason for her nervousness. She gets the false feeling that those around her are also picking up on him. Pain is felt during sex. The same sensations occur when urinating.

Men with thrush also experience itching of the penis and pain during sex, but in a weaker form. Moreover, after sexual intercourse they intensify. Discharge from thrush appears only on the head of the penis, in the form of a white coating. The tip of the penis and foreskin become red and swollen. There may be noticeable pain when urinating.

Causes of thrush

Thrush can occur not only in women who have a sexual life, but also in young girls who are still virgins. The causes of candidiasis can be:

• Poor genital hygiene. You need to wash yourself at least twice a day.
• Weakened immunity. The body's ability to resist harmful bacteria during this period is low.
• Nutrition. It may be irregular and unbalanced. You can't eat a lot of sweets and baked goods. Certain diets may also be the cause.
• Hormonal disorders of the body. For diabetes mellitus, thyroid diseases, ovarian dysfunction, during pregnancy, etc.
• Chemotherapy and radiation therapy disrupt the vaginal microflora and can cause active growth of candida fungi.
• Various diseases that lead to weakening of the body.
• Sex. Is thrush transmitted to a man from a woman? Undoubtedly yes. But representatives of the stronger sex can also be carriers of the disease.
• Antibiotics. This is one of the main causes of thrush. Antibiotics cause dysbiosis. As a result, a favorable environment for the proliferation of Candida fungi appears in the body.
• Underwear. A humid environment is favorable for the growth and reproduction of thrush fungi. Therefore, after swimming it is necessary to change clothes and not walk in wet underwear. Synthetic fabrics are also very harmful; they do not allow air to pass through. As a result, a “greenhouse effect” occurs, which is favorable for the proliferation of thrush fungi. Thongs, jumpsuits, etc. disrupt heat transfer. Therefore, if you wear them frequently, Candida fungi can begin to actively reproduce.
• Sanitary deodorized pads, lubricants, scented toilet paper and vaginal sprays. They weaken the immune system, which can cause thrush.
• Douching. It disrupts the natural microflora of the vagina, which leads to candidiasis. Solutions containing potassium permanganate, chamomile and baking soda are especially harmful.
• Hypothermia. It causes a malfunction in the immune system. The body's self-defense is greatly weakened.

How the disease is transmitted

Fungi can enter a woman’s body from the outside from a sick male carrier of thrush. Moreover, this risk increases if the type of candida differs from that which is natural for the microflora of the girl’s vagina. Is thrush transmitted to a man from a woman? The answer is yes: during sexual intercourse without condoms. But there are also options for self-transfer. From the natural reservoir of the fungus - the intestines.

Male thrush

Genital thrush can also occur in men. But usually it manifests itself subclinically. And in men (without transmission of the disease from a woman), it occurs quite rarely. There are many causes of the disease. For example, the use of antibiotics, which destroy not only harmful bacteria, but also good ones. In this case, those that resist Candida fungi.

The question often arises about whether thrush is transmitted to a man from a woman. Yes, during sex. And this option is the most common. Other reasons are hormonal imbalance and weakened immunity. The cause of thrush can be synthetic underwear or poor hygiene. In this case, fungi accumulate under the foreskin and begin active reproduction.

Why does cured thrush appear again after sexual intercourse?

Thrush can occur not only as a result of sexual intercourse. But even if a woman gets sick from a partner who acts as a carrier, then the likelihood of “catching” candidiasis from him again is very high if condoms are not used during sex.

There are cases when, after treatment for thrush, both partners are “clean”. But candidiasis appears again after a while. As a result, the question arises: why does thrush occur again after sexual intercourse? We must remember that the disease can be “caught” not only during sex. There are many causes of thrush, and all of them are described above.

Some representatives of the fair sex, who discover symptoms of thrush, decide not to go to the gynecologist and get treatment in the hospital. At best (relatively speaking), they buy tablets and ointments, do steam baths and douches, hoping that everything will go away just like that. At worst, ladies endure it with clenched teeth. Such is the mentality of Russian women. But can thrush really go away on its own, without consequences and harm to the health of lovely ladies? The answer will definitely be negative. Why? Let's try to understand this issue in order.

What is thrush and why is it dangerous?

Candidiasis, also called thrush, is a type of fungal infection. The cause of the disease is yeast-like fungi of the genus Candida. In fact, every person has such microorganisms in their body. Place of dislocation - oral mucosa, vagina. In small quantities they do not cause any changes or disturbances. But as soon as you get sick with something serious or catch a more pathogenic strain of the fungus, the microflora is disrupted and the infection begins to spread further.

