41. Veginal thrush Flashcards
What?
East infection
Candida albicans.
Why?
caused by an overgrowth of, or an allergic reaction to,
a yeast called Candida albicans.
Or When natural balance disrupt
Symptoms?
Itching around your vagina and vulva
Burning sensation during urination
Vaginal discharge – can be thick and white or thin and watery,
NO smell present
Pain during sex.
Why some women more at risk of vaginal thrush?
Pregnant
History of sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
Recently been on a course of antibiotics or steroids
Diabetes and your blood glucose is not under control
Use a type of hormonal birth control that has higher doses of oestrogen
Weakened immune system, such as from chemotherapy
Have a skin condition such as eczema or dermatitis
Who wear tight fitting clothes
use vaginal deodorants, sprays, gels and wipes,
Treatment?
With creams: apply onto affected area (on the vagina, inside of the vagina or on the penis)
Creams comes with special applicators that you need to fill with the cream.
The applicator is used to measure the right dose of cream and enables the insertion of cream inside your vagina or onto your penis. Examples: Clomazol®, Canesten®, Micreme® and Nilstat®.
With pessaries:inserted into the vagina, a tablet is inserted into vagina with an applicator, or they can be inserted carefully by hand. Examples of vaginal pessaries include Canestan
With oral capsules:Taken by mouth: Fluconazole capsules (quick relief) can be prescribed for thrush. These work just as well as the creams and vaginal pessaries but relief can be more rapid.dose 150 mg as a single dose, with a glass of water (200–250 mLs). The capsule can be taken with or without food.Fluconazole 150 mg capsule can be bought from your pharmacy without a prescription, after discussion with your pharmacist.
For recurrent thrush: If your doctor has prescribed fluconazole for recurrent candidiasis, you will need to take fluconazole for a few months. It is important to take your medicine regularly to make sure the infection clears up properly.
I’m pregnant, is thrush going to harm my baby?
Thrush does not damage the vagina and it does not spread to damage the womb (uterus)
but if you have thrush when you are giving birth, it may be passed on to your baby.
If i am pregnent what should i use for my situation?
Fluconzaole is not recommended for use in pregnancy or if you are planning a pregnancy. Pregnant woman can use the vaginal cream but take care when inserting the vaginal cream. Some women may prefer to use vaginal pessaries (without applicator) to avoid any risk.
What are the side effects of creams and passeries?
The cream and pessaries can cause irritation of your vagina or penis, such as redness, itch and swelling. Fluconazole can cause nausea (feeling sick) and headache.
Can I have sex when I have vaginal thrush?
You can still have sex but it can be uncomfortable and you may experience a burning sensation during or after sex. Use lublicant.Thrush can be passed to partner
Prevention?
Dry the affected area properly after washing.
Wear loose cotton underwear and avoid tight clothing.
Wipe from the front (vagina) to the back (anus) after toileting.
Ensure your blood glucose level is kept under control if you have diabetes.
Avoid using soap to wash your genital area.
Avoid irritants such as deodorants, talcum powder, bubble bath solutions, deodorised panty shields or vaginal douches.
What is recurrent vaginal thrush?
4 or more vaginal thrush infections per year
Who is at risk of recurrent vaginal thrush?
Repeated vaginal thrush infections are more likely in women who:
have diabetes and their blood glucose level is not well controlled
use antibiotics often
are pregnant
are on long-term oral steroid treatment (such as prednisone) and immunosuppression (such as chemotherapy)
have iron deficiency
are taking oestrogen, including the combined oral contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
have a sexual partner who has untreated thrush.
How is recurrent vaginal thrush treated?
Reffer to doctor
Your doctor may recommend using antifungal vaginal creams for a longer course, such as 10–14 days or for a few months.
Or Your doctor may prescribe oral antifungals such as fluconazole for a few months.
What if the thrush treatment does not work?
If you still have thrush symptoms a week after starting treatment then see your doctor or nurse
