Vaginal, Creamy White Discharge – Fungal Infection (Part 1)

31.10.2011 | By: S. J.

Almost every woman has to deal with unpleasant vaginal thrush at some point in her life. So, how do you detect it and why does it occur?

If you have a fungal infection called vaginal thrush, you and your partner will probably have to undergo treatment. (PhotoXpress)

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The infection associated with a white and cheese-like discharge is called candida or vaginal thrush. In 75 per cent of women it occurs at least once in their life and in 50 per cent of women it occurs several times, while men are also not immune to it.

What is vaginal thrush?

Vaginal thrush is a yeast infection of the vagina and vulva caused by the candida species of fungus, Candida albicans. It is present in 10-20 per cent of women without causing an infection or any other problems, and it is commonly found in the upper bowel. When the fungus grows and spreads too much, they can cause a lot of troubles because they upset the natural balance of vaginal flora, and they cause an inflammation of the vulva (vulvitis) , vagina (colpitis or vaginitis) , but they commonly cause an inflammation of the vulva and vagina at the same time (vulvovaginitis ). Women whose immune system is damaged, or they are treated with antibiotics which destroy the defenses of vaginal flora, are more likely to suffer from vaginal thrush. It is even more likely to get the infection after menopause, particularly women who have hormone replacement treatment, pregnant women, overweight women and diabetes patients.

How do you detect the vaginal thrush?

The common symptom of vaginal thrush is a cheese-like discharge from the vagina, also in the form of small chunks similar to cereals. Some women feel a burning sensation when passing urine and severe itching. However, the symptoms of vaginal thrush do not always appear. Men usually have red rashes and a burning sensation in passing urine, while a strong and unpleasant smell is common for men as well as women. The clinical picture shows changes to the vulva in the form of lesions that cause a burning sensation, and the vulva and vagina are often red and swollen.

What to do when you notice the symptoms of vaginal thrush?

When you notice changes to your body, the best thing is to see your physician or gynecologist. If you have a fungal infection, you and your partner will probably have to undergo treatment, otherwise the effect of the treatment will not last long. Even if your partner shows no symptoms of vaginal thrush, it might still be present, which means that after treatment you will again be infected because you partner was not treated. So, you spread the infection from one to another, which is called ping pong spread.

Who gets vaginal thrush?

As said above, some women are much more likely to develop a fungal infection and they often have recurrent episodes.

There are different causes of the infection which change the acid environment of the vagina. The most common causes are, for instance, stress in life, psychological problems, changes to the environment, wearing tight-fitting clothing, underwear from artificial fabrics and wet swimwear, use of sanitary towels during the periods, use of scented slim sanitary towels as well as use of scented soap, handkerchiefs and deodorants in the genital area. If you excessively wash your genitals, it can be fairly harmful because you wash off the skin’s natural protective layer.

A one-sided diet and elevated levels of sugar in blood and tissue are a good basis for growing and spreading fungus as well. To recover balance in the body, it is best if you do not use various types of soap and you practice good hygiene during treatment. Physicians also advise not to eat white sugar and other sweet products and foods containing a lot of carbon hydrates because the fungus feed on it and this makes the condition worse.