Diseases

Vaginal mycosis - causes, symptoms, treatment

Vaginal mycosis - causes, symptoms, treatment / Diseases

Treat a vaginal yeast infection properly

Most women suffer from vaginal mycosis at least once during their lifetime. The natural vaginal flora, which has the task of repelling pathogens, is disturbed in a vaginal mycosis, whereby the fungus can spread. This causes inflammation of the vaginal mucosa and the outer genital area. Different causes can be responsible for this. The most important thing in short:

  • definition: A vaginal mycosis is a fungal infection in the vagina, which manifests itself in inflammation of the inner and outer female genital area.
  • symptoms: The main symptoms include a burning sensation and itching in the genital area, vaginal discharge, red and swollen vaginal entrance, possibly also pain during intercourse.
  • causes: The vaginal flora repels the pathogens in a healthy state. If this gets out of balance, the fungus can spread. This can be done for example by hormonal imbalances, drugs such as antibiotics, excessive intimate hygiene or weakening by other diseases.
  • treatment: The vaginal fungus is usually treated locally with suppositories, vaginal pills or creams that contain an antifungal (antifungal). In some cases, oral antimycotics are also used. The healing process can be supported by a naturopathic treatment.

    • contents

    • Treat a vaginal yeast infection properly
    • Candida albicans - a natural roommate
    • Vaginal flora provides protection against pathogens
    • causes
    • symptoms
    • disease progression
    • diagnosis
    • Therapy of a vaginal mycosis
    • preventive measures
    • Naturopathy in vaginal yeast infections
    • Home remedies for vaginal fungus
    • Co-treatment of the partner
    • Vaginal fungus during pregnancy or lactation
    • When the transition to the doctor is needed

    Candida albicans - a natural roommate

    The main pathogen is the yeast fungus Candida albicans. This is present in every human body. It belongs to the normal colonization of skin and mucous membrane and is a natural resident of the vagina. However, if the balance of the vaginal flora is disturbed, the fungus can multiply and become pathogenic, causing disease. This includes the vaginal yeast infection.

    A vaginal yeast infection is often not dangerous, but associated with unpleasant symptoms such as itching and burning. (Image: Barabas Attila / fotolia.com)

    Weakened immune system

    If the immune system is intact, it does not lead to a pathological proliferation of fungi. However, if the immune system is weakened, this can lead to a fungal infection. This is not a threatening disease, but can be quite annoying at times.

    Vaginal flora provides protection against pathogens

    The vagina is not germ-free, but colonized with a high number of bacteria. Their entirety is called vaginal flora and forms a protection against invading pathogens. About 100 million germs per milliliter live in the vaginal secretions. The resident bacteria consist mainly of lactic acid bacteria, so-called lactobacilli.

    Lactic Acid Bacteria (Lactobacilli)

    The lactobacilli find in the milieu of the vagina before good living conditions. The lactic acid bacteria produce substances that deprive other germs of the breeding ground and thus prevent them from growing. In the vaginal flora live about five to eight different strains of lactic acid bacteria. However, this varies from woman to woman. This also results in the different susceptibility to vaginal infections.

    ph value in the vagina

    In the vagina, there is a ph value below 4.5, which is extremely acidic. This means a very bad environment for most germs. Thus, the vaginal flora with its large number of lactobacilli protects against pathogens such as bacteria, fungi and protozoa.

    The lactobacilli of a healthy vaginal flora protect against pathogens. (Image: Kateryna_Kon / fotolia.com)

    causes

    A vaginal fungus can have many causes. Hormones have a major impact on the vaginal milieu. Thus, the composition of the vaginal flora is subject to the normal monthly hormonal fluctuations of the woman. Hormonal imbalances or changes in the hormone balance can affect the vaginal flora and thus promote the spread of the fungus. The causes of a vaginal yeast infection include:

    • pregnancy: During pregnancy, the vaginal pH can increase, which must be checked regularly in order to be able to react quickly in case of infection.
    • hormonal imbalances: Other hormonal imbalances, such as menopausal or thyroid disorders, may have effects on the vaginal mucosa.
    • drugs: Intake of antibiotics can lead to a change in the natural defenses in the genital area. The antibiotic can destroy the good Lacotbacilli and therefore offer other germs the opportunity to reproduce. Also, corticosteroids (corticosteroids) and chemotherapeutic agents in some cases destroy the healthy balance.
    • Birth control pills: Taking the pill can affect the vaginal environment unfavorably.
    • Exaggerated intimate hygiene: Since the vaginal flora provides a natural protection, exaggerated intimate hygiene can impair the natural protective function.
    • External influences: Shared towels or visiting a public swimming pool may lead to a fungal infection.
    • Other diseases: Basic diseases such as diabetes mellitus and AIDS have a negative influence on the composition of the vaginal milieu.
    • psycheStress and mental health problems usually lead to a weakened immune system and can thus promote the proliferation of fungi.

