Three quarters of women will experience a yeast infection during their lifetime, even if they never fall pregnant. Yeast infections, also called vaginal thrush, affects women and girls of all ages, and for more than 50% of the female population, this won’t be a once off experience.
As a result, yeast infections are considered one of the infections most commonly experienced by women. Unfortunately, pregnancy makes the risk of contracting a yeast infection even higher. Although there is no evidence to suggest this uncomfortable condition will harm your baby, itching and burning that come with a yeast infection can still cause significant distress.
To help you avoid and manage bouts of vaginal thrush during your pregnancy, we have put together a guide to answer your most pressing questions:
What causes a yeast infection during pregnancy?
Yeast infections are caused by an overgrowth of a fungus called candida. This fungus or yeast occurs naturally in the vagina and on the skin. When in balance with other bacteria and fungi, candida does not cause any problems. However, when the vagina’s delicate balance of fungus and bacteria is disrupted, this yeast is left to grow rapidly, causing a yeast infection. This is usually due to the population of bacteria responsible for keeping its growth in check being reduced. There are several reasons why an imbalance can occur including antibiotic use.
When you are pregnant, however, the increased risk of contracting vaginal thrush is generally down to bodily and hormonal changes, particularly the increase in oestrogen in your body. Another factor is that when you are pregnant, pH in your vagina changes to become more alkaline and less acidic. This essentially makes the vaginal cells more sugary, turning them into food for the yeast and promoting its growth. Women also experience increased amounts of discharge during pregnancy, creating a permanently moist environment perfect for yeast growth. These conditions can cause the dormant yeast cells to multiply and cause infection. If you are struggling with a yeast infection, ask your doctor of pharmacist about Canex V for the relief of uncomfortable symptoms.
Symptoms of a yeast infection
The signs of a yeast infection during pregnancy are similar to those when not pregnant. They include:
- Odourless white chunky discharge similar to cottage cheese,
- Itching and irritation around the vagina and vulva,
- Soreness and stinging during sex or when urinating,
- Redness around the vulva.
How do you treat a yeast infection during pregnancy?
If you are pregnant, it is important that you always seek medical advice before taking any medication.
Usually, your doctor will prescribe some kind of antifungal in the form of either a cream, like Canex V, or tablet, both of which are inserted vaginally. Canex V is available over the counter at most leading pharmacies country wide and contains the antifungal ingredient, clotrimazole, which works by stopping the growth of the fungi causing the infection. Antifungal creams can be applied both internally and to the skin around the outside of the vagina to provide relief to the whole area.
Can you avoid vaginal thrush when pregnant?
Although vaginal thrush during pregnancy is very common, there are some simple steps you can take to try and avoid developing an infection in the first place. These steps may not stop an infection every time, but they will help lower the risk.
1. Wear cotton underwear
Yeast thrives in moist, warm areas. Wearing breathable underwear that isn’t too tight can help balance the moisture created by increased discharge. The same idea can be applied to the pants you wear. Try opting for loose cotton pants over tight jeans or active wear.
2. Keep proper hygiene and avoid irritants
Scented soaps and bubble baths may make you feel better, but the chemicals used to create them can be harsh and cause irritation in your vagina, upsetting the balance of bacteria.
3. Check your diet
Processed foods, sugary foods, and bread can all contribute to vaginal thrush infections. Try avoiding or only eating moderate amounts of these foods. On the other side of the coin, probiotic-rich foods like natural yogurt can help add beneficial bacteria back into your system.
Vaginal thrush is a common and uncomfortable infection, especially for women who are pregnant. Changes to your hormones, body, and routine may all contribute to increasing your risk of infection. Thankfully, although uncomfortable, yeast infections pose very little serious health risk to you or your baby if treated correctly under the guidance of a doctor and can be avoided with a few simple lifestyle changes.
CTA: Don’t let a yeast infection ruin your pregnancy journey. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about Canex V today.
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Canex V is the best it carried me through out all my pregnancies ❤️