After taking the pill, so advertised on television, the ladies calm down. What to worry about if all the symptoms have gone away? In fact, the absence of signs does not mean that the disease has completely receded. After some time, candidiasis may reappear. And it will be more difficult to get rid of it, since the fungus will spread to other organs. That’s why it’s so important not to let the disease get worse.

Who is at risk or who should watch out for

There is a misconception that thrush is transmitted only through sexual contact. In fact, it can appear in newborns, adolescents, and representatives of the fair sex who have never had sexual intercourse, and with prolonged abstinence. Moreover, if you have been diagnosed with this, this does not mean that you will infect your partner or, moreover, that he is to blame for the fact that you got sick.

The reason must be sought in health problems. After all, as long as everything is fine with you, the immune system copes with such a load normally. But as soon as your body stops fighting, all hidden diseases will immediately come out. And until you undergo a comprehensive examination and find out exactly why you have thrush, you will not be able to get rid of it.

Causes of candidiasis: who is to blame and what to do?

As you already understand, thrush will not just appear in a completely healthy representative of the fair sex. What can provoke and accelerate the development of yeast-like fungi of the genus Candida? Yes, anything, from improper treatment, diabetes, AIDS, ending with chlamydia, mycoplasmosis. Therefore, this issue needs to be given special attention.

• Taking broad-spectrum antibiotics

Nowadays, when many medications are sold without prescriptions, ladies buy them on the advice of “knowledgeable” friends, without even thinking about the consequences. How often do women take antibiotics for colds, without even realizing that they do not help in such cases.

But even if you take these medications as prescribed by your doctor, you must be prepared for serious consequences. Here there is an upset stomach, and a lack of acceptance of certain foods, and that same thrush. The thing is that antibiotics destroy not only harmful bacteria, but also lactobacilli - those that prevent yeast-like fungi from multiplying. As a result, the flora is disrupted, and our body cannot resist infection.

Plus, antibiotics can be considered an excellent source of food for fungi of the genus Candida, which because of this actively multiply on the female genital organs. So the longer you take the medication, the worse it will get. That is why experts recommend using probiotics during treatment, which soften the effect of drugs on the body.

• Synthetic underwear

As surprising as it may sound to you, constantly wearing synthetic panties can lead to the appearance of vaginal candidiasis. Such fabric simply does not allow air to pass through and, fitting tightly to the skin, does not allow heat to escape normally. As a result, the closed area sweats and becomes very hot. High humidity and high temperature are what contribute to the rapid proliferation of the fungus.

Therefore, we refuse beautiful, but dangerous things that can lead to such diseases. And it's not just one thrush. For example, cystitis and candidiasis can be provoked by thongs, which, while walking, transfer bacteria from the anus to the vaginal opening. By the way, the same thing happens when a girl washes herself with a pressure shower.

• Pregnancy, taking oral contraceptives

Pregnant representatives of the fair sex quite often encounter such a nuisance as thrush. This usually happens at the end of the second and third trimesters. This happens due to the fact that the hormonal balance in the body of the expectant mother is disturbed.

Please note: if candidiasis appears, immediately inform your gynecologist. So that the disease is not transmitted to the baby, a pregnant woman needs to undergo a whole course of treatment. Moreover, the drugs are selected that will not harm the fetus. Remember that thrush will not just go away!

When it comes to birth control, almost all contraceptives that contain estrogen also have a negative impact on your health. As a result, the pH decreases, and bacteria and fungi, including the genus Candida, begin to multiply on the mucous membrane. By the way, in this case, women feel much worse precisely on those very red days when the hormone level reaches a critical point.

• Poor nutrition

Ladies who constantly diet and torture themselves with fasting risk developing a whole bunch of diseases, including thrush. Vitamin deficiency, deficiency of iron and other essential microelements - this has never brought any benefit. But to get in great shape, you just need to eat a balanced diet and go to the gym.

The second category of people are those people who cannot deny themselves the pleasure of eating fatty, salty, smoked, and spicy foods. Such food not only provokes the proliferation of fungi, but also significantly speeds up this process. Therefore, you should not rush from one extreme to another.

