Can you have thrush without discharge? Can there be thrush without symptoms and what is its danger? Why is this course of the disease dangerous?

For correct placement, you need to be examined by a specialist. Candidiasis is easily diagnosed during the process of active proliferation of fungi. Symptoms may be as follows:

Itching of the vagina, external parts of the genitals. Positive test increased itching in the cross-legged position may be considered to be present;
Swelling of the labia. Moreover, tissue swelling can reach the anus;
With thrush, the amount of cheesy discharge. The smell can be neutral or unpleasant. Characterized by increased discharge after hygiene procedures, sexual intercourse or during sleep;
May appear during sex discomfort or even pain. This is associated with swelling, itching and burning;
Thrush also occurs as a companion to other diseases: chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis and others.

Often the symptoms are not clearly expressed, and one or another sign may be absent. In such situations, even a specialist may make a mistake in diagnosis and prescribe medications that do not help get rid of thrush.

	Signs
Candidiasis colpitis	copious vaginal discharge - a milky or yellow cheesy viscous substance; sensation of itching of the external organs of the vagina; sour or rotten fish odor from the genitals.
Candidal vaginitis
Candidal pyelocystitis	the fungus penetrates the soft tissue of the vagina;

At the initial stage, the symptoms of thrush can pass without obvious manifestations. And in the future they can easily be confused with symptoms of sexually transmitted diseases. To make an accurate diagnosis, you should consult a doctor at the first suspicion.

A change in the process of menstruation should alert you. With active periods of short duration, there is reason to fear for your health, as well as with disruptions in the monthly cycle.

Symptoms characteristic of thrush:

Discomfort and itching both inside the vagina and on the outer walls of the genital organs. If you cross your legs while sitting, the itching will intensify, which is a test for the presence of candidiasis.
Swelling of the labia is a common symptom of thrush; it can continue all the way to the rectum.
Candidiasis can be a companion to other diseases, for example, chlamydia, trichomoniasis, gonorrhea.
Pain during sexual intercourse and urination.
The presence of cheesy yellowish-white discharge, which has a specific sourish odor, does not have it at all. After hygiene procedures, sexual intercourse and at night, the amount of such discharge increases.

Thrush is well treated before menstruation, during which the acidity of the microflora increases, the environment becomes unfavorable for the development of fungi. In other situations, you need to contact a doctor who will determine the type of disease and prescribe medications for treatment. If this is not done in a timely manner, or treated with the wrong drugs, then candidiasis will take a chronic form, occurring once every three months, and usually this will happen before the onset of menstruation.

However, there are also cases in which thrush occurs more secretly, and its symptoms are unclear. In this case, there are no discharges, not even just other symptoms. So, can thrush occur without discharge? Let's try to figure it out.

Other symptoms such as swelling, itching and burning are present. The manifestation of symptoms with the absence of any discharge does not mean the development of thrush. Any abnormal processes or disturbances in the vaginal environment can cause itching, since many nerve endings are concentrated in this area; the appearance of any disease can cause irritation.

Itching, in which there is no discharge, according to doctors, is not considered a symptom of infections and gynecological diseases. Pathologies in the female genital organs occur not only with a feeling of itching, but also with discharge, only sometimes itching occurs before the discharge, but more often it occurs along with it.

But there are a number of diseases that constitute an exception:

Prolapse of genital organs.
The skin and mucous membranes in the genital area become rough. This disease is typical for older people, called kraurosis.
Another disease common to older people is atrophy of the vaginal mucosa.
Condylomas and papillomas are benign formations on the mucous cavities of the genital organs.
Genital herpes.

Itching in the genital area may indicate diseases in organs that are not related to the reproductive system.

The most common diseases are:

proctitis – inflammation of the rectum;
ovarian dysfunction;
hepatitis;
diabetes ;
leukemia;
fissures in the anus;
jaundice.

One of the possible options is the appearance of discharge similar in composition to the usual vaginal discharge. After all, well-known symptoms serve as guidelines for the appearance of thrush, and they do not pay attention to signs that do not correspond to those. For example, sometimes the discharge is not the usual whitish color, but transparent or slightly yellowish, and not too abundant.

Such processes should not be confused with inflammatory processes, guided by the standard signs of thrush. Even if the discharge is not as described in medical articles, it could also be thrush. And taking well-known antibiotics without finding out the causes and consequences is also categorically not recommended, since their influence weakens the immune system, which in turn creates an even more favorable environment for the proliferation of fungus in the vagina. And the itching will then be followed by all the other symptoms characteristic of thrush, after which the disease will become chronic, and it will be much more difficult to cure.

The absence of cheesy discharge during candidiasis is a likely sign of a chronic form of the disease.

Can you have thrush without cheesy discharge? Yes, this is possible if the woman is a candida carrier. This form of the disease occurs in the absence of mass spread of the fungus, and its reproduction is controlled by the body. Medical statistics claim that about 20% of women are such carriers, and the fungus itself is present in the body of most people.

Stage of development of thrush in women	Signs
Candidiasis colpitis	the fungus affects only the mucous membrane of the external genitalia; copious vaginal discharge - a cheesy viscous substance of milky or yellow color; sensation of itching of the external organs of the vagina; pain, burning sensation during sexual intercourse; sour or rotten fish odor from the genitals.
Candidal vaginitis	the fungus affects the vaginal mucosa; burning sensation when urinating; swelling, redness of the mucous membrane; pain when touching the genitals; pain, itching and burning deep in the vagina.
Candidal pyelocystitis	the fungus penetrates the soft tissue of the vagina; ulcers and erosive lesions on the mucous membrane; detection of fungi in urine tests.

Candidiasis, as a rule, is accompanied by such characteristic symptoms as itching and burning in the genital area, as well as a discharge similar to cottage cheese, mainly having a sour odor.

However, absence of symptoms is possible, although quite rare. Various signs of the disease may not appear.

The first thing that can confuse you is the mild symptoms. Vaginal discharge appears in varying but not very significant abundance throughout the entire cycle, and you may not notice that uncharacteristic ones have been added to it when candidiasis is just beginning to develop or when it occurs with an extremely insignificant amount of discharge. It is possible that they may be absent altogether, and in this case a woman, burdened with everyday worries, may simply not pay attention to the unpleasant sensations, thinking that there is nothing to worry about.

Still, this should be taken seriously. Thrush without itching and burning is possible, but is even less common. If there is no discharge, discomfort can be used to detect the disease before it worsens.

Depending on the characteristics of the course of the disease, several forms of thrush are distinguished. Let's highlight the main ones.

Carriage

Candida fungi are present in a healthy body. This is a physiological norm, but it can be violated at any time. With asymptomatic thrush, the woman is unaware of the infection. The fungus is present, but does not spread en masse. The body controls its reproduction and does not allow activity.

Carriage of the infection is accompanied by hidden symptoms and does not cause much discomfort, but this does not mean that the possibility of infection is absent. The risk will remain; the most common routes of infection are sexual and household.

In most cases, carriage of the infection is thrush without itching, burning or discharge. Exceeding generally accepted standards for the number of bacteria is detected during testing.

With any health problems, pathogens are activated, forming large fungal colonies. Microorganisms begin to penetrate the vaginal mucosa and infect it. The more dangerous the type of fungi, the faster they penetrate deep into the tissue. The disease begins to develop and becomes acute.

Acute form

Discharge similar to sour milk or cottage cheese, having a viscous structure, unpleasant odor and color. Although discharge can accompany other infectious diseases, which are often sexually transmitted, they are also a characteristic symptom of thrush. Therefore, if strange discharge appears, you should be examined by a gynecologist and rule out the presence of a fungal or yeast infection.
This can only be done by taking a smear and testing.
Thrush may be accompanied by redness of the genitals, discomfort during sexual intercourse, and a rash. In this case, pronounced itching may be absent.
When infected with candidiasis, you may experience a nagging pain in the abdomen, especially in the lower part or back. Many women attribute these symptoms to inflammatory processes in the ovaries or appendages and try to use medications on their own. As a result, thrush enters the chronic stage, causing actual inflammation of the genital area and cystitis.
When infected with a fungus, pain may occur during urination, the amount of discharge during menstruation increases, the cycle is disrupted, and hormonal imbalance occurs. Similar symptoms can occur during puberty, especially in the absence of personal hygiene. And also during pregnancy, refusal of hormonal therapy, or during menopause. All these periods are usually accompanied by significant changes in the body, and during these same periods the activity of the fungus increases, which can lead to disease.

Atypical course

Knowing the main symptoms, most women do not even think about whether thrush can be without a characteristic discharge, but with severe itching. The discharge may be yellowish, transparent and may not have a typical consistency.

Women mistake the onset of the disease for inflammation or allergies (itching often occurs during allergic reactions). They begin to use antibiotics and antihistamines without waiting for a diagnosis or doctor’s recommendations. It doesn’t even occur to them that it could be thrush, because there is no characteristic discharge, but the itching does not allow them to forget about themselves.

Antibiotics taken unnecessarily can weaken the body, creating an increasingly favorable atmosphere for fungal growth. By the time typical symptoms appear, the disease becomes chronic and much more difficult to cure.

The absence of characteristic discharge is typical for women who are carriers of the fungus. In this form, the fungus is not widespread; the body is able to control its quantity. According to medical statistics, one fifth of women are carriers. Candida is present in almost every female body, manifesting itself only in a constant desire to itch.

Active spread of the fungus occurs only in suitable conditions. Research suggests that the impetus may be a decrease in immunity. It occurs both from illness and as a result of hormonal changes in the body. Candidiasis often appears during the premenstrual period or during pregnancy.

Does thrush occur without cheesy discharge?

In some cases, thrush occurs without the main symptoms (excessive discharge without itching and burning, pain and discomfort in the mucous membrane without cheesy discharge) or without symptoms at all. It is important to know that discharge from thrush can be not only viscous, cheesy, characteristic white, but also simply transparent or yellow. The absence of certain signs increases the risk of confusing the disease, for example, with genital herpes, chlamydia, HIV, ovarian dysfunction, proctitis, kraurosis. If the disease is diagnosed incorrectly, treatment will be ineffective and the situation can only worsen.

Complex cases also include thrush without the characteristic cheesy discharge. This is possible, but many carriers of the infection are not aware of the rapid proliferation of the fungus in their body.

Lack of discharge increases the risk, so don’t be complacent if one of the main symptoms doesn’t appear. This indicates that the body is able to control the process and contain the number of harmful bacteria, but with the slightest disruption in the immune and hormonal system, the situation will worsen. In favorable conditions, a fungal infection begins to develop rapidly, and within a few days you will have to deal with a full range of unpleasant sensations.

When an infection develops, the discharge does not always have a white, curd-like consistency. They can be transparent, yellow, brownish, greenish and pink. Such deviations often indicate concomitant diseases.

Asymptomatic thrush is often mistaken for an infection.

Diagnostic methods

A woman can determine the presence of candidiasis herself by analyzing the unpleasant symptoms. To rule out the disease, you need to go to a gynecologist, get examined, and, if necessary, choose a treatment strategy. In most cases, a specialist determines the presence of thrush even when examining the vagina, since there is a cheesy white coating, swelling, and redness on the surface of the genital organs.

However, to confirm the diagnosis, a microflora smear is first taken. This procedure is completely painless and requires a few minutes. In the laboratory, the infectious pathogen and the approximate content of fungi are determined. The analysis in private clinics can be done in thirty minutes, the result can be found out on the day of visiting the doctor. In public clinics, the results are ready in 1-2 days. However, the gynecologist will prescribe treatment even before confirming the patient’s diagnosis.

The primary stage in identifying the disease is a visit to a gynecologist. It is important to accurately describe all alarming symptoms for further diagnosis and prescribing the necessary tests. The set of diagnostic measures may include:

general urine analysis;
general blood analysis;
vaginal smear for flora;

If there is a suspicion of candidiasis, but there is no discharge, consultation with a specialist is necessary. The doctor examines the patient and takes a smear from the mucous membrane of the cervix and vagina for analysis.

If thrush is suspected, the gynecologist prescribes the following tests:

General urine analysis;
General blood analysis;
Bacterioscopy;
Determination of sensitivity to medications.

Rules for taking a gynecological test for thrush:

Lack of sexual activity for three days preceding the analysis;
Stop using vaginal medications;
Do not douche on the eve of the test;
Stop taking antibiotics and antifungals, as well as hormonal drugs.

In any case, microscopic examination can determine the presence of a fungus. This diagnostic method shows an excessive number of microorganisms, but determining their type is problematic. This can only be done by sowing the detected microorganisms into a nutrient medium, where they form a colony. Having established the type of microorganism, the sensitivity of the colony to antifungal drugs is checked. For treatment, the remedy that turns out to be the most effective is selected.

In order for the treatment to be correct, it is also necessary to establish the infections accompanying thrush. Chronic thrush without discharge can develop against the background of hepatitis, HPV, herpes, HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases.

When diagnosing thrush, treatment should be comprehensive. Therefore, first of all, it is necessary to determine the cause that provoked the disease. Very often, the disease is caused by hygiene products with a large number of flavors and dyes. If you stop using them, you will be able to restore the vaginal microflora.

Thrush is easily diagnosed, but the atypical course of candidiasis deprives the doctor of the opportunity to rely on symptoms. The patient does not complain of itching, burning, heavy discharge and other standard symptoms.

The results of this analysis may not be sufficient, since only an increase in the population of microorganisms is noticeable. It is not always possible to recognize their species. To obtain a more complete and clear clinical picture, additional examinations are prescribed - bacterioscopy of urine and blood.

Even minor symptoms of thrush may be a reason to consult a doctor. It is especially important to pay attention to the appearance of itching - very often it is this that signals the onset of the disease. First, an anamnesis will be collected, after which you will have to undergo general blood and urine tests, a smear, and culture for sensitivity to drugs.

This set of measures will make it possible to find out whether thrush may be atypical (without discharge, but with itching) and find out the diagnosis. To identify the fungus, a specialist only needs to examine the smear material under a microscope.

The visual method of examination gives an idea of the presence of fungus, but does not determine the specific type and degree of distribution in the body. It is very important to take into account the quantitative indicator, since even in a healthy body some amount of fungus may be present.

