Gynecologist listed the causes of chronic thrush

Thrush (candidiasis) can develop at any age, but it occurs more often in adults. On July 19, Elena Grosheva, a gynecologist, reproductologist, and surgeon at the Sinai Clinic, told Izvestia about the causes of the disease, diagnostic methods, and treatment.

Grosheva explained that a fungal infection caused by yeast-like fungi of the genus Candida affects the mucous membranes, especially often the vagina. In the absence of proper treatment, candidiasis can become chronic, recurring over and over again even after seemingly successful therapy.

One of the common causes of relapses is incomplete or incorrect treatment, the doctor noted. Failure to follow the treatment regimen, too short a course, or repeated use of the same drug can make fungi immune to treatment. As a result, the disease returns a short time after the end of therapy.

Chronic thrush is also often associated with a weakened immune system, the gynecologist said. A decrease in the body's defenses can occur due to stress, chronic diseases, taking antibiotics, as well as during pregnancy or after severe infections.

"Thrush can recur due to an untreated man who repeatedly infects his partner after intimacy. The disease can also return due to problems with the intestines, in which fungi have grown. And more and more often, patients come to me with complaints of candidiasis after visiting the pools," Grosheva warned.

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The doctor emphasized that candidiasis can recur in women who wear tight synthetic underwear, use daily pads, and use aggressive personal hygiene products.

You can recognize thrush by its characteristic features, the gynecologist explained. The patient develops copious discharge of white or yellowish color, cheesy consistency, sometimes with a sour smell, as well as itching and burning in the genital area, redness and swelling. These symptoms may worsen when urinating and after sexual intercourse. In addition, pain often accompanies the chronic form of candidiasis.

To make a diagnosis, the gynecologist conducts an examination and prescribes laboratory tests: smear, seeding for flora, PCR analysis. In some cases, additional examinations may be required, such as ultrasound of the abdominal cavity, analysis of feces for dysbiosis, assessment of liver and intestinal function.

"For thrush, antifungal drugs are prescribed — candles, ointments, creams, tablets, capsules. They are selected individually, taking into account the type of fungus and sensitivity to medications. Additionally, the doctor may recommend taking probiotics to restore the microflora, adjust the diet and treat gastrointestinal diseases," the expert noted.

Earlier, on April 30, Maxim Voynov, a gynecologist and surgeon at the SM Clinic Center for Reproductive Health, told Izvestia about the dangerous symptoms of ovarian cysts. According to him, not all cysts are dangerous. He attributed endometrioid cysts to pathological cysts associated with endometriosis, a condition in which cells similar to those of the uterine mucosa grow outside of it.