Vaginal thrush

In most women, fungal infection of the abdomen, also known as candida vaginitis, is caused by a yeast called Candida albicans. Candida is usually harmless and it lives naturally on the body. If there is therefore too much of this yeast, it leads to inflammation in the vagina.

The most common symptoms of a fungal infection include:

• Itching and burning in the vagina (50%)
• Ending in discharge – white, cheesy discharge that is odorless but can also be thin
• Burning when urinating (33%)
• Pain during intercourse
• Inflammation of the foreskin in a partner (rare)

In the case of recurrent infections, pain is often experienced during intercourse, pain and burning in the abdomen, but little or no itching. It is also less red and inflamed than with an acute infection.

There are prescription free ointments, suppositories and tablets that are antifungal. All the alternatives are equal and it has not been proven that there is a difference in effect between the different preparations or brands.

It is important to follow the instructions for use for the preparation you are using. How often to take the pills or apply the ointment will be described there. Below are some general descriptions of common preparations that are available without a prescription.

• Prescription-free vaginal suppositories for 1-3 days.
• Prescription-free ointment that is applied to the labia and around the vaginal opening 2-3 times a day for 1-2 weeks.
• One-day treatment with a tablet is also without a prescription and has the same effect as the local ointments and suppositories.

If you suffer from frequent recurrences (> 4 episodes per year) of fungal infection, you should see a doctor to discuss the right treatment and to make sure that it is fungus that you have and not something else that is causing your problems. Long-term self-treatment is not recommended - if you are frequently bothered, it makes sense to go to the doctor.

Many people confuse fungal infection with bacterial vaginosis. Fungal infection is usually characterized by a lumpy, white and cheesy discharge, as well as itching and burning in the abdomen. Bacterial vaginosis, on the other hand, is characterized by a thinner and greyish discharge that increases in quantity, and which often has a characteristic smell reminiscent of fish.

Nevertheless, the symptoms can be different, and it can be difficult to distinguish. Do you suspect you have a yeast infection but are not quite sure? Click through our guide and get advice based on your symptoms:

How does the doctor examine vaginal thrush?

The doctor will ask you about your symptoms, how long they have lasted and whether there is a known triggering factor. The typical symptoms, as mentioned above, are often enough to make the diagnosis. Sometimes the diagnosis is not as simple, and it is then common for the fungus to be detected by microscopy of the discharge, possibly by the doctor sending in a culture sample of the discharge.

Should I treat vaginal thrush?

Abdominal yeast is usually easy to treat. If it keeps coming back, there is a risk of an underlying disease, such as diabetes. See a doctor if this applies to you.

How to prevent fungal infection?

• Do not overdo the cleanliness, one wash a day is enough.
• When showering, the water should flow downwards, the woman should not use the shower head to flush the vagina or get water into the vagina.
• Wash without soap (also applies to intimate soap).
• Perfume-free lotion or oil (for example intimate oil) can be advantageously applied to dry skin before showering, and then washed off in lukewarm water, as a substitute for soap.
• Use pads, not tampons.
• You should avoid tight-fitting underwear such as a thong, but rather for a period use "sensible" cotton panties.
• Underwear is washed separately at 60 degrees, without the use of fabric softener/rinsing agent.

Kilder

• Relis, (2017), Sopp - og andre underlivsinfeksjoner, (online), tilgjengelig fra:
  https://relis.no/content/4847/Sopp--og-andre-underlivsinfeksjoner (hentet 10.10.2022).
• Emetodebok, (2022), Soppvaginitt (online), tilgjengelig fra:
  https://emetodebok.no/kapittel/lnfeksjoner/soppvaginitt (hentet: 10.10.2022).