What can thrush lead to if left untreated. And if you do not treat thrush? Severe consequences of a "harmless" disease. What happens if you don't treat

Thrush or candidiasis in women- a disease caused by fungi of the genus Candida. If these microorganisms have developed on the mucous membrane of the vagina and external genital organs, then they speak of vaginal candidiasis.

This disease affects not only women of childbearing age who are sexually active, but also young girls and those who have reached respectable years. The reason is simple: candidiasis occurs not only after contact with a sick sexual partner. It can be the result of active reproduction of Candida, which used to be part of the normal microflora.

With candidiasis, women complain of abundant cheesy discharge from the vagina and itching in the genital area. According to statistics, 70% of gynecologist patients who come with such problems are diagnosed with thrush. This disease is not a sexually transmitted disease. Compared to them, it is less dangerous and much easier to treat.

The disease affects women on all continents, regardless of age and wealth. Moreover, the incidence in hot countries is higher. Statistics say that city dwellers suffer more from candidiasis. 30-40% of women have had thrush during pregnancy. During this period, the risk of getting sick increases by 2-3 times.

75% of the fair sex suffered candidiasis, and most of them repeatedly. Since this disease has an unpleasant property to return. So in 5% the diagnosis is recurrent candidiasis. In this case, exacerbations occur 4 or more times a year.

Behind last years the number of cases of thrush is steadily increasing. This is due to the uncontrolled use of antibiotics and a decrease in the level of immunity. If you do not treat thrush in time, then from a small ailment it can turn into a serious problem when fungi infect most internal organs.

The composition of the normal microflora of the vagina and external genitalia

The genital organs of girls begin to be colonized by microorganisms within a few hours after birth. This is the moment when the microflora begins to form. From the first day of life, various types of bacteria constantly live in the vagina and on the external genitalia. There are more than 60 of them. Usually these microorganisms do not cause disease and do not harm the body.

This set varies depending on the woman's age, the phase of the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and the presence of a permanent sexual partner. Periodically, pathogenic bacteria enter the vagina. But if their number is not large, then representatives of the microflora and immunity cells destroy these microorganisms.

The vagina contains:

lactobacilli
bifidobacteria
enterococci
clostridia
coagulase-negative staphylococci
coliform bacteria
candida

Most of the microorganisms in the body of a healthy woman are various types of lactobacilli and bifidobacteria - up to 90%. They provide an optimal level of acidity pH up to 3.8–4.5 (in adult women). If their number falls, then the vaginal environment becomes slightly alkaline and the pH exceeds 6. This leads to the multiplication of pathogenic bacteria and the development of inflammatory processes.

In almost 80% of cases, Candida is present in the microflora of a woman. They are represented by single inactive round cells and do not form filaments of mycelium (pseudo-mycelium).

Normal microflora in a woman's body performs important functions:

Releases beneficial enzymes that provide the necessary acidity
Promotes the formation of vitamins
Supports the tension of local immunity
Prevents the penetration of foreign bacteria that can cause disease.

The microflora of the vagina has a balanced composition. At the same time, some bacteria regulate the number of others. So lactic acid bacteria produce acid, which inhibits the excessive reproduction of Candida. Therefore, normal fungi contained in the vagina do not cause thrush.

Causes of thrush

Why thrush occurs is one of the most common questions in women. After all, this problem is very common. Unpleasant sensations arise at the most inopportune moment. This fungal disease nullifies intimate relationships and spoils everyday life.

You can get candidiasis from a sexual partner. Especially if a man has obvious signs of this disease or he is a carrier of fungi. However, this reason is far from the most common. Much more often, thrush occurs as a result of a decrease in immunity and a violation of the natural balance of the microflora of the genital organs.

There are many factors that provoke the development of vaginal candidiasis in women.

Decreased body defenses as a result of chronic diseases or after infections.
Hormonal shifts during pregnancy and before menstruation.
Hormonal changes at menopause.
The use of hormonal contraceptives.
Long-term use of antibiotics, corticosteroids and cytotoxic drugs.
Intestinal dysbacteriosis, while fungi can be introduced into the vagina.
climate change, which entails adaptation to new conditions, the composition of water.
Use of intimate hygiene products: intimate gels, soaps, shower gels containing a lot of alkali and fragrances.
Using panty liners. They violate the access of air to the genitals, increases humidity.
Deodorized tampons and pads cause allergic reactions and disrupt the condition of the mucosa.
Wearing underwear made of synthetic fabrics, narrow and tight. The most common culprit for thrush is thongs.
Food rich in confectionery and carbohydrate dishes, strong coffee, carbonated drinks, yeast baked goods, spicy and fatty delicacies, ketchup and mayonnaise.
Avitaminosis entails a decrease in the body's resistance and a deterioration in the condition of the skin and mucous membranes.
Obesity- Favorable conditions for the reproduction of fungi are created in the folds of the body.
Metabolic disorders. A prime example is diabetes mellitus. It not only weakens local immunity, but also increases the amount of carbohydrates in cells, which is a good breeding ground for microorganisms.
Smoking causes vasospasm and disrupts blood circulation, including in the genitals.
Sexual intercourse with a dry vagina and other actions that can lead to the appearance of microtraumas on the genital mucosa. Through them, Candida can penetrate deep into the tissues.
chronic stress, strong mental and physical exercise, fatigue, lack of sleep.

The action of these factors leads to the fact that the number of lactobacilli that create a protective microfilm is reduced. They secrete less lactic acid, and an alkaline environment forms in the vagina. Fungi and other bacteria penetrate the cells of the mucous membrane and thin skin of the external genitalia. There they begin to multiply actively, feeding on glycogen and destroying host cells. In the absence of treatment, the inflammatory process gradually spreads.

What are the symptoms of thrush and what are they associated with?

Pain during intercourse.
Most often, Candida reproduction begins on the vaginal mucosa. They destroy the upper epithelial cells, gradually affecting the deeper layers. In this case, the smallest lesions resembling sores are formed. The mucous membrane of the vaginal walls becomes inflamed and painful. Therefore, during intercourse, a woman experiences pain and other unpleasant sensations.

