Candidiasis during pregnancy - normal or threat to the condition of mother and child

Vaginal candidiasis during pregnancy is diagnosed in 9 out of 10 women. The disease develops against the background of hormonal changes and a decrease in the body's protective functions. The causative agent of the infectious disease is a fungus of the genus Candida (Candida). This microorganism is a conditionally pathogenic microorganism that lives on the skin and mucous membranes of almost any healthy person. The activity and vital functions of candida are controlled by the immune system, however, with the slightest disruption, the balance of the intravaginal microflora is disrupted, which leads to the activation of the infectious pathogen.

Candidiasis in pregnant women is mainly diagnosed at the end of the second and beginning of the third trimester. It is important to identify thrush in time and try to treat it before birth. This will help avoid complications not only in the expectant mother, but also in the child, whose risk of infection is very high when passing through the affected birth canal. Treatment of a fungal disease should be carried out under the strict supervision of a gynecologist, who selects medications, taking into account the patient’s position and the individual characteristics of her body.

Causes

Thrush is an infectious disease caused by opportunistic microorganisms – fungi of the genus Candida. In small quantities, they can be present in the mouth, vagina and colon of a healthy woman without causing discomfort or itching. However, in some cases (in particular during pregnancy), active growth of this fungus may be observed due to a decrease in the level of lactobacilli that form the microflora of the vaginal microflora - in connection with this, suitable conditions are created for the appearance of thrush.

Thrush during pregnancy, treatment

Why does thrush occur so often in women during pregnancy and what are the reasons for its appearance?

• Immunological changes.
  In the first trimester, most expectant mothers note a deterioration in immunity. It is an important condition for normal childbearing. If there is no decrease in the body's defenses, there is a danger of termination of pregnancy: in this case, the mother's immune system perceives the fetus as a foreign object and rejects it. Due to deterioration of immunity, the growth of pathogenic and opportunistic microflora is possible - in particular, the Candida fungus.
• Hormonal changes in the body. An increase in the production of the hormone progesterone, which is observed during pregnancy, leads to changes in the mucous membrane and an increase in the acidity level of the vagina. This creates optimal conditions for the growth of Candida fungus.
• Improper intimate hygiene. If, while washing, a woman directs a stream of water from the anus to the pubis, this promotes the transfer of intestinal microflora to the vagina. As a result, the healthy physiological ratio of lactobacilli and opportunistic microorganisms is disrupted, which causes vaginal dysbiosis to develop. A decrease in the number of lactobacilli leads to a change in vaginal pH to 4.5 or higher, which can result in the development of thrush.

Suppositories for thrush during pregnancy

• Unbalanced diet. If the expectant mother’s diet contains a large amount of simple carbohydrates (in particular, rich yeast baked goods and sugar), the likelihood of developing thrush increases.
• Intestinal dysfunction. Many women (up to 70%) expecting the birth of a baby experience constipation and also suffer from intestinal dysbiosis. These problems lead to stagnation of feces and intoxication of the body, as a result of which the expectant mother may develop both intestinal and vaginal candidiasis.

In addition to the above reasons, there are the following prerequisites for its development:

• Stress.
• Diabetes mellitus and other endocrine disorders.
• Chronic inflammatory processes in the pelvic organs.
• Wearing inappropriate underwear (tight synthetic panties, thongs).

The danger of candidiasis in pregnant women

If the treatment of candidiasis in women during pregnancy is correct and timely, neither she nor the unborn child is in any danger in terms of health. It’s another matter when the disease progresses, and the pregnant woman refuses to take the medications prescribed by the doctor for fear of harming the fetus. But it is worth noting that the modern pharmaceutical market sells many antifungal drugs that are allowed to be used already in the early stages of pregnancy. They effectively destroy fungal infection and at the same time do not have any effect on the growth and development of the fetus.

Symptoms

There is a persistent misconception that thrush can be regarded as a sign of pregnancy in the early stages. However, this is incorrect. In fact, candidiasis does not occur in all expectant mothers, so it cannot be considered as a 100% sign of pregnancy.

Symptoms of candidiasis are as follows:

• White (less often yellowish) vaginal discharge, reminiscent of cottage cheese or cream and having a sour odor. Rarely, there is a thin, watery discharge with a sour odor.
• Redness and swelling of the vaginal mucosa caused by an inflammatory process.
• Vaginal itching, dryness and burning, most noticeable when urinating, during and after sex.