Every day a woman should eat one ripe apple. The diet must include vegetables, fruits, and berries. Cooking method: either steam, boil, or bake in the oven. Less frying, marinating, salting. By the way, regarding salt. You are unlikely to be able to immediately reduce the dosage - the food will seem bland and tasteless. But if you gradually reduce the amount, then, in the end, you will be able to switch to the prescribed norm. This will help get rid of not only thrush, but also stomach problems, swelling, bags and bruises under the eyes, as well as excess weight.

• Problems with the endocrine system

Thrush can be a symptom of a more serious and dangerous disease. This applies to diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism and Itsenko-Cushing's disease, problems with the thyroid gland. Often the endocrine system begins to “become naughty” with severe obesity.

• Problems with the immune system

If you develop thrush immediately after you have undergone treatment for it, you should immediately be checked for the presence of malignant tumors, leukemia, and AIDS. Problems with the immune system can also occur after chemotherapy, long-term treatment with immunosuppressants, antibiotics, hormones, etc.

• Intoxication

People who regularly drink alcohol or drugs get sick more often and more severely than people who lead a healthy lifestyle. But the whole problem is that because of such hobbies, intoxication occurs in the body, which simply cannot cope with the infection. The same thing happens with patients who take medications for quite a long time. As in previous cases, thrush will not go away on its own, even if you stop taking medications and stop drinking alcohol.

• Damage

Another fairly common cause of thrush is frequent damage to the skin and mucous membranes. The problem may be that you wear dentures, which are constantly squeezing and rubbing, erosion, burns, etc. Therefore, if you feel discomfort or are injured, be careful, treat cuts promptly, and try to avoid repeated injuries.

• High temperature and humidity

A person sweats, moisture accumulates in the folds, and bacteria begin to multiply there. It’s good if a woman has the opportunity to use at least wet wipes to wipe her skin. But, for example, when working in production, doing chores around the house, or walking on the street, it is unlikely that the fair sex will be able to run into the ladies’ room every five minutes.

By the way, this is why some experts recommend changing your swimsuit immediately after water procedures. The fact is that the sun immediately heats up our skin, but thongs or bikinis take a very long time to dry. As a result, we get a comfortable, humid environment in which bacteria thrive quite well.

• Sexual contacts

You can also pick up Candida fungi while having sex with a partner without a condom. And this disease is popularly called “marital thrush.” Therefore, always use protection if you are not married to a young man. By the way, in men this disease may not manifest itself for quite a long time, while he will remain a carrier.

Thus, thrush is not just a disease, but a sign that something is wrong with your body. For infection and spread, certain factors must be present that negatively affect the immunity of the fair sex. And until these causes are eliminated, thrush will not only not go away on its own, but will continue to appear after treatment.

Is it thrush: we determine the disease

Of course, it is impossible to diagnose yourself without having medical education and practice. The symptoms that occur with thrush may be accompanied by other diseases. Plus, it all depends on what caused candidiasis, what stage you are at now, what diseases you still have, etc.

During an exacerbation, the following symptoms characteristic of thrush almost always occur. Firstly, it is itching and burning in the genital area. At the same time, the unpleasant sensations always intensify in the evening. This manifestation is especially pronounced in the premenstrual period. After menstruation there is a slight relief. It is at this time that a woman may decide that the thrush has gone away on its own. But after a week the symptoms reappear.

Secondly, with thrush, a certain white or slightly yellowish substance is released from the vagina, similar in appearance to cottage cheese. The quantity and quality depend on the severity of the disease. In particularly advanced cases, the discharge may be brown or greenish. Please note: if a representative of the fair sex has chronic vulvovaginitis, then the presence of such formations is not necessary.

With thrush there is usually no pronounced unpleasant and repulsive odor. But over time, a slightly sour aroma may appear that cannot be gotten rid of even after taking a shower or bath. By the way, the latter is not recommended for candidiasis, as discomfort and itching after hot water will only intensify.

Also, you should not have sex if you have candidiasis. This will not only bring you no pleasure, but will also greatly harm you. You can infect your partner, and it will hurt you during penetration. And in the future, when you are cured of the disease, you will again catch fungi of the genus Candida from MP.

The next symptom is a rash on the mucous membrane. These can be very small bubbles, inside of which there is a slightly cloudy or completely transparent liquid. Location: vagina and vulva. There may also be swelling or hyperemia. Women during an exacerbation experience incredible pain and burning when urinating, as if the genitals were being corroded by acid. The fact is that urine affects inflamed skin, causing such unpleasant sensations.

