A vaginal fungus (vaginal mycosis) is an infection in the area of the mucous membrane in the intimate area of the woman, the vagina or vagina. Pregnant women and women suffering from diabetes are more likely to suffer from vaginal fungus. But other factors can also be a triggering cause. Typical signs are a watery discharge and severe itching in the vaginal area.
What is vaginal fungus?
Vaginal mycosis, also known as vaginal fungus, is an infection of the mucous membrane of the female vagina. Often, this is associated with a strong itching in the vagina; pain during sexual intercourse is also quite common with this disease. Furthermore, pain during urination can also occur. In addition, the vagina is usually visibly reddened and swollen. This disease can also be recognized by changes in the mucous membrane – gray-white and crumbly coatings can often be observed. Vaginal mycosis is a very common form of infectious disease in women: after all, three out of four women are affected by vaginal mycosis at least once in their lives.
Causes
Vaginal mycosis or vaginal fungus occurs particularly frequently in pregnant women or in women who suffer from diabetes. Taking certain medications can also lead to this symptom. Antibiotics, for example, are among these medications that promote vaginal fungus. Taking the contraceptive pill can also lead to vaginal mycosis. Particularly in the case of diabetes, the immune system of the vagina is weakened and fungi can spread unhindered. The pathogen in most cases is a yeast fungus, and in most cases this is transmitted during sexual intercourse. However, poor hygiene can also lead to vaginal fungus. On the other hand, excessive hygiene can also cause vaginal mycosis. But other causes are also conceivable. For example, women who suffer from a generally weakened immune system or stress are more susceptible to vaginal fungus.
Symptoms, complaints and signs
Signs of the presence of vaginal fungus include redness and itching in the vaginal area. The itching may occur when the genitals are touched or may be permanent. It is usually the first symptom. The redness is not necessarily present from the beginning and may be found only in the inner vaginal area. There may be pain during sexual intercourse or urination. In most cases, vaginal fungus is not directly visible as such. Indeed, whitish plaques that look like fungus are rare on the labia. However, vaginal fungus can often be seen during a gynecological exam. The entire vaginal area may swell and burn due to vaginal mycosis. The inside of the vagina and the labia may be affected. The pain can vary in severity. The skin around the vagina may also be affected by redness and become cracked. At times, there are visible blisters or a rash in the intimate area. These symptoms vary in severity – depending on the other vaginal flora and the type of fungus. In most cases, a whitish discharge occurs, which is creamy to friable in consistency. The smell in the intimate area is described as unpleasant.
Complications
If left untreated, vaginal fungus can spread further and further. Thus, infestation of the uterus and bladder can also occur as a complication of inadequately treated vaginal fungus. In general, the disease can become a chronic infection if it is not treated at all or not treated for a sufficiently long time with the appropriate ointments or tablets. A typical complication of vaginal mycosis continues to be infection of the partner. Unprotected intercourse or inadequate hygiene, for example when using towels, can cause the fungus to be passed on from person to person. If the intimate partner does not treat himself consistently, he is first at risk of infection. If both partners do not have their fungal infection treated adequately, it leads to a constant recurrence of the infection of both affected persons, as they infect each other again and again. As a complication, this can sometimes lead to the vaginal fungus not only spreading further and further in the body and sensitively weakening the immune system.There is also a risk of the fungus itself gradually becoming immune to the active ingredients in ointments and creams used to date. To prevent this, therapy should always be given early and, above all, for a sufficiently long time.
When should one go to the doctor?
An itching in the intimate area as well as a slight swelling of the labia indicate a vaginal fungal infection. Gynecological advice is required if the symptoms affect the well-being and quickly become stronger. If the symptoms do not subside with sufficient intimate hygiene, it is best to consult a gynecologist. Women who suffer from hormonal fluctuations or have a weakened immune system due to an illness are particularly at risk. People who take certain medications, such as antibiotics or rheumatism drugs, also belong to the risk groups and must go to the gynecologist with the above-mentioned symptoms. In the case of recurring vaginal fungal infections, possible sources of infection must be identified and eliminated together with the physician. Other doctors who can be consulted are the internist or a gastroenterologist, depending on the symptoms and the suspected cause. If vaginal fungus is treated early, it should resolve within a few days. If symptoms persist, as well as any side effects or interactions caused by the antibiotics prescribed, it is best to inform the doctor in charge so that the medication can be adjusted.
