home Endocrinology Prevention of candidiasis: how is this disease transmitted? How is thrush transmitted

Prevention of candidiasis: how is this disease transmitted? How is thrush transmitted

Diversity pathogenic microflora in the human body includes tens of thousands of varieties of viruses, bacteria and other microorganisms. All of them are controlled by the immune system. But in the event of functional failures, the development of pathologies or diseases internal organs, populations of disease-causing pathogens begin to grow rapidly, leading to the emergence of pronounced signs and symptoms. Among such problems is fungal infections, the brightest and most common representative of which is candidiasis. Everyone should know what thrush is and how it is transmitted from person to person.

Candida fungi inhabit the body of every person, regardless of gender and age. When, for one reason or another, mass reproduction of the fungus begins, the patient develops the following symptoms:

itching and burning in the area of internal and external genital organs;
difficulty and pain when urinating;
white or curdled discharge with a characteristic smell of sour milk;
genital mucosa and/or oral cavity covered with a rash of blisters with liquid contents;
signs of hyperemia (redness, inflammation and swelling) are pronounced on the skin and mucous membranes.

Depending on the localization of the disease, there are 3 main types of thrush:

genital candidiasis;
oral form (the oral cavity is affected);
intestinal form(affects the gastrointestinal tract).

How candidiasis is transmitted

There are several ways a fungal infection can spread between people. The main problem is the fact that incubation period thrush is due only to the characteristics of the immunity of each person. You can get thrush and for a long time don't even suspect it. The main ways of infection include:

transmission to the child from the mother;
through common household items;
transfer without protection;
during oral-genital contact or during a normal kiss.

The ways and means of transmission of thrush are diverse, it is necessary to consider each of them in more detail.

From mother to child

Infection of the child by the mother usually occurs during childbirth when passing through the birth canal. There is also a possibility of infection of a newborn in the maternity hospital with neglect sanitary standards staff maternity ward. With this method of transmission, the oral or intestinal form of candidiasis is usually diagnosed. In a child in the oral cavity are detected characteristics fungal infection and appropriate treatment with antifungal drugs is prescribed.

In order not to infect the child in the process of passing through the birth canal, it is worth taking care of the treatment of thrush in advance. We propose to consider detailed overview in our separate article on the site.

Household mode of transmission

A large number of people are also infected household way, for example, if among family members there is a patient with candidiasis. In this case, infection occurs through:

shared towels;
bed sheets;
dishes.

Some experts say that there is also a high probability of becoming infected in in public places, especially in baths, showers and locker rooms of gyms. These rooms are a breeding ground for all types of fungal infection, providing increased humidity and high temperatures with poor air circulation.

Thrush can be obtained in public places

There is an opinion that Candida spores can enter the body with food that has not undergone thorough processing. In particular, with vegetables, fruits and other products that are consumed without prior heat treatment. Candida thus enters the intestines and from there to the perineal region, and if not washed properly, into the vagina.

Sexual contacts

According to statistics, thrush is most often spread sexually. If one partner is sick, the other is likely to get sick too. Due to the anatomical features of the female genital organs, thrush most often develops in the vagina. The infection will be passed from woman to man.

We must not forget that in this case the disease threatens all the sexual partners of the patient. The boyfriend of a girl with candidiasis is himself a carrier of the disease. At the same time, a woman can get thrush from a man infected by another partner. So the fungus is sexually transmitted along the chain.

Separately, it is worth mentioning that sexual partners who practice oral sex are also under attack. Through oral-genital contact, a woman can infect a man, and vice versa. Thrush is so contagious that sometimes infection occurs through the usual kisses of lovers, if one of them is sick with candidiasis in the active phase.

The manifestation of thrush in men

In the vast majority of cases, infection with thrush in men occurs sexually. The risk increases when basic hygiene standards are neglected after sexual contact. If a woman is sick, then thrush is transmitted to her partner with almost 100% probability, so many men are carriers of the disease.

The incubation period of thrush proceeds individually, so the symptoms may not appear immediately and later different time after infection. In half of the cases, men do not get candidiasis, but are its carriers. However, in about 45%, the pathology is manifested by the following symptoms:

inflammation of the foreskin;
the appearance of white discharge with a characteristic odor;
itching and burning during urination;
glossy film on the skin of the head;
rashes on the penis.

