How to behave when it is occasional and when it comes back to bother.
Inflammation, burning and itching in the female intimate parts are not only annoying symptoms, but can represent the warning signs of a vaginal colonization by candida.
Candida deserves a specific treatment to be resolved quickly and minimize the risk of new infections as well as, of course, to avoid seeing a discomfort persist and worsen that can significantly reduce the quality of life and interfere with a peaceful couple relationship.
The source of the problem
The problem is much more widespread than you might think. According to epidemiological estimates, acute episodes of candida affect at least once in a lifetime about 70-75% of women of childbearing age, and in half of the cases (40-50%), after a first infection, a recurrence occurs.
In addition, about 5-8% of adult women tend to develop a recurrent form, characterized by at least four candida fungal infections over a year and particularly challenging to manage.
There are more than 20 different species of this microbe, a yeast naturally present in the bacterial flora of the intestine that can also live on the mucous membranes (for example on the mucous membrane of the oral cavity) and on the skin. In case of excessive proliferation it can give rise, in addition to vaginal candida, also to intestinal candida and thrush.
The microorganisms most often implicated in both acute and recurrent forms of vaginal candida are Candida albicans, responsible for 85-95% of total cases, and Candida glabrata, which cause more than half of the cases diagnosed in diabetic women (54%).
Both these fungi in physiological conditions are present in small quantities at the level of the vaginal mucous membranes living in balance with the endogenous microflora.
More or less intense discomfort, up to severe inflammation of the genitals (characterized by irritation, redness and swelling of the tissues) accompanied by the typical abundant whitish secretions and pain even during urination, usually appear when the balance of the vaginal ecosystem is destabilized. The causes may derive from factors external or internal to the body, which alter the local or systemic immune defenses of the woman or that promote the proliferation and / or greater aggressiveness of candida, such as changes in the level of hormones or changes in the normal acidity of the vagina.
To find out if these symptoms are due to the proliferation of candida (or for example to cystitis, or an inflammation of the bladder that causes, like candidiasis, burning urination, which can be associated with the presence of blood in the urine) it is sufficient to undergo a simple swab to take a sample of vaginal secretions. The microscopic analysis allows to verify if a high amount of candida cells is present and to arrive, thus, at the definitive diagnosis of what in medical terms is called candidiasis.
The main risk factors
Certain risk factors may predispose to the onset of candida mycosis. Taking antibiotics can, for example, kill the protective bacteria naturally present in the body that help keep the proliferation of a potentially pathogenic microorganism such as Candida albicans at bay.
In addition to antibiotic treatments, situations of intense or prolonged psychophysical stress, significant changes in lifestyle, physiological changes (premenstrual phase, pregnancy, post-menopause treated with hormone replacement therapy, etc.) o pathological hormonal balance (ovulation disorders, polycystic ovary, etc.), prolonged use of an inappropriate intimate cleanser, vaginal douches or antiseptics and a promiscuous sex life are the most common and widespread risk factors at the origin of acute candida infections.
Persistent immune alterations (congenital or acquired immunodeficiencies) due to specific diseases or pharmacological therapies (cortisone, immunomodulatory drugs that alter the functioning of the immune system, etc.), diabetes or diets rich in simple carbohydrates, conditions accompanied by significant hormonal changes and the intake of the contraceptive pill , as well as an individual genetic propensity are, instead, the main predisposing elements for the development of recurrent forms.
Prevent them with balance
The best way to reduce the likelihood of contracting a candida infection is to maintain adequate intimate hygiene and avoid all the risk factors mentioned: not an easy task, which a trivial antibiotic treatment manages in many cases to frustrate.