Please note: all of these signs and symptoms can occur together or separately. It all depends on the area affected. Sometimes inflammatory processes either affect only the genitals or the vagina. But usually this disease extends to both. Plus, if treatment is not started at the first manifestations, the bladder and cervix suffer.

To be treated or not to be treated for thrush

Are you still wondering whether you should trust doctors and go to the hospital to get a diagnosis and treatment? What doubts can there be? You should understand that such diseases simply cannot go away on their own. Fungi that cause inflammatory processes will not simply stop multiplying and will not sink into oblivion.

In the future, if thrush is not treated, the fair sex may experience problems with reproductive function. Plus, there are risks of infection of the baby who is in the womb. And this will not lead to anything good.

Self-medicating is the last thing a woman should do. The fact is that medications in most cases negatively affect the immune system. And this, in turn, gives complete freedom of action to fungi of the genus Candida. As a result, the affected area only increases. And getting rid of this scourge will be much more difficult.

It is quite difficult for even a doctor to cope with thrush, because, as mentioned earlier, it is not necessary to have sex for fungi to begin their activity in the body. Candidiasis indicates that not everything is all right with the woman. She may have serious illnesses that affect her hormonal levels and immunity.

Therefore, the first thing you will have to do is undergo a full examination to exclude the presence of concomitant diseases. If there are any, they are treated first. Then medications are prescribed that stimulate increased immunity, get rid of dysbacteriosis, restore acidity, etc. Plus, a special diet rich in vitamins, minerals and protein is prescribed. At the same time, the diet should not contain foods that affect the development of Candida fungi.

Moreover, you cannot self-medicate or hope for a miraculous cure for the problem during pregnancy. Remember that mushrooms can be transmitted to your baby. Given that many medications can adversely affect fetal development, this issue should be approached with caution.

By the way, if a woman is diagnosed with thrush, then her sexual partner should also be treated. Moreover, even if there are no visible manifestations of the disease, he is still required to undergo an examination. As mentioned earlier, candidiasis may not appear immediately, but after some time.

How is thrush treated? The patient is prescribed antifungal drugs, which are taken topically (ointments and creams) and orally (tablets). But even if you have completed a course of treatment, this does not mean that you are completely free of the scourge. Thrush may return if you do not completely get rid of it. For example, the dosage was prescribed incorrectly, and the woman stopped taking the medication immediately after she felt better.

Also, sometimes antifungal agents do not always cope with the task. The fact is that fungi quickly get used to certain drugs. As a result, medications that helped before do not bring any benefit the next time. That is why some modern clinics offer patients to undergo culture tests. In the laboratory, samples are taken to determine which drugs the fungi are sensitive to. And based on the results of the study, full treatment is prescribed.

• Medications

Today, there are quite a large number of antifungal medications that help cope with thrush. But due to universal availability and not very controlled use, the fungus is increasingly resistant to them.

Tablets and pills cost differently, depending on the manufacturer and the popularity of a particular product. Unfortunately, not everyone these days can afford expensive treatment. And if you are limited in finances, do not hesitate to inform your gynecologist about this. The doctor will select a less expensive medicine, which in its properties will not be inferior to its analogues.

• Candles, ointments and creams

These remedies allow you to get rid of the symptoms of thrush on the second day. The disease itself goes away after a week. To achieve positive results, you must regularly use antifungal suppositories, ointments or creams throughout the week.

• Douching

As for this method, almost all gynecologists are against such measures. The fact is that the liquid washes out not only harmful bacteria, but also destroys flora. In this case, the fungus simply stops growing so quickly. The symptoms (itching, burning) may also go away. And this is much more dangerous, since the fair sex will decide that she has completely overcome the disease. And the fungi will gradually spread to other organs.

• Diet

During the treatment period and a couple of months after full recovery, the fair sex must follow a strict diet. You will have to limit yourself to sweet, salty, spicy, dairy and butter foods. Dishes that use yeast are strictly prohibited. A small amount of fermented milk products containing bifidobacteria is allowed. In large supermarkets you can easily find such fermented baked milk, yogurt, and kefir.

Disease prevention

Is it possible to prevent thrush? It is quite difficult to answer this question unequivocally because there are quite a lot of reasons why this disease could occur in you. But if you still follow a few basic rules, the risk of infection with Candida fungi will be minimized.

• We visit a specialist on time

The first thing to remember is that a woman should visit a gynecologist at least once every six months. It is advisable that visits to other specialists are also made every 6-8 months. After all, as you already understood from the article, if you do not have health problems, thrush will not threaten you.