To clarify the type of fungus, it is necessary to inoculate the material on a nutrient medium and allow a colony to form. After this, studies will be carried out on the sensitivity of the resulting colony to drugs against the disease.

Treatment depends on the results of the research. When diagnosed with thrush without discharge, but with itching, an integrated approach is required. First of all, it is necessary to eliminate the root cause of the disease and relieve the itching. At the initial stage of the disease, local treatment is required: tablets and suppositories.

general urine analysis;
general blood analysis;
vaginal smear for flora;
bacterial culture from the vagina;

If candidiasis develops or symptoms of the disease occur without the characteristic discharge, you should listen to the body’s signals indicating that something is wrong and seek help from a doctor. He will clarify the nature of the disease by conducting a diagnosis.

A smear is taken from the mucous surface of the cervix for examination. The detection of pathogenic fungi during analysis indicates the beginning of a pathogenic process. The number of fungi that does not exceed the normalized value in a healthy body is taken into account.

This method is not effective, but it is fast. With it, it will not be possible to determine the types of fungi, and the doctor can only refute or confirm the excessive number of these microorganisms.

Diagnostics includes collection of tests:

Analysis of urine;
blood analysis;
bacteroscopy analysis;
drug sensitivity analysis.

The information obtained during these manipulations will help identify the disease and methods of elimination, which will lead to recovery.

If thrush is suspected, careful diagnosis is required

hepatitis of all types;
immunodeficiency syndrome;
chlamydia;
papilloma virus, condyloma;
genital herpes;
prolapsing uterus.

If accompanying diseases are detected, treatment will be prescribed with a complex that will act on both thrush and the disease. To do this, you need to do the following research:

general blood analysis;
general urine analysis;
swab for bacteria;
sensitivity analysis to active substances.

It happens that the signs relate to processes directly related to a woman’s age, when the structure of the vaginal mucosa changes and itchy pain may bother her. With inflammation of the rectum, diabetes, hepatitis, leukemia and fissures in the anal canal, itchy pain in the genitals may also appear, but they are not related to inflammatory processes of the genitourinary system. Thanks to a set of tests and a thorough history of the woman’s condition, the doctor will be able to determine exactly what is bothering the woman.

Prevention of thrush

Patients with a history of vaginal candidiasis should take certain precautions:

Sexual relations with only one partner or using a condom. Changing oral, anal and vaginal contact without washing the male penis promotes the transfer of microorganisms;
Hygiene. Washing the genitals daily, as well as after defecation, with running water from front to back. Do not use scented detergents; baby or special soap will do;
During menstruation, change pads every 3-4 hours and avoid tampons. You cannot use daily journals all the time;
Dress for the weather. Hypothermia, like overheating, leads to relapses of the disease;
Normalize weight, hormonal levels and nutrition.

Candidiasis does not only affect women. In men, thrush is practically asymptomatic, sometimes only manifesting itself as a coating on the head of the penis, pain when urinating and severe itching. If left untreated, the foreskin may become inflamed or the infection may spread to the urinary canal.

To prevent candidiasis, you should follow simple rules:

Change your diet. Too salty, sweet, or spicy foods can provoke fungal growth. It is worth consuming more dairy products, fresh fruits and vegetables, and vitamins. It is recommended to take a course of medications with probiotics. The attending physician may prescribe vaginal suppositories;
Maintain intimate hygiene. You should wash with clean water twice a day. It is permissible to use oak bark and chamomile in decoctions. Soaps with fragrances should not be used. Underwear should be made from natural fabrics, as they guarantee normal air circulation. This minimizes the risk of skin irritation and diaper rash;
During sexual intercourse, it is necessary to use condoms, reduce physical exercise, hypothermia should be avoided. If thrush is caused accompanying illnesses, they must be treated carefully.

For traditional medicine, douching with herbal decoctions and soda solution is typical.

Even thrush that occurs without symptoms can cause trouble. If drug treatment is required, only a doctor can prescribe it. Prevention is available to everyone, and it will bring more health benefits than treating existing diseases.

Vaginal candidiasis causes a lot of discomfort with its symptoms - curdled mucus, constant itching and burning in the perineum. Thrush without discharge also happens, which is important to know so as not to confuse a fungal disease with another sexually transmitted infection. Therefore, it is important to make a correct diagnosis and choose the appropriate therapy.

Signs of the disease

There are a number of causes of itching in intimate places that are not gynecological at all. Let's take a brief look at each of them.

Table. Non-gynecological causes of genital itching

Name	Brief description, treatment
	One of the symptoms of diabetes (especially type 2) may be itching in the perineum. Less commonly, itching is an allergy to certain medications used for diabetes. As for treatment, this disease is incurable - a woman must take insulin for the rest of her life. To eliminate unpleasant sensations, you need to contact your doctor, who, if necessary, will prescribe additional medications or replace those already prescribed.
	Depression, fatigue, emotional overload - all this can also cause itching. Treatment consists of visiting a psychotherapist, taking tranquilizers and sedatives, but - and this is very important - only as prescribed by a doctor.
	The cause may also be pubic lice. To treat the disease, it is recommended to shave your pubic hair and then use insecticidal shampoos or ointments. As a rule, at least several applications of the drug are required.
	In some cases, with helminthiasis, itching occurs not only in the anus, but also in the vaginal area, which means you first need to be tested for worm eggs. If the diagnosis is confirmed, the doctor will prescribe one of specific drugs(Levamisole, Diethylcarbamazine, Albendazole, etc.). In parallel with this, it is appointed symptomatic treatment and a special diet.
	Dysbacteriosis, hemorrhoids (both external and internal types), proctitis and anal fissures– all this can also provoke genital itching. This is explained by the fact that the vulva is very close to the anus. As for treatment, it depends on the specific disease, so you should start with a medical examination.
	Another reason for the treatment of which antibiotics are used (but only as prescribed by a doctor).
	Genital itching may indicate leukemia or cancer of the female genital organs. Radiotherapy or chemotherapy, as well as surgical methods, may be prescribed to treat cancer.

At the initial stage, the symptoms of thrush may pass without noticeable manifestations. In the future, they can easily be confused with signs of diseases that are sexually transmitted. To make an accurate diagnosis, you need to consult a doctor at the first warning signs.

You should be wary of a change in the menstrual cycle. With short critical days, there is reason to fear for your health, as well as with irregularities in the menstrual cycle.

The pathology is characterized by the following symptoms:

Itching and discomfort both in the vagina itself and on the outer surfaces of the labia. If these symptoms intensify in the cross-leg position, we can talk about the presence of candidiasis. Thrush without discharge, but with itching, is especially unpleasant.
Pain during urination and intimacy.
The presence of yellowish-white cheesy discharge with a sour specific odor or no odor at all. The amount of this discharge increases even more after sexual intercourse, at night and after hygiene procedures.
A common sign of the disease is swelling of the labia, which can even extend to the anus.
Thrush can be a companion to other pathologies, for example, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, chlamydia.

Candida lives in the gastrointestinal tract. If the microflora is disturbed, the fungus is often found in the vagina, oral cavity and skin folds. If the fungus enters a woman’s reproductive system, at first there may be no signs of the disease. At this stage, a woman experiences changes in the process of menstruation: they can become either scanty or more abundant.

Other symptoms of thrush are:

Swelling of the labia;
Pain during sexual intercourse and urination;
The appearance of cracks in the mucous membranes;
Itching in the vagina and external genitalia;
Increased itching when sitting cross-legged;
Vaginal discharge;
Pain in the vagina.

However, does thrush happen without discharge?

It occasionally happens that thrush goes away without discharge. Women in such a situation do not pay attention to discomfort, since they focus only on well-known manifestations. Characteristic signs of thrush in any situation are itching, burning and swelling of the tissues. The presence of these symptoms may indicate candidiasis.

Discharge from thrush can be not only white, but also yellowish or completely transparent. Women mistakenly assume that such discharge appears during the development of inflammation and take antibiotics that cannot cure Candidiasis. In this situation, antibiotics suppress the immune system, and fungal spores begin to multiply at an accelerated rate in the vagina. After some time, thrush enters a chronic stage, which is difficult to treat.

The fungus actively multiplies in them, but is restrained by the immune system. According to medical statistics, about 20% of women and girls are carriers of a fungal infection. Sometimes symptoms similar to thrush without discharge can indicate other problems in the body. Among them are:

Genital herpes;
Uterine prolapse;
Diabetes;
Formation of genital warts;
Leukemia;
Age-related processes (coarsening of the mucous membrane);
Papilloma virus;
The appearance of anal fissures;
Various forms of hepatitis;
Violations of hormonal function of the ovaries;
Proctitis (inflammation of the rectal mucosa).

ethnoscience

Traditional medicine methods recommend washing with a solution of soda or decoctions of medicinal herbs. To relieve inflammation, you can use tampons soaked in honey and dipped in kefir. The product is inserted into the vagina for 2-3 hours. The minimum course of treatment is 10 days.

If you use sea buckthorn or tea tree oil for these purposes, the tampon must be left in the vagina overnight.

Reason #2. Allergic reaction

If there is itching, redness and inflammation in the intimate area, but there is no discharge, then we may be talking about an allergy. Allergies can develop for many reasons, such as synthetic underwear, gels, soaps, sanitary napkins (especially scented ones), toilet paper, etc.

It must be remembered that the dermis in these places is especially thin and sensitive, and therefore requires special attention. You cannot use products that are not intended for the genitourinary system, otherwise irritation and disruption of the microflora may occur, which will lead to the development of candidiasis.

To eliminate the problem, you just need to stop using the allergen - after a few days the itching should go away on its own.

Thrush without discharge occurs in pregnant women and requires immediate treatment, since there is a possibility of infection of the fetus when passing through the birth canal.

If a pregnant woman is diagnosed with candidiasis without discharge, topical medications are prescribed: suppositories, ointments. In the first trimester, the drug Pimafucin will help. It is used before bed, one suppository at a time, inserted into the vagina. The duration of treatment is 9 days.

In the second and third trimesters, the following drugs are allowed: Clotrimazole, Econazole, Butoconazole, Miconazole.

Antifungal drugs in the form of tablets intended for oral administration are prohibited for pregnant women, since they negatively affect the condition of the fetus.

Reason #3. Hormonal changes

Instead of thick white and lumpy leucorrhoea, there is clear, beige or yellow leucorrhoea with a thin consistency and in moderate volume. They have the same sourish smell as the curdled ones.

If other pathogenic microorganisms are present together with thrush, for example, chlamydia or trichomonas, vaginal discharge can be completely different: white, yellow, green, transparent, thick and liquid. What they have in common is an aroma that is atypical for normal discharge. It will no longer be simply sour; the causative agents of sexually transmitted diseases give the leucorrhoea the smell of rot, spoiled fish. In addition, discomfort accompanies the discharge.

During menopause, itching, burning or dryness may occur in the perineum, but this does not indicate an allergy or some kind of disease, but rather an estrogen deficiency. Because of this deficiency, the mucous membrane becomes thinner and becomes more vulnerable. As a result, a woman suffers from discomfort during intimacy. If soap or urine gets on the wounds that appear, then painful sensations arise.

Menopause, estrogen deficiency, resulting in irritation and itching

Treatment in such cases consists of hormonal therapy or, alternatively, the prescription of a cream containing the hormone estrogen.

For candidiasis, the following products are excluded:

Alcohol, carbonated drinks. They contain yeast and sugars, which creates ideal conditions for Candida to multiply;
Sweets;
Sauces, vinegar;
Smoked meats, canned food, semi-finished products, fatty foods, fried and pickled foods;
Blue cheese.

When sick, the diet should include fresh or stewed vegetables and fruits, fish and poultry, grains and beans. Lingonberries, lemon, parsley, beets, broccoli, carrots, Brussels sprouts and seaweed prevent the fungus from multiplying in the body. Candida also cannot tolerate oregano, rowan, string, currants, chamomile and alfalfa. You can make tea from them.

Reason #4. Allergy to semen

Sometimes married women (that is, with one sexual partner) feel itching after sex without contraceptives. The reason for this is an allergy to the spouse’s sperm. This happens extremely rarely and may also be accompanied by redness.

Such an allergy can become a problem for a married couple, because it not only causes discomfort, but can also lead to thoughts of cheating. Typically, the irritant can be either sperm protein or food products or medications taken by a man. In such cases, you need to consult a doctor who will do allergy tests of the semen and determine further tactics of action.

Complications

If you do not pay enough attention to the treatment of candidiasis, complications may begin. As a rule, they appear with the development of concomitant diseases.

In severe cases, fungal infection can spread to the cervix or fallopian tubes, after which it spreads to nearby organs. If the patient’s immunity is severely impaired due to immunodeficiency, the pathogen enters the blood and spreads throughout the body.

These complications are rare, since the prognosis for treating candidiasis is favorable if the pathology is detected in a timely manner.

Symptoms of candida infection

There are also a number of hidden infectious diseases that belong to the group of STDs. Such diseases may not manifest themselves for a long time, but under certain conditions (for example, a weakened immune system, a virus, or an exacerbation of a secondary chronic disease), mild discomfort, itching and burning may occur.

Table. Sexual infections that cause itching

Name	Brief description, symptoms
	Includes gonorrhea, donovanosis, syphilis, chancroid and lymphogranuloma.
	A viral disease that develops in the vagina in the form of growths. Here, the causative agent is the papilloma virus.
	Another disease that provokes intimate itching. In women it is predominantly recurrent in nature.
	In addition to severe itching, this disease provokes the appearance of a painful rash caused by the herpes virus.

To eliminate a symptom, you must first find out its cause, that is, a specific disease. Therefore, you should start by visiting a gynecologist, who will conduct an examination and prescribe all the necessary tests. Once the diagnosis is made, appropriate treatment will be prescribed (usually a course of antibiotics).

Treatment and preventative measures

To prevent thrush from developing, you must adhere to the following recommendations:

If candidiasis was identified during a set of diagnostic measures, then treatment methods will correspond to the basic principles of treating this disease. You should also understand that it is impossible to completely get rid of fungus in the body. All therapeutic measures are aimed at reducing its activity and thereby eliminating the inflammatory process, which manifests itself as unpleasant sensations.

