Treating thrush before, during and after your period

A real problem for many women is thrush before, during and after menstruation. Let's figure out how to deal with it, and whether it is always thrush.

Antifungal (anti-fungal, fungicidal therapy). Many doctors treat thrush with antifungal agents. They kill the cause of the disease, and thus recovery occurs quite quickly. Modern antifungal agents ( fucis, pimafucin, fluconazole, intronazole, nystatin and others) act quite quickly. On average, the course is designed for three days, but visible results occur after taking 1 tablet.

But this method does not always justify itself. This is due to the fact that after the fungal infection is killed, a bacterial infection often develops in its place (since in the microbiocenosis of the mucous membranes, any vacant niche is quickly occupied by another microorganism). The well-known proverb "a holy place is never empty" illustrates this situation as clearly as possible. The development of a bacterial infection manifests itself in a similar way, an inflammatory process appears. This is especially often observed with reduced immunity.

Complex therapy (antifungal therapy + antibiotic therapy). Therefore, doctors often prescribe complex therapy, which includes both an antifungal agent and an antibiotic that kills bacteria. [ 1 ]

This method is quite justified, since both the fungus is killed and the risk of developing a bacterial infection is prevented. But this method is not without its drawbacks. As is known, there are no exclusively pathogenic or non-pathogenic bacteria in the body. There is also "useful" microflora, without which the normal functioning of the body is impossible. Thus, normally, a fairly large number of different microorganisms should be present in the urogenital tract of a woman. In this case, lactobacilli and bifidobacteria predominate. Antibiotics often kill not only pathogenic bacteria, but also representatives of the normal microflora, and dysbacteriosis develops.

Use of probiotics and immunomodulators (immunostimulants). Normally, the mucous membrane has colonization resistance. That is, it is populated by representatives of normal microflora (bifidobacteria, lactobacilli, Doderlein bacilli, and other microorganisms). They prevent the development of pathogenic microflora and do not allow the development of fungi. In addition, they stimulate local immunity, as a result of which, even if pathogenic microorganisms capable of causing disease have penetrated the mucous membrane, they are killed by cells of the immune system. When the normal state of the mucous membranes is disrupted, dysbacteriosis occurs, the mucous membranes lose the ability to provide colonization resistance, local immunity is lost, and the progression of pathogenic microflora, including fungal, is observed. This often occurs after antibiotic therapy, after inflammatory and infectious diseases, before, during and after menstruation, since the hormonal background, the composition of the microflora change, and immunity decreases. [ 2 ]

Therefore, it is advisable to prescribe probiotics as a therapeutic measure - drugs that normalize the microflora, eliminate dysbacteriosis, and restore colonization resistance. Restored microflora stimulates local immunity. In order to enhance the effect of probiotics, immunomodulators can be additionally prescribed (but this should be prescribed exclusively by an immunologist after a comprehensive assessment of the person's immune status).

What to do if you have thrush before your period?

In order to ensure reliable prevention of thrush (or its timely treatment), the most important condition is to maintain the normal state of the microflora, which ensures such a condition as colonization resistance of the mucous membranes. In this condition, the development of bacterial, fungal infection is impossible. It is also important to maintain a normal level of immunity. Therefore, if you regularly develop thrush before menstruation, your doctor will tell you what to do.

It is better not to self-medicate, but to visit a gynecologist immunologist. "By joint efforts" they can prescribe such means that will provide reliable prevention of thrush. A visit to the doctor is necessary, since probiotics and immunomodulators are selected strictly individually and only after the necessary tests have been carried out.

It is necessary to assess the state of the urogenital tract microflora. For this, a bacteriological study, microbiological screening, or analysis for dysbacteriosis is carried out. Based on these analyses, you can select the appropriate probiotic (they are different, they include different types of microorganisms, depending on which ones are lacking).

In order to assess the state of immunity, you need to look at the immune status. For this, a detailed immunogram is taken, in accordance with which the necessary remedy is selected - an immunomodulator, immunostimulant, immunosuppressant, immunocorrector, or other means. Sometimes no remedy is needed, it is enough to inject a course of vitamins. It is important that the treatment is prescribed by a doctor, since the wrong selection of remedies can be extremely dangerous, even fatal. Both too low and too high immunity are harmful. For example, with a high level of immunity, autoimmune diseases develop, in which antibodies destroy the cells of the body. Perceiving them as genetically alien.

Is thrush treated during menstruation?