• Watching your diet

The next thing you need to do to prevent candidiasis from reappearing is to regularly consume yoghurts and kefir, which will help restore normal intestinal microflora. Also, do not forget to eat foods such as onions and garlic. And, of course, eat vegetables and fruits every day for lunch, breakfast or dinner. And drink as much fluid as possible. The daily norm for an adult woman is 1.5 liters. In this case, you will have to limit yourself to foods that change the acidity of the vagina. This also applies to sweet dishes.

• We wear quality things

Next on the list are things. We throw away everything unnatural, synthetic, dense, constricting and digging into the skin. We choose cotton panties that do not interfere with normal thermoregulation. As a last resort, there should be small inserts of cotton fabric.

• We use condoms and special lubricant

Always use condoms, especially if you have been dating for a short time or if you are dating a younger person. This remedy also perfectly protects against unwanted pregnancy. You remember that OCs can cause thrush. It is also not recommended to douche after sexual intercourse, as this only worsens the situation. By washing away beneficial microflora, you will destroy natural protection. Unfortunately, many representatives of the fair sex forget about this.

Believe me, scientists have repeatedly proven that men practically do not feel the difference whether it is with or without a condom. Rather, the psychological factor plays a big role here, when guys inspire this in themselves. If your boyfriend insists on coitus interruptus or shifts the defense to you, he simply does not value or care about your health.

The second rule you should pay attention to is the use of lubricant. The fact is that not all women can get aroused enough. As a result, the penis simply injures the mucous membrane. Therefore, it is recommended to use special products, but only water-soluble ones.

• We monitor cleanliness

It is also worth mentioning personal hygiene. So, remember once and for all: a woman should wash herself at least twice a day. But you shouldn’t run into the shower too often, otherwise you will wash off not only pathogenic, but also beneficial bacteria from your skin. It is advisable to look into the shower after each bowel movement. You need to wash, wipe and dry yourself from the pubis to the tailbone, and not vice versa. You don't want to bring any nasty stuff from the anus to the vaginal opening.

Remember that a towel is a personal item. No one but you should touch it. You won’t even give your toothbrush to your children and husband. So why then don’t you think about the fact that each family member should have their own dry terry towel. And not just one, but several: for hands, face, body, hair, legs. You also need to ensure that they are changed on time and are always clean, fresh and dry.

For intimate hygiene, choose special products. There are wipes, gels, and sprays on sale that are specifically designed for this purpose. And remember, such products should not be antibacterial. You don't want to hurt yourself, right? Also, you should not use regular shower gel or laundry soap, so as not to upset the alkaline balance. A lady should have wet wipes for intimate hygiene in her bag. With their help, you can monitor cleanliness even at work, visiting, or while walking.

• Taking the medicine correctly

Are you facing long-term antibiotic treatment? Then don't forget about antifungal agents that will help prevent thrush. They are not that cheap, but if you don’t want to spend another couple of thousand rubles and a lot of nerves on fighting candidiasis, be sure to remind your doctor about this.

Thrush is a serious problem in a civilized society. 5-8% develop recurrent thrush. After treatment, her unpleasant symptoms return again.

Since thrush often affects the genitals, against the background of infection, sexual life becomes impossible, causing discomfort and pain. It is important to know whether thrush is contagious and whether it is worth treating a sexual partner if it manifests itself.

Thrush is...

Thrush is an inflammation of the mucous membranes and skin caused by a fungus of the genus Candida. In women, the vagina and vulva are affected - vulvovaginal candidiasis. In men, thrush affects the glans penis and foreskin - candidal balanoposthitis.

So, in 65-80% of the population, the fungus lives in small quantities in the intestines. In 10% of women - in the vagina. On the head of the penis in 25% of men, i.e. everyone has 4. In the oral cavity, every inhabitant of the earth has 2. When do thrush symptoms occur? They occur when conditions arise for candida to multiply and grow.

Conditions for candida reproduction:

• Decreased immunity. Stress, hypothermia, pregnancy, neonatal period. As well as serious diseases that lead to depletion of the body: cirrhosis of the liver, oncology, blood diseases (anemia, leukemia, thrombocytopenia, etc.) and their treatment.
• Hormonal imbalances. First of all, this concerns women and their hormonal levels. You can get thrush due to menstrual irregularities, during pregnancy, or during menstruation.
• For diabetes mellitus, thyroid diseases.
• When taking hormonal drugs: glucocorticoids, combined contraceptives.
• Damage to the skin and mucous membranes: burns, injuries.
• Disturbances in the balance of local microflora due to antibiotic use. Dysbacteriosis of the vagina, intestines.