Let’s see some useful tricks for the prevention of candida infection.
| What to do | What NOT to do |
|---|---|
| Wear underwear made of natural fibers | Wear underwear made of synthetic fibers such as nylon (because helping to create a more humid environment can promote the proliferation of candida) |
| Keep your intimate parts as clean and dry as possible | Wear swimsuits for a long time or, more generally, wet or damp clothing |
| Keep sugar levels under control in women with diabetes (otherwise health could lose even if you face an attack from candida) | Use detergents containing irritants, feminine hygiene sprays, perfumes or talcum powders and vaginal douches, which kill the bacterial flora allied to health (the one that helps to defend against infections) and can increase losses. |
| Protect the balance of endogenous microflora with vaginal probiotic products based on lactobacilli in situations that can alter the composition of the vaginal ecosystem and, most importantly, in the period following antifungal or antibacterial therapy. Thanks to their acidifying and protective action, these microorganisms benefits (available in pharmacies, in the form of capsules to be applied locally) constitute a real natural barrier in Comparisons of candida infections and relapses |
How to cure candida with medication
In the vast majority of cases, candida is not dangerous; However, it is good to contact your doctor for the prescription of an effective treatment, which allows you to avoid side effects that can significantly reduce the quality of life of patients, such as dryness, pain and problems in the sexual sphere.
Fortunately, modern medicine has several active ingredients effective against candida, such as imidazole derivatives (such as clotrimazole) or triazole antifungals (such as fluconazole).
There are also more than one formulations available: it is possible to cure candida by applying creams or ointments, or by using vaginal ovules or, in some cases, by taking oral medicines.
Depending on the product chosen, the treatment may have a different duration; In any case, it is good to avoid interrupting it before necessary just because the symptoms of candida seem to improve: getting to the end of the treatment is essential to really defeat the problem.
In addition to antifungal treatment it is important to restore the balance of intestinal flora. For this purpose it is useful to administer local probiotics based on lactobacilli (also called lactic ferments), good bacteria capable of producing lactic acid, which helps maintain the vaginal pH at physiological levels.
For information on the most suitable treatment and on the methods and times of intake it is always important to consult your gynecologist.
It is advisable in particular to contact the attending physician or gynecologist to know how to deal with the problem in certain situations such as:
– First episode of Candida;
– chronic candida, characterized by recurrent relapses;
-pregnancy;
– worsening or appearance of new symptoms during therapy;
– in case it may be another sexually transmitted infection.
Preventing candida by paying attention to nutrition
Some people, to combat candida, decide to opt for supplements or natural remedies (such as hot vapors, applications of a mixture of honey and yogurt, vaginal irrigations with baking soda, etc.), whose effectiveness has never been confirmed by any scientific study.
As for nutrition, it happens to hear about a real diet to prevent the reappearance of candida infections. Although there is actually no such thing as a “miracle” food, following a few precautions can help prevent yeast growth. For example, it is advisable to limit the consumption of milk and dairy products (including some cheeses, such as gorgonzola) and foods containing sugar (such as chocolate, sweets and sugary drinks) or white flour (especially leavened products, such as bread, pizza and focaccia). Permitted foods include fruits, vegetables, legumes and whole grains.
Fighting candida in pairs: how to avoid the ping pong effect
Finally, you should not neglect the possibility of transmitting the infection to your partner. In fact, candida can also be the cause of problems in humans, in particular inflammation of the glans (the so-called balanitis) or of the glans and foreskin (balanoposthitis).
Contagion from woman to man is more frequent than that from man to woman; In fact, generally the amount of candida present in the prostatic fluid is not sufficient to transmit the infection.
Nevertheless, the infection can be transmitted with a real ping pong effect, “bouncing” from one partner to another. For this reason, it is advisable that both go to a specialist (gynecologist for her, urologist or andrologist for him) and undergo the necessary therapy to treat the infection.
It would also be better to abstain from sexual intercourse (or at least use a condom, the only contraceptive that can also protect against candida infections) until the treatment is completed. In this way, the risk of a vicious circle of infections will be significantly reduced.
Joycelyn Elders is the author and creator of EmpowerEssence, a health and wellness blog. Elders is a respected public health advocate and pediatrician dedicated to promoting general health and well-being.
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