Cost of treating candidiasis in women

The cost of treating candidiasis in a medical setting is the most conservative and affordable. Before prescribing a treatment plan, our specialists will conduct a thorough examination, study in detail the results of the diagnostic examination, assess the general health of the pregnant woman, and only then select an effective therapeutic regimen, which will allow you to quickly and safely get rid of the infection and prevent the disease from becoming chronic.

You can find out how much it costs to treat vaginal candidiasis at the Healthy Family medical clinic by calling +7 (495) 185 93 07 or ordering a call back. Our administrators will contact you and answer all your questions.

Why is thrush dangerous during pregnancy: consequences of candidiasis

Despite the fact that candidiasis during pregnancy in most cases does not harm the fetus, the disease still needs to be treated. This must be done, if only because due to dryness and itching in the vagina, a woman’s quality of life is significantly reduced: the expectant mother becomes irritable and nervous, and in some cases, the unpleasant sensations can be so intense that she cannot sleep normally. Such stress leads to an increase in the concentration of adrenaline and cortisol in the blood of the expectant mother. An increase in the level of these hormones can cause spasm of blood vessels, which can lead to oxygen starvation of the fetus. Fortunately, such an unobvious consequence rarely happens.

The occurrence of thrush in the early stages of pregnancy is fraught not only with a decrease in the quality of life of a woman, but also with the fact that it is during the first trimester that the formation of most organs and systems of the embryo occurs.

Therefore, stress and a constant feeling of discomfort can cause disturbances in the formation of fetal organs.

It is extremely rare that the mucous plug, which covers the cervix and prevents pathogenic microorganisms from entering its cavity, is not fully formed in the first days of pregnancy. This means that the possibility of pathogens entering the uterine cavity cannot be ruled out. However, such cases are very rare and are rather the exception.

As for the development of candidiasis in later stages of pregnancy, in this case the possibility of the following problems must be taken into account:

• Inflammation of the vaginal walls causes them to lose their elasticity. When a child passes through the birth canal, there is a risk of rupture.
• Due to an imbalance in the vaginal microflora, the expectant mother may develop other infectious diseases.
• Thrush can lead to the progression of cervical erosion. In turn, the cervix with erosion (if we are talking about it, and not about ectopia) stretches worse - this can cause it to rupture.
• In the case of a natural birth, the baby may become infected with thrush when passing through the vagina. If this happens, the disease is usually localized in the mouth or on the skin of the newborn.
  Expert opinion

  Infection of an infant with candidiasis during its passage through the birth canal can be especially dangerous for premature infants. The fact is that such babies have an underdeveloped immune system, so even a relatively harmless infection can be very difficult.

  Obstetrician-gynecologist of the highest category Oksana Anatolyevna Gartleb

• Extremely rarely, the disease can affect placental blood flow, infect the amniotic membranes and lead to premature birth. Fortunately, this happens infrequently and is mainly the result of additional infections.

Thrush during pregnancy and its treatment

Treatment of thrush during pregnancy

Treatment with many medications during pregnancy is contraindicated, therefore, if thrush occurs, treatment options should be discussed with the treating gynecologist. It is impossible not to treat the fungus. Thrush can spread to the throat, esophagus and intestines, leading to digestive problems.

Sometimes cases of thrush are severe enough that they cannot be cured with natural remedies alone. In this situation, the doctor, despite pregnancy, prescribes antifungal medications that regulate the level of Candida in the woman’s body.

It is important to note that pregnant women should not take fluconazole: some studies show that this drug causes birth defects. Most antifungal drugs that enter the mother’s blood have a negative effect on the fetus, so the doctor’s medication prescription is often aimed at local treatment (creams, suppositories).

But even vaginal products cannot be purchased without consulting a gynecologist.

Treatment

Treatment for candidiasis depends on the intensity of the disease and the trimester of pregnancy. Treatment of thrush during pregnancy is medicinal and should only be prescribed by an obstetrician-gynecologist. Self-medication at this time is dangerous, as a woman unknowingly can harm the child. For therapy to be effective, not only the expectant mother must be treated, but also her partner.