To determine a treatment regimen for candidiasis, a number of conditions must be met:

determination of drugs to which the fungus is sensitive;
bringing the flora and acidity of the skin and mucous membranes of the genital organs to normal levels;
work with immunodeficiency of the whole organism;
analysis of factors that provoke the disease and work to eliminate or reduce their effect;
treatment of sexually transmitted diseases, if present.

Prescribing a comprehensive treatment regimen is very important in the fight against thrush, since if the conditions are not met, constant relapses and transition of the disease to the chronic stage are possible.

Stop eating sweets

For any form of the disease, medications should be taken as prescribed by a doctor. And it is important to know and implement preventive measures to prevent the occurrence of fungal activity. It is important to prevent overwork, a decrease in the body’s protective properties and frequent illnesses. Be sure to establish a healthy diet, giving preference to meat, vegetables and fruits, fermented milk products based on bifido and lacto bacteria.

It is a fact that thrush without discharge brings certain difficulties in establishing the causes of the disease. Therefore, it is very important to diagnose and select a treatment method that will help your body cope with this difficult disease.

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Conclusion

With thrush, sometimes there may be no discharge. This is observed in carriers of the infection or when the disease becomes chronic.

To prevent the disease, carriers of the infection will only need to follow preventive measures. But chronic candidiasis without discharge is difficult to treat and often leads to relapse of the disease. To get rid of the disease, you must consult a doctor at the first symptoms and take the recommended medications.

Doubts about whether it is thrush or not are eliminated by examining a vaginal smear. A woman can assume a disease, knowing that she has already encountered it. Removing chronic candidiasis, which occurs without discharge, is not so difficult today. Success in treating pathology depends 90% on the diagnosis and professionalism of the doctor.

It must be remembered that at the initial stage of the disease it is much easier to get rid of it. Therapy should not be left to chance, otherwise the pathology will become chronic and will often return.

Thus, we found out whether thrush occurs without discharge.

What to do if you have symptoms of thrush

In this case, you need to visit a gynecologist and find out the cause of the ongoing itching. Because this may indicate persistence of the disease as a result of ineffective therapy, the presence of concomitant pathology of the reproductive system, or an immunodeficiency state.

In addition to a banal smear for flora and sensitivity to drugs, it is recommended to perform a bacteriological culture, take a general urine test and conduct a clinical blood test. It wouldn’t hurt to exclude infections transmitted through sexual intercourse (HIV, genital herpes, human papillomavirus, hepatitis, ureaplasmosis, etc.). Colposcopic examination will also help to understand the cause of the disease.

As noted earlier, you need to see a doctor as soon as possible. If this is not yet possible for one reason or another, you can resort to the measures below.

Specific treatment is possible only after a medical examination.

Many women rely on what their friends who have already encountered a similar problem say. But in each case, the disease does not develop according to uniform rules, but individually, although the reasons for its occurrence may be similar.

A number of drugs have contraindications and can negatively affect the body, and self-medication can only worsen overall health.

If no obvious symptoms of the disease are detected, but discomfort is felt in the genital area, you should undergo a full examination and rule out infection with candidiasis. Otherwise, a woman, like a man, can become a carrier of the infection and, under certain conditions, infect a sexual partner. Very often both women and men undergo treatment at the same time. Preventive measures are prescribed in all cases if there is a suspicion of a fungal infection.

Chronic thrush, which can occur without obvious symptoms, is usually treated with general medications. It is enough to take one tablet containing antifungal components to influence the activity of the fungus. Symptoms usually disappear on the second day after starting therapy. However, it should be borne in mind that the full course of treatment can last from a week to several months. This is also determined by the doctor after an examination.

If there is no curdled discharge, this indicates that the body is fighting pathogenic microflora and inhibiting the growth of fungi. However, when the immune system is weakened, discharge characteristic of thrush appears.

In fact, yeast-like fungi are found everywhere and live on the body of the majority of the world's population. In this case, the microorganism does not lead to disease and does not reveal itself in any way. However, under favorable conditions, candida multiplies quickly, leading to thrush.

You can get the fungus from the mother at birth, as well as through touching and sex. Moreover, it does not matter whether it is full vaginal intercourse, peting, oral or anal contact. But once infected, a woman will not immediately develop candidiasis; it will develop only under favorable conditions. Several factors contribute to the proliferation of this opportunistic microorganism:

You can prevent the appearance of discharge with a cheesy structure by following some basic rules:

Cleanliness of linen and woman's genitals. And also men before sex;
Frequent changes of partners are associated not only with candidiasis, but also with STDs;
Excess weight, as well as an unbalanced diet, leads to hormonal imbalances, changes in vaginal acidity, creating a favorable environment for thrush;
Any pathological manifestations should be reported to the attending physician as soon as they appear. It is much easier to destroy fungi at the beginning of the inflammatory process;
Alcohol and smoking reduce immunity, so you need to give them up;
Hypothermia is often a trigger for various diseases;
Synthetics do not allow for normal heat and air exchange, so it is better to choose panties made from natural fabrics;
Many common diseases provoke an exacerbation of candidiasis, which is why it is so necessary to monitor your overall health.

Any woman should remember that visiting a gynecologist at least twice a year can save her from unnecessary problems and the occurrence of illness. The latent form of thrush can be easily diagnosed using special tests, and even if there are no obvious symptoms, the disease can already begin to spread in the body.

In this case, you need to visit a gynecologist and find out the cause of the ongoing itching. Because this may indicate persistence of the disease as a result of ineffective therapy, the presence of concomitant pathology of the reproductive system, or an immunodeficiency state.

Why does thrush appear?

There are only two main causes of the disease: a decrease in the protective functions of the human body and the growth of fungi. Numerous factors contribute to this process:

use of contraceptives;
hormonal imbalance with menstrual irregularities;
overheating;
pads and tampons;
lack of personal hygiene;
hypothermia;
abortion;
allergic reaction to the condom material;
excess weight;
pregnancy;
intimate hygiene products (abuse);
use of accessories for intimate games;
intestinal diseases with dysbacteriosis;
anal-vaginal sex;
inflammation processes in the reproductive system;
antibiotics;
frequent colds;
unprotected sexual intercourse;
sudden climate change;
pathological desire for ideal purity.

The likelihood of proliferation of pathogenic microflora increases under the influence of several negative factors simultaneously.

How does thrush manifest itself without discharge?

Clinical picture of classic thrush

Let's consider the symptoms that accompany the uncomplicated acute form of candidiasis:

The itching is unbearable, itching inside the vagina, more at night;
A burning sensation occurs as a result of scratching after sexual intercourse or toilet;
The discharge is white in color and has a cheesy consistency with the smell of fermented milk products. Sometimes the mass with lumps is granular or white and thick like sour cream;
Swelling and redness of the vulva and vagina;
Dryness during sexual intercourse;
Over time, colonies of fungi eat into the mucous membrane, which leads to the formation of erosions under the white coating.

Signs of the disease

You should be wary of a change in the menstrual cycle. With short critical days, there is reason to fear for your health, as well as with irregularities in the menstrual cycle.

The pathology is characterized by the following symptoms:

Itching and discomfort both in the vagina itself and on the outer surfaces of the labia. If these symptoms intensify in the cross-leg position, we can talk about the presence of candidiasis. Thrush without discharge, but with itching, is especially unpleasant.
Pain during urination and intimacy.
The presence of yellowish-white cheesy discharge with a sour specific odor or no odor at all. The amount of this discharge increases even more after sexual intercourse, at night and after hygiene procedures.
A common sign of the disease is swelling of the labia, which can even extend to the anus.
Thrush can be a companion to other pathologies, for example, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, chlamydia.

Discharge of a cheesy structure in pregnant women

The acute stage of thrush without treatment eventually develops into chronic candidiasis. The discharge begins to resemble normal, but denser and white, there is a slight sour flair, there is no itching or it is not very pronounced. With the next decrease in immune defense, a new wave of exacerbation will arise.

Very often, thrush blooms against the background of hormonal changes and the special acidity of the vagina during pregnancy. In an interesting situation, it is imperative to treat candidiasis, otherwise the baby will be infected during childbirth, and there is also a high probability of ruptures and injuries to the woman’s genital tract, which lose elasticity under the influence of the fungal colony.

Before your period

But if you don’t visit the doctor in a timely manner or are treated with the wrong drugs, candidiasis goes into the chronic stage. It will appear every three months, but it will most often be seen before the onset of menstruation.

Without smell

The aroma does not necessarily have to be present in case of candidiasis with curdled leucorrhoea. It all depends on the individual characteristics and acidity of the vagina. Sometimes the smell of the discharge can be so slight that the woman stops noticing.

Women do not suffer from thrush without white discharge very often.

For example, after using synthetic underwear, soap, tampons, condoms, pads, sex toys. In such a situation, sometimes it is enough to simply eliminate the provoking factor for the condition to return to normal on its own.

Hidden leakage

But there are also situations when thrush is characterized by a more hidden course and unclear symptoms. There are no discharge or other signs. So, is it possible to have thrush without discharge, but with a burning sensation? It is necessary to understand this too.

It happens that women do not pay attention to the symptoms of candidiasis and think that it is a completely different disease. Thrush without discharge occurs, but this happens in rare cases.

Other signs, such as burning, itching and swelling, are obligatory. The manifestation of symptoms without any discharge does not at all indicate the occurrence of thrush. Various disorders and abnormal processes in the vaginal environment can cause itching, since a large number of nerve endings are concentrated in this area, so the appearance of any pathology can cause irritation.

If there is thrush without discharge, but with itching, then, according to experts, this is not always a sign of the appearance of gynecological diseases and infections. Diseases of the female reproductive system occur with both unpleasant itching and discharge. Sometimes itching appears earlier than the discharge, but most often simultaneously with it.

Yellow curd

This shade indicates bacterial infection, which means that candidiasis develops along with another infection. The causative agent may be trichomoniasis, streptococcus or another pathogenic microorganism. The discharge is copious and has a putrid odor. There is itching and a cheesy consistency.

Exceptions to the rules

An exception is a number of pathologies:

prolapse of intimate organs;
the mucous membrane and skin in the genital area becomes coarser, this disease is typical for elderly patients, it is called kraurosis;
another pathology characteristic of women in old age is atrophy of the vaginal mucosa;
papillomas and condylomas are benign formations on the mucous membranes of the genital organs;
genital herpes;
itching in the genital area may indicate pathologies in organs not related to the reproductive system.

Most often such diseases are:

inflammation of the rectum - proctitis;
hepatitis;
ovarian dysfunction;
jaundice;
anal fissures;
leukemia;
diabetes.

Since women most often focus on the signs of thrush that they know, they do not pay attention to symptoms that do not correspond to them. For example, sometimes the discharge is a little yellowish or transparent, without the whitish tint characteristic of candidiasis, and not too abundant.

Using popular antibiotics without determining the causes and possible consequences is also strictly not recommended, since their effects weaken the immune system, creating, in turn, an even more suitable atmosphere for the growth of fungus in the vagina.

If thrush is observed without discharge, this clearly indicates that the disease has become chronic. Women are in no hurry to see a doctor, which is fraught with various complications.

Can you have thrush without discharge?

In fact, it is quite difficult to differentiate between chronic thrush and candidiasis, since under certain conditions “inactive” fungi can also provoke the development of the disease. This is where erased and unattractive forms of thrush appear.

First of all, even with acute candidiasis in the initial stages, pathological discharge may be absent or barely noticeable. Itching and burning are always observed and have varying degrees of severity.

About 20% of women are candidiasis carriers, in whose bodies yeast-like fungi are present in concentrations greater than permissible, but do not cause active symptoms due to the absence of disturbances in immune function. However, periodic low-intensity itching in the vagina may be observed.

When a fungal infection occurs together with bacterial inflammatory diseases of the vagina, the discharge may be insignificant or have a runny consistency and a whitish-yellowish color. In this case, the classic cheesy discharge is not observed, which “blurs” the picture of thrush.

IMPORTANT!!! Severe itching with thrush can significantly disturb the physical and moral condition of a woman.

The reasons for its occurrence include:

Non-compliance intimate hygiene or incorrect selection of hygiene products. Soaps containing alkali dry out the skin and cause itching. Therefore, if you have candidiasis, it is best to wash yourself with plain water or use baby soap.
Not all drugs that get rid of Candida fungi are suitable for every woman. Thus, treatment of the chronic form and eradication of candida when they are carriers can be complicated by severe itching due to increased sensitivity to antifungal drugs or as a result of an increase in fungi in the discharge.
In the case of light or disguised discharge, the fungi still get on the skin of the external genital organs, which may have microtraumas, ulcers, razor cuts and cause itching, which is usually not severe.
Itching after treatment for thrush remains if the woman had an allergy to the local drug, as a result of which a complete cure did not occur, and the released biologically active substances in response to increased sensitivity only aggravated this symptom.

Is this normal?

Itching is a pathognomonic manifestation of thrush and signals incomplete recovery or candidiasis.

The absence of discharge typical for candidiasis and mild itching can mislead a woman that these are residual effects, and subsequently contribute to the transition of the disease to a chronic form.

Therefore, if the slightest sign of itching appears, you should re-take a vaginal smear for flora and undergo adequate treatment with agents to which the pathogen is sensitive.

As soon as it is restored, strength returns, and the body can again resist the growth of microorganisms, eliminating unwanted symptoms. Thus, the strength of the manifestations of candidiasis is determined by the individual specifics of the organism.

Thrush without discharge during pregnancy

The restructuring of the hormonal background in the female body begins from the time of fertilization of the egg. Before the first specific signs of successful conception appear, that is, before delayed menstruation, weight gain and chest pain, the type of discharge changes.

When there is a hormonal imbalance, the immune system decreases, the body is in a state of stress for some time, and opportunistic microorganisms become capable of activating their vital functions.

In the first trimester

However, the most dangerous is the chronic course of thrush, its presence immediately before childbirth. That is why the likelihood of fetal pathologies, miscarriage, and infection of the child with candidiasis when passing through the mother’s birth canal increases.

How to identify thrush without cheesy discharge?

Differential diagnosis

Now you know whether thrush occurs without discharge. The answer is yes. But before making such a diagnosis, it is necessary to exclude other diseases that give the same symptom without discharge. Here are some of them:

prolapse or prolapse of the genital organs;
kraurosis is a disease in which the mucous membrane and skin in the genital area become rough (this disease is more common in old age);
atrophy of the vaginal mucosa is also a frequent companion of older women;
papillomas and condylomas are benign formations on the vaginal mucosa;
genital herpes.