How does the fungus enter the human body?

The fungus can enter the human body at any time and at any age:

• In utero. An unborn child may already be infected with candida.
• During childbirth, when passing through the mother's birth canal.
• From the mother's hands when caring for a newborn baby.
• From the mother's nipple when feeding the baby. Even in early childhood, a child can become a carrier of the fungus.
• From food, the causative agent of candidiasis enters the oral cavity and intestines. Dairy products, cereals, and fruits can be contaminated with fungus.
• From environmental objects. Workers in the canning and confectionery industries often get sick.
• The aerogenic route is with inhaled air.

There is no clear answer to this question. Some experts believe that every 3 women with recurrent candidiasis can become infected through sexual contact.

Others dispute this fact. The following arguments are given:

• Only 20% of women with recurrent thrush have a fungus found in their sexual partners.
• Many women suffering from recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis are not sexually active at all.
• Simultaneous treatment of a woman and her sexual partner does not reduce the likelihood of thrush recurrence.

Candidiasis is often combined with a bacterial infection that is sexually transmitted. Bacteria secrete enzymes that damage the epithelium. This creates conditions for the fungus to invade the tissue.

Can thrush be transmitted from a man to a woman?

• the fungus may die and be replaced by the normal microflora of a woman’s vagina;
• may attach to the epithelium and be present in small quantities in the vagina. There will be no symptoms of the disease. Such a woman becomes a candidate carrier. But when favorable conditions are created, candidiasis can progress into the acute period of the disease. For example, when the vaginal mucosa is damaged, antibiotics are taken, which upsets the balance between vaginal lactobacilli and pathogens, candida begins to multiply;
• infection may occur and an acute infection will immediately develop. But this is only if the woman had the conditions for this.

An imbalance of the vaginal microflora occurs, which creates conditions for the proliferation of candida, which could previously be present in a woman’s vagina or on a man’s penis.

Familial thrush

Cases of so-called familial thrush have been described. When candidiasis returns again and again after treatment. In this case, a woman is a source of infection for a man, a man for a woman. Partners constantly infect each other.

Thrush occurs 10 times more often in women than in men. This feature is explained by the anatomical structure of the genital organs, the hormonal background of a woman and its fluctuations during different periods of life: pregnancy, menstruation, menopause, etc.

A woman infected with thrush complains of:

• itching, burning, which intensifies in the afternoon and at night, after water procedures and sexual intercourse, after long walking, as well as during menstruation;
• discharge from the genital tract is abundant or moderate, reminiscent of cottage cheese;
• the vagina and vulva are swollen, red with vesicular rashes, after the opening of the vesicles erosions form;
• if thrush is chronic, the discharge becomes less abundant. The skin of the external genitalia undergoes atrophy and thickening;
• sexual intercourse causes pain and discomfort;
• Over time, the infection spreads to the urethra and bladder. In this case, pain and burning appear when urinating, as well as pain in the lower abdomen.

Male candidiasis

For the occurrence of candidal balanoposthitis in men, simply the presence of a fungus on the head of the penis is not enough. Trauma to the organ and (or) metabolic disorders in the body (diabetes mellitus), or decreased immunity are necessary. If a woman has acute manifestations of thrush, she can also become infected from the woman.

• The head of the penis is swollen and red.
• Small rashes appear on its surface, which then transform into bubbles. The bubbles merge with each other and open to form erosions. The erosions are surrounded by a white border of desquamated epithelium.
• The inner surface of the foreskin, as well as the surface of erosions, are covered with a white coating.
• Discharge from the penis.
• Unbearable itching and burning of the head of the penis.
• Pain during sexual intercourse.
• Pain when urinating.

Perianal candidiasis or “gay gut”

One of the reasons, but far from the only one, for damage to the rectum by candida fungus is anal sexual intercourse. When they occur, damage to the rectal mucosa occurs and microcracks appear. This leads to the proliferation of the fungus and its penetration into the tissue.

Cases of mixed infections have been described: candida and herpes with damage to the rectum.

Symptoms:

• itching and burning on the skin around the anus;
• the skin is red with a clear border, with peeling, erosion and cracks;
• abdominal pain and bloating;
• nausea, loss of appetite;
• Frequent, watery stools mixed with blood and mucus.

Is it worth treating a sexual partner for thrush?