Since these symptoms are associated with different types sexually transmitted diseases, a visit to a venereologist should not be postponed. Only a doctor can conduct an examination, diagnose and prescribe treatment. In the absence of timely therapy, the disease can cause the development of diseases of the prostate gland and Bladder.

Why does thrush occur

The human body is inhabited by various microorganisms, bacteria and viruses. Their vital activity and reproduction is “monitored” the immune system blocking the development of pathogenic microflora. In the normal state, her presence does not cause much discomfort. But upon occurrence favorable conditions the situation is changing. Among the factors favorable for the reproduction of pathogenic fungi of the genus Candida are the following:

weakening of the immune system;
long-term drug therapy with antibacterial drugs;
exacerbation chronic diseases;
hormonal disbalance;
smoking;
neglect of personal hygiene;
unfavorable ecological situation in the area where the patient lives.

The incubation period of thrush largely depends on the individual reaction of the body: how strongly it resists infection. Once the concentration of the fungus reaches critical level, the symptoms of the disease become pronounced. Most often, women and their genital mucosa are attacked by thrush. Due to its structure, it is the vagina that provides ideal conditions for the development of candida and is a breeding ground for the reproduction of the fungus. Candidiasis is usually transmitted sexually, and most often women "gift" it to their sexual partners.

Thus, the question of how many days thrush appears after infection implies many answers.

Is co-treatment necessary?

For any fungal disease affecting the genitals, all sexual partners of the patient should undergo treatment. The attending physician conducts necessary examinations and appoints. As a rule, the partner is limited to taking pills, and the woman is usually prescribed a set of drugs, including.

Treating candidiasis with only one of the sexual partners is a waste of time and money. Only a jointly conducted therapeutic course with special drugs can guarantee that there will be no relapses. The main preventive measure for thrush in this case will be the rejection of casual sexual contacts on the side.

Includes the following measures:

legibility in choosing a sexual partner;
careful observance of personal hygiene standards by both a woman and her man;
rejection bad habits(Smoking causes the death of the protective microflora in the oral cavity, providing ideal conditions for Candida reproduction);
healthy and active image life;
adherence to the principles of healthy eating;
adequate intake of vitamins, minerals and trace elements;
timely detection and treatment of diseases that cause persistent weakening of the immune system.

By following these simple recommendations, a woman can protect herself and her family from infection with candidiasis. A strong immune system, even when pathogenic fungi enter the body from the outside, is able to suppress their reproduction and the development of thrush.

The question of how candidiasis is transmitted is often asked by patients when diagnosing this disease. Many people believe that Candida infection can only be transmitted through sexual contact. In fact, infection is possible different ways, which you should be aware of, especially if one of the family members has this type of microorganism.

Ways of transmission of candidiasis

Vaginal candidiasis is a sexually transmitted disease often diagnosed in women. Symptoms of a fungal infection appear more often in the fairer sex than in men, which is associated with anatomical features female reproductive system.

Infection occurs in different ways:

Candida is transmitted during unprotected sex in 45% of cases. Infection is possible not only through vaginal contact without a condom, but also orally and anally. Men are more likely to be carriers of candidiasis and do not have special features diseases. Symptoms can be detected with a decrease in immunity, which often occurs with viral infections exacerbation of chronic diseases. If the body's defenses work well, then candidiasis does not develop.
Thrush can be passed from mother to child during childbirth. Often the disease does not manifest itself in any way before pregnancy, but during the bearing of the baby, the fungi begin to become sharply activated, which is associated with hormonal changes woman's body. The child is infected with candidiasis in utero, through the placenta.
Fungal disease is also diagnosed in young children. This is possible if there is an infection on the skin and mucous membranes of the mother. Infection sometimes occurs with breastfeeding if microorganisms get on a woman's nipples. In this case, the symptoms often appear in the baby in the form of a curdled plaque on the mucous membranes of the mouth, but folded candidiasis is also possible.
The household route of transmission of thrush is considered rare, but the possibility of infection is not excluded. The source can be a washbasin, washcloth, towel, bed. It is impossible to get infected from dishes if hygiene rules are followed, since candida is not highly resistant outside human body and quickly dies on contact with detergents.
Candida can be passed on through kissing. A prerequisite for infection in this way is the presence of infection in the oral cavity of the carrier and the existing damage to the mucous membranes, as well as low immunity with the second partner.