Often, itching in this place can be caused by the following diseases that are not related to the genital area:

Proctitis is an inflammatory disease of the rectum;
hepatitis;
ovarian dysfunction;
diabetes;
anal fissures;
leukemia;
jaundice.

If you have symptoms in the form of itching and burning, but there is no discharge, you need to consult a doctor to find out the diagnosis. To carry out the diagnosis, the specialist will first take a smear from the mucous membrane of the cervix.

If pathogenic fungi are detected in the tests, this will indicate the presence of a disease. Since these fungi can also live on the mucous membrane of a healthy person, it is customary to take fungal concentrations above normal for pathology.

To conduct a complete diagnosis, the patient must undergo the following tests:

Swab for bacterial culture.
Analysis of the sensitivity of microflora to various drugs.

Only after collecting all the tests and obtaining the results will it be possible to accurately determine the causative agent of the disease, assess its resistance to certain drugs, and select an effective treatment that will lead to a complete recovery.

It often happens that a gynecologist, seeing characteristic leucorrhoea, simply prescribes treatment with antifungal drugs. But, in this way, a bacterial infection may remain, which is possible in combination with thrush. For full results you need:

Carry out an inspection on the chair;
Take a smear of discharge for microscopic examination;
Donate blood for syphilis, HIV, hepatitis;
Study the micropreparation using the PCR method;
If you suspect gonorrhea, trichomoniasis and other STDs, refer the patient to a venereologist.

In most cases, a specialist determines the presence of thrush even when examining the vagina, since there is a cheesy white coating, swelling, and redness on the surface of the genital organs. However, to confirm the diagnosis, a microflora smear is first taken.

This procedure is completely painless and requires a few minutes. In the laboratory, the infectious pathogen and the approximate content of fungi are determined. The analysis in private clinics can be done in thirty minutes, the result can be found out on the day of visiting the doctor.

Therapy

Treatment of thrush in women without discharge can be quick and simple or long and complex. It is necessary not only to use effective drugs to eliminate symptoms, but also to direct all your efforts to strengthen the immune system and neutralize fungi.

A special diet promotes rapid recovery. A number of products can stimulate the proliferation of pathogenic microflora. You need to give up beer, alcoholic beverages, kvass, fatty, salty, spicy foods, coffee and sweets.

Here is a remedy based on iodine, salt and soda, proven by generations. You need to add a teaspoon of salt and soda to one liter of water. Then bring to a boil and turn off. Add iodine (ten drops). When the product has cooled to the desired temperature, do a deep wash and douche.

This procedure is done twice a day for a week. Oils also eliminate unpleasant symptoms. Add a few drops of tea tree oil to olive oil.

After soaking the cotton wool, wipe the inside of the vagina or douche. You can also prepare a decoction of chamomile and calendula by pouring 250 milliliters of boiling water over the raw materials. If the thrush is severe, then it can be eliminated by external use in the form of ointments and creams, as well as by taking tablets.

Conclusion

Curdled leucorrhoea of any color is not a sign of the norm. Most likely, a woman develops candidiasis, but this does not exclude the presence of other infections. Thrush is not a dangerous disease, but it brings severe discomfort.

Thus, we found out whether thrush occurs without discharge.

Symptoms of candida infection

As we have already figured out, cheesy leucorrhoea is a clear sign of candidiasis. Therefore, therapy will necessarily contain antibiotics with an antifungal effect. Today there are quite a few drugs in local form for the treatment of candidiasis.

These are suppositories Pimafucin and Nystatin mainly for thrush, Hexicon is an antiseptic that kills all pathogenic flora, Terzhinan is a complex drug with 2 antibiotics for the most common bacteria, an antifungal agent for candidiasis and prednisolone to relieve inflammation.

The combination of curdled leucorrhoea with an STD requires the use of systemic antibiotics. It will not be possible to get rid of trichomonas or syphilis with suppositories alone. And sometimes chronic thrush requires oral administration of drugs to achieve higher concentrations in tissues.

The main point is that even one thrush cannot be treated only in the woman; therapy is also necessary for the sexual partner. For this purpose, ointments and creams are used topically and a single tablet of Fluconazole is used, the active substance being 150 mg.

In the future, the woman may be prescribed drugs that strengthen the local immunity of the vagina, for example, Kolpocid or drugs with lactobacilli.

Therapy for pregnant women

Expectant mothers with curdled white discharge must be treated with extreme caution, so taking antifungal antibiotic tablets orally is prohibited. During this period, a woman can only rely on suppositories for candidiasis. Pimafucin is allowed, as well as Terzhinan, if a bacterial infection is present.

Doctors do not advise relying only on home remedies for candidiasis. Although some recipes have helped and continue to help many women:

Douching with infusions or decoctions of calendula, chamomile, and soda solution. Herbs cleanse the mucous membrane of bacteria, and soda brings temporary relief from itching due to thrush;
A ready-made gynecological collection from a pharmacy orally has an anti-inflammatory and antiseptic effect;
Baths with a solution of copper sulfate disinfect the mucous membrane;
Sanitation with Chlorhexidine or Miramistin is washing the genital tract secretions with powerful antiseptics, helps kill all pathogenic microorganisms, but native lactobacilli may also disappear with them;
Tampons soaked in fresh kefir really help restore the beneficial flora of the vagina. It is better to do such procedures at night for a week after the main treatment of candidiasis.

Unfortunately, women often suffer from thrush for years, experiencing periodic exacerbations. This happens due to incorrect actions on the part of the patient and the doctor during candidiasis:

Therapy was prescribed without tests according to a standard regimen. Often happens as a result of negligence and excessive self-confidence of the gynecologist. With this approach, concomitant infections may be missed.
Insufficient treatment. Each person is individual and standard courses of therapy do not always allow you to completely get rid of candidiasis. Sometimes women stop taking the drug on their own, feeling relief and cessation of discharge. It is better to overdo it with antibiotics than to underdo it. Otherwise, the infection will not only remain, but also become resistant to the drug.
Sexual relations during candidiasis therapy are prohibited, even with a condom. Just as treatment of the partner is mandatory, which doctors sometimes forget about.
Use only folk remedies. With this treatment, there is a very high probability that thrush will go into a chronic stage, then discharge with the consistency of cottage cheese will appear again after some time.
Lack of outcome control. After a course of treatment, only a smear analysis of the discharge can confirm the diagnosis of “healthy”.

In this article we will figure out whether thrush can occur without cheesy discharge.

Vaginal appears due to the proliferation of such pathogenic fungi of the genus Candida. In a healthy body, these fungi are present on the surfaces of the mucous membranes; their number is regulated, since their growth is constantly inhibited. If conditions arise under which active proliferation of fungi can occur, then pathology will not be long in coming.

Can you have thrush without discharge? The answer is yes, and such situations happen often. The danger of thrush without discharge is that it is more difficult to recognize than a disease with characteristic symptoms that is caused by fungi.

Why does thrush appear?

There are only two main causes of the disease: a decrease in the protective functions of the human body and the growth of fungi. Numerous factors contribute to this process:

use of contraceptives;
hormonal imbalance with menstrual irregularities;
overheating;
pads and tampons;
lack of personal hygiene;
hypothermia;
abortion;
allergic reaction to the condom material;
excess weight;
pregnancy;
intimate hygiene products (abuse);
use of accessories for intimate games;
intestinal diseases with dysbacteriosis;
anal-vaginal sex;
inflammation processes in the reproductive system;
antibiotics;
frequent colds;
unprotected sexual intercourse;
sudden climate change;
pathological desire for ideal purity.

The likelihood of proliferation of pathogenic microflora increases under the influence of several negative factors simultaneously.

How does thrush manifest itself without discharge?

Signs of the disease

You should be wary of a change in the menstrual cycle. With short critical days, there is reason to fear for your health, as well as with irregularities in the menstrual cycle.

The pathology is characterized by the following symptoms:

Itching and discomfort both in the vagina itself and on the outer surfaces of the labia. If these symptoms intensify in the cross-leg position, we can talk about the presence of candidiasis. Thrush without discharge, but with itching, is especially unpleasant.
Pain during urination and intimacy.
The presence of yellowish-white cheesy discharge with a sour specific odor or no odor at all. The amount of this discharge increases even more after sexual intercourse, at night and after hygiene procedures.
A common sign of the disease is swelling of the labia, which can even extend to the anus.
Thrush can be a companion to other pathologies, for example, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, chlamydia.

Before your period

Thrush is well treated before menstruation, during which the acidity of the microflora increases, that is, an environment unfavorable for the proliferation of fungi is formed. It is imperative to consult a doctor who will determine the type of pathology and prescribe medications for treatment. But if you don’t visit the doctor in a timely manner or are treated with the wrong drugs, candidiasis goes into the chronic stage. It will appear every three months, but it will most often be seen before the onset of menstruation.

Hidden leakage

But there are also situations when thrush is characterized by a more hidden course and unclear symptoms. There are no discharge or other signs. So, is it possible to have thrush without discharge, but with a burning sensation? It is necessary to understand this too.

It happens that women do not pay attention to the symptoms of candidiasis and think that it is a completely different disease. Thrush without discharge occurs, but this happens in rare cases.

Exceptions to the rules

An exception is a number of pathologies:

prolapse of intimate organs;
the mucous membrane and skin in the genital area becomes coarser, this disease is typical for elderly patients, it is called kraurosis;
another pathology characteristic of women in old age is atrophy of the vaginal mucosa;
papillomas and condylomas are benign formations on the mucous membranes of the genital organs;
genital herpes;
itching in the genital area may indicate pathologies in organs not related to the reproductive system.

Most often such diseases are:

inflammation of the rectum - proctitis;
hepatitis;
ovarian dysfunction;
jaundice;
anal fissures;
leukemia;
diabetes.

Such processes should not be confused with inflammatory ones, based on the standard symptoms of thrush. Even if the discharge is not what is described in scientific articles, it could still be thrush. Using popular antibiotics without determining the causes and possible consequences is also strictly not recommended, since their effects weaken the immune system, creating, in turn, an even more suitable atmosphere for the growth of fungus in the vagina. The appearance of itching will be followed by other symptoms that are characteristic of the disease, after which thrush will become chronic, and it will be much more difficult to treat.

If thrush is observed without discharge, this clearly indicates that the disease has become chronic. Women are in no hurry to see a doctor, which is fraught with various complications.

Can you have thrush without discharge?

The symptoms of the disease directly depend on the number of fungi. If it is minimal, then the pathological manifestations are almost invisible to the woman. Promotes increased proliferation of fungi and weak immunity. As soon as it is restored, strength returns, and the body can again resist the growth of microorganisms, eliminating unwanted symptoms. Thus, strength is determined by the individual specifics of the organism.

Candidiasis of the initial stage

Quite often, when the disease just begins, there are no characteristic discharges, but there is an unpleasant odor, burning and itching. With a minimal increase in the norm of the number of microorganisms, even a smear will not show thrush. If there is no curdled discharge, this indicates that the body is fighting pathogenic microflora and inhibiting the growth of fungi. However, when the immune system is weakened, discharge characteristic of thrush appears. If candidiasis has just begun to manifest itself, emergency measures must be taken to avoid the progression of the pathology.

Severe itching without discharge or odor

Women do not suffer from thrush without white discharge very often.

Vaginal irritation occurs even before the appearance of severe symptoms of thrush. Initially it is itching at the end of the day. In addition, there may be allergic thrush. There is an increase in discomfort when coming into contact with an allergen. For example, after using synthetic underwear, soap, tampons, condoms, pads, sex toys. In such a situation, sometimes it is enough to simply eliminate the provoking factor for the condition to return to normal on its own.

Thrush without discharge during pregnancy

The restructuring of the hormonal background in the female body begins from the time of fertilization of the egg. Before the first specific signs of successful conception appear, that is, before delayed menstruation, weight gain and chest pain, the type of discharge changes.

When there is a hormonal imbalance, the immune system decreases, the body is in a state of stress for some time, and opportunistic microorganisms become capable of activating their vital functions.

In the first trimester

The likelihood of developing candidiasis exists during pregnancy, but most often the disease occurs at the beginning of pregnancy. Doctors recommend medications for pregnant women and folk remedies. If you approach treatment correctly, all signs will quickly disappear. However, the most dangerous is the chronic course of thrush, its presence immediately before childbirth. That is why the likelihood of fetal pathologies, miscarriage, and infection of the child with candidiasis when passing through the mother’s birth canal increases.

How to identify thrush without cheesy discharge?

Diagnostics

A woman can determine the presence of candidiasis herself by analyzing the unpleasant symptoms. To rule out the disease, you need to go to a gynecologist, get examined, and, if necessary, choose a treatment strategy. In most cases, a specialist determines the presence of thrush even when examining the vagina, since there is a cheesy white coating, swelling, and redness on the surface of the genital organs. However, to confirm the diagnosis, a microflora smear is first taken. This procedure is completely painless and requires a few minutes. In the laboratory, the infectious pathogen and the approximate content of fungi are determined. The analysis in private clinics can be done in thirty minutes, the result can be found out on the day of visiting the doctor. In public clinics, the results are ready in 1-2 days. However, the gynecologist will prescribe treatment even before confirming the patient’s diagnosis.

Therapy

Fermented milk products stop the growth of fungi. The daily menu should include yogurt, fermented baked milk, kefir, yogurt and cottage cheese. The first signs of thrush can be eliminated with the help of folk recipes. Here is a remedy based on iodine, salt and soda, proven by generations. You need to add a teaspoon of salt and soda to one liter of water. Then bring to a boil and turn off. Add iodine (ten drops). When the product has cooled to the desired temperature, do a deep wash and douche.

This procedure is done twice a day for a week. Oils also eliminate unpleasant symptoms. Add a few drops of tea tree oil to olive oil.

After soaking the cotton wool, wipe the inside of the vagina or douche. You can also prepare a decoction of chamomile and calendula by pouring 250 milliliters of boiling water over the raw materials. If so, it can be eliminated by external use in the form of ointments and creams, as well as by taking tablets. Fucis is often prescribed. One tablet is enough to prevent the growth of pathogenic microorganisms and eliminate painful symptoms.