Some researchers believe that since candidiasis is not a sexually transmitted disease, treatment of the sexual partner is not necessary. But still, in practice, in some cases it would not be a bad idea to undergo treatment together with a man.

A partner should be treated if:

• a woman has recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis;
• the partner has specific symptoms;
• after examination the diagnosis is confirmed;
• Immediately after intercourse, symptoms of acute thrush appeared.

A possible predisposing factor for the development of infection is sexual contact, especially in cases of violation of hygiene rules, sexual contacts during the acute period of the infectious process and in couples practicing oral-genital and anal sexual intercourse.

Can thrush occur from birth control and hormonal pills?

It has also been proven that the effect of hormones on immunological reactions depends on their concentration: high levels have an immunosuppressive effect, and low levels have an immunostimulating effect. Thus, the ratio of sex hormones may be one explanation for the incidence of candidiasis. Thrush from hormonal pills can occur if the drugs contain high doses of estrogen or progesterone. Female hormones can increase the saturation of vaginal tissues with glycogen, which mushrooms feed on, or reduce immune responses. This is why hormonal thrush occurs.

Thrush often occurs after Duphaston and Utrozhestan. These drugs are prescribed to women with problems conceiving to maintain the corpus luteum phase. If the level of progesterone is insufficient, the fertilized egg cannot attach to the wall of the uterus. After taking one of the drugs, changes occur in the endometrium that help the fertilized egg to attach normally to the endometrium and develop. Progesterone, which is the active substance of the drugs, reduces immune reactions and prevents the fertilized egg from being rejected. Therefore, from Duphaston and from Utrozhestan, thrush can occur against the background of a decrease in the body’s immune reactions.

Symptoms of candidiasis may appear after using emergency contraceptive drugs. These are drugs with pronounced gestagenic and antiestrogenic characteristics. One of the popular means of emergency contraception is Postinor. It has a significant effect on hormone levels and has many side effects. Thrush often appears after Postinor due to the high concentration of the hormone. If a woman takes Postinor more than once a month, thrush may become chronic. According to WHO, thrush from birth control pills is 50% more common than in women who do not take them.

In women who use the Nuvaring vaginal ring, thrush is a frequent companion. The drug contains derivatives of the hormones estrogen and progesterone. The main mechanism of Nuvaring is inhibition of the synthesis of active substances in the pituitary gland and prevention of ovulation. Against the background of increased levels of the hormone estrogen, the accumulation of glycogen in vaginal cells increases, which promotes the growth of candida. After Escapel, thrush may appear due to the high content of hormones with antiestrogenic effects, which reduce the body's immune responses.

Genferon is an immunomodulatory drug and does not contain hormones. It is actively used for chronic inflammatory and fungal diseases. The drug copes well with dysbiosis, which develops against the background of a long-term illness or the prescription of large doses of antibiotics. However, thrush sometimes occurs after Genferon. This can happen if the medicine is used incorrectly or if there is a deep pathology of the woman’s immune status. If, for example, there are serious immune disorders, then the drug will not only not help, but will also cause a relapse.

Patients who treat inflammatory diseases of the urinary tract with Monural may experience the occurrence of candidiasis. The drug inhibits the synthesis of bacteria and is classified as an antibiotic. Thrush after Monural is a side effect of the drug, since, acting on a wide range of microorganisms, the drug disrupts the normal biocenosis of the vagina. As a result, active growth of yeast fungi occurs, and symptoms of vaginal candidiasis appear.

To regulate vaginal microflora, patients are prescribed the drug Vaginorm. It contains a “shock” dose of ascorbic acid, which reduces the pH of the vaginal environment and helps suppress the growth of anaerobes. But the drug does not inhibit the growth of fungal flora. Therefore, there may be thrush after Vaginorm. If the disease is asymptomatic, the use of the drug may increase the growth of a fungal infection. One of the contraindications of Vaginorm is vulvovaginal candidiasis, so before prescribing it, cultures must be done to check for a fungal infection.

The incubation period for thrush in women

A fungal infection called candidiasis (thrush) is quite common among the population. More often it affects the fair sex. The fungus lives in the body of every person, but only manifests itself when exposed to certain factors that weaken the protective function. From the moment of infection until the first sign of candidiasis appears, a person may not be aware of the impending threat. The incubation period for thrush in women varies from several days to 2 months.

How long does it take for candidiasis to appear?