Can you get candidiasis through a condom?

If you follow all the rules for using a condom, you cannot get a fungal infection. This method of protection against sexually transmitted diseases is considered by far the most reliable.

Candida can enter the body healthy person if the condom has been damaged or incorrectly applied.

If it slips or breaks, the risk of infection is greatly increased if the partner is contagious. Violation of the integrity of the condom is possible when using creams and lubricants that are not intended for latex products. A man should be able to put on a condom correctly. The risk of its rupture increases if the expiration date has already expired or the integrity of the package is broken.

What is the most common route of infection

Most frequent way infection with candidiasis is sexual. Many people reproductive age are carriers of this infection, unaware of its presence. The lack of barrier protection during sexual intercourse leads to infection of a healthy partner. Candidiasis may not show any symptoms for many months.

Reception antibacterial drugs about another disease, passion for sweet and carbohydrate foods, diets, prolonged fasting contribute to the depletion of the body and reduce its defenses. The consequence of the weakening of the function of the immune system is the development of a fungal infection.

With household contacts, infection is also possible, but due to the low resistance of candida during external environment the risk is negligible. Through a kiss, infection occurs extremely rarely, provided that the mucous membranes have damaged areas or inflammation. Fungi that enter the esophagus through the mouth can cause serious changes in gastrointestinal tract. In the absence of therapy, the disease leads to irreversible consequences.

Is it possible to get re-infected?

Re-infection with candidiasis is possible. Infection occurs in the absence drug therapy with a sexual partner. Treatment should be mandatory if one person from a couple is diagnosed with a fungal infection.

The disease is prone to recurrence, and many patients mistake them for reinfection. For an absolute cure for candidiasis, it is recommended to use for treatment not only drugs for local application but also oral forms medicines. Therapy chronic infection women is more difficult. During this period, it is important to use barrier contraceptives during sexual intercourse and avoid casual sexual intercourse. It is not recommended to kiss with a partner who has signs of candidiasis in the oral cavity.

Fungi and pathogenic bacteria are present even in the body of a healthy person. Frequent use medicines especially antibiotics, chronic pathologies, hypothermia contribute to the activation and growth of colonies. All people of reproductive age need to know how the disease is transmitted and how to avoid infection. The use of barrier contraceptives and sexual intercourse with one partner help prevent infection.

If one family member suffers from a fungal infection, it is important to provide him with separate bed linen, dishes and hygiene items.

Sanitization of things and the bathroom should be carried out regularly.

Candidiasis - fungal disease affecting sensitive parts of the body, mainly the genitals. An opportunistic microorganism is transmitted from a man to a woman through sexual contact, but the risk of infection with the Candida fungus is also present with other types of contact.

Transmission from a male carrier

Thrush in the strong half of humanity is less common, so there may be no visual signs of candidiasis. With strong immunity from a man to a girl, the fungus is transmitted during intimacy without a condom.

If the man's defenses have weakened, then the partner is able to detect the symptoms of the disease by white discharge on the head of the penis and the presence of red dots on it. After anal sex with such a partner, candidiasis of the rectum develops, and oral sex develops in the oral cavity.

Additional infection factors:

Domestic. With the simultaneous use of towels and other hygiene products.
Airborne. When drops with fungi get on the mucous membrane (during coughing, sneezing).
Food. A bitten apple retains saliva on the pulp, which can cause thrush in the oral cavity.
Kiss. The exchange of saliva occurs with "wet" contact, while the dry interaction of the lips very rarely leads to the spread of the mycotic agent. Smokers more often give Candida through a kiss: the microflora of the oral cavity in this category of patients is almost always disturbed.

The fair sex is also threatened by infection when the genitals are moistened (by a man) with a natural lubricant - saliva. When using a condom, moisture enters the vaginal mucosa and provokes inflammation.

Increased likelihood of transfer of the microorganism into the blood and during transfusion, as well as visiting medical institutions where hygiene standards are violated.

The threat is increased when engaging in oral sex associated with deep penetration (throat blowjob). Ejaculation into the mouth also results in contact with seminal fluid, which becomes saturated with the opportunistic pathogen during passage through urethra.

Their presence worsens the quality of sex, and sometimes makes coitus completely unattractive. If the second half suffers from thrush, then it is better to refrain from sex for the period of exacerbation of the disease.