Finally

Thus, we found out whether thrush occurs without discharge.

Causes of candidiasis

20% of the female population are carriers of Candida albicans, the causative agent of vaginal candidiasis.

Factors for the development of thrush:

hormonal changes:
- menopause;
- menopause;
- puberty;
- pregnancy.
immunodeficiency;
metabolic disease;
unbalanced diet;
taking antibiotics (especially without probiotics);
incorrect selection of hormonal contraception;
frequent wearing of sanitary pads;
synthetic underwear;
violation of feminine hygiene rules;
diseases of the endocrine system;
sexually transmitted infections:
- gonorrhea;
- chlamydia;
- trichomoniasis.
postoperative conditions.

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Symptoms of thrush

Stage of development of thrush in women	Signs
Candidiasis colpitis	the fungus affects only the mucous membrane of the external genitalia; copious vaginal discharge - a cheesy viscous substance of milky or yellow color; sensation of itching of the external organs of the vagina; pain, burning sensation during sexual intercourse; sour or rotten fish odor from the genitals.
Candidal vaginitis	the fungus affects the vaginal mucosa; burning sensation when urinating; swelling, redness of the mucous membrane; pain when touching the genitals; pain, itching and burning deep in the vagina.
Candidal pyelocystitis	the fungus penetrates the soft tissue of the vagina; ulcers and erosive lesions on the mucous membrane; detection of fungi in urine tests.

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Does thrush occur without cheesy discharge?

Asymptomatic thrush is often mistaken for an infection.

Thrush without odor, discharge, but with itching is a sign of a chronic course of the disease.

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Diagnostics

general urine analysis;
general blood analysis;
vaginal smear for flora;
bacterial culture from the vagina;

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Treatment of candidiasis

Healthy nutrition is an integral part of comprehensive treatment.

A fungal infection caused by Candida albicans can be treated quickly if diagnosed early. Therapeutic methods are aimed at relieving symptoms and destroying yeast on the vaginal mucosa. In the chronic stage of the disease, when the disease occurs without obvious signs, it is important not only to eliminate discomfort, but also to destroy the root cause of the disease. At this stage of candidiasis, it is necessary to normalize metabolism, balance nutrition, and strengthen the immune system.

Treatment of candidiasis and its symptoms consists of the following therapeutic techniques:

drug treatment:
- vaginal suppositories - “Clotrimazole”, “Terzhinan”, “Livarol”, “Pimafucin”;
- ointments and creams - “Miconazole”, “Nystatin”, “Pimafucin”, “Candide”;
- tablets - “Diflucan”, “Canesten”, “Fluconazole”;
- other drugs - sodium tetraborate.
douching:
- a solution of soda and iodine;
- chlorhexidine;
- chamomile decoction;
- St. John's wort decoction;
- decoction of oak bark.
tamponing:
- honey;
- a mixture of essential oils (tea tree oil, olive, cocoa, lavender);
sitz baths:
- with soda and iodine;
- with a decoction of calendula;
- with yarrow infusion;
- with sage infusion.

Self-treatment with vaginal suppositories is possible only in the initial form of the disease. The same applies to douching and tamponing activities. At the chronic stage, only medications can cope with thrush after consultation with your doctor, and other treatment methods will help eliminate discomfort in a short time.

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Are there always symptoms?

Candidiasis, as a rule, is accompanied by such characteristic symptoms as itching and burning in the genital area, as well as a discharge similar to cottage cheese, mainly having a sour odor.

However absence of symptoms is possible, although quite rare. Various signs of the disease may not appear.

The first thing that can confuse you is mild symptoms. Vaginal discharge appears in varying, but not too significant, abundance throughout the entire cycle, and you may not notice that uncharacteristic, when candidiasis is just beginning to develop or when it occurs with an extremely small amount of discharge. It is possible that they may be absent altogether, and in this case a woman, burdened with everyday worries, may simply not pay attention to the unpleasant sensations, thinking that there is nothing to worry about.

Still, this should be taken seriously. Thrush without itching and burning is possible, but is even less common. If there is no discharge, discomfort can be used to detect the disease before it worsens.

How to recognize

It is not difficult to identify candidiasis during the normal course of the disease, but what to do when there are no symptoms of thrush? Only an examination can determine its presence; the woman’s task is to consult a doctor.

When is consultation needed?

Of course, there is no need to visit the gynecologist for a smear every month just to be on the safe side. Candidiasis does not develop without a reason, and it is necessary to check when favorable circumstances arise for the proliferation of fungi.

A woman without symptoms of thrush can be indicated by general poor health and elevated temperature in the following cases:

after prolonged use of hormonal drugs;
for diabetes;
for diseases of the thyroid gland;
during pregnancy;
when thrush affects other organs;
after unprotected sex;
in the presence of sexually transmitted diseases;
after long-term antibiotic therapy;
if metabolism is disturbed;
for HIV infection;
if your immune system is weakened;
in constant stressful situations, depression;
in case of irregularities in the menstrual cycle;
in the postoperative period.

Also Those whose disease has already become chronic should be especially careful. It is the disease in the chronic stage that most often can be asymptomatic.

Naturally, in any case, you may be unwell not only because of candidiasis, but it makes sense to go to the gynecologist, especially if at least some of the symptoms are observed.

Establishing diagnosis

An accurate diagnosis can be made only after a laboratory examination. To do this, a woman needs to come to an appointment with a gynecologist, where she will be prescribed a smear from the mucous membrane of the vaginal wall and from the cervix. This is also necessary in order to exclude other diseases that manifest themselves in a similar way, such as various pathological processes of the reproductive system, genital herpes, the formation of papillomas or condylomas, uterine prolapse, and in old age - kraurosis (hardening of the mucous membranes and skin genital organs), atrophy of the vaginal mucosa.

To determine the diagnosis, it is not so much the fact of the presence of Candida fungi that is important, but rather their quantity, because they can be present even in healthy microflora without causing disease, as long as their number does not exceed the norm. If the first analysis shows that there are too many microorganisms, further examination is carried out. That is, the fungi are sown in an environment favorable to them, and when a colony is formed, experts study which antimiotics it is most sensitive to.

Treatment

Therapy for candidiasis without symptoms is prescribed based on laboratory testing. It proceeds in almost the same way as with a disease with characteristic symptoms, and includes the following stages:

Drug treatment, aimed at ridding the microflora of Candida fungi. Only a doctor should select medications based on examination results.
Treatment of concomitant diseases which weakened the body. Also as prescribed by the doctor.
Strengthening the immune system.
Recovery normal metabolism.
Elimination of external irritants, namely hygiene products with fragrances and dyes, synthetic linen.

In addition, proper nutrition is desirable. So, you need to exclude sweets, spices and spicy foods, as they provoke the active proliferation of fungi. Instead, it is better to eat more fresh fruits and vegetables, and especially lactic acid products. After consulting with your doctor first, it will be useful to take probiotics.

An important part of the treatment is careful intimate hygiene. You need to wash yourself at least twice a day, ideally using not water, but a chamomile infusion or, for example, an oak bark infusion. During sexual intercourse, do not neglect the condom. You should also protect yourself from hypothermia and excessive physical exertion, as this will affect your hormonal levels, which can delay recovery.

Self-medication in this case does not help. Without a doctor’s recommendation, it is better not to resort to either self-medication or folk treatment. This can only make things worse, denormalize the microflora even more and provide the fungi with resistance to the drug being taken. As a result, you still cannot avoid communicating with the doctor, and perhaps even difficult consequences.

What about men?

Thrush without symptoms in menhappens in approximately 10-15% of all cases, in this case, only part of the symptoms may be present, including a whitish coating on the head, discomfort or even pain during urination and during sexual intercourse, itching.

If a sexual partner is diagnosed with candidiasis, a man should also consult a doctor, even if his own health is not suspicious: it is necessary to exclude thrush without itching and other characteristic manifestations, since it can be fraught with serious consequences: the fungus will trigger the inflammatory process of the foreskin and after some time enters the urethra. If the disease is not stopped in a timely manner, it will be more difficult to cure.

So, can you have thrush without itching and discharge? Maybe that’s why you need to be attentive to your health and, if you suspect something is wrong, do not put off visiting a doctor. If you identify the problem in time, you can avoid many unnecessary problems. Remember in which situations the risk of getting sick is highest, and carefully monitor your condition.

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Main signs of the disease

The cause of thrush is the formation of Candida fungus in the intimate area. Its bacteria are transmitted through direct contact or airborne droplets. Having settled in the human body, the fungus begins to multiply. If these processes occur in the groin area in women, this is accompanied by a number of characteristic symptoms.

itching of the affected area;
pain and stinging when urinating;
curdled discharge;
a slight increase in body temperature against the background of general intoxication of the body;
pain or discomfort during sexual intercourse.

The last symptom is associated with the appearance of possible swelling of the mucous membrane of the female genital organs.

Does thrush happen without discharge?

In modern medical practice, it is rare, but still there are cases of the development of vaginal candidiasis without the manifestation of curd masses. In such cases, even qualified specialists find it difficult to make an accurate diagnosis. In view of this, the prescribed therapeutic course may not bring the desired result, and sometimes may aggravate the manifestation of existing symptoms.

Symptoms with an uncharacteristic course

Taking into account only the known symptoms of the disease, most patients try not to notice some physiological abnormalities that do not correspond to them. The discharge with this disease is not always cheesy with a white tint. In some cases, they may be transparent or light yellow, but their flow is not too abundant.

Mistakenly believing that a primitive inflammatory process is occurring in the genitourinary system, without prior consultation with a specialist, patients begin to take a course of broad-spectrum antibiotics. The most common antibiotics are the amoxicillin group. These drugs do not affect the development of fungi. By their action, they only weaken the immune system, thereby creating an even more favorable environment for the formation of pathology. As a result, existing symptoms may worsen. In most cases, with such an incorrect approach to treatment, candidiasis becomes chronic.

The lack of secretion of curdled masses is primarily due to the fact that the patient may initially be a carrier of the Candida fungus (infection of the body with a fungal infection, the spread of which is not widespread and is controlled by the immune system). According to statistics, such processes are observed in 20% of the total female population. The fungus that provokes the development of thrush is congenital in many women.

The spread of harmful bacteria throughout the body is facilitated by the weakening of its protective properties, which manifest themselves as a result of inflammatory processes caused by viral or respiratory infections. This creates a favorable environment for the development and spread of pathology. In addition, colonization of the body by harmful fungi can begin as a result of hormonal imbalances. In this case, the symptoms of thrush appear before the menstrual cycle.

During menstruation, the course of the disease is characterized by a decrease in the level of FSH in the blood cells. Also, as a result of the action of progesterone, LH levels decrease in the final stages of the monthly cycle.

Diagnostics

At the initial manifestation of symptoms, it is necessary to contact a medical institution to undergo appropriate tests in order to establish an accurate diagnosis.

general urine and blood tests;
culture for sensitivity to pharmaceuticals;
analysis for bacterioscopy of secretions.

This comprehensive examination will allow doctors to determine the general health of the body, as well as to determine the causative agent of the disease with maximum accuracy. Manifestations of burning with itching, characteristic of thrush, can occur as a result of cardinal disturbances in the functioning of organs and systems.

When examining a smear taken from the intimate area, the presence of Candida fungi is established almost immediately. Subsequently, the attending physician prescribes an effective course of conservative treatment. If the disease has acquired a chronic form with periods of exacerbations and remissions, then the above-mentioned course of examination may not be enough to prescribe treatment. This is due to the fact that chronic vaginal candidiasis is often accompanied by other, more serious diseases.

chlamydia;
viral hepatitis;
HIV and other diseases transmitted through unprotected sex.

If one of the listed ailments is identified during the examination, the doctor must prescribe a special course of treatment.

You should know that symptoms of thrush without characteristic discharge may be signs of a number of other diseases of the genitourinary system.

genital herpes;
uterine prolapse;
papillomavirus;
formation of genital warts.

The cause of discomfort in the intimate area in women can also be normal age-related physiological processes, such as kraurosis. They are characterized by coarsening of the mucous membrane, which explains the manifestation of some symptoms. In addition, discomfort in the groin area can be observed with diseases such as:

leukemia;
various forms of hepatitis;
ovarian dysfunction;
diabetes;
proctitis;
formation of anal fissures.

Taking into account the fairly wide list of diseases with similar symptoms presented above, it should be understood that when they appear, you should not waste time on self-medication, since in some cases this can only aggravate the current situation. Only an experienced specialist can select an effective therapeutic course based on the necessary medical examination.

Treatment

During the initial examination by a doctor, it is necessary to describe in as much detail as possible all the symptoms that have appeared. Based on this survey, the specialist draws up an anamnesis, on the basis of which, after undergoing an appropriate examination, a conclusion is made and a final diagnosis is made. The therapeutic course of treatment is prescribed solely depending on the identified form of the disease. In the vast majority of cases, complex methods of influencing the disease are considered to be the most effective. The goal of complex treatment is not only to eliminate the causative agent of the disease, but also the factors that contribute to the formation of a favorable environment for the development of harmful microorganisms.

According to statistics, some time after completing the course of treatment and eliminating the symptoms, the disease can develop again in the body. The fact is that Candida fungus spores are not removed from the body. In this case, repeated weakening of the immune system as a result of inflammatory processes or under the influence of a number of external factors will entail a population of pathogenic microorganisms and, as a consequence, an acute form of vaginal candidiasis. Therefore, a comprehensive course of therapy must necessarily include the necessary measures to prevent a possible exacerbation.

The course of treatment for chronic thrush without the characteristic cheesy discharge should also include some pharmaceuticals, the active substance of which is not aimed at directly eliminating the causative agent of the disease.

restoration of the protective functions of the immune system;
stabilization of metabolic processes occurring in the body;
restoration of microflora as a whole.

In addition, the attending physician should prescribe a specially selected vitamin complex that helps normalize the acidic environment in the intimate area.

In men

It is important to understand that thrush is not exclusively a female disease. This disease can occur almost asymptomatically in the male body, manifesting itself only as a curd-like coating on the head of the genital organ and, in some cases, sensations of itching and painful discomfort when urinating. In the absence of timely medical intervention, this can lead to a number of complications, such as inflammation of the foreskin. Also, as a result of the activity of harmful microorganisms of this type, inflammatory processes can occur both in the urethra and in other organs of the genitourinary system.