Swelling of the genitals.
Inflammation causes the walls of the vagina to swell. This is due to the fact that small vessels on the surface of the mucosa expand. In this way, the body tries to eliminate the toxins released by Candida. Blood circulation is enhanced, and the tissue of the genital organs is saturated with fluid that has escaped through the walls of the capillaries.

White coating and cheesy discharge.
Gradually, the number of fungi increases and colonies grow. They look like a whitish coating on the genitals. An inflammatory process begins, which is accompanied by abundant discharge from the vagina. They look like white curdled masses or curdled milk. These are mainly fungal mycelium, leukocytes and damaged mucosal cells.

Itching and burning.
Candida feed on glycogen stores in cells. When this carbohydrate is broken down, acids are formed. Just they cause itching and burning in the vagina and irritate the skin of the genital organs damaged by Candida, while the woman feels severe discomfort. These symptoms are worse after urinating or washing. Therefore, every time the skin in this area must be dried. Preferably with soft paper towels, so as not to further injure.

Rash with thrush.
The inflammatory process in thrush also extends to the vestibule of the vagina, large and small labia. On the skin of the genital organs, the epidermis is stratified as a result of the activity of fungi, and small burgundy pimples-vesicles with liquid contents inside are formed - vesicles. After a day or two, they burst and small erosions and crusts form in their place.

Spread to nearby skin areas.
Signs of candidiasis: redness, small rash, itching, white plaque formation can also occur in the perineum, on the skin of the intergluteal and inguinal folds. More often this form of the disease occurs in women with excess weight.

Deterioration of the general condition.
Itching, constant discomfort and unpleasant sensations cause nervousness, bouts of bad mood, as well as sleep disturbance. The latter is due to the fact that the burning sensation intensifies at night. Unpleasant symptoms increase after a long walk and during menstruation.

Urethritis and cystitis in thrush.
Frequent urination and the appearance of pain indicates that Candida has penetrated the urinary system and caused urethritis and cystitis. Another sign that the inflammatory process has spread to other organs is the appearance of aching pains in the lower abdomen. In this case, an increase in temperature is possible. If you notice such symptoms, then be sure to consult a doctor and do not self-medicate.

Diagnosis of thrush

If you notice signs of thrush in yourself, contact your gynecologist. This is especially necessary if the appearance of discomfort was preceded by unprotected sexual contact. The fact is that the symptoms of candidiasis are in many ways similar to the manifestations of dangerous sexually transmitted infections. In addition, the mucous membrane damaged by fungi becomes vulnerable to pathogenic bacteria. Therefore, taking only antifungal drugs is not enough. A visit to a specialist is mandatory if signs of thrush reappear soon after treatment. Otherwise, the disease can become chronic.

In order to clarify the diagnosis, the doctor takes a smear of the contents from the vagina. Flora smear (gynecological smear, bacterioscopy) necessary to determine the composition of the microflora and the presence of pathogenic bacteria. Ideally, the analysis should be 90% lactobacilli. Gardnerella and Candida can be in single copies. And such microorganisms as Trichomonas, should not be.

In the laboratory, a sample of the contents of the vagina is examined under a microscope and the number of immune cells of leukocytes and bacteria, the presence of pseudomycelium Candida is determined.

In some cases, carry out culture of microflora on special nutrient media. As a result, it is possible to determine which of the 150 Candida species caused inflammation, to which drugs these microorganisms are most sensitive. This must be done if a woman suffers from recurrent thrush.

Also an informative method of research is colposcopy - examination of the vagina with a special device called a colposcope. The doctor applies Lugol's solution to the walls of the vagina. If after that small inclusions in the form of semolina are clearly visible on them, then this indicates the presence of thrush.

If necessary, the doctor prescribes an additional study for sexually transmitted infections, a stool test for dysbacteriosis, an immunogram, an analysis aimed at identifying diabetes- glycemic profile with loading.

In the event that the gynecologist believes that chronic diseases provoke thrush, he will advise you to contact a therapist, endocrinologist or immunologist.

How to treat thrush

Local therapy of infectious and inflammatory diseases of the female reproductive system not only allows you to destroy pathogens, but also inevitably leads to an imbalance in the beneficial microflora of the vagina and a decrease in local immunity. If you do not make a quick recovery of lactoflora, activation of conditionally pathogenic microflora is possible, which will lead to an exacerbation of thrush or bacterial infections. For the same reason, antifungal therapy for vaginal candidiasis may not be effective enough. Therefore, after the first stage of treatment aimed at eradicating the infection, it is important to carry out the second stage - to restore the balance of beneficial microflora with the help of Lactoginal capsules. This is the only tribiotic drug registered in the Russian Federation. Laktozhinal quickly restores pH, vaginal microflora and protects against re-exacerbation of bacterial vaginosis and thrush for a long time. Two-stage therapy has recently become the gold standard for the treatment of conditions accompanied by pathological discharge. Many experts believe that only this method can provide a pronounced and long-term therapeutic effect, strengthen local immunity, which serves as a prevention of subsequent exacerbations.

How to treat thrush during pregnancy?

Treatment must necessarily take place under the supervision of a gynecologist. He prescribes drugs that are not toxic, are little absorbed into the blood, do not harm the child and have the maximum therapeutic effect. Almost always, this local treatment is Pimafucin suppositories. The drug causes the destruction of the walls of the fungal cell and leads to its death. This tool can be used both in the first weeks and immediately before childbirth.

Another drug allowed during pregnancy is Terzhinan. It contains the antifungal antibiotic Nystatin. But besides this, it contains substances that fight bacteria. You can supplement the treatment with a complex of vitamins to maintain immunity.

Drugs in tablets that have a systemic effect on the body are usually not used.

During pregnancy, it is better to refrain from douching. With the pressure of the liquid, you can bring the infection into the uterine cavity. This procedure can only be prescribed by a doctor in exceptional cases. Instead of douching, it is better to use a weak soda solution, decoctions of chamomile and calendula for washing.

What suppositories are effective for the treatment of thrush?

