A Woman’s Nightmare: 5 Remedies for V-Thrush (Candidiasis)

Ineh Olisah

Vaginal thrush is one of those irritating afflictions that many women have to deal with from time to time. Also known as candidiasis, thrush is a yeast infection that can affect many parts of the body. Moist areas such as the mouth, folds of skin and the vagina ,offer perfect conditions for the growth of thrush.

Causes

In almost 90% of cases of thrush, the infection is caused by a yeast called candida albicans. Normally, the body’s defence system can keep the candida in check, but sometimes the yeast multiplies at a rate that overwhelms the body’s own systems, resulting in an attack of thrush.

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How to Prevent It

1. Eat plain yoghurt regularly, especially the type that contains active cultures.

2. Make sure your underwear is breathable and allows moisture to evaporate from sweaty, sticky
areas – cotton is best.

3. Make sure you underwear is clean and completely dry before wearing.

4. Avoid using female deodorants, douches and sprays. These might interfere with healthy vaginal
bacteria and encourage the growth of thrush.

5. As much as possible, avoid taking antibiotics. They kill off healthy bacteria in the body making it
more prone to yeast infection.

6. Use only clean and well sanitised toilets.

Once you have got thrush here are a few options for getting rid of it fast!

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Remedies

1. Anti fungal creams work well – eg Canesten. They can be bought at most pharmacies.

2. Anti thrush pessaries can be inserted into the vagina. Look for products containing the active
ingredients clotrimazole, econazole or miconazole.

3. Numerous studies have shown that garlic has antifungal properties. But when taken orally, garlic has no effect on vaginal Candida counts, according to a 2013 study in the journal BJOG. Some women promote placing garlic cloves in the vagina at night — while this treatment is unlikely to cause any major damage, there’s no scientific evidence to show it works.

4. Anti thrush tablets are also available. These are taken orally and offer a good alternative to
creams and pessaries.

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5. Before going to bed, use one or two drops of tea tree oil in your bath water and soak in it.
Repeat everyday until infection subsides.