If you have one of the symptoms, you should consult a specialist.

Prevention

You should adhere to a healthy diet. Food that is too sweet, spicy or too salty can provoke the development of harmful fungal bacteria. If possible, it should be abandoned or, in any case, not abused. Fermented milk products and vitamin complexes will help maintain the normal functioning of internal organs and systems;
It is necessary to adhere to hygiene standards, especially in the genital area. To create an unfavorable habitat for harmful microorganisms, you should wash the groin area with clean water twice a day. The use of scented products is not allowed. It is best to use herbal infusions based on folk recipes or ordinary laundry soap;
Monitor the quality of underwear. It should consist mainly of natural materials, as this promotes normal air circulation in the groin area. This will minimize the risks of various diaper rashes and irritations of the outer layer of the skin;
It is imperative to use contraception during sexual intercourse, since in most cases the Candida fungus is transmitted through sexual contact;
Excessive physical exertion and emotional fatigue should be avoided, as this reduces the protective functions of the immune system.

Conclusion

Can there be thrush without the characteristic cheesy discharge? After reading the above material, the answer becomes obvious - yes, it can. Such manifestations of the disease are mainly characteristic of the chronic form of vaginal candidiasis.

It is noteworthy that in some cases the early stages of the disease may occur without visible symptoms. Its further manifestations may be similar to a number of other diseases, including those classified as sexually transmitted. Therefore, if symptoms are detected, you should contact a medical facility as soon as possible to undergo an appropriate comprehensive examination. Self-medication can only aggravate the current condition of the body. After examination, the attending physician should prescribe a comprehensive course of therapy, through which it will be possible not only to eliminate the pathogen, but also to prevent its possible revival.

In addition, the chronic form of vaginal candidiasis can become one of the causes of infertility. Therefore, the symptoms that appear should be taken seriously and try not to delay a visit to a specialist.

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Causes of thrush

Thrush is caused by a fungus of the genus Candida. It belongs to yeast and is transmitted through direct contact with a patient or carrier. Normally, the fungus is always present in the body, but it becomes pathogenic when exposed to certain factors.

The following factors contribute to the appearance of thrush:

Poor diet;
Hypothermia;
Allergy;
Chronic diseases;
Excess weight;
Antibiotic therapy, as a result of which, in addition to pathogenic bacteria, those that resist the growth of the fungus are also destroyed;
Long-term use of hormone-based contraceptives;
Insufficient intimate hygiene;
Violations of work and rest schedules;
Frequent stress;
Venereal diseases;
Problems with the thyroid gland;
Unprotected sexual intercourse;
Overwork;
Changing of the climate;
Pregnancy;
Use of spermicides;
Sudden changes in temperature.

Signs of illness

Other symptoms of thrush are:

Swelling of the labia;
Pain during sexual intercourse and urination;
The appearance of cracks in the mucous membranes;
Itching in the vagina and external genitalia;
Increased itching when sitting cross-legged;
Vaginal discharge;
Pain in the vagina.

The amount of discharge may increase after performing hygiene procedures, as well as at night.

However, does thrush happen without discharge?

Atypical course of the disease

It occasionally happens that thrush goes away without discharge. Women in such a situation do not pay attention to discomfort, since they focus only on well-known manifestations. Characteristic signs of thrush in any situation are itching, burning and swelling of the tissues. The presence of these symptoms may indicate candidiasis.

Genital herpes;
Uterine prolapse;
Diabetes;
Formation of genital warts;
Leukemia;
Age-related processes (coarsening of the mucous membrane);
Papilloma virus;
The appearance of anal fissures;
Various forms of hepatitis;
Violations of hormonal function of the ovaries;
Proctitis (inflammation of the rectal mucosa).

Diagnostic methods

If thrush is suspected, the gynecologist prescribes the following tests:

General urine analysis;
General blood analysis;
Bacterioscopy;
Determination of sensitivity to medications.

Rules for taking a gynecological test for thrush:

Lack of sexual activity for three days preceding the analysis;
Stop using vaginal medications;
Do not douche on the eve of the test;
Stop taking antibiotics and antifungals, as well as hormonal drugs.

In any case, microscopic examination can determine the presence of a fungus. This diagnostic method shows an excessive number of microorganisms, but determining their type is problematic. This can only be done by sowing the detected microorganisms into a nutrient medium, where they form a colony. Having established the type of microorganism, the sensitivity of the colony to antifungal drugs is checked. For treatment, the remedy that turns out to be the most effective is selected.

Treatment

After examination and diagnosis candidiasis, the doctor prescribes treatment. Therapy is aimed at eliminating the pathogen and factors contributing to its reproduction. Considering that fungal spores remain in the body during the chronic course of the disease, the treatment package should include measures to prevent relapse of the disease. Therapy is provided to both the woman and her sexual partner.

The treatment regimen for thrush without discharge involves the use of the following drugs:

Local antibacterial agents;
Antifungal drugs for oral use;
Combined topical drugs against fungus;
Probiotics;
Hepatoprotectors.

It is better to start treating thrush before menstruation, when the acidity of the vagina increases, which prevents the development of fungi. If the disease is mild, the patient will only need to take pills and vaginal suppositories.

Antifungal tablets are taken for 6-14 days. If the symptoms of the disease are pronounced, or the patient often experiences relapses of the disease, you will need to take stronger drugs, including fluconazole. The duration of treatment is prescribed by the doctor individually.

With thrush without discharge, in addition to antifungal drugs, a woman needs to improve her immunity and normalize her metabolism. It is equally important to restore the body's microflora.

When treatment aimed at combating the fungus is over, it will be necessary to restore the vaginal microflora. To do this, it is populated with beneficial bacteria, which prevent the proliferation of the fungus and inhibit the growth of colonies. The normal microflora of the vagina is restored by suppositories containing these bacteria. In this way, lactobacilli are introduced, but the treatment must be monitored by the attending physician, since chronic candidiasis may worsen.

Candidiasis in carriers of the infection does not require treatment, since the development of the fungus is restrained by the body. In this case, it is enough to adhere to preventive measures.

Relapses

Recurrences of thrush occur in 7-8% of women. The disease manifests itself 4 times a year. Recurrent symptoms include itching and irritation. Constant relapses are possible if the disease is caused by the fungi Candida glabrata or Candida krusei. They cannot be removed using standard methods, so they often become chronic.

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Traditional medicine methods It is recommended to wash with a solution of soda or decoctions of medicinal herbs. To relieve inflammation, you can use tampons soaked in honey and dipped in kefir. The product is inserted into the vagina for 2-3 hours. The minimum course of treatment is 10 days.

If you use sea buckthorn or tea tree oil for these purposes, the tampon must be left in the vagina overnight.

The described methods cannot be used without the recommendation of a gynecologist.

Thrush without discharge occurs in pregnant women and requires immediate treatment, since there is a possibility of infection of the fetus when passing through the birth canal.

In the second and third trimesters, the following drugs are allowed: Clotrimazole, Econazole, Butoconazole, Miconazole.

Antifungal drugs in the form of tablets intended for oral administration are prohibited for pregnant women, since they negatively affect the condition of the fetus.

For candidiasis, the following products are excluded:

Alcohol, carbonated drinks. They contain yeast and sugars, which creates ideal conditions for Candida to multiply;
Sweets;
Sauces, vinegar;
Smoked meats, canned food, semi-finished products, fatty foods, fried and pickled foods;
Blue cheese.

Complications

If you do not pay enough attention to the treatment of candidiasis, complications may begin. As a rule, they appear with the development of concomitant diseases.

These complications are rare, since the prognosis for treating candidiasis is favorable if the pathology is detected in a timely manner.

Preventive measures

To prevent thrush from developing, you must adhere to the following recommendations:

Conclusion

With thrush, sometimes there may be no discharge. This is observed in carriers of the infection or when the disease becomes chronic.

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What you need to know about thrush?

The microorganism that causes the disease is present in the vaginal microflora of every healthy woman. But under certain conditions, it can reproduce. Some people think that they can get rid of thrush on their own by taking certain medications. In fact, the symptoms may disappear, but the disease will become chronic.

Candidiasis has many symptoms:

burning;
redness;
discomfort;
painful sensations in the abdominal area.

Itching is the first sign of thrush. But there are cases when such a symptom is absent. This suggests that the disease is just beginning to develop. This may be indicated by poor health and strong discharge.

The rate of fungal microorganisms is controlled by the immune system, but under the influence of certain factors a failure may occur. Thrush can be caused by:

regular stress;
pregnancy;
taking antibiotics;
hypothermia;
thyroid disease or diabetes;

promiscuous sexual intercourse;
lack of personal hygiene;
chronic form of candidiasis;
wearing synthetic underwear;
hormonal imbalance;
suppressed immunity;

As already mentioned, thrush cannot always be recognized; sometimes it occurs without symptoms, that is, without itching and burning. However, a woman should be alert to other signs: cheesy discharge and pain during sexual intercourse.

Candidiasis also occurs in men, but due to the structure of the body, the disease does not cause any particular inconvenience. This is due to the fact that pathogens are washed out in the urine.

What will the latent form of thrush lead to?

Candidiasis without odor and itching must be treated. A careless attitude can lead to a number of problems and not only with health.

The disease can develop into full-fledged vaginal thrush with all the ensuing consequences. At the first stage, overcoming the disease is much easier and faster.
A woman becomes a source of infection for her partner.
There are great risks for a pregnant woman. The latent form can cause tissue rupture, so a woman needs to consult a doctor who will prescribe individual treatment. An infected mother can infect the fetus.
The latent form is characteristic of a chronic disease that has not found optimal therapy. Therefore, it is better for a woman to undergo a full examination.

You should always visit a doctor. He will be able to identify a disease that a person does not even know about. According to the examination, the specialist will prescribe complex therapy.

Symptoms of candidiasis

If the following symptoms appear simultaneously, it means thrush has appeared:

cheesy discharge with a viscous structure;
redness of the genitals;
pain during urination;
discomfort during intimacy;
nagging pain in the abdomen.

If these signs are present, it is better to go to the doctor. After all, other diseases can be accompanied by single symptoms. For example, discharge may appear due to other infectious diseases. A nagging pain in the lower abdomen may be accompanied by inflammation of the ovaries or cystitis.

But remember, even with severe thrush, there may be no itching. A woman should visit a gynecologist once every six months. This will help her prevent the development of the disease. Candidiasis without odor or burning is easily diagnosed when tested. In the latent form, there are no obvious symptoms, but there is always discharge. Therefore, you need to pay attention to them.

Thrush in men

Candidiasis in men is accompanied by no obvious symptoms. Therefore, they take this disease lightly. Men should be aware that lack of treatment can lead to serious consequences.

First of all, these are painful sensations during intimacy and cheesy discharge. But this is nothing compared to inflammation of the prostate, which is difficult to treat. In addition, men must understand that they are carriers of the fungus. If candidiasis has been diagnosed at least once, then men, for prevention purposes, should be examined twice a year. It is easier to prevent a disease than to treat it later.

Curd-like discharge without odor. What is this?

A cheesy, odorless discharge can appear in a woman of any age. Such symptoms indicate an existing infection caused by a number of factors.

Any healthy woman has discharge. But they are white or transparent, without ichors, clots or a specific smell. The amount of vaginal leucorrhoea may vary. If the discharge has changed consistency and color, this should alert you. Odorless curd discharge can cause diseases such as chlamydia or ureaplasma. If you delay treatment, it can lead to infertility. Similar symptoms may also appear with atrophic vaginitis. The disease is accompanied by severe itching and slight bleeding.

Odorless curd discharge may indicate bacterial vaginosis, caused by the bacteria Gardnerella vaginalis. With weakened immunity, it is activated in the mucous microflora.

Pregnant women may experience curd discharge. The expectant mother's body tries with all its might to preserve the fetus, so its immune system decreases. During pregnancy, this symptom occurs quite often.

Of course, odorless, itching and burning thrush is not a fatal disease, but it must be treated.

Most people consult with friends about treatment. But you should know that the types of thrush can be different, and, therefore, the treatment is individual.

Candidiasis in open form and odorless thrush are somewhat different from each other, so the therapy in both cases is different. The course of treatment is selected according to the patient's characteristics. Self-medication can worsen the condition, and some medications can cause negative consequences.

If one partner is diagnosed with thrush, both should be treated so as not to infect each other. During an exacerbation of the disease, sexual intimacy is prohibited. Therapy is stopped not after the symptoms disappear, but after repeated laboratory tests.

Chronic candidiasis without odor and itching is often treated with general medications. One tablet, which contains antifungal components, kills harmful microorganisms - candida. Symptoms disappear almost instantly, but the full course can take several weeks.

The pharmacy market offers a wide range of drugs in the form of suppositories, capsules, ointments or tablets. They often contain active ingredients such as clotrimazole, miconazole and pimafucin. Doctors recommend following a proper diet during therapy, eating more vegetables and fruits.

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Can you have thrush without cheesy discharge?

Candidiasis does not have standard forms and the same development. Despite the similarity of the causes of the pathology, each woman’s disease progresses differently. Some carriers have odorless thrush, and they may constantly experience pain when urinating. Mistaking this for a banal infection, women waste time on useless self-treatment. If thrush has been diagnosed at least once, for prevention it is necessary to be examined every six months. This is not the case when you can speculate and wait for the disease to reveal itself with a full set of standard symptoms.

Very often, with thrush there is just itching without discharge. This is another atypical sign of the latent course of the disease. It is usually observed in cases of health problems when the immune system is unable to fight a harmful infection on its own. Stressful situations, chronic diseases, psychomatic reasons, hormonal imbalances - all these are provoking factors for asymptomatic candidiasis.

Lack of discharge increases the risk, so don’t be complacent if one of the main symptoms doesn’t appear. This indicates that the body is able to control the process and contain the number of harmful bacteria, but with the slightest disruption in the immune and hormonal system, the situation will worsen. In favorable conditions, a fungal infection begins to develop rapidly, and within a few days you will have to deal with a full range of unpleasant sensations.

Classification and symptoms of thrush

Depending on the characteristics of the course of the disease, several forms of thrush are distinguished. Let's highlight the main ones.

