How can women get infected with fungi?

Nov 13, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Lu
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, women can contract fungal infections through sexual activity, indirect contact, prolonged use of antibiotics, decreased immunity, and changes in the vaginal environment. If necessary, it is recommended to seek timely medical attention and undergo treatment under a doctor's guidance. In daily diet, it is advisable to consume less spicy, greasy, and sweet foods, and to eat more light foods such as vegetables and fruits in appropriate amounts to maintain balanced nutrition.

  The main fungus is Candida albicans. Generally, women can contract fungal infections through sexual transmission, indirect contact, long-term use of antibiotics, decreased immunity, and changes in the vaginal environment. If necessary, it is recommended to seek timely medical advice and undergo treatment under a doctor's guidance. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Sexual Transmission

  If a male partner's genital organs carry Candida, unprotected sexual intercourse may transmit the fungus to women, causing fungal infections. Additionally, unhealthy sexual practices may introduce Candida from the mouth into the vagina, causing infection.

2. Indirect Contact Transmission

  Contact with items contaminated by Candida in public places such as public baths or swimming pools—for example, towels or toilet seats—may lead to indirect transmission of Candida to the vagina. The moist environment of the vagina favors Candida survival, increasing the risk of infection.

3. Long-term Antibiotic Use

  Antibiotics kill harmful bacteria but also affect the normal vaginal flora. Prolonged and excessive use of broad-spectrum antibiotics can suppress beneficial bacteria such as lactobacilli in the vagina, allowing Candida to multiply and cause fungal vaginitis.

4. Decreased Immunity

  During menstruation, women's bodies are relatively weak. Long-term熬夜 (staying up late), excessive fatigue, malnutrition, and similar conditions may lead to decreased immunity. This weakens the vagina's self-defense mechanisms, allowing small amounts of existing Candida in the vagina to proliferate and cause infection.

5. Changes in the Vaginal Environment

  The normal vaginal pH ranges between 3.8 and 4.4, and this acidic environment inhibits the growth of harmful bacteria. Frequent douching with alkaline cleansing solutions can disrupt the acidic vaginal environment, making it easier for Candida to proliferate and cause fungal infection.

  In daily diet, it is advisable to avoid spicy, greasy, and sweet foods as much as possible. Instead, consume moderate amounts of bland foods such as vegetables and fruits to maintain balanced nutrition.