Periods 101
Written By
Megan Leigh
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Will vaginal thrush go away on its own?
What happens if vaginal thrush is left untreated?
If you're suffering from thrush, it's important to get it treated so you don't suffer for any longer than you need to and you minimise the risk of potentially passing it on. Untreated thrush can lead to serious health problems and may escalate into a serious infection, especially in individuals with weakened immune systems. Here we'll reveal what happens if thrush is left untreated:
Recognizing thrush symptoms early
Vaginal thrush is caused by an overgrowth of a type of yeast called Candida. Developing thrush can occur due to similar causes, particularly when the immune system is weakened by serious diseases or treatments like cancer therapy. Did you know that Candida is actually present in your body? Yep. It usually lives harmlessly in the mouth, gut & vagina, however it can overgrow if your body's natural balance is disrupted. Maintaining a healthy immune system is vital for preventing such infections.
Why do I keep getting thrush with a weakened immune system?
There's lot of reasons why you might be suffering from recurrent thrush. A weakened immune system can also be a crucial factor that allows the growth of fungal colonies. From taking antibiotics and hormonal changes to the infection not being fully cleared. Make sure you read our blog all about recurrent thrush for more details.
Can thrush go away on its own?
In some cases, mild thrush may go away on its own, however we always recommend getting seen by a doctor or taking steps to treat & clear the infection if you know the symptoms.
Most yeast infections won't completely clear without correct treatment or a change in lifestyle. To treat thrush, it is important to maintain hygiene to prevent passing the condition and always consult with a doctor before starting any treatment.
When to See a Doctor
If you suspect you have vaginal thrush, it's essential to see a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment. You should seek medical attention if you experience any of the following:
- Itching and burning sensation in and around the vagina.
- Thick, white, and clumpy discharge resembling cottage cheese.
- Redness, swelling, and soreness in the vulva.
- Pain or discomfort during sexual intercourse or urination.
Severe Symptoms of Thrush
In some cases, vaginal thrush symptoms can become more severe and may significantly affect your daily life. It's crucial to be aware of these symptoms so that you can seek medical attention immediately. Severe symptoms of vaginal thrush can include:
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Persistent itching and burning: These symptoms may become so intense that they interfere with your daily activities and sleep.
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Profuse, odourless, white discharge: You might notice an increase in the volume of your vaginal discharge, which remains thick and white.
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Pronounced redness and swelling: The inflammation of the vulva may become severe, causing noticeable redness and swelling.
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Excruciating pain during sexual intercourse or urination: Intense discomfort or pain during these activities is a sign of severe vaginal thrush.
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Cracking or bleeding of the vulvar skin: In extreme cases, the skin around the vagina can become so irritated that it may crack or bleed.
If you experience any of these severe symptoms, it's crucial to consult a healthcare professional immediately. Remember, your health matters, and there's no need to suffer in silence. Modern medicine, combined with a supportive healthcare provider, can help you manage and treat even severe cases of vaginal thrush.
What happens if thrush is left untreated?
Discomfort & pain
Vaginal thrush is pretty unpleasant & uncomfortable, if left untreated you'll continue to experience itching, burning & general discomfort and pain in the vagina and surrounding areas.
Recurrent infections
Not clearing the infection properly (or at all) can cause vaginal thrush to flare up frequently, making it more difficult to treat.
Sexual complications
You probably know that thrush makes sex less than pleasurable, there's also the risk of passing the infection onto your partner. Read our blog all about whether thrush is contagious for more information.
Skin infection
If the inflamed area becomes cracked or you're continually scratching you're much more prone to infection. Apple cider vinegar, known for its antifungal properties, can be a potential natural remedy. However, it should be diluted with water to avoid burning sensations.
Invasive candidiasis
This happens when the yeast infection affects another part of the body (like your blood, heart, brain, bones or eyes), it's usually associated with an open sore that's exposed to a yeast infection. Although not typically related to vaginal thrush, it can cause serious health complications when not promptly treated. People who wear dentures are at risk of developing oral thrush if they do not maintain proper hygiene.