Carriage

Carriage of the infection is accompanied by hidden symptoms and does not cause much discomfort, but this does not mean that there is no possibility of infection. The risk will remain; the most common routes of infection are sexual and household.

In most cases, carriage of the infection is thrush without itching, burning or discharge. Exceeding generally accepted standards for the number of bacteria is detected during testing.

Approximately 30% of women are classified as candidiasis carriers, and only a small proportion undergo regular examinations. Do not forget that thrush without symptoms is no less dangerous than chronic candidiasis. Candida fungus spores are not eliminated from the body.

Acute form

The acute form of candidiasis is accompanied by fairly clear symptoms and a pronounced clinical picture. Your health may deteriorate sharply, and thrush may manifest itself with several unpleasant signs at once.

With an atypical course of the disease, the history of the development of thrush develops differently. The disease is not always accompanied by itching and discharge. All this may not happen, moreover, if the diagnosis “Vaginal candidiasis: acute form” has already been made, but nothing itches or bothers you, this is a bad sign, indicating the active proliferation of bacteria. In such cases, other symptoms may indicate ill health:

redness of the genitals;
discomfort during sexual intercourse and during urination;
disruptions in menstruation;
pain in the lower back and abdomen.

The listed signs are often confused with manifestations of other pathologies: inflammation in the appendages and ovaries, allergies, consequences of past sexually transmitted diseases, etc. The carriers of the infection do not suspect that this could be thrush without itching or discharge. With improper and untimely treatment, the acute form becomes chronic. The path to full recovery in such cases will be long and difficult.

Chronic stage of the disease

Let us reassure you right away: even chronic candidiasis can be treated. There are often cases when the identified diagnosis and advanced state of the disease cause bewilderment. It’s hard to believe that mild discomfort in the genitals turned into a serious illness. This is possible in the absence of symptoms. The belief is that thrush without cheesy discharge, itching and other characteristic signs is impossible.

If a woman has not been examined and has not taken medication, chronic candidiasis without typical manifestations can be recognized by the following signs:

brown coloration of the mucous membrane of the genital organs;
hard and bumpy surface of the genitals;
vaginal dryness and swelling;
poor appetite;
insomnia.

Symptoms of chronic candidiasis do not always attack a woman. Typically, exacerbations occur when the body’s defenses are weakened, climate change, stressful situations, or before menstruation. Signs may disappear, appear unexpressed, or be completely absent. With this course of the disease, the fungi do not lose their activity, but they can only be identified during testing, when the type of fungal infection and the degree of its danger to the carrier are determined.

Diagnosis of candidiasis

Thrush is easily diagnosed, but the atypical course of candidiasis deprives the doctor of the opportunity to rely on symptoms. The patient does not complain of itching, burning, heavy discharge and other standard symptoms.

The most effective and fastest way to detect pathology in such situations is to take a smear from the mucous surface of the uterus. If the study reveals an excess of the normalized amount of fungus, the doctor diagnoses thrush, determines the stage and prescribes treatment.

Do carriers of Candida fungus need treatment?

Treatment of asymptomatic thrush does not differ from conventional therapy applied to candidiasis with characteristic symptoms. Depending on the results of the examination, the doctor prescribes suitable medications. Typically these are antifungal drugs that can destroy pathogenic bacteria, stop their growth and restore body functions.

If thrush was diagnosed recently and has not become chronic, local treatment is effective. Ointments and creams are applied locally, that is, to a specific area.

In the chronic form without cheesy discharge, not only antifungal medications are prescribed. Additionally, medications are prescribed that improve immunity and restore vaginal microflora. These can be vaginal tablets, suppositories, douching solutions. Among the most famous and popular means for combating fungus are Diflucan, Clotrimazole, Livarol, Pimafucin, Miconazole, Econazole, etc.

The antifungal components of the drugs reduce the activity of the fungus. Sometimes one tablet is enough to eliminate obsessive and unpleasant symptoms. To get rid of thrush forever, you need to complete the full course, which can last from one week to 2-3 months.

There are no identical schemes and approaches in the treatment of candidiasis. Everything is individual and depends on the patient’s condition. Even with complete confidence in the diagnosis, you should not get carried away with drugs that once helped. Symptoms and stages of the disease can change, and no one knows how your body will respond to the intervention of inappropriate medications. Don't forget about allergic reactions, complications and side effects. Only a doctor can help and not harm; self-medication for thrush is contraindicated.

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Symptoms of candida infection

Discharge similar to sour milk or cottage cheese, having a viscous structure, unpleasant odor and color. Although discharge can accompany other infectious diseases, which are often sexually transmitted, they are also a characteristic symptom of thrush. Therefore, if strange discharge appears, you should be examined by a gynecologist and rule out the presence of a fungal or yeast infection.
This can only be done by taking a smear and testing.
Thrush may be accompanied by redness of the genitals, discomfort during sexual intercourse, and a rash. In this case, pronounced itching may be absent.
When infected with candidiasis, you may experience a nagging pain in the abdomen, especially in the lower part or back. Many women attribute these symptoms to inflammatory processes in the ovaries or appendages and try to use medications on their own. As a result, thrush enters the chronic stage, causing actual inflammation of the genital area and cystitis.
When infected with a fungus, pain may occur during urination, the amount of discharge during menstruation increases, the cycle is disrupted, and hormonal imbalance occurs. Similar symptoms can occur during puberty, especially in the absence of personal hygiene. And also during pregnancy, refusal of hormonal therapy, or during menopause. All these periods are usually accompanied by significant changes in the body, and during these same periods the activity of the fungus increases, which can lead to disease.

Any woman should remember that visiting a gynecologist at least twice a year can save her from unnecessary problems and the occurrence of illness. The latent form of thrush can be easily diagnosed using special tests, and even if there are no obvious symptoms, the disease can already begin to spread in the body. In the chronic form of candidiasis, itching may also not be observed, however, there is almost always discharge. These are the ones that a woman should pay special attention to.

What to do if you have symptoms of thrush

If thrush has already been diagnosed once, then for the purpose of prevention you should contact a specialist for additional research, once every six months. A disease is always easier to prevent than to treat in the future.

The course of treatment is also selected individually, taking into account the characteristics of each patient.

A number of drugs have contraindications and can negatively affect the body, and self-medication can only worsen overall health.

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What is candidiasis

Candidiasis or thrush is a fungal infection that affects the mucous membrane of the vagina and vulva. The name “thrush” comes from the characteristic cheesy discharge and white coating that accompany the disease. In addition, thrush can be recognized by symptoms such as itching and burning. However, these symptoms are not always present.

Thrush is not a disease that affects women exclusively after the onset of sexual activity. Candidiasis appears in both newborn girls and older women. Especially often, symptoms of thrush, such as discharge, itching and burning, worsen the quality of life of pregnant women and patients after menopause.

The cause of thrush is considered to be a fungal infection. In fact, Candida fungi are part of the normal vaginal flora. They, along with other representatives of opportunistic microflora, are present on the skin and mucous membranes, including the vagina. And only under the influence of certain negative factors, Candida mushrooms provoke the development of thrush, cheesy discharge, itching and burning. In some cases, thrush progresses latently, not accompanied by discharge or other manifestations.

It is known that the vaginal mucosa has a protective function. Thus, healthy mucosa provides a protective mechanism against harmful microflora. The main role belongs to lactic acid bacteria. Normally, lactobacilli make up up to 98% of the microflora.

The condition of the mucous membrane depends on the level of sex hormones, which varies depending on the phase of the cycle.

On the surface of the mucosa, under the influence of estrogens, glycogen accumulates, which is broken down by lactobacilli to form lactic acid. This lactic acid is necessary to maintain an optimal level of acidity, which does not allow pathogenic organisms to multiply.

In addition, a thin protective film - glycocalyx - is formed in the surface layer. Its formation is possible due to the union of lactobacilli into colonies. The glycocalyx does not allow microbes to penetrate the thickness of the epithelium, and lactic acid does not allow bacteria to vegetate directly into the vagina.

When the acidity of the vagina changes and the number of lactobacilli decreases, the mucous membrane loses its protective properties. Thus, opportunistic microorganisms begin to multiply intensively due to the presence of conditions favorable to them. Gradually, healthy microflora is displaced, inflammation develops, accompanied by discharge, itching, and burning. As a rule, the development of inflammation occurs in the presence of concomitant hormonal and immune disorders.

However, if the microflora disturbance is not pronounced, a healthy immune system can cope with the changes that have arisen. In such cases, burning, itching and discharge are not observed.

Thrush can be caused by natural physiological changes that occur during pregnancy, lactation and menopause. The occurrence of itching, burning and discharge occurs due to structural and hormonal changes in the mucous membrane and immune imbalance.

It is known that thrush occurs in both women and men. It should be remembered that in men, candidiasis can indicate serious pathologies.

Most often, the appearance of thrush, which is accompanied by discharge, itching and burning, is observed after long-term use of antibacterial drugs. Thrush can be sexually transmitted. However, its occurrence also has an independent character.

Usually candidiasis manifests itself acutely. The woman experiences severe discomfort, which is accompanied by cheesy discharge. Itching and burning often occur. As a rule, modern medications quickly eliminate the symptoms of thrush. However, improper treatment can provoke the transition of inflammation to a chronic form, in which discharge, burning and itching may be absent. That is why successful treatment and elimination of manifestations depends on eliminating the cause of candidiasis and correctly selected medications.

Causes of itching, burning and discharge

Thrush develops due to the intensive proliferation of Candida fungi with concomitant immune imbalance. Predisposing factors also play a role in the appearance of discharge, itching and burning, which are characteristic of candidiasis.

Insufficient or excessive hygiene. Failure to comply with personal hygiene rules leads to the proliferation of microorganisms on the surface of the mucous membranes, which causes an inflammatory process. This situation often occurs in childhood. However, excessive hygiene and douching are also factors in the development of thrush. This is due to the fact that beneficial flora is washed off from the mucous membranes, just like pathogenic ones.
Traumatization. When tissue integrity is violated, the protective function of the mucous membrane is lost, which leads to the development of candidiasis. Damage can occur during installation of the IUD, careless douching, or gynecological examination.
Age characteristics. It is known that the composition of the vaginal microflora changes throughout a woman’s life. In particular, the vagina of a newborn girl is sterile. The formation of microflora continues up to 16 years. The mucous membrane in girls is thinner, local immunity is underdeveloped. This is why candidiasis and its accompanying symptoms, such as burning, itching and curdled discharge, are so common. In old age, estrogen synthesis stops, which leads to atrophy and a decrease in the number of lactobacilli.
Infectious lesion. During the inflammatory process, the vaginal mucosa is loose and prone to the penetration of fungi. Often, Candida fungi enter into associations with other pathogenic microorganisms, in particular those that are sexually transmitted.
Dysbiotic processes in the vagina. With vaginosis, ideal conditions develop for the proliferation of a fungal infection. Discharge, burning and itching, which are characteristic of candidiasis, are observed in four out of ten women with bacterial vaginosis.
Long-term use of antibiotics. After antibiotic therapy, local immunity decreases, which is a predisposing factor to the occurrence of candidiasis.
Therapy with hormonal drugs. Long-term uncontrolled treatment with hormonal drugs suppresses the immune system and provokes thrush.
Allergic reactions. The use of unsuitable hygiene products, as well as those containing an aggressive composition, can provoke discharge, itching and burning.
Diabetes. With this pathology, urine containing glucose is released, which disrupts the acidity of the mucous membranes and leads to a change in the bacterial composition. This factor contributes to the occurrence of itching and thrush.
Intestinal pathologies. Dysbiotic processes in the intestines and diseases of the gastrointestinal tract are also considered by gynecologists as the main factor causing thrush.

Classification and symptoms

Symptoms of thrush largely depend on the ability of the female body to resist infection. The severity of itching and burning depends on the nature of the dysbiotic disorders.

Thrush initially develops on the surface of the mucous membrane, where conditionally pathogenic microorganisms are located. A decrease in the number of lactobacilli leads to the proliferation of both Candida fungi and other pathogens of opportunistic flora. Often, fungi enter into microbial associations and together participate in the development of inflammation. For example, in 20% of cases, candidiasis is combined with trichomoniasis and gardnerellosis. However, the development of exclusively candidiasis cannot be ruled out.

The development of candidiasis is influenced by the number of lactobacilli.

Carriage

If vaginal vaginosis is not intense, the remaining lactobacilli inhibit the growth of Candida fungi. Lactic acid bacteria prevent infection from penetrating into deeper layers. However, complete destruction of Candida fungi does not occur. In this case, the fungal population is in equilibrium with lactobacilli. If candidiasis persists long enough, and the number of lactobacilli is dominant, symptoms of candidiasis do not develop. In this situation we talk about the carrier stage.

If dysbiosis is eliminated using the reserves of the female body, the required amount of lactic acid bacteria is restored. This scenario is only possible if the immune system is adequately functioning. Thus, the woman recovers.

Acute form

The acute course of candidiasis is bright and can occur after taking antibacterial drugs, stress, or inflammation in the vagina. The woman is bothered by cheesy discharge, itching and burning sensation. The acute form of thrush progresses over two months. In the absence of adequate treatment, the acute course becomes chronic.

Chronic stage

Candidiasis can persist for quite a long time, and then the defense mechanisms become thinner, which leads to an episode of exacerbation. During an exacerbation, a woman is bothered by discharge, burning and itching. Then remission is observed. As a rule, such recurrent thrush occurs against the background of gynecological and extragenital diseases. During remission, there is no cheesy discharge, itching or burning.

Symptoms of candidiasis can vary. Manifestations depend on whether Candida fungi enter into microbial associations. However, thrush can be recognized by its characteristic symptoms.

Itching. The itching sensation intensifies in the evening and at night. The intensity of itching increases during intimacy, physical activity, and hygiene procedures. Itching may also be more severe before menstruation.
Burning. Usually itching is accompanied by a burning sensation, which is associated with the reaction of the vaginal mucosa to local inflammation. Typically, itching and burning are the first signs indicating a fungal infection.
Curdled discharge. It is by the discharge, which has a specific consistency, that one can suspect the development of candidiasis. The curdled discharge may be copious and have the smell of sour milk. There may be yellow stains on your underwear. If the infection is of a combined nature, the appearance of the discharge may differ.
Urinary disorders. During the acute phase, burning and stinging occurs during urination.
Rash on the skin of the external genitalia. Often, upon examination, a small rash in the form of blisters is detected. These rashes are often accompanied by itching and lead to scratching and increased discomfort.

