Vaginal mycosis (vulvar): symptoms, cause, relief

Itchingabundant white discharge, pain during intercourse, burns… Vaginal mycosis is a gynecological condition frequent, benign, but should not be overlooked. Especially since she is unpleasant so the sooner it is cared for, the sooner we find its intimate comfort. It is caused by the development of a fungus, usually a candida albicans. What are the symptoms and signs of a yeast infection? Buttons ? Is it contagious ? How relieve and treat it quickly and effectively ? Advice from our health specialist.

What is a vaginal yeast infection?

Vaginal yeast infection is a frequent gynecological infection of the vagina or vulva which is due to the development of a fungus. The most common is the candida albicans. It causes various symptoms such as pain, burning, itching or thick and abundant discharge. It is the most common vaginal infection, it is not serious or dangerous in women, but must be treated.

It exists two types of vaginal infections:

► There is mycosiswhich is characterized by a itching of the vulva and vagina (this may only affect one of the two), whitish and thick discharge (which looks like curdled milk) and pain during intercourse and urination. “This is caused by a fungus called Candida Albicans.“, explains Doctor Philippe Deruelle, gynecologist and secretary general of the National College of French Gynecologists and Obstetricians (CNGOF).

► There is vaginosis. It is characterized by yellowish/greenish and odorous discharge (often a fish smell). This is a bacterial infection: the “good” bacteria in the vagina are less numerous than the bad bacteria, which causes an imbalance in the vaginal flora.

What are the symptoms of vaginal yeast infection?

Vaginal yeast infection is manifested by several symptoms:

• Itching of the vagina and/or vulva
• whitish lossesabundant and thick, with a “curdled milk” appearance
• Pain during sexual intercourse
• Burning on urination
• Weeping lesions

What are the causes of vaginal yeast infection?

Vaginal yeast infection occurs following the development of a fungusmost often of the type candida albicans. This fungus, naturally present in the vagina, which proliferates too much if the vaginal flora is altered. Vaginal flora can be damaged for several reasons:

• The use of too aggressive a soap,
• Irritation of the vaginal mucosa,
• Wearing panty liners that dry out the vulva,
• Repeated intake of antibiotics
• Excessive local hygiene (vaginal douching, etc.)
• Some birth control pills
• The stress
• Diabetes
• The presence of a sexually transmitted infection,
• A decrease in immunity following certain diseases.

Is a vaginal yeast infection contagious?

Mycosis develops more in women.

“Mycosis and vaginosis are not sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)“, explains the gynecologist Philippe Deruelle. They are not really transferable elsewhere : a woman can transmit it to her male partner, but in general he will not notice it. Mycosis develops more in a woman than in a man. The main risk is that the man then passes it on to his partner.

When to consult?

“In case of discomfort in the vagina, it is better to consult as soon as possible“, advises Dr. Deruelle. Although mycosis and vaginosis are not serious infections, they must be treated quickly to avoid greater inconvenience.

What treatment to treat vaginal yeast infection?

There are several options for treating yeast infection. Nevertheless, it is advisable first of all to consult a doctor or a gynecologist who will offer you an appropriate treatment. To treat vaginal yeast infectionwe can use :

• A cream to be applied locally to reduce itching
• One antifungal in the form ofovum to be inserted into the vagina prevents the proliferation of the fungus (available without a prescription in pharmacies if you are unable to make a quick appointment with a doctor)

• Of the antibiotics if the infection gets worse.

For rebuild the vaginal florawe can :

• To do a course of probiotics to reseed the flora in lactobacilli (good bacteria for the vagina). This rebalances its pH and strengthens its defense mechanisms. Lactobacilli make it possible to form a protective biofilm in the vagina which defends it against internal and external aggressions.
• Utilize a neutral or alkaline personal cleansing gel to regulate its pH, available without a prescription in pharmacies.

“To avoid fungal infections or vaginosis, you must pay attention to your personal hygiene. Avoid shower gels which are corrosive, opt instead for a gentle soap-free cleanser, limit the number of showers and above all only do external intimate toilets. Wear underwear that you are comfortable in, not too tight“, advises Dr. Deruelle.

Thanks to Dr Philippe Deruelle, gynecologist and secretary general of the National College of French Gynecologists and Obstetricians (CNGOF).