Candles and vaginal tablets for the treatment of thrush are topical treatments. They are prescribed when the lesions are not deep and there are no complications. Here is a list of the most effective means from the milkmaid. The active ingredient is indicated in the arches.

Pimafucin (Natamycin) - the least toxic. Can be used during pregnancy. Causes the death of various fungi. Candles are used before bedtime. They quickly relieve symptoms, but treatment must be continued for another 2-3 days after improvement. The average course is 3-6 days.

Antifungol, Yenamazol 100, Candibene, Kanesten, Canizon, (Clotrimazole) its components dissolve the Candide shell. Candles or vaginal tablets are inserted into the vagina 1 time per day at bedtime. The course of treatment is 6-7 days.

Gino-Travogen Ovulum (Isoconazole) disrupts the permeability of the cell wall of fungi. It has an antifungal and anti-inflammatory effect. Quickly eliminates itching. It is used to treat forms of fungi that are resistant to other agents. A suppository (candle) is inserted deep into the vagina at bedtime once a day. The course of treatment is 3 days.

Ginezol 7, Gino-Daktarin, Klion-D 100 (Miconazole) - destroys fungi and some bacteria. Treatment is carried out for 14 days. One suppository deep into the vagina at bedtime.

Polygynax, Terzhinan (Nystatin) - these vaginal tablets must be moistened before insertion into the vagina.
Use one before bed for 10 days.
It should be noted that slight itching and other discomfort may occur for up to two weeks after treatment.

What pills are effective in the treatment of thrush?

Treatment of thrush with pills has several advantages. You will get rid of unpleasant symptoms in 1-3 days. While the treatment with suppositories, vaginal tablets and gels takes an average of a week. Taking pills provides complex treatment fungi in all organs. Therefore, the likelihood of recurrence of thrush is reduced. If the course of the disease is mild, then one drug will be enough. In another case, you will need to take several antifungal agents of different groups. To enhance the effect and get rid of itching, additional local treatment is prescribed in the form of creams or suppositories.

There are several types of drugs designed to fight fungi. They have different mechanisms of action, but they all lead to the death of Candida and the destruction of their mycelium.

Here is a list of substances that destroy fungi and preparations based on them:

Fluconazole (Diflucan, Mikosist, Medoflukon, Forkan) - a single dose of 150 mg of the drug is enough.

Ketoconazole (Ketoconazole, Nizoral) - 1-2 tablets per day. Course 5 days.

Natamycin (Pimafucin) - 1 tablet for 3-5 days.

Miconazole (Miconazole, Mikatin, Funginazole) - take 1 tablet for three days.

Nystatin (Nystatin) - 1 tablet 4 times a day. The duration of treatment is 10-14 days.

These drugs should not be taken to treat thrush in pregnant women. To prevent exacerbations of candidiasis in the future, it is desirable that both sexual partners undergo treatment.

How to treat thrush at home?

Treatment of thrush almost always occurs at home. Ideally, it should be done after consulting a doctor. Facilities traditional medicine have many advantages. They don't provide side effects are non-toxic and completely safe. However, in terms of the speed of treatment, they significantly lose to drugs.

Washing and douching with soda solution are used to relieve itching and prevent bacterial complications. In 0.5 liters of warm boiled water, you need to dissolve 1 teaspoon of baking soda. Repeat the procedure 2 times a day.

Such a composition has a strong antifungal and anti-inflammatory effect. Take 5 tablespoons of the collection from equal parts of oak bark, pharmacy chamomile, nettle and knotweed. Pour in a liter of water and bring to a boil. Cool, strain and use for douching in the morning and evening.

Tampons with sea buckthorn oil heal erosion on the mucous membrane and relieve inflammation. Soak a swab from several layers of gauze with pharmaceutical sea buckthorn oil and insert overnight.

Garlic oil tampons effectively get rid of Candida. To prepare the product, it is necessary to peel and chop 5 large cloves of garlic and pour 50 ml of refined vegetable oil. Leave for 3 hours, mix and strain. Soak a tampon with this product and insert it into the vagina for 2 hours. If there is a strong burning sensation, then the procedure must be stopped. Garlic phytoncides are a very powerful tool. Therefore, it is recommended to eat a few cloves daily.

To restore the normal microflora of the vagina, tampons with bifidumbacterin are used. Dilute an ampoule of this drug in a tablespoon of refined vegetable oil. Soak a tampon and insert into the vagina for 1 hour. American doctors recommend lubricating the mucosa with pure natural yogurt without flavorings. It can be a pure culture of lactobacilli, which are sold in a pharmacy.

If you do not have an allergy to honey, then you can dilute it with water in a ratio of 1:10 and lubricate the affected areas of the mucosa.

For washing, use tar soap or brown laundry soap. Its components prevent the growth of microorganisms.

In order for the thrush not to return after a while, it is necessary to continue the procedure for another 2-3 days after the symptoms of the disease disappear. Folk remedies it is better to use as an addition to the treatment prescribed by the doctor.

What drugs should be used to treat thrush?

To get rid of thrush forever, one drug is not enough. It is necessary to reduce the number of Candida to normal levels, to cure the damage to the mucous membrane that arose as a result of the disease. After that, you can begin to normalize the microflora in order to increase the number of lactobacilli. It also needs to strengthen the immune system.

Therefore, for the complex treatment of thrush, various groups of drugs are used.

Antifungals (antimycotics) destroy the bulk of Candida. These are funds based on Fluconazole, Clotrimazole, Iconazole, Ketoconazole. In the form of suppositories and creams for local treatment of the genital organs, as well as in the form of tablets and capsules for oral administration.

Antibiotics to treat thrush fight not only with Candida, but also with some bacteria that join during candidiasis. They are also available for topical and general treatment.

macrolide antibiotics: Pimafucin, Natamycin

Triazole antibiotics: Flucostat, Mikosist

Polyene antibiotics: Nystatin, Levorin

Combination drugs are drugs that contain several types of antibiotics. It also contains the hormone prednisolone for quick relief from itching, pain and inflammation. These are funds in the form of ointments and vaginal tablets Terzhinan, Neo-Penotran, Polygynax.