Diagnostics

In addition to rashes, the doctor can visualize swelling and hyperemia. A gray-white coating is detected on the mucous membrane, which indicates damage to the deep layers of the epithelium. The plaque has a dense consistency and is accompanied by bleeding when trying to remove it. A chronic course is indicated by mucosal atrophy.

In the chronic form, there is usually no discharge or discomfort. In this case, the pathogen can only be identified using a laboratory method.

Thrush can affect the nipple area in breastfeeding women. This is facilitated by the occurrence of microtraumas during feeding and high humidity. A woman is worried about burning and itching on the skin of her nipple. As a rule, a fungal infection of the vagina develops simultaneously with damage to the nipples.

Detection of thrush is possible by performing a smear on the flora, which identifies the mycelium and spores of the fungus. To assess the severity of the disease, the ratio of lactobacilli and other microorganisms is analyzed. For example, with bacterial vaginosis, gardnerella is detected.

Treatment

The effectiveness of the therapy depends on the diagnostic results and the correctness of the selected regimen. Before starting treatment, it is necessary to determine the cause of the disease. Identifying the cause and provoking factors and their subsequent elimination allows you to prevent relapses.

Fungal infections are better treated in the acute phase. The chronic relapsing form is much more difficult to cure. This is due to the fact that the chronic course is caused by diabetes mellitus, allergic diseases, and intestinal dysbiosis. In some cases, it is impossible to completely cure the disease, however, stable remission can be achieved.

Drugs

Medicinal antifungal agents take the form:

candles;
ointments;
cream;
gel;
tablets;
capsules

The choice of dosage form is made by the doctor, guided by the severity of the fungal infection. Preference is given to dosage forms that act locally. This is due to the penetration of the active substance directly into the source of infection. In addition, when the drugs are used locally, they have virtually no systemic effects and do not cause side effects.

To increase the effectiveness of treatment, the doctor may prescribe complex therapy with drugs of both local and general effect. At the same time, medications may be prescribed to eliminate itching and burning. Pregnant women are recommended to use topical medications after the first trimester.

Self-medication can aggravate the course of a fungal infection and lead to the transition of the disease to the chronic phase. Disappearing symptoms such as itching, discharge and burning do not always indicate recovery.

Antifungal drugs are represented by three pharmaceutical groups:

Natamycin, Nystatin (polyene);
Flucostat, Diflucan, Mikosist (triazole derivatives);
Canesten, Clotrimazole, Candide (imidazole group).

Combined-action drugs, for example, Terzhinan or Polygynax, are considered quite effective. These medications include several antifungal components, which helps to quickly eliminate cheesy discharge, itching and burning.

Prevention and personal hygiene features

The occurrence of relapses can be eliminated with the help of preventive measures. Prevention of itching, discharge and burning due to thrush or candidiasis involves following a few simple rules.

Regular toileting of the genitals and change of underwear. When choosing a hygiene product, you should pay attention to the composition. It should not be aggressive towards the vaginal mucosa.
Culture of intimate relationships. Promiscuous sex life greatly increases the risk of infections, including thrush.
Use of antibacterial agents. It should be remembered that antibiotics are not vitamins. Their appointment is the responsibility of the doctor.
Avoid douching. A procedure such as douching injures the mucous membrane and helps eliminate not only harmful, but also beneficial flora.
Timeliness of treatment. It is necessary to promptly contact a specialist and treat gynecological pathologies, including those of an inflammatory nature.
The right choice of underwear. It is advisable to wear underwear made from natural fabrics. Tight underwear contributes to the development of thrush.

Proper nutrition, excluding large amounts of simple carbohydrates, enriched with fermented milk products, is also the prevention of thrush.

Thrush or candidiasis occurs in every second woman. However, many consider it a harmless disease that can go away on its own. But that's not true. Thrush occurs when the Candida fungus invades, which can cause serious harm to the body. In the absence of treatment, the symptoms may go away on their own, but the disease returns after a while.

The main symptom of thrush is itching, which varies in intensity. Its absence often indicates the initial stage of the pathology or its transition to a chronic form.

Candidiasis also manifests itself with many other symptoms. But in some cases it may not show clinical signs. In this case, the presence of pathology is determined only by laboratory testing of a vaginal smear. Let's consider how to determine the asymptomatic course of candidiasis; it is dangerous and how to cure the disease.

The concept of candidiasis and characteristic manifestations

Thrush is a fungal disease that affects the mucous membranes. Many people believe that it affects only the female body. But men are also susceptible to the disease. Their candidiasis often occurs without itching or other symptoms. That is why male patients often do not think about the possibility of infecting their partner and do not turn to a specialist.

But the disease, in addition to the danger of infection, over time can cause significant discomfort, as well as the development of severe pathologies of the reproductive system, up to the loss of sexual function.

In the advanced stage, painful sensations and cheesy discharge appear after sexual intercourse. Pathogenic microorganisms penetrate the urethra, causing the development of prostatitis and other diseases.

Pathology manifests itself as follows:

Redness of the head.
The appearance of white plaque on the mucous membranes.
Painful sensations that occur after sexual intercourse and urination.
Itching and burning in the area of the head of the penis.
Presence of curdled discharge.

The main reason for the development of the disease in women and men is weakened immunity. Fungi of the genus Candida are representatives of the healthy flora of any person. But when the immune system is disrupted, they begin to actively develop. The microflora of the mucous membranes is a favorable environment for them, where they begin to multiply, causing the appearance of unpleasant symptoms.

The disease always develops gradually. The reasons may be:

It manifests itself a little differently than in men. The main symptom is itching.

Also symptoms of candidiasis are:

Burning sensation in the vaginal area of varying intensity. May occur in the labia and vulva area.
Pain during urination, sexual intercourse.
The presence of cheesy discharge with or without odor from the vagina.
Slight swelling of the labia.

Symptoms in women appear with greater intensity than in men. The diagnosis is made only after laboratory examination of a vaginal smear. This is due to the fact that these signs are characteristic of many diseases of the genitourinary system. In men and women, the disease can occur without symptoms.

Why are there no manifestations in women?

Candidiasis often occurs without the appearance of pronounced symptoms. Only test results indicate the presence and activity of the fungus. The absence of signs of thrush in women indicates that she is a carrier. In this case, inflammation of the internal organs can take an acute form. That is why even with an asymptomatic course of the disease treatment is required.

The presence of the disease can be suspected in the following cases:

The presence of chronic sexually transmitted infections.
Determining the presence of candidiasis in a partner.
Having problems related to infertility.

Diagnosis of thrush during pregnancy requires immediate treatment. During this period, the disease can cause infection of the fetus, which will affect its formation, and subsequently, the development of the child.

When diagnosing thrush in a pregnant woman, the doctor conducts a study for the presence of concomitant diseases and treats with vitamin complexes and antibacterial drugs.

It is strictly forbidden to treat candidiasis on your own during pregnancy, since it is impossible to completely cure it at home. Also, thrush that occurs without signs can cause premature birth or miscarriage.

If there is no discharge, but there is itching

Thrush can pass without discharge, but with itching. This is how the mild form manifests itself, which is in the stage of transition to vaginal candidiasis. In the absence of discharge, a woman also becomes a source of infection for a man during sexual intercourse, regardless of how the pathology progresses.

At this stage, immediate treatment is required, since vaginal candidiasis can cause serious disorders and infertility.

Candida fungus in women

Itching in the genital area of varying intensity helps to understand that a woman is sick. Often this symptom is attributed to irritation, increased sensitivity to synthetic materials, and insufficient intimate hygiene.

These reasons, indeed, can cause some discomfort, but if the itching continues for several days or weeks, gradually intensifying, then you should consult a doctor and take a smear.

Christina, 24 years old:“I was diagnosed with thrush during pregnancy. But there were no symptoms of the disease, and I didn’t even realize there was a danger to the baby. She did not exhibit standard symptoms such as pain, discharge, burning, and only felt itching. But under the supervision of the attending physician, candidiasis was cured, and the child was born healthy.”

If there is no itching

Thrush, which is not accompanied by itching and burning, has its own causes. Most often, this condition is observed during pregnancy or when wearing panty liners made of synthetic materials. Associated symptoms may include discharge with an unpleasant odor, pain in the lower abdomen and discomfort in the intimate area.

The absence of itching in the presence of discharge indicates the initial stage of the disease. If the signs are ignored, the pathology enters the acute stage. But the difficulty of diagnosis and treatment is that other symptoms are confused with other diseases of the genitourinary system.

The presence of thrush, which is not characterized by itching, is indicated by the following signs:

redness of the skin and mucous membranes;
rash and irritation;
pain when emptying the bladder;
increase in local temperature.

An accurate diagnosis and the cause of unpleasant sensations can only be established through a laboratory examination of a smear from the genital mucosa.

Veronica, 34 years old:“I never thought that thrush could occur without symptoms. But during the next medical examination, candidiasis was diagnosed. At the same time, there were practically no signs.

The only thing that bothered me was the slight itching. The doctor prescribed me antibiotics and recommended using herbal infusions for douching (I used St. John's wort). The itching went away after 2 days. Tests showed the absence of fungi after 2 weeks.”

If there is discharge, but no odor

The curdled discharge that appears with thrush, in both men and women, most often has an unpleasant odor. It is usually specific or sour. But when a yeast infection occurs, it may change or disappear completely.

The appearance of white, cheesy, odorless discharge indicates a mixed infection, when not only Candida fungi are present on the mucous membranes of the vagina. Microorganisms such as chlamydia and microplasma can cause a change in odor. Associated symptoms are burning and itching.

Thrush, which occurs without odor, most often indicates an atrophic form of vaginitis, which occurs during menopause. The disease is diagnosed 10-12 years after the onset of menopause in more than half of women. In this case, the discharge may be colored pink, the mucous membrane becomes dry and pale.

Lack of odor with thrush may also indicate bacterial vaginosis. The discharge in this case is grayish in color. The pathology is also accompanied by itching and swelling of the genitals.

How to recognize the hidden course of the disease in men?

Male patients are also susceptible to developing thrush. In most cases, unlike female pathology, it occurs without pronounced symptoms.

Infection can occur during sexual intercourse. Another reason for the development of candidiasis is reduced immunity. Candida fungi are constantly present on the mucous membrane of the intimate organs, but when the body’s defenses are disrupted, they begin to multiply rapidly.

Also provoking factors are:

Stress.
Hypothermia.
Oncological diseases.
Metabolic disorder.
Anemia.
Climate change.
Poor nutrition.
Steroid use.

Candidiasis in men is diagnosed less frequently than in women. This is due to differences in the anatomy of the genital organs. The genitals are not predisposed to infection, since there is no favorable flora for the proliferation of bacteria. Even if you have sexual contact with an infected partner, infection may not occur.

The intensity of thrush symptoms depends on the extent of the lesion:

Thrush in the stronger sex can be characterized by either a complete absence of symptoms or their partial presence. Any manifestations should alert you and become a reason to visit a doctor, especially if candidiasis is diagnosed in a sexual partner.

How can asymptomatic thrush develop in men:

Only with redness of the head of the genital organ. This form occurs most often in men.
With redness of the mucous membranes and itching sensation.
With the presence of discharge and absence of itching and odor.
With the presence of discharge, itching, but no odor.

Victor, 31 years old: “I was surprised when the doctor diagnosed candidiasis. I didn’t even think that this could happen. I consulted a specialist about a burning sensation that occurred when urinating. Other symptoms were completely absent. After the course of treatment, they all disappeared, and tests showed the absence of thrush.”

Therapeutic measures

When candidiasis is diagnosed, treatment should begin immediately, before the disease reaches a chronic stage. To suppress fungal infections, antifungal drugs are prescribed, and traditional methods are also used.

Drug effects

Antimycotics have a negative effect on pathogenic microorganisms, slowing their growth and disrupting important functions. The most effective remedies for thrush are:

Pharmacy chains today can offer many different drugs that can get rid of thrush. But before using any of them, you should consult a specialist. He will prescribe the necessary studies, determine the cause of the symptoms and recommend the most effective drug depending on the characteristics of the pathology.

Traditional methods

Traditional methods of therapy for severe thrush should be used in combination with medications and only after consultation with a doctor.

For initial candidiasis, when symptoms are partially present or completely absent, douching, baths and washing with various herbs and soda are effective.

Such products act locally on the fungus and help relieve itching and burning. For the procedure, laundry soap is used (you need to wash yourself before carrying out the procedures) and herbal preparations. The most effective means are:

Chamomile. Helps relieve itching, inflammation and heal small cracks.
A series. Negatively affects pathogenic microorganisms.
St. John's wort. It has an antiseptic effect and activates the process of tissue regeneration.
Calendula. Has a disinfecting and bactericidal effect.

Regardless of the plant used, they are brewed the same way. For a liter of hot water, take 1 tablespoon of dry plant. Leave everything for an hour. The resulting solution should be diluted in a 1:1 ratio with water. help speed up the healing process.

Herbs are also used for medicinal baths. Laundry soap is also effective. To do this, you need to grate it and add a small amount to a bowl of water. After the pieces of soap have completely dissolved, sit in the basin so that the water hides the genitals. The duration of the procedure is 15 minutes. After the procedure, wipe yourself dry, and after half an hour, rinse your genitals with running water.

Diet

Proper nutrition is also important in case of asymptomatic candidiasis. Helps strengthen the immune system and speed up the healing process. First of all, you should give up sweets and yeast baked goods. The diet should consist of the following products:

The diet helps restore and maintain the immune system and prevent the entry into the body of foods that promote the growth of fungus. Proper nutrition must be combined with medications and traditional medicine recipes.

Asymptomatic thrush is a fairly common occurrence that threatens a woman with serious complications, including infertility. It is worth remembering that thrush does not only occur in women. Men are also susceptible to developing the disease.

In them, candidiasis can most often be asymptomatic. The difficulty of therapy in this case lies in the fact that the disease is already established when it becomes chronic and when accompanying symptoms appear. Such thrush can be cured only with the help of an integrated approach.