Definition
Vaginal mycosis is the colloquial term for a vaginal mycosis. This disease is a fungal infection of the vaginal mucosa. However, the infection can also spread to the external female sexual organ, the vulva.
The fungal infection must be distinguished from the mere colonization with fungi, which does not yet cause symptoms. In 80% of vaginal mycosis cases, the fungal species Candida is the cause of the disease. Therefore, in addition to vaginal mycosis, one also speaks of vaginal candidiasis.
The disease can affect women of any age and can recur several times in life. Certain circumstances favour the appearance of vaginal mycosis because they make the body more susceptible to it. For example, vaginal candidiasis is three times more common in pregnant women than in non-pregnant women, because pregnant women are under a certain hormonal influence that favors the growth of fungi.
Causes of a vaginal mycosis during pregnancy
The prerequisite for a fungal infection is the existing colonization of the vagina with fungi or the new infection with fungi. The new infection is rare and the idea that one “catches” a vaginal fungal infection through sexual intercourse is a false myth. For many women, fungi are, in addition to various bacteria, a natural component of the vaginal flora.
Vaginal flora is the natural colonization of the vagina with microorganisms. These are mainly lactic acid bacteria, the so-called Döderlein bacteria. These bacteria do not cause illness, but fulfill an important function.
They serve as placeholders and thus prevent dangerous bacteria or fungi from spreading. The lactic acid bacteria inhibit the growth of other bacteria and fungi. A further protective factor against fungal infections, apart from the colonization with lactic acid bacteria, is the acidic environment of the vagina.
Fungi can spread poorly in an acidic environment. The acidic pH value is also achieved by the lactic acid bacteria. Especially during pregnancy, however, there are several factors that favor fungal infection.
During pregnancy is a hormone that naturally increases estrogen. Oestrogen causes more sugar to be released in the vaginal mucosa. Unfortunately the sugar promotes the growth of fungi.
In addition, the pH value of the vagina is often less acidic during pregnancy. The acid protection against fungi is therefore unfortunately not applicable. This leads to an increased incidence of fungal infections during pregnancy.
This has nothing to do with a lack of hygiene and the pregnant woman does not have to reproach herself for a fungal infection. The infection is usually solely due to the fact that the vaginal flora is out of balance during pregnancy. Mostly it is an infection with the yeast fungus Candida albicans.