Probiotics normalize the composition of the microflora of the vagina and the level of acidity. They also often contain components to restore the mucous membrane of the vagina and external genitalia. These are vaginal tablets and suppositories with a complex of lacto and bifidobacteria: Gynoflor, Ecofemin, Vaginorm C and Vagilak, as well as Bifidumbacterin, Lactobacterin.

Immunomodulators or immunocorrectors prescribed to strengthen general immunity. Its task is to restrain the growth of Candida after the treatment is discontinued. These are oral tablets Likopid and rectal suppositories Viferon, Methyluracil.

Is fluconazole effective for thrush?

Modern antifungal drugs allow you to get rid of thrush in one day. In most cases, a single dose of Fluconazole 150 mg capsule is sufficient to eradicate the fungal infection. If a woman suffers from recurrent thrush, then it will be necessary to take one capsule once a week or a month for 6-12 months. The doctor selects the scheme individually.

For a quick recovery, it is desirable to combine systemic treatment with Fluconazole capsules and local treatment: suppositories with antifungal and anti-inflammatory drugs, the use of creams and douching.

Various pharmaceutical companies produce preparations based on Fluconazole: Diflazon, Diflucan, Mikosist, Medoflucon, Forkan, Flucostat. The active substance of these drugs violates metabolic processes in fungi, which leads to their death. The drug is well absorbed into the blood and enters all organs, where it accumulates in the required amount. Thus, these drugs rid the body of any diseases caused by fungi.

With vaginal candidiasis after taking Fluconazole, a woman usually notices a significant improvement within a day. But full recovery occurs in 3-4 days. If a week after taking the drug you continue to be disturbed by the manifestations of thrush, then you need to re-consult a doctor.

There are several reasons why taking a Fluconazole capsule has not worked. This can happen if the fungi have developed resistance and are not sensitive to it. Others may reduce the effectiveness of fluconazole medicines when taken at the same time. For example, the antibiotic Rifampicin. In some cases, a single dose is not enough. It is required to take one more capsule on the third and on the seventh day of treatment.
It must be remembered that Fluconazole has contraindications and serious side effects. Therefore, it must be taken on the recommendation of a doctor.

What are the traditional methods of treating thrush?

For the treatment of thrush in women, traditional medicine recipes are successfully used. They have significantly fewer contraindications and side effects than traditional medicines. However, even natural ingredients may cause allergic reaction. Douching is generally not recommended for pregnant women. Keep this in mind during treatment.

St. John's wort is an excellent remedy against thrush due to its astringent, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. The high content of phytoncides guarantees getting rid of bacteria and fungi of the Candida genus. A decoction of St. John's wort is used for douching. To prepare it, take 3-4 tablespoons of herbs, pour boiling water in the amount of 1.5-2 liters. After that, let the medicine brew for 1.5-2 hours. It is necessary to douche with this infusion 4 times a day.

have long been used infusion of sage and raspberry leaves rich in estrogens and anti-inflammatory components.

How to use: mix sage with raspberry leaves in equal proportions - 2 tablespoons of each herb. Then pour the mixture with a liter of boiling water. We expect 20 minutes for brewing, then we filter the infusion through a sieve or gauze. Let the product cool down to room temperature. It is used for douching 2-3 times a day. For greater effectiveness, you can add 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar per liter of product.

Oak bark – effective method get rid of thrush. The decoction has a strong antimicrobial effect, soothes inflammatory processes and protects the genital mucosa from deep damage. To prepare a decoction, you need to take three parts of oak bark, one part of a string and one part of lavender. To prepare, pour one tablespoon of a mixture of herbs with 150 ml of boiling water. Let it brew for 2 hours. After this, the broth must be filtered and poured into it the same amount of boiling water. Douche with this composition 2 times a day.

Cranberry and viburnum- universal assistants in the fight against thrush. The polyphenols contained in these berries stop the growth of yeast fungi, alleviate manifestations and strengthen the body. Juices from cranberries or viburnum will prevent the development of thrush. But the main requirement is the use of only unsweetened juice. The presence of sugar has the opposite effect and the fungus develops even more intensively.

You need to drink juices 3 times a day, 2 tablespoons. You can add the same amount of water. For douching, take 1 tablespoon of strained juice in a glass of warm water.

Answers to frequently asked questions:

Can you get pregnant with thrush?

A woman who has an exacerbation of thrush can become pregnant. The processes that occur during candidiasis and the acid secreted by fungi can slightly impair the viability of spermatozoa. But if their number is large, and the mobility is high, then fertilization will still occur.

It is desirable that the woman at the time of pregnancy was absolutely healthy. But still, this disease does not pose a serious danger to the fetus. Unlike, for example, rubella.

Is it possible to have sex with thrush?

With thrush, sex is not recommended. This is due to the fact that with vaginal candidiasis, the mucosa becomes swollen and covered with erosions. During sex, she is traumatized. This contributes to the penetration of fungi into deeper layers and the attachment of a bacterial infection. In addition, during and after sexual intercourse, pain and itching in the genitals increase.

Is it possible to douche with thrush?

You can douche with thrush. This helps to cleanse the walls of the vagina from fungi and cheesy plaque. Various medicines can get rid of itching and inflammation. Most often, a weak soda solution, decoctions of chamomile and calendula are used.

Is it possible to use kefir or cottage cheese with thrush?

Kefir or cottage cheese contain a large number of lactic acid bacteria, which normally make up the bulk of the microflora. With thrush, their number decreases sharply. Therefore, the use of such products restores balance and will be very beneficial. It is necessary to include fresh kefir in the diet and natural yoghurts with a short shelf life and a minimum sugar content. They provide the most benefit.

Prevention of thrush in women

Prevention of candidiasis is based on the general strengthening of immunity. It is also necessary to strictly observe personal hygiene, the meaning of which is to maintain the normal microflora of the vagina. Gynecologists recommend using high acidity gels for washing, which include lactic acid and with a minimum amount of flavors.