Basically, a person begins to feel the presence of a fungal infection about a week after infection, sometimes after 2 months. This time difference depends on many factors, including hygiene habits and immune status.

How long does the incubation period for thrush last in women? With vaginal candidiasis, the clinical picture can develop even in 2 or 5 days. Symptoms quickly intensify and increase in severity. Manifestations such as swelling of the labia and itching, and thick vaginal discharge in women occur by the end of the 3rd day. A fungal infection can easily be contracted through contact with a sick person. The most dangerous period is the period during which vaginal discharge resembles curdled milk in its appearance.

The chronic form of the disease involves the periodic occurrence of thrush symptoms. Basically, fungi are activated before menstruation, and after their completion the symptoms disappear. An exacerbation of thrush occurs during the period of ovulation; during the remaining menstrual cycles, the disease does not manifest itself in any way.

Basic patterns of development of thrush:

1. The period of development of candidal urethritis lasts from 20 days to 60.
2. Balanitis candidiasis develops from 2 to 14 days.
3. Vulvovaginitis manifests itself after a period of 2 to 14 days.

Symptoms of the disease

Recognizing thrush is quite simple. Women have almost the same symptoms of the disease. During the first days of its presence in a woman’s body, thrush does not make itself felt. After about 3 days, white discharge appears from the vagina. The lack of necessary measures to ensure that treatment for the disease is started aggravates the situation. The discharge becomes creamy and thick, with characteristic itching in the genital area.

Chronic thrush often worsens and is accompanied by a burning sensation when urinating, increased itching and increased inflammation. Vaginal discharge becomes cheesy, and a white coating appears on the genitals. An increase in temperature is characteristic of the occurrence of candidiasis against the background of another disease and requires additional tests.

It is important to take timely measures during pregnancy so that the treatment of candidiasis is effective. The disease causes discomfort in women and contributes to the formation of spots on the placenta characteristic of thrush. This phenomenon sometimes leads to leakage of amniotic fluid or premature onset of labor. A woman needs to listen to her feelings in order to notice the first signs of the disease and begin treatment immediately. How long she will have to be treated for thrush will depend only on the individual characteristics of the human body.

Stages of development of fungal infection

Thrush goes through several stages in its development before the infection spreads throughout the body. The rate of damage depends on human physiology, the ability of the immune system to resist negative influences, hormonal levels and age. You can understand the peculiarities of the course of the disease and begin treatment faster if you know what stages candidiasis goes through.

There are 4 stages of thrush:

Fixation of the fungus on the mucous membrane. It can attach to the surface of the epithelium under certain favorable conditions, which reduce immunity and promote the adhesion of the fungus.

These include:

• second phase of the menstrual cycle;
• any type of diabetes;
• pregnancy;
• avitaminosis;
• hypothermia;
• long-term use of antibiotics.

Fungal growth on the mucosal surface. How long does it take to reach this stage? It depends on the state of the body's defense system. In cases where the human immune system is still able to resist infections, the disease does not develop further and stops at stage 2. The fungus remains on the upper layers of the epithelium for a long time. At the slightest weakening of the immune system, thrush becomes more active and goes through the following stages of its development.

The fungus penetrates deep into the epithelium. The infection can spread to the 6th level of the lower layers of the mucous membrane. The protective capabilities of the mucous membrane can prevent the fungus from reaching the connective tissue, which include:

• macrophages, as well as lymphocytes (they are capable of destroying foreign microorganisms, no matter how many there are);
• immunoglobulins A;
• microflora in women, the bacteria of which, in a competitive struggle for nutrients, destroy the fungus.

Infection enters the blood and damages internal organs. Thrush goes through this stage when the immune system of men and women is weakened. At stage 4, the disease is difficult to treat and can become chronic. This type of candidiasis, in which the fungus spreads throughout the body, is called invasive. According to experts, the lack of treatment for thrush at stage 4 can lead to death.

Treatment of fungal infection

How long does it take to treat candidiasis? Treatment of the disease and complete disappearance of symptoms takes different times for all women. The average period required for full recovery is 10 days. It may be increased if the disease is severe.

Treatment is primarily aimed at getting rid of the source of infection. Additionally, you need to drink immunomodulators, antibiotics, probiotics and take vitamins during the course of treatment. Both partners need to be treated for thrush, even if only one of them has symptoms of the infection. How much time is needed for this can only be determined by a doctor.

And a little about secrets...

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• white cheesy discharge
• severe burning and itching
• pain during sex
• bad smell
• discomfort when urinating

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