Yeast infections of the vagina, of which thrush is the most common, can cause a great deal of discomfort. The best pharmaceutical medicine for vaginal yeast infections can be bought over the counter as well as be prescribed by your doctor. The cause of thrush is a fungus called Candida albicans.
The fungus that causes thrush grows best in warm, dark and moist environments. Thrush can affect a number of areas of the body including the mouth and other warm folds of skin. The vagina contains all of the most optimal conditions for thrush infections and therefore is the most common place for thrush. More than half of women worldwide will contract vaginal thrush at some time in their lives.
Candida albicans can live in small quantities in the vagina without causing any trouble. The infection occurs when there is a change in the environment of the vagina that encourages the unhealthy growth of the fungus. This change can occur because of a number of factors.
Some people with a lowered immune system due to chemotherapy and those taking high dose steroids are more prone to developing thrush. Other risk factors include the taking of antibiotics and other illnesses such as diabetes. Pregnant women are at risk of thrush due to the changes that occur in the environment of the vagina. It is wise to keep an eye on your vaginal area if you are suffering from any condition that might increase the chances of infection.
Many women are familiar with the symptoms of thrush and can go to the chemist to get over the counter preparations to treat it. It you are not sure it is always sensible to go and get any health worries seen by a doctor Diagnosis is simple with a swab taken from the vagina. The symptoms of thrush are redness, itching, a white and creamy discharge, discomfort and pain. If you are sure what you are suffering from it is safe to self medicate at the chemist as the preparations you receive there are the same that your doctor will prescribe for you. If you are in any doubt please check with your health care provider.
There are three main ways of treating thrush. You can insert a pessary which consists of Clomitrazole, Fenticonazole, Miconizole or Econazole.You may wish to use a cream consisting of the same ingredient to help clear up infection, especially if you are experiencing itching as it can help to sooth the symptoms. A single pessary is ordinarily enough to clear up an infection of thrush.
You can also use medication that you take orally. This usually consists of fluconazole which is taken in a single dose and can clear up an infection of thrush. Itraconazole which is taken twice a day can also be taken to treat the fungal infection. You may want to use a cream for a few days, especially if you are experiencing itching or irritation.
Bacterial vaginosis is an infection that has similar symptoms to thrush and can easily be mistaken for it. Therefore it is important that you contact your health care provider if your vaginal irritation does not clear up after a single treatment. Most infections, yeast or otherwise, respond well to treatment so it is important to be sure you are treating the correct thing.
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