Wear natural fabrics that allow your skin to breathe. But tight skinny jeans provoke the development of the disease.

You can get infected with thrush in pools and baths, where there are a lot of people and bleach affects the skin. If you notice such a tendency in yourself, then avoid visiting these places.

Eat more vegetables, fruits and dairy products. This will help keep the number of lactobacilli normal. Avoid uncontrolled use of medicines and do not forget about preventive visits to the doctor.

THERE ARE CONTRAINDICATIONS. CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN BEFORE USE.

Many women and men face the problem of thrush. An infectious disease develops against the background of certain factors and is accompanied by characteristic symptoms: cheesy discharge, itching and an unpleasant odor. Despite the fact that these symptoms are familiar to many, few people know what is dangerous for thrush and how to treat it.

The consequences of candidiasis are not comforting, as they consist in the addition of other infectious diseases. This leads to the development of infertility in both women and men. It is not excluded the possibility of the spread of yeast-like microflora to neighboring organs, which is fraught with the development of their dysfunction. Complications of thrush will not take long, so treatment should begin as early as possible.

Regular intake of pills can provoke thrush

On the human body and its mucous membranes are billions of microorganisms various kinds. But until they begin to multiply rapidly, they do not bring a person any problems and do not cause disturbances in the functioning of organs.

Thrush is caused by the fungus Candida. As soon as its quantity begins to grow, the development of thrush occurs, or as it is also called candidiasis. A number of factors can contribute to the development of the disease, including:

regular intake of medications, including antibiotics, which reduce the body's natural defenses;
failure of the hormonal background, for example, as a result of pregnancy, menopause or the use of hormonal drugs;
diseases associated with inflammation;
insufficient hygiene of the genital organs;
malnutrition, eating fast food.

Signs of thrush

To know why thrush is dangerous, you need to determine its characteristic features. And they in this disease are as follows:

white discharge, reminiscent of cottage cheese and clearly visible on linen;
genitals constantly itch;
discharge has a sour smell, which is very unpleasant.

Treatment for thrush is a must. Ignoring this disease can lead to serious consequences and complications.

Disease danger

Running thrush can lead to urinary tract infection

When making a diagnosis, every woman wants to know if thrush is dangerous and what its consequences may be. Experts say that with timely treatment, its prognosis is quite favorable. But if the pathology goes to a severe stage, then the consequences of thrush can be as follows:

the transition of the disease to the chronic stage;
decrease in the body's defenses;
infection of the urinary tract and kidneys;
inflammation of the genital organs;
cervical erosion;
infertility, which is practically untreatable.

There are cases when the disease is asymptomatic. However, this does not mean that it is fraught with less danger. In such cases, complications of candidiasis manifest themselves in irregular menstrual cycle, scanty, or, conversely, abundant menstruation.

Thrush in pregnant women

Pregnancy is a serious burden for female body. There is a restructuring of the hormonal background, immunity decreases. It is this period that is "ideal" for the development of thrush. In this case, the danger of thrush is both for the expectant mother and for her child.

The occurrence of thrush and its transition to a more severe stage occurs very quickly. In such a period, the choice of treatment should be guided not only by the reaction of the female body, but also by the reaction of the child. This is the main problem in the selection of effective treatment.

The consequences of thrush for a child may be the following:

increased tone of the uterus, and as a result, difficulty in bearing the fetus or miscarriage;
the effect of fungal microorganisms on the placenta can lead to malnutrition of the embryo;
the likelihood of infection of the baby during its passage through the birth canal;
thrush can cause a violation of the development of the fetus and affects its weight;

It is important for a pregnant woman to know what will happen if thrush is not treated? There is a possibility of its transition to candidal sepsis. This disease is fatal for a child. No treatment and resuscitation methods undertaken will help save the child, since the fungus has already penetrated into the internal organs and completely disrupted their functioning.

Possible consequences

For a pregnant woman, the consequences of thrush also occur. They appear as follows:

The vital activity of the fungus reduces the elasticity of the tissue of the genital organs. This leads to multiple tears during childbirth. In order for the sutures to heal, it is required long time. There is a risk that the seams will open.
A fungal infection can trigger the development of more serious diseases. For their treatment, potent medicines are required, which are undesirable to use while carrying a child.
A complication of thrush can cause severe bleeding in women whose previous pregnancy has ended. caesarean section. In the course of the disease, the skin on the seam becomes thinner and this leads to the fact that under load or effort it can burst. This will lead to severe loss of blood by the mother and the death of the child.

Thrush in men

Usually partners are characterized by the presence of common diseases of the genital organs. This means that if a woman has thrush, it is likely that her partner will also be diagnosed with it.

For quality treatment, experts advise to contact a couple. They will pick up effective treatment and explain why candidiasis is dangerous for men.

Urethritis

According to its symptoms, urethritis caused by a fungus resembles acute gonorrhea. Just like with gonorrhea, a man feels a strong cutting pain when urinating. It is caused by fungal organisms that have entered the urethra and caused it to become inflamed. In severe cases, the appearance of blood in the urine or threads of mucus is noted.

Loss of sensation in the penis

This process takes place over some time. At first, a man feels discomfort during intercourse. Each sexual intercourse is accompanied by pain, which leads to a loss of interest in it. A man ceases to enjoy, and in the future he associates sex with pain. This is followed by loss of sensation in the penis.

Difficulty urinating

Thrush can lead to problems with urination in men

This is the consequences of urethritis caused by thrush. As a result of the action of a fungal infection in the urethral canal, the structure of its tissue changes. It becomes coarser, benign granulomas appear on it. There is a tendency to edema.

All this complicates the process of urination. The urinary tract is not completely emptied, microorganisms develop in the remains of the urine, which cause diseases of the urinary system. In this case, the thrush is not so terrible. Difficulties cause concomitant diseases.

phimosis and paraphimosis

Thrush negatively affects the process of exposing the head of the penis during intercourse. If you do not start timely treatment of thrush, the skin tissue that covers the head of the penis dies off. As a result, it becomes rougher and unable to stretch as before. This stage is called phimosis.