Understanding Thrush
Thrush is a type of fungal infection caused by the Candida fungus, a type of yeast. While Candida naturally resides in various parts of the body, it can cause problems when it grows out of control. Oral thrush, also known as oral candidiasis, is the most common form of this infection. It typically manifests as white patches or lesions on the tongue, mouth, and throat, which can be both painful and uncomfortable. This condition can affect anyone but is particularly prevalent in babies, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems.
Oral Thrush Symptoms
The symptoms of oral thrush can vary from person to person, but common signs include:
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White patches or lesions on the tongue, mouth, and throat
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Redness and soreness in the affected area
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Burning sensation or pain in the mouth and throat
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Difficulty swallowing or eating
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Dry mouth or cracked lips
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Loss of taste or altered sense of taste
In severe cases, oral thrush can make swallowing difficult, which can lead to malnutrition and dehydration. If you notice any of these symptoms, it's essential to seek treatment promptly to avoid further complications.
Duration of Untreated Thrush
If left untreated, oral thrush can persist for several weeks or even months. In some cases, it can last for years, especially in individuals with weakened immune systems. Prolonged untreated thrush can lead to serious health problems, including systemic infections that can be life-threatening. Therefore, it's crucial to treat thrush as soon as symptoms appear to prevent these severe outcomes.
Long-term Effects of Untreated Thrush
Untreated oral thrush can lead to several long-term effects, including:
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Systemic infections: The Candida fungus can spread to other parts of the body, such as the lungs, liver, and skin, causing serious health problems.
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Malnutrition and dehydration: Difficulty swallowing can result in malnutrition and dehydration, particularly in older adults and those with weakened immune systems.
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Emotional distress: Persistent thrush can cause emotional distress, including anxiety and depression, especially if it remains untreated for a long time.
Maintaining hygiene and seeking prompt treatment can help prevent these long-term effects and ensure better overall health.
Remember: it may not be thrush
Thrush has similar symptoms to other conditions, many people purchase thrush treatment without seeing a doctor first when they're actually suffering from something else. In infants, symptoms in the baby's mouth can be particularly misleading, making proper diagnosis crucial.
Plenty of people also find they have thrush symptoms but they're actually suffering from a reaction or irritation caused by a sensitivity to soaps, fragrances or even period care.
Misconceptions and myths of vaginal thrush
Let's debunk some common misconceptions about vaginal thrush to provide clarity and dispel any myths:
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Myth: Vaginal thrush is a sexually transmitted infection.
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Fact: Vaginal thrush is not considered a sexually transmitted infection; it is caused by an imbalance in the normal vaginal microbiome.
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Myth: Only women can get thrush.
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Fact: Although vaginal thrush is more common in women, everyone can develop thrush, especially if they have a weakened immune system.
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Myth: Thrush is caused by poor hygiene.
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Fact: Thrush is not caused by poor hygiene; it is often triggered by factors like hormonal changes, antibiotics, or a weakened immune system.
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Myth: You can't get thrush if you are not sexually active.
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Fact: Sexual activity is not a prerequisite for developing thrush. Anyone can be affected by this condition.
How to treat vaginal thrush
Effective management of vaginal thrush involves a combination of self-care practices and medical treatments. Some remedies and treatments include:
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Over-the-counter antifungal creams or suppositories.
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Prescription oral antifungal medications.
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Avoid irritants such as scented soaps or chemical-filled period care.
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Wearing breathable organic cotton underwear.
It's important to note that the choice of treatment may vary depending on individual circumstances. Consulting a healthcare professional will help determine the most suitable treatment plan for you.
How to prevent thrush
There's some steps you can take to prevent thrush from rearing its unpleasant & uncomfortable head:
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Dry your vagina properly after washing.
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Avoid sex if it's uncomfortable.
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Don't use soap or shower gel on your vulva.
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Drink lots of fluid.
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Wear organic cotton underwear.
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Use sensitive or fragrance-free detergents to wash your underwear.
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Swap to showers instead of baths.
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Don't use douches or deodorants on your vagina.
Maintaining a healthy immune system is also crucial in preventing thrush, as a weakened immune system can increase the risk of infections.
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If you have another burning question (pun not intended) make sure to get in touch! You can reach us at customercare@wearemooncup.com