Expert opinion

During treatment, it is recommended to abstain from sexual activity or use barrier contraception. The disrupted vaginal biocenosis observed with candidiasis provokes a decrease in local immunity, so pathogenic agents can more easily penetrate the genital tract of the expectant mother.

Obstetrician-gynecologist of the highest category Oksana Anatolyevna Gartleb

Symptoms of the disease

Even for those who do not know what thrush looks like and how it manifests itself in women, the symptoms appear fairly quickly.

• Itching

Itching in a woman's perineum can be constant, but it often appears a week before menstruation, so this symptom cannot be taken as an unambiguous sign of thrush. Itching sensations as a symptom of vaginal candidiasis can also occur after a hot bath or at night in bed.

• Discharge

Discharge from thrush in women is abundant or moderate, and has a cheesy or creamy consistency, which is what gave the disease its name. The nature of discharge during thrush in women may also depend on the menstrual cycle. But it is worth knowing that discharge from other diseases is often similar to thrush.

• Pain and burning when urinating

These signs of thrush in women are caused by inflammation of the mucous membrane affected by the fungus. When urine gets on the vaginal mucosa, pain appears. Since thrush manifests itself in such a very unpleasant way, this symptom is the most noticeable.

• Pain during intercourse

This is one of the most unpleasant symptoms of vaginal candidiasis, caused by inflammation of the vulva and vagina affected by the fungus.

Causes of thrush

The reasons why thrush occurs in women are not fully understood, but there is a certain pattern in the occurrence of the disease associated with external factors and internal processes occurring in the body.

• Reduced protective functions

The immune system prevents the development of many infections, including vaginal candidiasis, and its weakening can cause its occurrence. A weakening of the immune system occurs due to stress, chronic diseases and prolonged treatment (antidepressants, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, etc.).

• Taking antibiotics

Antibacterial drugs suppress the vital activity of microorganisms, but do not act on thrush fungus. During antibacterial therapy, the number of other microorganisms is reduced, which causes thrush.

• Taking hormonal contraceptives

Hormonal contraceptives contain estrogen and progesterone, which affect the release of the female body's own hormones. Why does thrush appear in this case? Progesterone reduces the body's immune function, and estrogen increases the glycogen content in vaginal cells - glycogen is a favorable breeding ground for thrush fungi, which is what causes it to appear.

• Improper intimate hygiene

Sometimes the cause of thrush in women is failure to comply with hygiene rules, which provokes the onset of the disease.

• Thick, tight-fitting underwear

Wearing tight-fitting underwear creates a warm, moist environment in the vagina that is favorable for the development of thrush. The resulting moisture does not come out, which causes changes in the microflora and thrush occurs.

• Damage to the vaginal mucosa

Vaginal microtraumas can occur as a result of the aforementioned uncomfortable underwear, the use of tampons, intimate deodorants, etc. Microtraumas to the vaginal mucosa make the tissue vulnerable, causing women to develop thrush.

• Diabetes

Increased blood sugar affects the amount of glycogen in vaginal secretions, which causes thrush in diabetic women. An acidic environment is favorable for the development of fungi.

• Pregnancy

Why does thrush most often appear in women during pregnancy? This is due to hormonal changes in the body, which directly affect the vaginal microflora.

Why is thrush dangerous?

Not everyone knows whether thrush needs to be treated and how it can be dangerous for women. In itself, this disease does not bring anything but unpleasant sensations, but the consequences of thrush in women are more serious. We are talking about a chronic form of thrush, which occurs due to ineffective therapy or lack of treatment.

The most minor consequences of thrush in women occur when the fungus penetrates the uterine cavity (cervicitis), urethra (urethritis) and bladder (cystitis). These diseases are much more difficult to treat than uncomplicated thrush.

Why is thrush complicated by an STI dangerous for women? Together with thrush, other infections can lead to a serious inflammatory process and even infertility. Therefore, the answer to the question of whether thrush needs to be treated can only be positive.

Diagnostics

Laboratory diagnostic methods make it possible to accurately determine thrush and exclude other diseases. The following types of tests for thrush can be done in the laboratory:

• Smear microscopy

This is the so-called standard “flora smear”. It is used as a preliminary diagnostic method, since it is not always possible to accurately determine thrush and other diseases.

• PCR diagnostics

The most effective test for thrush and other diseases, allowing you to accurately identify them at the DNA level.