Candidiasis has infectious origin, which means that the risk of transmission this disease from one person to another is extremely high. The main carriers of the candida fungus are women. For men, a similar diagnosis is made in exceptional cases. In their body, the infection can exist for a long time without manifesting itself.

In general, all people are susceptible to thrush, regardless of their sexual life and age. Exist various ways candida fungus infection.

Candidiasis is transmitted mainly through direct contact with its carrier. In more than 90% of cases, the main cause of infection with candidiasis is unprotected sexual intercourse. In general, the fungus is a conditionally pathogenic inhabitant of the vagina. If the natural microflora of the mucous membrane of this organ is disturbed, the fungus begins to actively multiply, suppressing the growth in the number beneficial bacteria and causing certain symptoms. IN advanced cases the disease spreads to the mucous membranes of the internal organs and the oral cavity.

IN in large numbers the fungus is contained in the vaginal secretion of a sick woman, so the likelihood of infection of her sexual partner in the absence barrier contraception high. Thrush is transmitted through sexual contact (vaginal, oral, anal). The most dangerous in terms of transmission of infection is considered vaginal intercourse.

The main cause of thrush symptoms in men is a weakened immune system (due to endocrine diseases, malnutrition, taking certain medications, etc.). Getting into the male body, candida primarily affects the urethral mucosa, in some cases it spreads to the lining of the intestines and oral cavity. Strengthening the immune system and the absence of promiscuity is the basis for the prevention of the disease in men.

Candidiasis often accompanies pregnancy. There is a way to transfer thrush to a child from a mother during childbirth. At the time of birth, the baby passes through the birth canal of a woman, respectively, interacts with the mucous membranes of her genital organs. Girls are most susceptible to the disease.

Thrush in children is more often localized in the oral cavity and causes stomatitis and intestinal dysbacteriosis. In the presence of the disease in the mother, there is a possibility of infection of the newborn through breast milk.

Is thrush transmitted through a condom?

The condom is the primary means of protection against STIs and candidiasis. Regular use of barrier contraceptives can be considered as the prevention of diseases transmitted during sexual intercourse. The use of a condom is indicated not only for vaginal, but also for oral and anal contact with the carrier of the infection.

Is thrush transmitted by kissing (saliva)?

Is thrush transmitted through the household?

Fungus, disease-causing, has the ability to survive in conditions environment. There is a small chance of transmission of thrush household way when using the same hygiene products, towels, linen and clothes with the patient.

High humidity is important condition for the survival and reproduction of this microorganism. The risk of getting an infection by household means increases when visiting a sauna, public bath, swimming pool.

Strong thrush
The main symptoms of severe thrush are: pain when urinating, burning in the genital area, pain during sexual ...

Reviews and comments

We don't need these contraceptives. Just gotta lead normal life no messy relationship. Random intrigues need to be forgotten and everything will be fine. Candidiasis will not appear in the body if you are careful.

Doctors call thrush candidiasis. This name is due to the genus of the fungus that provokes it. Candida is normally always present in small amounts on skin. Decreased immunity leads to accelerated growth their mycelium. The fungus infects the mucous membranes. After that, they appear characteristic symptoms in the form of white plaque or discharge, itching and burning. By these signs, thrush can be identified.

Candida fungus is always present in the human body

Candidiasis can be passed from an infected person to a healthy person. This disease has several ways of distribution. The question of how thrush is transmitted always worries women who have discovered its symptoms.

Gynecologists are often asked if thrush is transmitted during sexual intercourse. A woman with a disease acute form, contagious. In most cases, thrush is transmitted through unprotected intercourse. However, it should be remembered that, despite this fact, candidiasis does not apply to sexually transmitted diseases.

Infection of the sexual partner occurs if a woman has an increased growth of the fungus on the mucous membranes of the vagina. The man becomes a carrier of the disease. With regular sexual contact with him, re-infection will occur. Even long-term therapy will not be effective. Successful elimination of thrush requires that both sexual partners undergo treatment. After oral sex the risk of infection increases, as the Candida fungus successfully takes root on the mucous membranes of the oral cavity.

The body of a man is not a favorable environment for the development of the fungus. This is due to more strong immunity and stable hormonal background. That is, Candida male body may be present without causing pathological processes. In addition, the fungus usually enters urinary tract in men, and easily leaves them after emptying the bladder. If a man becomes infected with candidiasis, he will find a characteristic white coating on the penis, swelling, redness, as well as burning and itching. Symptoms of thrush in men are similar to those in women.