Treatment and therapy
If the first signs of a vaginal fungus are recognizable, affected women should visit a gynecologist. This will make a so-called smear, which is examined in the laboratory. If a vaginal fungus has then been diagnosed, appropriate treatment must be given. With this treatment, however, the symptoms usually disappear within three to four days. The treatment is usually carried out with so-called antimycotics, these are drugs specifically against fungal diseases. Vaginal suppositories and ointments also help well against this disease. If vaginal fungus occurs for the first time in a woman, it usually disappears within a few days with the appropriate treatment.
Prevention
To prevent vaginal fungus, one should pay attention to adequate hygiene in the genital area. The partner should also be encouraged to do so. However, one should not overdo it with personal hygiene and avoid harsh bath additives or creams if possible. Likewise, intimate sprays usually do more harm than good. Clear water with a pH value of 7 is best for cleaning the vagina. Tight-fitting clothing and fabrics made of synthetic fibers can also promote vaginal fungus – these should be avoided at best. Underwear made of cotton, silk or even hemp is better. It is also important to choose suitable pads and panty liners. These should not be coated with plastic. Toilet hygiene can also be decisive; in this case you should always wipe from front to back and never the other way round – this way bacteria and fungi have hardly any chance. If you have already been affected by this disease several times, you should use a simple but effective trick: simply insert a tampon soaked in natural yogurt into the vagina overnight. This restores the natural protective mechanism of the vagina.
Aftercare
After the successful treatment of a vaginal fungus, the most important thing is to prevent its recurrence. In the area of aftercare, numerous measures are therefore necessary to prevent a new infestation of vaginal fungus. These naturally include regular and gentle intimate hygiene, as well as wearing clean underwear made of natural fibers. In addition, it is recommended to avoid antiseptic bath additives as well as soaps and intimate sprays with perfume. In this way, the natural balance of the vaginal flora is preserved and remains immune. In the case of extremely dry vaginal skin, the use of specific lubricant gel during sexual intercourse is advisable. Here, too, care should be taken to ensure that the composition is as natural as possible. If vaginal mycosis occurs more frequently, the partner should also be treated and preventive measures taken afterwards. After defecation, always make sure to clean backwards, i.e. in the direction of the back. It is important that the germs from the intestine do not get into the vagina under any circumstances. Furthermore, the consumption of sweets should be limited and attention should be paid to a healthy, balanced diet that is also rich in fiber.In diabetic women, the sugar level should be well adjusted and checked regularly. If symptoms reappear which could indicate vaginal mycosis, a doctor should be consulted as soon as possible. Although a reappearing vaginal fungus is usually harmless, a quickly scheduled therapy can prevent the spread of a new vaginal fungus and thus prevent distressing relapses.
What you can do yourself
The vagina or vaginal fungus is an unpleasant disease, which can be alleviated well with self-help, however. Not infrequently, this can even make a visit to the doctor and the associated treatment unnecessary. However, this only applies to cases in which the patient’s clinical picture is already known. This is often the case when the vaginal fungus has become a recurring occurrence. Since vaginal mycosis is often triggered by antibiotics, it is helpful in the context of self-help to take these only when they are actually necessary. In case of doubt, it is always advisable to consult the doctor in charge. Furthermore, itching often intensifies the clinical picture enormously and leads to swelling or redness. Here, tampons soaked in natural yogurt can provide relief. This has two advantages: First, the yogurt cools the irritated tissue, and second, yogurt helps restore the natural flora of the vagina. The environment is brought back into balance, which is the first step in fighting the fungal infection. This measure is supported by gentle cleansing with lukewarm water, which does not additionally irritate the vagina. The underwear should be made of cotton and not of synthetic fiber, in order to promote sweating and thus fungal proliferation. Underwear is best washed at 60 degrees or more.