If treatment is not given, further roughening of the skin around the head of the penis occurs. The coarsened tissue infringes on the genital organ and its edge gradually dies off. If you do not resort to urgent surgery, this threatens the man with serious consequences.

Prevention of thrush

Knowing what will happen if you do not treat thrush, and in order to avoid this disease and its complications, it is important to perform a number of simple preventive measures.

First, you need to pay close attention to your health and strengthen your immune system. This will help vitamins and vitamin complexes, as well as exercise and proper nutrition.
Secondly, you should forget about self-medication. Do not believe advertising and buy all the advertised funds. They might just not fit. Only a doctor should prescribe treatment. It is important to fully comply with all his recommendations and bring the treatment to an end. After all, the disappearance of symptoms does not indicate a complete cure for thrush.

At the first symptoms of thrush, consult a doctor

Regular visits to the gynecologist will significantly reduce the risk of the disease. Don't forget about your partner. sex life with a proven partner will help to avoid infection with the fungus, which means avoiding long-term treatment.

Personal hygiene plays an important role in the prevention of thrush. Its development is affected by both insufficient hygiene and its excess. So that the genitals are not exposed to infection, it is enough to take a shower twice a day, using products that do not cause allergies. It is worth taking care that the underwear is always clean and made from natural materials.

Dermatologists advise you to forget about the use of panty liners, intimate gels with a lot of flavors. This may cause allergies.

Observing simple rules, a woman will not even imagine what a thrush threatens, because she simply will not have it. It is better to protect yourself from the disease than to use drugs that are toxic to the body for therapy. Only timely drug therapy can avoid the consequences of thrush that have a negative impact on reproductive functions and the health of internal organs.

Thanks to advertising on the net and on TV, many have heard of thrush. The disease caused by the activity of the Candida fungus is quite common. Even having discovered a characteristic whitish coating, most people take it calmly, in some cases not in a hurry to start treatment. Knowing how dangerous thrush is, sick or close people with candidiasis would not be so careless.

Features of the disease

Infectious and chronic diseases, as well as suppressed immunity, contribute to the development of candidiasis. Despite popular belief, thrush is a disease that affects not only adult women. The Candida fungus is constantly found in the human body of any age and gender. In the presence of favorable factors, candidiasis rapidly develops in various environments on the human body. Thrush can be affected:

Candida is a yeast-like fungus that looks like a white greasy coating with an unpleasant sour smell. The fungus settles and multiplies well on warm, moist body tissues with an acidic environment. About what will happen if you do not treat thrush, you can judge by medical practice. The disease spreads to different organs of the body, regardless of the first focus of infection. Subsequently, against the background of candidiasis, the development of other, more dangerous diseases is possible. In addition, a sick person himself becomes a source of infection, upon contact with him there is a high probability of infecting others.

What is the danger

If the fungus is diagnosed and treated in time, the consequences of thrush will be minimized. Ignoring the symptoms leads to various complications:

Development of chronic candidiasis with numerous relapses;
Exposure of the body to other diseases against the background of general weakness and reduced protective functions;
In case of infection on the genitals, in women - infertility, in men - sexual dysfunction.

Determining for themselves whether thrush is dangerous, each sick person must understand. In addition to the destructive complications that threaten the infected organism, such a person becomes a source of infection. Especially dangerous will be contact with young children, whose body can hardly resist the action of a mature Candida fungus.

The consequences of candidiasis vary in the degree and duration of infection. Also, people of different sex and age have different complications. In any case, the symptoms of the disease should not be ignored. From the moment of infection to the appearance of a characteristic plaque, it usually takes 7 to 10 days. During all this time, a person is infected and is a carrier of a fungus that adversely affects an already weakened immune system. In adults, infection mainly affects the genital area. As a result, the sick person becomes a source of disease for all partners with whom he has sexual contact.

Advanced pathology

The consequences of thrush do not directly pose a danger to human life. It is for this reason that people tend to take fungal infections lightly. Despite the apparent safety, candida contributes to the emergence of other, more serious diseases that can lead to death. Lack of treatment leads to a strong sense of discomfort and a general decrease in the quality of life of women. In girls at any age, candidiasis usually develops on the genitals.

The female genitalia provide an ideal breeding ground for the fungus:

Humidity is constantly maintained;
The environment in the woman's vagina is acidic;
The body temperature of a woman is sufficient for the growth of yeast-like fungal plaque.

What if you do not treat thrush in women:

The carrier of the disease will feel constant discomfort in the affected area, as well as itching and burning;
During sexual intercourse with a man who has a weakened immune system or constant contact with children, a woman with candidiasis will become the cause of infection;
If left untreated for a long time, Candida becomes widespread in the genitourinary system of a woman, leading to various complications (for example, the development of cervical erosion).

Worst case, women complications of candidiasis are manifested in the form of the inability to bear a child. Erosive processes in the uterus caused by a fungus lead to coarsening of the tissues of this organ. As a result, the fetal egg is unable to attach to the wall of the uterus and the woman constantly has miscarriages.

Untreated thrush is dangerous not only for the woman herself. Worst of all, if the disease is found in women during pregnancy.

disease in pregnant women

During pregnancy, a woman's body experiences a lot of stress. Along with the development of the fetus, the hormonal background changes, the activity of the immune system decreases. During this period, complications of thrush are most likely and dangerous for both the pregnant woman and the fetus. During the perinatal period, Candida can develop at a high rate. Without timely treatment, there are various options for what thrush can lead to:

Increased uterine tone and provoking spontaneous abortion;
Penetration of fungal deposits to the internal organs and placenta, poisoning of the fetus or malnutrition;
Infection of a child during birth during passage through the birth canal;
The defeat of a pregnant woman with other infections against the background of a strong suppression of the immune system;
The elasticity of the birth canal when affected by a fungus is lost, childbirth is accompanied by numerous ruptures;
During childbearing, provoked by candida infectious diseases it is undesirable to treat with antibiotics and antiviral agents;
If a woman is not carrying her first child, and the previous pregnancy ended in a caesarean, the seam may burst - that's what candidiasis is dangerous for.

