Genital Thrush and Oral Thrush - Dealing with Infections in Mouth and Intimate Parts - OoWomaniya

Genital Thrush and Oral Thrush – Dealing with Infections in Mouth and Intimate Parts

Thrush, also known as Candidiasis is caused by yeast, Candida albicans. Most common of thrush is genital thrush as well as oral thrush. Thrush is not necessarily transmitted through sexual contact.

What leads to Genital Thrush?

Normally, the yeast that causes thrush lives harmlessly inside the vagina but sometimes the amount of yeast increases and this causes thrush.
Thrush is not necessarily passed on through sex, but can sometimes develop after you’ve had sex.
It’s very common for women to get thrush – three out of four women will get it at some point in their lives and some women will get it regularly. Men sometimes get thrush too.
Thrush can be triggered by some antibiotics, some forms of contraceptives, and occasionally, the use of strongly scented bath products or intimate body sprays and creams.

Symptoms of Thrush

In Women

A thick, white vaginal discharge
Itching
Soreness
Swelling of the vulva
Pain when passing urine

In Men

The penis may become sore, itchy and show inflammation

How to treat Genital Thrush?

It’s always best to get examined and diagnosed by a doctor first; this is because lots of other infections can have similar symptoms. Treatments for Genital Thrush, such as vaginal pessaries and anti-fungal creams or tablets insert able in vagina are available and must be taken under medical supervision.

Oral thrush, also known as oropharyngeal candidiasis, is a common fungal infection that affects the mouth. It is caused by the overgrowth of the Candida fungus, which normally lives in small amounts in the mouth and on the skin without causing any problems. However, certain factors can lead to an imbalance, allowing the fungus to multiply and cause an infection. In this article, we will explore the symptoms, causes, and treatment options for oral thrush.

Symptoms of Oral Thrush

White or cream-colored patches on the tongue, inner cheeks, gums, or roof of the mouth
Redness, swelling, or bleeding in affected areas
Cracking at the corners of the mouth (angular cheilitis)
Pain or discomfort when swallowing
Loss of taste or an unpleasant taste in the mouth
Cottony feeling in the mouth

Causes of Oral Thrush

Oral thrush is caused by an overgrowth of Candida fungus, but several factors can contribute to its development, including:

A weakened immune system, due to illness, medications, or medical treatments
Uncontrolled diabetes, which can lead to increased sugar levels in the mouth
Dry mouth, often caused by medications or certain medical conditions
Poor oral hygiene or denture use
Smoking
Use of corticosteroid inhalers without rinsing the mouth afterward

Treatment Options for Oral ThrushTreatment for oral thrush typically involves antifungal medications. Depending on the severity of the infection and the patient’s overall health, a healthcare professional may prescribe:

Antifungal lozenges: These dissolve slowly in the mouth, allowing the medication to come into direct contact with the affected areas.
Antifungal mouthwashes: These are swished around the mouth and then swallowed or spat out.
Antifungal oral suspensions: These are liquid medications that are swished around the mouth and swallowed.
Oral antifungal medications: These are taken in pill form, especially for severe cases or when other treatments have not been effective.

In addition to antifungal treatments, it is important to maintain good oral hygiene to prevent reinfection. This includes:

Brushing teeth at least twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush
Flossing daily
Rinsing the mouth with water after using a corticosteroid inhaler
Regular dental checkups and cleanings
Quitting smoking

If you suspect you have oral thrush, it is important to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.

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