We often hear the question: "Do they treat thrush during menstruation?" The answer is obvious: yes, of course they do. Normally, menstruation should not be accompanied by thrush. And any deviation from the norm is already a pathology. Therefore, it is necessary to get rid of it once and for all. It is necessary to normalize the microflora of the urogenital tract and maintain a normal level of immunity, and this will not allow the fungal infection to progress. Accordingly, thrush will stop bothering. [ 3 ]

Treatment of thrush during menstruation, how to relieve itching

How to relieve itching from thrush? During menstruation, treatment of thrush can be symptomatic: that is, various antipruritic ointments and suppositories are used. These are mainly local remedies. But then it is better to consult a doctor (gynecologist, immunologist), undergo a full examination, identify the cause of thrush, and completely cure it.

The most effective is systemic therapy, that is, treatment that involves the impact on the entire body as a whole, from the inside, and not just on the local itching zone. To do this, it is necessary to determine the state of the microflora, identify the features of the immune status, and in accordance with this, select the treatment. Probiotics and immune agents are mainly used. [ 4 ] Often include medication, physiotherapy, homeopathic remedies, folk therapy and physiotherapy. Relaxing and breathing complexes, meditation, aromatherapy, relaxation are indicated, since itching often occurs against the background of stress, overexertion, which are especially strongly felt and perceived during menstruation. This is facilitated by increased sensitivity of the body, altered hormonal levels.

Water procedures, massage, essential oils, washing with medicinal decoctions and herbs help well. It is recommended to prepare a mixture of essential oil with water (100 ml of water is taken for 1 ml of essential oil). This solution is used for local medicinal baths, washing.

Drug treatment

• Polysorb.

Dosage: dissolve a tablespoon of the product in a glass of warm water and drink 2-3 times a day.

Mechanism of action: promotes the elimination of toxins, cleanses the body, normalizes hormonal levels and the state of local immunity.

Precautions: removes medicines from the body along with toxins. When treating with other medications, keep an interval of 2-3 hours between doses.

Side effects: none.

• Diazolin.

Dosage: take 1-2 tablets 2-3 times a day.

Side effects: may cause drowsiness, slow reaction, reduces concentration.

Precautions: Do not take if work requires high concentration.

• No-shpa.

Dosage: take one tablet 2-3 times a day.

Precautions: With prolonged use, addiction develops.

Side effects: hypertension.

• Novo-passit.

Dosage: one tablet at night, before bedtime.

Precautions: Consult your physician.

Side effects: drowsiness, addiction, dizziness.

Mechanism of action: has a calming effect on the body, relieves itching.

• Pimafucin (cream, ointment) [ 5 ]

Dosage: squeeze out the ointment (about the size of a pea), rub into the skin, in the area of the external genitals, until completely absorbed. Apply 2-3 times a day, for at least 10 days.

Precautions: For external use only.

Side effects: itching, allergic reaction, redness.

Candles for thrush during menstruation

Most experts recommend using suppositories for thrush. They can also be taken during menstruation, since there are no side effects from this. But some recommend using suppositories only after menstruation has ended, since their effectiveness decreases. As a rule, this is supported by the fact that during menstruation the body is cleansed and other substances, including medications, are removed from the body along with the egg and blood.

• Can I use suppositories for thrush during my period?

There are no contraindications for suppositories for thrush during menstruation in the instructions, so they can be inserted even during menstruation. However, there is no consensus among specialists. Some believe that suppositories should always be prescribed for the treatment of thrush, regardless of the phase of the menstrual cycle, since local remedies are always more effective. They are equally often prescribed as an independent remedy, and as a component of complex therapy, and even for prevention.

Other experts argue that suppositories should not be prescribed during menstruation. It is better to resort to systemic drugs, such as tablets, or wait until menstruation ends. You can also use suppositories rectally.

Pills for thrush during menstruation

For thrush during menstruation, it is quite possible to use tablets. They have the same effect as local remedies, for example, suppositories. Only often their effect is more powerful. Since they eliminate the fungus not only at the level of the genital tract, but also throughout the body. Fluconazole, intraconazole, pimafucin, flukostad, and other remedies are recommended. [ 6 ]

• Pimafucin

Today, Pimafucin is considered one of the most effective and safest remedies used for thrush. It is so safe that it can be used even during pregnancy. It is worth noting that Pimafucin is available in almost all possible forms - cream, ointment, gel, suppositories, tablets. Each form has its own application features, its disadvantages and advantages. In different situations, one or another remedy can be used. The choice should be made by a doctor.

Folk remedies

You can also get rid of thrush using folk remedies.

• Recipe No. 1.