    symptoms

    Main symptoms of a fungal infection in the female genital area are:

    • Burning in the genital area,
    • Vaginal discharge with white to yellowish color and creamy or crumbly, quark-like consistency,
    • Smell of the outflow is similar to that of yeast,
    • itchy vagina,
    • reddened and swollen vaginal entrance,
    • massive itching, which usually gets worse shortly before the period.
    Typical symptoms of vaginal yeast infection include itching, burning, vaginal discharge, and redness and swelling in the genital area. (Image: pathdoc / fotolia.com)

    Difficult course

    Under certain circumstances, the vaginal yeast infection can also spread to adjacent areas of the skin. Occasionally an itchy rash with pustules and eczema-like lesions on the inside of the thighs forms in severe cases. Also, pain can occur during sex.

    disease progression

    Mostly, a fungal infection on the vagina heals completely without complications. However, if the vaginal mycoses occur more frequently, it is important to look for the causes. Chronic recurrence refers to a disease that occurs four or more times a year. In the treatment of chronic fungus in conventional medicine is often resorted to an oral antimycotic. In addition, an examination of the partner may be advisable.

    diagnosis

    An infection is diagnosed at the gynecologist by taking an anamnesis, physical examination and microscopic analysis of the vaginal secretion. In some cases, a fungal culture is necessary in which the vaginal swab is applied to a special nutrient medium on which the fungi can then grow. Some time later, a more accurate diagnosis is possible.

    Therapy of a vaginal mycosis

    The vaginal fungus is usually treated locally. This is done in the form of suppositories, vaginal tablets or creams containing an antifungal (anti-fungal). The application usually takes between three and seven days, depending on the product. In some cases, oral antifungals are prescribed. Especially when the sufferer suffers from recurrent vaginal yeast infections. However, oral antifungal therapy is not always possible, especially not during pregnancy and lactation.

    Often a vaginal fungus is treated with suppositories, creams or vaginal pills. (Image: piggu / fotolia.com)

    Recurring infections

    If the fungal infection does not heal without complications and the vaginal mycosis occurs more frequently, further causes and possible underlying diseases must be determined and treated accordingly. A partner treatment is usually only recommended if the person suffering from recurrent infections. Generally, however, as long as therapy is the use of a condom recommended so that the partner can not be infected.

    Intake of lactic acid bacteria

    More and more doctors prescribe after the anti-fungal treatment lactic acid bacteria, so that the vaginal flora can recover quickly and their defense function is restored.

    preventive measures

    With a few simple rules, the risk of vaginal yeast infection can be significantly reduced. These measures include, for example:

    • hygiene: Do not carry out excessive intimate hygiene. Clear water or pH-neutral detergents are sufficient.
    • underwear: The underwear should be changed daily more frequently, especially in case of increased sweating, as a humid climate can facilitate the development of fungi.
    • material: Instead of synthetic, tight-fitting briefs, cotton materials should be preferred.
    • Bandages or panty liners: Plastic coatings on bandages and panty liners favor a moist environment, which should be avoided if possible.
    • toileting: When cleaning, it is important to wipe from the front to the back so that no intestinal bacteria get into the vaginal area.
    • nutrition: As the fungus Candida albicans likes to feed on sugar, it is advised to limit the consumption of sugary foods and white flour products.
    Simple measures can significantly reduce the risk of infection. (Image: heilpraxis.de/pixelfreund/fotolia.com)

    Naturopathy in vaginal yeast infections

    In the treatment of natural medicine is considered a holistic approach. Here are some naturopathic treatment methods described, which can support the healing process in a vaginal yeast infection.

    Chamomile, myrrh and marigold

    Naturopathic therapists use preparations containing chamomile and myrrh to expel the annoying fungus from the intestines. Seats with chamomile and / or marigolds complete the holistic treatment.

    gut renovations

    Also Darmsanierungen, which are cleaned with the help of herbal extracts of the intestine and then rebuilt with intestinal intestinal flora with physiological intestinal flora, belong to the range of treatment of naturopathic practice. The focus here is the expulsion of Candida albicans from the intestine, as this is responsible for the repeated occurrence of vaginal yeast infections. This way of thinking is still controversial. However, sufferers repeatedly report that it was only through a colon cleansing the recurrent vaginal yeast infections in the long term could be put an end.