If a woman does not begin treatment after birth, the consequences of candidiasis will affect the growing baby. The probability of infection of children under one year in contact with sick people is very high.

Danger for children

Children, especially newborns, are often infected with candidiasis. In most cases, the fungus affects the oral cavity, in girls it also affects the genitals. The danger of candidiasis in children is as follows:

Answering what will happen if you do not treat thrush in children for a long time, any pediatrician will predict damage to the immune system and internal organs. In the children's body, the Candida fungus spreads especially quickly, so parents need to carefully monitor the condition of the oral cavity and genitals in children for cheesy plaque.

Disease in men

On the genitals of men, it is more difficult for fungal formation to gain a foothold and multiply, because. the environment is not the most favorable. However, in the presence of certain factors and the general weakness of the body, the development of thrush is likely. Why is candidiasis dangerous for a man? According to statistics, men treat their health with less attention and visit doctors less frequently.

Lack of treatment leads to the following problems:

Urethritis. One of the first at fungal infection the urethra is affected. What causes thrush in men is characterized by severe cutting pain when urinating. In cases of strong spread of the fungus, the urethra narrows, and the passage of urine and sperm through the canal is complicated.
Loss of sensation in the penis. In the initial stages of infection, a man experiences only discomfort and burning sensation during intercourse. In the future, if thrush is not treated, the consequences will be expressed in increased pain and complete loss of sensitivity of the penis, even after the removal of the fungus.
Phimosis of the foreskin. Phimosis processes of the tissues of the foreskin can be triggered by thrush. Phimosis is the coarsening and death of skin cells. hardened foreskin narrows, stops opening the head of the penis and clamps it. If you do not start treatment, phimosis will also affect the penis. In this case drug treatment impossible, surgery is required.

The answer to the question about thrush, whether it is dangerous or not, is definitely positive. In the absence of treatment, a man is threatened not only with discomfort, but also with sexual dysfunction, which is practically untreatable.

What can the appearance of pathology indicate?

The danger of thrush lies not only in potential complications that develop without timely treatment. A distinctive feature of the Candida fungus is that it is fixed and multiplies only in a weakened body. The development of the fungus is possible against the background of other, more serious diseases:

genital or oral herpes;
Venereal diseases;
Diabetes;
Some types of oncology.

After the detection and treatment of thrush, it is recommended to undergo an additional examination. The consequences of thrush (candidiasis) in the absence of treatment are serious for a person of any age. The spread of the Candida fungus is ubiquitous; in the bodies of all people on the planet, these bacteria are present and are part of the normal microflora.

Modern diagnostic methods and medicines make it possible to detect and treat thrush in a timely manner without consequences, if a person is attentive to his health.

Sometimes men and women, unaware of what will happen if thrush is not treated, continue to ignore the symptoms of a pathological condition. However, thrush, or, as it is called, candidiasis, is a very serious sexual infectious pathology that develops against the background of active reproduction of the Candida fungus.

About what unpleasant symptoms accompany this disease, a huge number of women know firsthand. Sometimes the male sex also encounters similar unpleasant sensations. But what is fraught with refusal of treatment or its constant postponing, very few know. Many women do not realize that severe gynecological pathologies up to infertility can develop. About whether thrush affects potency and how, not all representatives of the stronger sex know.

The essence of candidiasis and possible consequences

Quite often it happens that in the case of the development of candidiasis in girls or representatives of the male half of humanity, they are in no hurry to seek medical help. This happens until the disease becomes protracted.

Sometimes a visit to the doctor is postponed due to the fact that patients, considering thrush as a harmless disease, assume that the disease will disappear on its own. However, such an attitude to one's health very often leads to serious complications and serious consequences.

It should be understood that the Candida fungus is able to actively multiply not only on the mucous organs of the reproductive system, but also in the oral cavity, on the skin, nails and in the digestive tract. That is why you should not treat this disease like something unimportant. In the case of the widespread spread of the fungus throughout the body, a general lesion can occur and total candidiasis can develop, the consequences of which can be very serious, and in some cases irreparable. It is very important to remember that chronic form the disease can proceed without any symptoms and is detected only in the case of a general examination of the patient.

If you do not treat thrush for a long time, then this can lead to the following consequences:

Knowing what the lack of adequate treatment can lead to in the development of candidiasis, it is necessary to contact a specialist in a timely manner to carry out diagnostic procedures and receive an appointment for treatment.

Consequences of candidiasis in pregnant women

Surely future mothers are interested in the question of whether thrush is dangerous during pregnancy. After all, all future mothers are worried about the timely and safe resolution of childbirth and the health of the unborn child. In a separate line should be highlighted possible consequences thrush in women during pregnancy.

As you know, during the period of bearing a child, candidiasis appears much more often. This is due to a decrease in the immune system, which is necessary so that the body does not reject the developing fetus by the ongoing hormonal changes, as well as changes in the vaginal microflora.

So, why is thrush dangerous for women in an interesting position? Experts identify the following possible consequences of candidiasis for the mother and child:

Signs of the disease

In order to be able to develop pathology, patients, especially those who encounter this for the first time, need to know the main signs, the appearance of which should immediately consult a doctor. After all, timely treatment will avoid possible complications and consequences.

So, experts identify the following signs of the development of the disease:

Thus, knowing about the possible signs of the disease, you should consult a doctor when they appear, without postponing this issue for later.

It is unlikely that anyone can determine the diagnosis on their own, since quite often the disease is asymptomatic. Even if the patient began to take antifungal agents, and the signs of the disease disappeared, this does not mean at all that the disease has been defeated. For a full-fledged treatment, the doctor must select for the patient a list of drugs and a set of measures that will help eliminate the signs of pathology, exclude the reproduction of the fungus in the future and take preventive measures to avoid the recurrence of the disease.

It just so happened that most people seek help from a doctor when "there is no strength to endure." The same applies to gynecological problems. The most common disease faced by every fourth woman or girl is vaginal thrush.

The disease is provoked by the active reproduction of yeast-like fungi, which are a component of the vaginal microbiocenosis and normally their growth is kept by "beneficial" bacteria.