• Bacterial culture of vaginal microflora

The analysis will reveal the sensitivity of the pathogen to drugs, therefore the diagnosis of thrush by bacteriological culture has been recognized as effective.

Effective medications and remedies for thrush during pregnancy

For the treatment of thrush in the early stages of pregnancy (in the first trimester), local remedies are mainly used - suppositories, vaginal tablets, solutions, ointments and creams. Compared to drugs for oral administration, the active components of drugs for topical use do not penetrate the woman’s systemic bloodstream and, accordingly, do not affect the internal organs of the fetus, which are at this time at the stage of formation. In the second and third trimester, most of the baby’s organs and systems are already formed, so if necessary, the doctor can advise taking a wider range of medications without fear for the child’s health.

Causes of thrush

Suppositories for thrush during pregnancy

In the treatment of this disease, vaginal suppositories are actively used. Their main active ingredients may be natamycin, nifuratel, povidone-iodine, clotrimazole, nystatin.

• Natamycin is not absorbed into the systemic circulation through the mucous membranes, so suppositories with this active component are most often prescribed to expectant mothers if they have candidiasis. According to research conducted at the Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Russian Academy of Sciences, drugs with natamycin are one of the most effective treatments. However, only a doctor should prescribe them.
• Products containing nifuratel are used only in cases where the potential benefit outweighs the possible harm to the fetus. This is due to the fact that the active component of such suppositories is able to penetrate the placental barrier. Therefore, in no case should you prescribe such drugs yourself: this can only be done by a doctor if the disease does not go away.
• Povidone-iodine is able to cross the placental barrier, so suppositories with this active component are prescribed to pregnant women extremely rarely and only in cases where the expected positive effect outweighs the potential harm. Treatment of candidiasis using drugs containing povidone-iodine should be carried out under the strict supervision of a physician.
• Suppositories with clotrimazole are usually not prescribed to pregnant patients in the 1st trimester. In the 2nd and 3rd trimester, the use of suppositories with clotrimazole is permitted only as prescribed by a doctor.
• Nystatin penetrates into the bloodstream in small quantities. Therefore, suppositories containing this active component are usually prescribed to pregnant women only if the potential benefit outweighs the possible harm. Such suppositories can only be used under the supervision of a doctor.

Cream or ointment for thrush during pregnancy

How to treat thrush during pregnancy, besides suppositories?

For this purpose, vaginal creams and ointments are used, the main active substances of which are usually butoconazole nitrate, clotrimazole, etc.

These products are prohibited for use in the first trimester. They are used exclusively in the second and third trimester and only after prescription by a doctor.

In addition to external remedies prescribed by a doctor, you can use the Gynocomfort restorative gel. Specialists from the pharmaceutical company VERTEX worked on its creation; the gel has a full list of necessary documents and certificates. In addition, he underwent clinical studies conducted at the Department of Dermatovenereology with the clinic of St. Petersburg State Medical University under the leadership of Ignatovsky A.V. and Sokolovsky E.V. During the study, it was found that this product is highly effective and can be used as an adjuvant in traditional drug therapy for dysbiotic vaginal conditions (including candidiasis). The gel is well tolerated by patients and does not cause allergic reactions. The product contains active ingredients such as lactic acid and tea tree oil. In addition to the antimicrobial effect, the restorative gel helps restore the normal microflora disrupted during the treatment of thrush and maintains it at a physiological level, preventing the risk of remission of the disease. In addition, it quickly helps to cope with itching and burning in the intimate area.

Thrush during pregnancy, how to treat it

Tablets for thrush during pregnancy

In the treatment of thrush, an important role is played by vaginal tablets. They are usually not prescribed in the first trimester of pregnancy. As for later periods, the use of such drugs should be carried out under the supervision of a doctor, and only in cases where the potential benefit outweighs the possible harm. Like suppositories, they are inserted into the vagina using an applicator; however, unlike suppositories, the tablets are completely absorbed into the mucous membrane and after using them, fewer marks remain on the underwear. The active ingredients of tablets and suppositories are usually the same.

Chlorhexidine and Miramistin

These antiseptics are prescribed for irrigation of the vaginal walls using a spray. During pregnancy, chlorhexidine and miramistin are used only after consultation with a doctor.