Fully protect against sexually transmitted candidiasis, the use of barrier methods of contraception. While maintaining the integrity of the condom, the risk of the fungus passing to the partner is reduced to zero. After unprotected intercourse, do not forget about personal hygiene. Thorough washing with water with the addition of an antiseptic of the genital organs helps to reduce the amount of fungus. A weak solution of potassium permanganate can be used as a disinfectant.

A woman who does not have a fungus in her body can become infected from a man who is a carrier of the disease. Thrush does not necessarily appear immediately after intercourse. long time a woman may not experience any symptoms indicating the presence of the disease. Its symptoms can be seen in suitable conditions. To provoke the activation of fungi can:

The woman is assigned complex therapy diseases. Her partner may be limited to taking antifungal tablets and treatment of the genitals with an antiseptic.

In the case of active reproduction of the fungus on the genitals of a man, apply special means from thrush local action. You can choose various ointments or cream.

After completion of treatment, both the woman and the man should be tested for the determination of microflora. Until confirmation of the absence of the fungus in both partners unprotected sex should be excluded.

Both partners are treated for thrush

Domestic transmission

Despite the fact that it is quite common for a woman to infect her partner during intercourse, this is not the only way to transmit thrush. This disease is transmitted through the household. This method of distribution is associated with the ability of the fungus to survive a sufficient period of time in the external environment. Candida, like any other fungus, reproduces with the help of spores. They can be stored on things, hygiene items, bed linen. This leads to the possibility of distribution in the domestic way.

There are frequent cases of infection with thrush after visiting the pool. Many doubt whether thrush is transmitted in this way. Shared showers located in the gym or swimming pool are a source of danger. Fungus spores can remain on taps. After entering an uninfected organism, the fungus can begin active reproduction. Soon the woman will find herself with unpleasant symptoms.

To protect yourself, you can not use other people's personal hygiene items. Soap, washcloth, towel and other items must be individual. When using other people's funds, you can easily become infected.

Caution should also be taken when visiting public saunas and baths. In case of insufficient disinfection of the premises, after previous visitors, some of the disputes could be preserved. This means that the possibility of infection is not ruled out. In this case, do not neglect the careful observance of hygiene rules.

Sometimes you can get thrush after visiting the pool

Autoinfection

Thrush is dangerous because it is difficult to get rid of it completely. Candida fungus is constantly in the body of a woman, including in the intestines. With insufficiently careful observance of the rules of personal hygiene, a fungus from the rectum may enter the genitals of a woman. This can be facilitated not only by irregular showering, but also by wearing synthetic underwear.

In this case, the woman will experience constant relapses of thrush with every favorable case. Treatment only with topical agents will not be effective, it will be required A complex approach to destroy the mycelium of the fungus throughout the body.

Synthetic panties favor the reproduction of the fungus

Infection of newborns

The appearance of thrush in a recently born child is also possible. It usually affects the mucous membranes of the mouth and looks like a white coating on the palate. You can infect your child with candidiasis in several ways:

The likelihood of intrauterine infection of the fetus with candidiasis is low, but not completely absent. Mycelium of the fungus is found in amniotic fluid, membranes of the umbilical cord and placenta. In this case, the child may be born with signs of thrush.
The infection of the child from the mother during childbirth is more likely. If a woman suffers from thrush in active form, then the chance of transmitting the fungus to the child is close to 70%. It does not depend on the method of delivery. It is for this reason that during pregnancy, you should undergo a course of treatment with approved drugs.
The transmission of thrush to a newborn from the mother is possible in the first year of life. The body of the child has not yet fully formed, the immune system is weak and susceptible. The spores of the fungus can enter the mucous membranes of the oral cavity with breast milk mother. Infection through hands, towels, bed linen is not excluded.

Candidiasis can be transmitted in many ways. Most often this occurs through domestic or sexual contact, after unprotected vaginal or oral contact.

This disease in running form can be dangerous, as the mycelium of the fungus spreads throughout the body. To protect yourself, you need to know how thrush is transmitted. By avoiding disease-provoking factors, and following the recommendations of a doctor, you can minimize the risk of infection.