Duration of a vaginal fungal infection
The duration of a vaginal mycosis depends on the start of treatment and the severity and spread of the infection. If the vaginal mycosis is treated early and sufficiently with so-called antimycotics, the infection should not last longer than a few weeks and heal without consequences.The treatment of an uncomplicated vaginal mycosis takes about two to six days. It usually takes place “locally”, i.e. directly at the site of infection with creams, ointments or suppositories.
If a vaginal mycosis is not treated or is insufficiently treated, a chronic infection can develop, which then lasts longer. The treatment of a chronic or very severe vaginal mycosis usually takes several weeks and should be carried out until the infection is completely healed. In most cases, it is carried out “systemically”, i.e. with tablets that work throughout the body.
There are a variety of measures a woman can take to make the development of vaginal mycosis less likely. It is particularly important to ensure that intimate hygiene is adequate but not excessive. The use of intimate sprays or vaginal rinses should be avoided.
Instead, the vagina should simply be treated with clear water or a lotion containing lactic acid. Other important hygienic measures to prevent a vaginal fungal infection are correct cleaning after bowel movements, using condoms during intercourse with a new partner, using your own clothes or towels, taking off wet bathing clothes. You should also take care to wear light, “breathable” underwear, preferably made of cotton or silk and not of synthetic materials, do not use airtight panty liners and use either no tampons at all or only small tampons during the last days of your period.
For women who are prone to vaginal fungal infections, it may be advisable to use long-term medication containing lactic acid (or Döderlein) bacteria to support the natural vaginal flora. Despite observing all these rules, it cannot be ruled out that you may suffer from a vaginal fungal infection. The prognosis of a vaginal fungus is usually very good.
With consistent treatment, the course is almost always uncomplicated and the infection heals completely. Only in about 5% of all affected patients a new infection (relapse) occurs in the course of their life. A further trigger for an infection with a fungus on the vagina can be hormonal fluctuations of the woman.
Increased oestrogen levels in particular can be responsible for this. This is typically the case during pregnancy. This is because the estrogen promotes the growth of yeast fungi.
This leads to an increased formation of a sugar that is stored in the mucous membrane of the vagina. The sugar serves as a food source for the fungus and can therefore multiply more quickly. As a rule, the fungal infection is not dangerous for the unborn baby.
Rarely it can lead to premature contractions. However, it is important to treat the fungus as soon as possible so that it is gone by the time the baby is born. If the mother has a vaginal fungus shortly before or during birth, it can be transmitted to the baby during the birth process.
The babies suffer more often from a fungal infection in the mouth and diaper area. For premature and sick babies it can be life-threatening under certain circumstances. Pregnant women who suspect a vaginal fungal infection should consult their attending gynecologist and should not treat them on their own.
The doctor will then decide on the type and duration of therapy. The use of antifungal agents is also suitable during pregnancy and is not dangerous for the baby.
