Understanding Vaginal Thrush
Naturally present within the female (and male) body are various types of yeast. These are non threatening strains that may be present in the digestive tract, oral cavity, on the skin and in women, can also be found in the vagina. These types of yeast provide no infection threat to the body.
However, an infection that is prevalent and found in over half of sexually active women tested is Candida Albicans or Candidiasis. Although this type of yeast is present in the majority of sexually active women even sexually inactive women can have it.
Just because Candida Albicans is present doesn't mean there's a problem. As long as they are present in small quantities the body can shrug them off. However, if they begin to multiply, which they will do if the conditons are right, then you have a yeast infection or thrush as it is commonly called.
Because candida loves warm, moist areas the vagina is the most likely place for an infection to occur in women. Simple changes like a change to the ph of the vagina can suddenly make it a place where candida can rapidly multiply. A change in ph can occur because of bath products or because of natural changes due to the menstral cycle.
Taking antibiotics can also cause vaginal thrush as the medication tends to kill off a broad spectrum of bacteria including harmless, naturally occuring ones that help to keep the candida in check.
Other causes of thrush include wearing tight jeans or wet bathing wear for long periods. Sitting on a plastic chair in a hot environment has been enough to start an infection in some women. Even vigourous sex can help an infection develop. If there is an increase of moisture and warmth in the vaginal area then candida will take advantage of it.
Of course every woman is different and even if you have a propensity to develop vaginal thrush it doesn't mean that all of the above will trigger an attack. By taking notice of your body and what you were doing just before symptoms occurred, you can learn what your triggers are.
So what are the symptoms? These include itching and irritation or a burning sensation of the vagina, clitoris, labia and vulvar regions. As the irritation increases the labia can start to swell. This means that contact with tight clothing or harsh soaps can be extremely uncomfortable. Urination can also become a very painful prospect because of the amount of exposed irritated skin that comes in contact with the urine.
The classic sign of female thrush is a cottage cheese-like vaginal discharge. This can be thick or thin in consistency and white or off-white in colour. There may also be a yeasty smell.
If you want to know what vaginal thrush looks like then here is a link to some photos. Be warned that these are medical pictures so are graphic and not for the squeamish. LINK.
If you've had a yeast infection before then you'll know what you're looking for. If this is your first time or something seems different then see your doctor. Why? Because most of the above symptoms can be caused by bacterial vaginosis which is far more common and will need antibiotics (and yes antibiotics can cause yeast infections so eat lots of natural yogurts while taking the pills).
Seeing a doctor is also important if you are likely to be pregnant or nursing a baby as some types of over the counter medication may not be suitable for you.