Fungus in the vagina - symptoms, causes and treatment

Vaginal Fungus – Symptoms and Treatment | Recetas Medicas

Getting a yeast infection in the vagina is very common, especially in women. A fungal infection can cause both discomfort and trouble, but is usually easy to treat. Here you can read about why you get fungus in the vagina, common symptoms in women and men, treatment and what you can do yourself to reduce the risk of the problem returning.

What is fungus in the vagina?

Fungus in the vagina is most often caused by the yeast Candida albicans. The fungus is naturally present in the body but can cause infections if it starts to multiply and grow uncontrollably. Fungus is harmless but can be troublesome. Both men and women can get fungus in the vagina, but it is much more common in women. Most women experience vaginal yeast infection at some point in their lives.

Symptoms of fungus in the abdomen

Fungal infections often cause discomfort and irritation in and around the abdomen. Here are the most common symptoms.

Common symptoms of vaginal yeast infection

Women often have clear problems with a fungal infection in the vagina. Persistent itching and burning, especially around the vaginal opening and on the labia, is common. Many also experience that they get thick, white and gritty discharge. The mucous membranes can become swollen and sensitive, which can make it sting when you urinate or feel uncomfortable during intercourse. Redness, swelling and tenderness in and around the labia and small cracks in the skin are also common symptoms.

Common symptoms of fungus on the penis

Although fungal infections on the penis are much less common than vaginal yeast infections, men can also be affected. If you get fungus on the penis, you may experience symptoms such as the skin on the glans, foreskin and shaft of the penis becoming red, dry and flaky. You may also get red and dry on the scrotum and in the groin. A white film that forms around the glans or under the foreskin is another sign. The affected areas may feel tender and sensitive, and it may itch intensely. The symptoms can be bothersome, but penile fungus almost always goes away on its own within a few days.

Other possible explanations

The symptoms of fungus in the vagina can sometimes be confused with other venereal diseases or gynecological problems. That's because many vaginal infections share similar symptoms, such as itching, irritation, discomfort, and changes in discharge. Both bacterial vaginosis, herpes and chlamydia can give rise to various symptoms that can also appear in fungal infections. A gynecologist or doctor can give you a correct diagnosis and treatment.

Why do you get fungus in the vagina?

A fungal infection in the vagina can occur when there is an imbalance in the natural mixture of bacteria and fungi of the vagina or penis. Several factors can contribute to this imbalance:

• Antibiotic treatment: Antibiotics can affect the good bacteria that normally keep candida in check, allowing the fungus to grow unchecked.
• Changed hormone levels: Hormonal changes, such as those that occur during pregnancy, the menstrual cycle or when using contraceptives with hormones such as birth control pills or hormonal IUDs, can affect the growth of the fungus. Therefore, it is common to get fungus just before your period or when you are pregnant.
• Weakened immune system: If you have a weakened immune system, for example due to illness or stress, you are at greater risk of developing a fungal infection.
• Friction and chafing: The fungus gets attached more easily if there are small cracks or wounds in the mucous membranes in the abdomen. Therefore, you can get fungus if, for example, you have cycled a lot or had penetrating sex.
• Diabetes: High blood sugar levels can promote the growth of candida.

In the past, it was believed that ingesting sugar and yeast could cause fungus, but there is no scientific support for this to be the case.

Treatment of fungus in the abdomen

Fungus in the vagina often goes away on its own within a few days or a week. If the symptoms don't go away and you're sure it's fungal, you can treat the infection with over-the-counter medications. Antifungal drugs come in different forms. The most common variants are creams and vagitories that are applied locally and act directly on the infected area to quickly relieve symptoms such as itching and irritation.

It is important to complete the full course of treatment, even if the symptoms disappear earlier, to ensure that the infection is completely cured and to reduce the risk of recurring problems.

For the vast majority of people, over-the-counter medications work well. If the treatment does not help and you have severe symptoms, you may need prescription drugs in tablet form.

You who are pregnant should consult your midwife or doctor before starting over-the-counter treatment.

Preventive measures

To reduce the risk of fungal infections in the vagina or relieve the discomfort, you can try the following:

• Avoid washing with soap and water as it dries out the mucous membranes. Use oil instead when you wash your genital area.
• Use underwear made of breathable material, such as cotton or bamboo.
• Choose loose fitting clothes.
• Avoid having penetrative sex while you have an infection. It may hurt or feel uncomfortable. It also increases the risk of recurrent pain during vaginal intercourse or that you get or transmit a sexually transmitted disease.

When should I seek care?

Contact healthcare if:

• Symptoms worsen or do not improve after treatment with over-the-counter agents.
• You get fungal infections more often than twice per six months.
• You are unsure whether your symptoms are really due to a fungal infection.
• You are pregnant and suspect you have a yeast infection.
• You have symptoms of penile fungus that do not go away within a week.

Frequently asked questions

Can fungi infect the vagina?

Fungus in the vagina can be transmitted during sex, but this is very rare. Fungus is not a sexually transmitted disease.

What does fungus in the vagina look like?

Fungus in the vagina often causes symptoms such as white, curd-like discharge, red mucous membranes in the vaginal opening and sometimes small cracks in the vagina. In the case of fungus on the penis, the glans, penis shaft or scrotum can become red and dry.

How do you know if you have fungus in the vagina?

If you experience itching, irritation, pain during intercourse or urination, as well as thick white discharge, these may be signs of a fungal infection. For a safe diagnosis, you should contact healthcare.

How to get rid of fungus in the vagina?

To treat fungus in the vagina, you can try over-the-counter medicines with fungus, which are available in the form of creams or vaginal suppositories.

How long do you have fungus in your vagina?

How long a yeast infection in the vagina lasts can vary between different people. Without treatment, symptoms can persist for a longer period of time and potentially worsen. With the right treatment, symptoms should begin to subside within a few days, but it is important to complete the full course of treatment to avoid relapse.