Generality
Candida in pregnancy is a vaginal infection supported by yeasts of the genus Candida that occurs in many women during this particular period.
Generally, candida in pregnancy is not considered a serious infection, however, in order to avoid complications, it must not be underestimated in any way and needs adequate treatments.
The symptoms of candida in pregnancy are similar to those that occur in non-pregnant women and are usually easily recognizable. However, it is always good to contact your doctor or your trusted gynecologist, in order to identify precisely which pathogen gave rise to the infection.
What is that
What is Candida in Pregnancy?
Candida in pregnancy is a fungal infection sustained by yeasts belonging to the genus Candida . In the majority of patients, the infection is triggered by Candida albicans (80-95% of cases), but infections caused by Candida glabra (5% of cases) are more rare.
In many individuals, Candida albicans is normally present as a commensal in different parts of the body, including the vaginal mucosa in women. Generally, the yeast in question does not cause damage or pathologies, since it is kept under control by the pH and by the vaginal bacterial flora and by the defense mechanisms of the organism. However, in particular conditions, this control can be less and C. albicans can proliferate excessively giving rise to the so-called candidiasis . When infections are localized at the level of the female genitalia, it is usually called vulvovaginal candidiasis .
Causes
What are the Causes and Risk Factors of Candida in Pregnancy?
Candida in pregnancy is a type of infection considered quite common. The causes and risk factors that lead to the onset of the disorder are manifold and can concur with each other to favor the uncontrolled development of the yeast in question.
However, among the possible causes that are supposed to be the main culprits for the appearance of candida in pregnancy, we recall:
- Increased levels of estrogen (a phenomenon that typically occurs during gestation);
- Alteration of normal vaginal bacterial flora due to changes occurring in the woman's body during pregnancy;
- Lowering of immune defenses.
Among the risk factors that can contribute to favoring or worsening infections and manifestations of candida in pregnancy, we find:
- High blood sugar and diabetes (these two factors can promote the development of vaginal candidiasis in both pregnant and non-pregnant women);
- Excessive consumption of sugars;
- Possible antibiotic therapies in progress;
- Use of synthetic material underwear;
- Cleaning and personal hygiene not carried out correctly;
- Stress.
Symptoms
What symptoms does Candida in Pregnancy cause?
The characteristic symptoms of candida in pregnancy consist of:
- Odorless or yeasty whitish leaks, with a consistency similar to curdled milk (often, the losses caused by Candida spp. Infections are described as "similar to ricotta");
- Redness, burning and / or vulvar itching, also very intense;
- Irritation;
- Constant feeling of annoyance;
- Inflammation;
- Burning during urination and / or during sexual intercourse;
- Vulvar dysuria (occasional).
In truth, most of the aforementioned symptoms can also be caused by vaginal infections of different origins, for this reason, it is always good to consult your doctor or gynecologist who will be able to make a correct diagnosis of the disorder that afflicts the pregnant woman.
Diagnosis
How is Candida Diagnosed in Pregnancy?
The diagnosis of candida in pregnancy is essentially based on the analysis of the symptoms reported by the patient and on the visual examination of vaginal discharge. Generally, at the gynecological examination, the patient suffering from candida during pregnancy manifests white caseous plaques at the level of the vaginal mucosa. The latter also appears edematous due to the ongoing infection.
The diagnosis can then be confirmed by the microscopic examination of the whitish vaginal discharge that can determine exactly the presence or absence of Candida spp.
The execution of a correct diagnosis of candida in pregnancy is essential to undertake the most suitable treatment and to exclude the presence of infections or other diseases (for example, bacterial vaginosis or diseases caused by sexually transmitted pathogens, such as Chlamydia trachomatis or Trichomonas vaginalis ).
Care
Pregnancy Candida Treatments and Treatments
Naturally, candida in pregnancy - although not considered dangerous for the fetus - must nevertheless be adequately treated. Unfortunately, not all drugs usually used to treat this infection can be used even during the gestation phase.
However, it appears that topical antifungals of the imidazole type can be used safely enough in pregnancy. These drugs are generally formulated as creams or ova that must be applied directly at the vaginal level following the indications provided by the doctor (generally, one administration a day, in the evening before bedtime, for a period of at least 7 days). Miconazole and clotrimazole are the active ingredients most commonly used to counteract this fungal infection during pregnancy.
These drugs are considered safe because the local use of pharmaceutical formulations of this type gives rise to a reduced systemic absorption compared to other routes of administration, thus minimizing the potential risks to the fetus. However, as a precautionary measure, the administration of these drugs is not recommended during the first trimester of gestation.
The use of oral antifungals (such as, for example, fluconazole) is, however, generally not recommended due to the greater systemic absorption of the active ingredient and the potential damage that this could cause to the fetus.
However, all the aforementioned drugs can be used to counteract candida in pregnancy only and exclusively if expressly prescribed by the doctor or gynecologist and only in cases where these health figures consider it absolutely necessary and indispensable. Do-it-yourself treatment of fungal infections should not be carried out under any circumstances, even more so if Candida spp. affects pregnant women.
Useful Tips
Useful Tips to Prevent Candida in Pregnancy
Unfortunately, it is not possible to predict if a woman will develop candida in pregnancy. The following tips, however, may prove useful in decreasing the risk of developing this type of infection, just as they may prove useful in speeding up recovery if the disorder has already occurred.
- Follow a healthy and balanced diet, which should be done regardless of the risk of candida during pregnancy;
- Reduce the carbohydrate intake, even more so if the candida in pregnancy has already manifested ( Candida spp., In fact, multiply very quickly with the intake of foods rich in sugars);
- Maintain careful intimate hygiene, using delicate and specific detergents for these delicate areas of the body;
- Prefer the use of cotton underwear and avoid linen made of synthetic fibers;
- Avoid wearing pants that are too tight or tight;
- Reduce stress;
- If the infection has already occurred, follow and complete any treatment prescribed by your doctor. The premature cessation of pharmacological treatments, in fact, can lead to therapeutic failure and to the formation of Candida strains resistant to the antifungal drugs used.
If despite the adoption of the aforementioned measures the candida in pregnancy should still present or worsen, a new medical consultation is absolutely essential.