Folk remedies

Many women, while carrying a baby, prefer to treat thrush with traditional medicine, as they fear that the medications may harm the baby. However, you need to understand that “grandmother’s” methods are rarely effective, and their long-term use can aggravate the situation. Therefore, if you are wondering “How to get rid of thrush during pregnancy using traditional medicine?”, be sure to consult your doctor about using these methods.

Douching with chamomile and soda for thrush during pregnancy: benefit or harm?

There is a widespread misconception among people about the effectiveness of douching with a soda solution or chamomile decoction. However, douching is extremely undesirable because it leads to the washing out of beneficial vaginal microflora.

Tea tree oil for thrush during pregnancy

Tea tree oil has antiseptic, antimicrobial and drying properties, which is why it is often used to treat candidiasis. It is part of the Ginocomfort washing gel, which can be used for daily washing during pregnancy.

Thrush during pregnancy, how to treat

Description of the consequences of the disease

It is rare, but it happens that Candida yeast fungi penetrate the placental barrier, contributing to intrauterine infection of the fetus. But basically, a child becomes infected with thrush at the time of birth, when he moves through the birth canal affected by the fungus. Infection during childbirth can cause severe damage to the skin and mucous membranes, and the membranes of internal organs.

Candidiasis is dangerous not only for the unborn child, but also for the pregnant woman herself. Fungi negatively affect the condition of the tissues of the vagina and birth canal, helping to reduce their strength and elasticity. Therefore, immediately at the time of birth, the risk of serious injuries increases, which can cause heavy blood loss and other complications.

In addition, untreated vaginal candidiasis often causes the progression of erosive processes in the uterus. Erosion can subsequently negatively affect women's health and cause infertility.

Nutrition for thrush

The expectant mother should carefully monitor her diet. It is advisable to avoid baked goods, sweets, ketchup, mayonnaise, fermented cheeses, white rice, canned food, smoked, pickled and fried foods, vinegar and soy sauce, alcohol (especially beer), kvass and coffee. These products are generally not recommended for pregnant women, especially if they have thrush.

It is advisable to diversify your diet with fresh vegetables, poultry, fish, and wholemeal bread.

Special attention should be paid to fermented milk products. Unlike whole milk, which is not advisable to consume if you have thrush, kefir, natural yogurt and cottage cheese have a beneficial effect on the condition of the vaginal and intestinal microflora.

What is the prevention of thrush?

It is impossible to completely protect yourself from thrush during pregnancy, but every woman can reduce the risk of the disease. To do this you need:

• observe the rules of intimate hygiene: take a shower regularly, wash in the right direction (from the pubis to the anus);
• wear loose underwear made from natural fabrics;
• Do not use panty liners 24 hours a day. It is also worth paying attention to their timely replacement;
• do not overcool;
• eat rationally, include foods enriched with vitamins and microelements in the menu.

Disease prevention

To protect herself from the appearance of thrush, the expectant mother should give preference to loose cotton underwear, monitor her diet, stop using panty liners frequently, worry less and devote more time to rest, undergo a gynecological examination in a timely manner and take a smear for analysis.

An important role is played by observing the rules of personal hygiene. You need to wash yourself daily using special products: for example, Ginocomfort washing gels. It contains lactic acid, which allows you to maintain the balance of microflora at an optimal level, as well as sodium lactate, tea tree oil, chamomile extract, panthenol and bisabolol. These active components promote gentle cleansing of the intimate area and have an antimicrobial and antiseptic effect.

Thrush during pregnancy in women
Sources:

1. FEATURES OF PREGNANCY, CHILDREN AND THE POSTPARTUM PERIOD IN PREGNANT WOMEN WITH VULVOVAGINAL CANDIDIASIS. Kupert A.F., Akudovich N.V., Kupert M.A. // Siberian Medical Journal (Irkutsk). – 2008. – No. 6. – P. 27-29.
2. PERINATAL OUTCOMES IN VULVOVAGINAL CANDIDOSIS. Akudovich N.V., Kupert A.F., Vetokhina A.V. // Acta Biomedica Scientifica. – 2004. – No. 2. – pp. 14-17.
3. VULVOVAGINAL CANDIDIASIS AND PREGNANCY. Akudovich N.V., Kupert A.F. // Siberian Medical Journal (Irkutsk). – 2004. – P. 38-39.
4. Pregnancy and vaginal candidiasis: current state of the problem (literature review). Karapetyan, T. E. // Gynecology. - 2008. - No. 2. - P. 4–8.
5. Vulvovaginal candidiasis in pregnant women: modern approaches to treatment. A.K. Mirzabalaeva // Gynecology: a magazine for practical doctors. - 2005. - T. 7, No. 4. - P. 236–240.
6. Vaginal candidiasis during pregnancy. O. A. Peresada [and others] // Medical news. - 2004. - No. 6. - P. 91–93.