If symptoms of acute thrush occur, such as itching, burning, cheesy discharge, etc., the woman tries to eliminate them on her own by purchasing certain drugs in a pharmacy.

Of course, in some cases, self-medication can indeed be effective, but more often, as a result of such actions, only external symptoms are dulled, while the fungus continues to actively develop and affect the woman's genitourinary system.

It is also worth noting that many women are not even aware of their disease, since in some cases thrush is practically asymptomatic (there are only whitish discharges). But what happens if you do not treat thrush in a timely manner?

Relapse of the disease as a result of untimely treatment of a man

When certain symptoms of the disease occur, women try to treat acute thrush by taking certain “instant-acting” tablets - these are medications that allow you to cope with the problem in just one day.

For example, such treatment for the symptoms of thrush may include the use of a single dose of Fluconazole, Diflucan, Fucis, Pimafucin, etc. Indeed, in most cases, such treatment allows you to eliminate the fungus and forget about the disease.

But few women are aware that such treatment for vaginal thrush should be carried out not only for a woman, but also for a man.

Why is this needed? Very often, a man is a so-called "candidate carrier", that is, he does not have external symptoms of the disease, but during subsequent sexual intercourse he can infect a woman again, thereby provoking a relapse of thrush in her, which requires repeated treatment.

In other words, if a woman has a permanent sexual partner and at the same time vaginal candidiasis has occurred, in this case, treatment for acute thrush should be carried out to both sexual partners (both a woman and a man), even if the man does not have any external signs diseases.

If there are no symptoms of the disease, it will be enough for a man to take a tablet of Fluconazole, Diflucan, etc.

If, however, thrush manifests itself with characteristic symptoms, then you will need to seek help from a specialist who will prescribe systemic and local drugs (for example, Candide cream, etc.).

If not treated for candidiasis, will there be cervical erosion?

If for a long time not treated for asymptomatic thrush, can there be cervical erosion? Thrush is really harmful to the body. If you run a fungus, this can lead to very serious consequences, including provoking such an unpleasant and dangerous disease like erosion of the cervix.

Many people think that candidiasis is a mild disease that is easily treated and does not pose a danger, if it does not present with acute symptoms, such as itching and cheesy discharge.

But this is not so, leaking candidiasis in a latent form is more dangerous and insidious, because it does not cause any inconvenience to a woman, but at the same time, the fungus continues to actively develop.

Rendering Negative influence on the vaginal environment, an advanced form of candidiasis can lead to a number of other problems. For example, initially the fungus can cause a disease such as cervical erosion. If you do not treat candidiasis at this stage (and, of course, erosion), the fungus can affect the bladder, uterus, provoke inflammatory diseases of the uterine appendages, adhesions.

How is cervical erosion manifested? As a rule, on early stages diseases in a woman can hurt the stomach, more often after intercourse. If there is a constant dull pain, it intensifies after intercourse.

There are cases when the stomach hurts so much that women begin to gradually take painkillers, while explaining everything by the fact that the stomach hurts before menstruation or the sexual intercourse was very rough, etc. Everyone understands perfectly well that the stomach should not constantly hurt. But the trip to the doctor is still postponed because - "it's scary to go to the hospital."

If the stomach hurts constantly, you do not need to postpone a visit to the doctor, because if the problem is not treated in the early stages, this can cause more serious consequences. In most cases, women overcome their "fear" only when cervical erosion is manifested by intermenstrual spotting or when blood appears every time after sexual intercourse.

Is it possible to treat candidiasis and erosion at the same time? The course of treatment for this problem initially begins with the treatment of a fungal infection. Proper treatment for chronic thrush begins with tests, during which the degree of sensitivity of the flora and the active substance that will help destroy the fungus will be determined. Next, drugs of local and systemic action are prescribed. The course of treatment is absolutely individual (from 5 days to two weeks).

After a comprehensive treatment for (candidiasis) thrush, antibiotics or other drugs are prescribed to eliminate erosion.

Thrush as a cause of infertility

Women who dream of getting pregnant often “blame” thrush for long-term failures. But is this true, does candidiasis interfere with conception? Can the disease cause infertility? It all depends on the duration of the course of the disease.

A fungal infection that occurred for the first time, as a rule, does not interfere with conception and it is possible to become pregnant against the background of primary candidiasis. It is only important to seek help from a doctor in a timely manner, diagnose and undergo appropriate, effective treatment for acute thrush (course 3-7 days).

The most dangerous for conception is the chronic form of candidiasis, which can really cause infertility. Thrush and possible infertility occur when the fungus has penetrated the cervix into the uterine cavity, and provoked inflammatory processes there, including inflammation of the uterine appendages.

The inflammatory process really interferes with the fertilization of the egg by the sperm, as a result of which it is impossible to get pregnant. If, with an inflammatory (or even adhesive) process, it turned out to become pregnant, there is a high risk ectopic pregnancy to be interrupted.

To avoid all these problems, it is necessary to promptly treat acute or chronic thrush, which involves the use of topical and systemic drugs.

You should not treat vaginal thrush on your own, since unskilled actions can only remove the external symptoms of the disease, while the fungus will develop further, provoking other diseases, which, as a result, can cause infertility.

In other words, thrush itself does not interfere with conception and it is really possible to get pregnant against its background. It can become the cause of infertility only if it is not treated for a long time.

It is also important to note that vaginal thrush can manifest itself against the background of certain hormonal changes that can really cause temporary infertility.

To avoid infertility, treatment for vaginal thrush should be carried out even when there are no external symptoms of the disease, that is, when the disease proceeds in a latent (latent) form, acquiring the character of chronic candidiasis. A gynecologist can diagnose it based on tests taken during the examination of smears.

A vaginal infection can be suspected by the nature of the discharge. With candidiasis, the discharge can be either white or have a whitish tint (so-called leucorrhea). At the first suspicion of thrush, contact a gynecologist.

Do not be naive to believe that this is not a serious disease and will soon "it will go away on its own", as this is a serious problem that requires treatment.