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Gynaecology |
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Gynaecological Problems |
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Thrush |
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Thrush is one of the most commonly-treated conditions at The Fertility Support Company, with some women suffering from one or both of these problems for many years with little or no relief.
Western Medical View
'Thrush develops when Candida albicans, which is often present in the vagina, grows and causes itching, irritation, discharge, redness, soreness and swelling of the vagina and vulva and a thick white vaginal discharge. Thrush is caused by a fungus which is found widely in nature. It is frequently present in the mouth and the vagina and does not usually cause any symptoms as long as it is kept under control by the presence of normal bacteria.
The growth of the fungus in the vagina is normally suppressed by both harmless bacteria and the immune system. However harmless bacteria in the vagina may be destroyed as a result of changes in levels of female sex hormones (this may occur during pregnancy, before periods or when taking the oral contraceptive pill), by taking antibiotics or using a spermicide. The fungus then multiplies which leads to symptoms.
Vaginal thrush can be passed on by having sexual intercourse with a partner who has a candida infection. Stress may trigger an episode of the condition. Uncontrolled overgrowth of Candida in the mouth may be caused by factors that reduce the natural resistance such as taking oral antibiotics or inhaled corticosteroids. It can also be caused by poorly fitting dentures, excessive use of antibacterial mouthwash, and other factors such as iron deficiency. Oral thrush in infants is common and is usually not associated with other disease.
A diagnosis of vaginal thrush is made initially from the vaginal discharge. If you go to see your GP, he or she may then perform a pelvic examination and take a vaginal swab for examination. Diagnosis of oral thrush will involve the doctor examining the mouth and taking a swab to check for Candida albicans
Drugs used to treat vaginal thrush are available without a doctor's prescription. The most commonly used drug is clotrimazole, which is inserted in the vagina either as a cream using an applicator or in the form of a pessary. For recurrent vaginal thrush, the doctor may prescribe a drug to be taken orally, such as fluconazole. You can also buy a single dose tablet of fluconazole from the chemist, to treat vaginal candida and balanitis caused by candida. However, although all topical (applied to the skin) antifungal products can be used during pregnancy, oral treatment is not recommended.
The doctor may also suggest self-help measures including: |
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Washing the vaginal area with water only, avoiding the use of perfumed soaps, vaginal deodorants or douches. |
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Avoiding using latex condoms, spermicidal creams and lubricants if they cause irritation. |
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Changing tampons frequently or using sanitary towels. |
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Wearing cotton underwear and loose-fitting clothes if possible. |
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The Chinese Medicine perspective |
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In Chinese Medicine the condition indicates an underlying imbalance of energy, which needs to be addressed in order to break the cycle of continual “flare-ups.” Rather than just clearing the sign and symptoms of these problems, we work to clear and rebalance the system in order that the problems not recur. |
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We often find that the women who suffer from thrush and/or cystitis are very sensitive to certain foods such as wheat and dairy, but most particularly to citrus and refined sugar. We refer as an integral part of treatment to Kate Cook at The Nutrition Coach who will devise a specifically tailored diet and supplement programme which most often includes a system detox and rebalancing of gut flora. If patients look at their tongues, quite often those who suffer from these problems will have a thick white or yellow coating present, and they will be able to watch this clear off over the three month programme we use to help with thrush and cystitis. |
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