Thrush: a common problem with improper treatment

Every woman knows what candidiasis (“thrush”) is. And each has a “proven” remedy. But what if symptoms return? Why can candidiasis persist? And how to find an individually effective medicine?

Why does Candida fungus “grow”?

1. Lactobacillus deficiency

As is known, the basis of female microflora is lactobacilli. The share of which, ideally, is at least 85%.

The remaining 15% are dozens of species of opportunistic bacteria and 4 species of Candida fungi. The presence of which is acceptable and safe, but only in limited quantities.

Control of the number of such pathogens is carried out by lactobacilli, which secrete lactic acid and hydrogen peroxide. And while there are enough of the latter, “conditionally harmful” ones are not capable of reproduction.

To maintain normal activity, lactobacilli need food - glycogen from the surface cells of the vaginal epithelium ("dead from old age").

And the rate of epithelium renewal, that is, “replenishment of food reserves,” in turn, depends on the balance of estrogen.

Thus, a decrease in lactobacilli and the “overgrowth” of fungi and other pathogens against this background is often associated with an imbalance of estrogen and is observed with:

• Diseases or decreased ovarian function,
• When taking certain oral contraceptives;
• Against the backdrop of acute stress
• Against the background of sudden weight loss (fat is needed for the synthesis of estrogens).

Mechanically, frequent douching and other similar procedures that “wash away” the surface layer of cells and a certain amount of beneficial flora can provoke disturbances.

Well, among other reasons:

• inflammatory diseases
• sexually transmitted infections
• long-term and/or “non-targeted” use of antibiotics
• and the use of antibacterial/antiseptic suppositories.

2. Insufficiency of immunity

“Thrush” may also be associated with immune disorders, since Candida is “under the supervision” of local defenses.

And another risk factor for candidiasis are:

• various immunodeficiency conditions
• chronic pathologies that adversely affect the immune system (diabetes mellitus, thyroid pathologies, oncological processes, etc.),
• taking glucorticoid hormones.

3. Household reasons

Well, the most “banal” provocateur of the violation may be the regular use of sanitary pads, wearing synthetic underwear and some other factors that create conditions for increased local temperature, oxygen deficiency and high humidity. That is, what fungi of the genus Candida “love”.

Candidiasis or “other”

If you suspect a risk of candidiasis, you can already based on the presence of the listed factors. It is not easy to distinguish candidiasis from vaginosis at first glance.

At the same time, the treatment of one and another pathology is fundamentally different. And the use of non-targeted therapy leads to chronicity of the process and the development of complications, including infertility.

The nature of the discharge can help determine candidiasis by eye - white, cheesy, with a sour odor, accompanied by severe itching. However, not everyone has such “classic” signs and not always.

Vaginosis (bacterial vaginosis) often “has” copious white-gray, sometimes foamy, discharge, with an alkaline (“fishy”) odor, which intensifies after sexual intercourse. Sometimes with itching. However, even here the nature of the symptoms varies greatly. And, among other things, violations can be combined.

Thus, to accurately distinguish candidiasis from other forms of vaginal dysbiosis, a flora analysis will be required.

And the most complete picture can be obtained from the “Florocenosis” analysis.

The study includes calculations:

• lactobacilli,
• causative agents of bacterial vaginosis Gardnerella vaginalis
• and Atopobium vaginae,

which makes it possible to differentiate several types of dysbiosis at once and apply the correct treatment.

Typing fungi of the genus Candida allows you to select an effective antifungal drug. After all, not everyone knows, but some of the listed types have pronounced resistance to popular means. You can get the typing result in the “Florocenosis” test or submit a vaginal smear for a separate fungal typing test in order to accurately determine the type of thrush pathogen and select the right antifungal drug.