    Intestinal rehabilitation can be undertaken at home or in a naturopathic practice. (Image: Kzenon / fotolia.com)

    nutrition

    Furthermore, naturopathic therapists often prescribe a specific diet that is almost sugar-free and should be waived on any white flour products. A basic diet that is low in sugar and sweet fruit, but rich in vegetables and wholesome ingredients, is the basis to protect against recurring infections.

    Pomegranate juice, garlic, horseradish and cress

    In addition, in natural medicine for the treatment of the infection pomegranate juice is recommended, the polyphenols have a positive effect on the intestinal mucosa and thus can fight bacteria and fungi. Similarly, the consumption of garlic, horseradish and cress should have an antifungal effect.

    Colloidal Silver

    Also colloidal silver is often prescribed in the natural healing practice against vaginal mycoses. He is said to have an antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal effect. Naturopathy provides suppositories and ointments for local application in the vagina area.

    strengthen your immune system

    Since vaginal yeast infections often arise due to a weakened immune system, this is a major focus. Procedures that strengthen the immune system are therefore often used. Here, self-blood therapies and the use of immune stimulating plants, such as echinacea or propolis can help.

    Fight stress and relieve psyche

    Stress, which is often responsible for bringing the immune system to its knees, should be kept in check by appropriate relaxation exercises and regular rest periods. Targeted stress reduction measures such as autogenic training, progressive muscle relaxation, breathing exercises or yoga are best suited for this purpose.

    Frequently, stress is a reason for a weakened immune system and thus also creates the basis for a vaginal fungus. Targeted stress reduction measures help body and mind. (Image: detailblick-foto / fotolia.com)

    Home remedies for vaginal fungus

    Home remedies for Candida fungi can help with a vaginal yeast infection. Common home remedies include, for example:

    • Aloe vera: The ingredients of this plant are an ancient natural remedy for the preservation of beauty and health and also act against fungi. Aloe vera can be applied as juice or gel (without additives) in and on the vagina. Oral intake can help strengthen the immune system.
    • honey: Real honey has an antiseptic effect that mushrooms are not spared.
    • yogurt: The lactic acid found in yoghurt can help rebalance the vaginal flora. However, it is important to use a natural yogurt without fruits and added sugars.
    • Pure coconut oil: This oil can be used both internally by oral ingestion or by application on a tampon as well as for external application to the genital area.
    • KukurmaTurmeric is healthy and often curative. In addition to use as a spice, a few tablespoons can be added to the bath water.
    • Olive Leaf Extract: As a dietary supplement or as olive leaf tea, olive leaf extract can strengthen the immune system and thus also indirectly help against fungal infections.

    Pads against vagina fungus

    For external use as a support are yogurt (optionally mixed with honey), tea tree oil, tinctures of chamomile or sage, aloe vera or an envelope soaked with turmeric infusion. The pads should not be used for more than 15 to 30 minutes. After application, the skin should be dabbed dry thoroughly.

    Natural yoghurt with honey is not only delicious, but is also suitable as a support. (Image: tolism / fotolia.com)

    Co-treatment of the partner

    Previously, the partner was routinely treated. This is no longer the case today, as it has been established that the chances of healing due to partner treatment are not clearly improving.

    Vaginal fungus during pregnancy or lactation

    If there is a fungal infection in the vagina during pregnancy or lactation, you should consult a doctor. Although the pharmacy holds over-the-counter preparations for vaginal mycoses, pregnant and breastfeeding women should not self-medicate, but seek out a gynecologist.

    A treatment is absolutely necessary, especially to protect the newborn from infection during childbirth. The doctor selects therapeutics that are safe during pregnancy and lactation. If you are breast-feeding, it is recommended that you clean your hands thoroughly after applying local topical medications so that the baby does not come into contact with the antifungal medicine.

    When the transition to the doctor is needed

    With the help of a rapid test from the pharmacy meanwhile every woman can determine for herself whether she suffers from an infection of the vagina. The test promises a hit rate of 80 percent. Thereafter, the pharmacy will provide over-the-counter antifungal remedies. But self-treatment is not always recommended. If the symptoms do not resolve within a few days, pain and / or fever is added, or if the symptoms recur more frequently, it is no longer possible to postpone the visit to the gynecologist. (sw; vb updated on April 24, 2018)
    Specialist supervision: Barbara Schindewolf-Lensch (doctor)