As a base, take about 50 grams of chemist's alcohol or vodka, warm it up a little in a water bath (on low heat). With constant stirring, add about 15-20 grams of ground aconite root, the same amount of aconite roots. Continue stirring until a slight shade appears. Then slowly pour in a little clove essential oil (about 2-3 drops). Set aside in a dark place. Allow to brew for at least 2 hours. Take 1-2 drops orally three times a day (dissolving in a glass of water), add to water for medicinal baths and douches (about 15-20 ml per 2-3 liters of water). It is not recommended to take it in its pure form, since aconite has a powerful effect. If it gets on the skin and mucous membranes, it can cause a chemical burn. You should immediately wash your hands several times with clean water and soap and a brush if undiluted aconite gets on your skin.

• Recipe No. 2.

As a base, take about 50 grams of butter and goose fat, mix together, melt over low heat while stirring constantly. Pour in a small amount of a pre-prepared mixture of the following components: 30-40 ml of vodka, the same amount of hot water, 30 ml of ammonia, a finely chopped pod of red pepper (preferably chili). Stir, put in the refrigerator for about an hour. Then take it out, let it stand at room temperature for about 1-2 hours. Then add to the composition of medicinal baths (about 0.5-1 teaspoon of the product per 3-4 liters of warm water).

• Recipe No. 3.

Take approximately equal parts of honey and bear fat, melt over low heat while stirring constantly, slowly pour in an aqueous solution of essential oils of wormwood and geranium (for this, mix separately about 50 ml of warm water and 2-3 drops of oils). Also add 0.5 ml of ammonia and French turpentine. After the solution has been poured into the base, stir until a uniform consistency is formed, without lumps. Add a quarter of a teaspoon per 5 liters of water (used for adding to the composition of medicinal baths).

• Recipe No. 4.

Mix equal parts of opodeldoc and copaiba balsam, approximately 3-4 tablespoons of each component, add approximately 2 tablespoons of wood oil and 1 tablespoon of camphor alcohol. Mix everything thoroughly until a uniform consistency is achieved, add to the baths at a rate of 1 teaspoon per 5 liters of water.

Herbal treatment

Herbal treatment has long been considered one of the effective methods of treating thrush.

Chamomile decoction is used for inflammatory, allergic reactions, for the treatment of digestive disorders, hormonal imbalances, changes in reproductive function. In gynecology, it is used to treat thrush, normalize the menstrual cycle, and eliminate intoxication.

A decoction of grape leaves has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, has a positive effect on the mucous membranes (oral cavity, urogenital tract). It is used for rinsing the mouth, washing the nose, washing in case of gynecological diseases.

Dahlias (a decoction of leaves and flowers) increase local immunity, normalize sensitivity, eliminate discharge and itching. They are mainly used for rinsing the mouth, throat, for washing and medicinal baths. [ 7 ]

Homeopathy

From the “Homeopathy” section you can find many remedies that will be effective in treating thrush.

• Recipe No. 1.

Add 20-30 grams of Alexandrian leaf, a tablespoon of ground ginger, and half a glass of date seeds to regular alcohol (500 ml). Drink a glass a day.

• Recipe No. 2.

To prepare the balm, take a tablespoon of mustard powder and 2 tablespoons of semolina. Mix thoroughly. Leave it for at least 3-4 days, drink a teaspoon 3-4 times a day.

• Recipe No. 3.

Take sand from a sea or river beach, heat it in the oven. Mix it with Badyaga ointment, which can be purchased at a pharmacy, until a uniform consistency is formed. Lubricate the biologically active points responsible for the female reproductive system (the tip of the thumb, the inner thighs, the big toes).

• Recipe No. 4.

Vodka or pure alcohol is used as a base. Then about a tablespoon of the following components is added: ginseng herb, pol-pala herb, eleutherococcus, motherwort, rose hips. Mix, then set aside and allow to brew. Drink a tablespoon 3-4 times a day.

• Recipe No. 5.

Add a tablespoon of stinging nettle, stevia, and echinacea to regular alcohol (500 ml). Drink a tablespoon twice a day.

After treatment of thrush, delayed menstruation

Of course, one of the reasons for a delay in menstruation after treatment for thrush may be pregnancy. But this is far from the only reason. If severe or moderate itching in the intimate area is a concomitant pathology, one can assume the development of an allergic process, inflammatory or autoimmune reaction. You need to see a doctor. This often happens.

If the accompanying manifestations are severe peeling of the skin around the outer labia, dryness, irritation, redness, and even swelling of the skin in the intimate area, then one can assume a side effect from the treatment, including disturbed microflora. Usually, within 3-5 days after treatment, this is restored.

In any case, if you notice signs such as a delay, you should see a doctor. This may be a sign of a disease that requires treatment.