Prevention of candidiasis

Summarizing all of the above and adhering to national clinical recommendations, we can conclude that the prevention of “thrush” in both women and men comes down to:

• maintaining personal hygiene,
• the use of barrier methods of contraception,
• abstaining from unprotected sexual intercourse with frequent changes of partners,
• avoiding uncontrolled use of hormonal and antibacterial drugs,
• exclusion from the “wardrobe” of tight, synthetic underwear,
• monitoring the state of general, hormonal and reproductive health.

In addition, women should:

• limit the use of sanitary pads to menstruation days only,
• exclude douching, vaginal douche and other similar procedures,
• prevent long-term use of intrauterine devices and vaginal diaphragms.

And pregnant women require special attention, due to physiological weakening of the immune system, changes in hormonal levels and stagnation of lymph in the pelvis due to increased intra-abdominal pressure. Which creates “favorable” conditions for the development of vaginal dysbiosis.

Popular questions

Thrush tormented me.
She was last treated in July. The doctor prescribed fluconazole tablets for me and my husband on days 1, 3, 7 and 10, one each, bactistatin, and Vaginorm suppositories. I inserted candles, but it seems to me that after them the process worsened. And here comes the itching and milky discharge again. Tell me, please, what should be treated? Previously, Pimafucin suppositories were prescribed during pregnancy. Hello! Considering the recurrent course of the disease, I recommend taking an analysis - culture for nonspecific microflora with determination of sensitivity to antibiotics. This will allow you to correctly prescribe the antifungal drug. And then it is necessary to carry out the stage of restoring the microflora and balancing the pH of the environment in the genital tract. For this purpose, Gynocomfort gel with tea tree oil is suitable, 1 dose once a day for up to 10 days.

I have constant relapses of thrush, which was not prescribed to me during these two months, and I took clotrimazole suppositories and a fluconazole tablet, even 2, then clindacin 6, but I took a smear, it did not go away, the only symptoms were a terrible severe burning sensation. They prescribed nystatin suppositories and tablets, but it was all useless. Now I have been prescribed pimafucin tablets and suppositories. Nothing helps, I even bought pharmaceutical lactacid, but I still have a burning sensation, help, I can’t do this anymore.

Hello! For properly planned therapy, it is necessary to know the sensitivity to antifungal drugs and the possible combination with other pathogenic microorganisms. You need to undergo a culture test for nonspecific microflora with determination of sensitivity to antibiotics and a PCR test for STIs. Next, carry out the stage of restoring the microflora of the genital tract.

Hello, I have a pressing problem, acute thrush has appeared, I can’t get to the doctor at the moment because... I’m in another city, and I have to leave in 10 days, I can’t stand it anymore, there’s terrible itching, curd-like discharge (yellow), it hurts to go to the toilet. Yesterday I bought a Flucostat tablet, took it at night, in the morning it doesn’t hurt to go to the toilet, the discharge has decreased a little, but the itching torments with the same intensity, and the labia are swollen. They suggested that I could use pimafucin suppositories. Tell me what to do?

Hello! You can use your remedy, and upon return, be sure to conduct examinations and consult a doctor.

I had thrush, took fluconazole and took a course of candidum b6, to restore the flora I use gynocomfort tea tree, can it be combined with acylact, or are they the same thing? How many days after the recovery course can the tank be cultured?

Hello!
It is possible to combine these products, since Gynocomfort gel with tea tree oil provides an optimal pH environment in the genital tract and contains lactic acid, and the suppositories contain lactobacilli. Cultures are taken 3-4 days after completion of treatment or after the next menstruation. For an accurate diagnosis, contact a specialist

How to treat thrush in pregnant women: tablets, suppositories, ointments, gels, folk remedies

Unfortunately, for thrush in a pregnant woman, not all remedies that are usually prescribed to a non-pregnant woman can be used. Therefore, it is definitely not worth going to the pharmacy on your own or purchasing a remedy for thrush chosen on the Internet. Contact your gynecologist and he will offer the safest remedy for you and your baby.

