What Is Vaginal Thrush?

Vaginal thrush affects almost every woman each year. It is an infection caused due to fungus Candida albicans. This fungi naturally occurs in human gut, vagina and on skin surface.

Trouble starts when imbalance occurs between the friendly bacteria and Candida albicans. Due to this imbalance, the growth of the fungi becomes uncontrollable.

Many a times other type of vaginal infection may be confused with vaginal thrush. So you need to be sure it is vaginal thrush only. Every infection has vaginal discharge and irritation. Candida test is performed by the doctor to confirm vaginal thrush.

Signs and Symptoms

Characteristic symptoms of vaginal thrush are sticky white discharge which is thick. There is inflammation in the area and much irritation and itching. This often creates an embarrassing situation for many women. Additionally, the discharge is smelly and may have appearance of cottage cheese. The outside of the vagina may become reddish due to regular itching.

Other symptoms include a bloated stomach, fatigue and excess flatulence. The women may feel “high” with very little consumption of alcohol. Excess food craving, especially for bread and sugar is observed.

Causes of Vaginal Thrush

Uncontrolled diabetics may cause an instant multiplication of the fungi. This is because when sugar level in blood becomes high, the yeast that feeds on sugar will have ample source to growth on. Presence of excess sugar in blood disturbs proper functioning of immune system of the body. This allows unchecked growth of the yeast.

The body becomes so stressed with raised sugar levels that it has no energy to manage the growth of yeast.

Long term use of steroids can lead to thrush. Sexual intercourse with a person who has thrush, long term stress and regular consumption of contraceptive pills are all reasons for vaginal thrush. Too work pressure and unhygienic habits are other possible reasons.

A women on antibiotic treatments may suffer from vaginal thrush. Many a times the antibiotics can not differentiate between the “good bacteria “and the “bad bacteria” of the body. Therefore, the good bacteria that regulates growth of Candida albicans may get killed. This allows the yeast to grow and invade freely.