What medications in tablet form are usually recommended by a gynecologist for the treatment of thrush in pregnant women? The doctor will prescribe Terzhinan vaginal tablets only at a serious stage of candidiasis - when other means are unlikely to help. The instructions for use of Terzhinan recommend the use of this drug during pregnancy: it says that it is well tolerated by pregnant women and the absence of teratogenic (impairing embryonic development) effects. The main components of Terzhinan are ternidazole, neomycin sulfate, nystatin and prednisolone. This composition provides an antifungal effect and restores damaged mucous membranes. By the way, if during a period of hormonal imbalance a pregnant woman, in addition to thrush, also suffers from gardnerellosis, then Terzhinan is simultaneously able to cope with this problem.

To use a Terzhinan tablet, you need to slightly wet it with water and then place it in the vagina, after which it is advisable to take a lying position for about 15 minutes so that the product is completely dissolved. Typically, gynecologists prescribe the use of Terzhinan for 10 days, but in each case the period of administration must be agreed upon by the doctor.

Instead of Terzhinan tablets, for the treatment of thrush in a pregnant woman, the doctor may prescribe other means - for example, Pimafucin suppositories. This antifungal agent has the ability to influence the structure of the pathogen cells, as a result of which they quickly die. So far, Candida albicans has not learned to resist (have not become resistant) to the active substance of Pimafucin, so for pregnant women this remedy is very relevant in the treatment of thrush. Candles are used before bedtime for 3-6 days.

If the thrush is mild, Clotrimazole 500 mg suppositories can help: they only need to be used once, which is enough to stop the spread of small colonies of Candida albicans.

Livarol suppositories, the active ingredient of which is ketoconazole, can also be used by pregnant women. Just like Pimafucin, Livarol affects the structure of Candida albicans cells, as a result of which the pathogens die. Livarol can be used for thrush with obvious, disturbing symptoms: 1 suppository must be inserted into the vagina before bed for 3-5 days. Therapy can be continued for up to 10 days if thrush continues. Zalain has a similar effect.

Even if you have completely gotten rid of thrush, do not neglect prevention in order to consolidate the effect after exposure to antifungal drugs: after treatment, conduct a recovery course with Hexicon suppositories. This remedy will not affect Candida albicans, but it will help keep the mucous membranes clean before and during childbirth.

In addition to (or instead of) suppositories, creams, ointments and gels can also be used during pregnancy. Usually, creams and gels with names similar to suppositories are used to treat thrush in pregnant women - Pimafucin and Clotrimazole, as well as Polygynax, Dalatsin-cream, Neo-Penotran, Ketoconazole, Nystatin, etc.

Before you start treating thrush with folk remedies, first consult your gynecologist so as not to harm yourself and the fetus. Judging by the reviews, some pregnant women are helped to get rid of thrush by tampons with honey, which are inserted into the vagina for several hours over 5-7 days. It is better to use a standard hygienic tampon so that it can be easily removed after use.

Another popular folk remedy is soda: it is safe for the fetus, so its solution can be used to topically treat the genitals and the vaginal opening area. To prepare a soda solution, you need to mix 20 mg of powder with a liter of warm boiled water; you can also add pharmaceutical sea salt to the solution. It is better to use the solution in the form of baths, if the pregnant woman is allowed to take them. It is advisable to take a bath with the solution for about 20 minutes throughout the week. If a bath is contraindicated for you, you can do a simple washing with a solution.

Risks of the influence of candidiasis (thrush) on pregnancy

Any infection of the genital tract, like other types of infections, is very dangerous during pregnancy. Vaginal candidiasis is considered the most common among sexually transmitted infections. Risk factors associated with candidiasis in pregnant women are:

• there is a risk of fetal infection during pregnancy;
• the risk of premature birth increases;
• the risk of oxygen deficiency in the fetus increases, the risk of giving birth to a baby with critically low body weight;
• Premature loss of amniotic fluid is often observed;
• the mother may develop endometritis, candidiasis

Factors contributing to the appearance of candidiasis (thrush)

Modern medicine has vast experience and the latest means of diagnosis, treatment and prevention of candidiasis, but the incidence in pregnant women does not decrease, but increases. The reasons for this, according to recent research, are the following factors:

• constant stress, irritability (especially in young women);
• unfavorable environmental factors;
• overwork;
• violation of food culture and product quality.

During pregnancy, women are much more susceptible to the above circumstances, so infections find weak points in this category of patients. Uncontrolled use of antibiotics has a huge impact on the increase in the incidence of candidiasis.