Effective candles for thrush during pregnancy in the 1st, 2nd, 3rd trimester
The nine months that a woman bears a child rarely pass without problems. Sometimes discomfort in the intimate area spoils the mood and makes you worry about the baby. Candles from thrush during pregnancy will come to the rescue

Candidiasis or vulvovaginal candidiasis is the same “beast” that scares millions of girls and women. Especially during pregnancy. And for good reason! Due to ECV, the risks of various complications increase, we are talking about ante- and intranatal infection of the fetus, premature birth, candidal endometritis after childbirth and complications in newborns (conjunctivitis, omphalitis, damage to the mouth, larynx, lungs, and other problems). (one)

An important point: although the prevalence of thrush in pregnant women is higher, typical symptoms are 2-4 times less common. (2) Therefore, it is necessary to take routine smear tests during pregnancy, even if nothing bothers you. 

In any case, it is recommended to prescribe drugs to pregnant women only if the expected benefit outweighs the possible risk to the fetus – and in minimal doses. (3)

We will tell you about the best candles for thrush during pregnancy, and our expert will give useful recommendations and answer the most popular questions. 

Rating of the top 10 effective and inexpensive suppositories for thrush during pregnancy according to KP

1. “Candide”

Clotrimazole-based drug that fights genital infections caused by Candida and/or Trichomonas vaginalis (high doses). There is one suppository in the package, and it should be enough for the unpleasant symptoms to go away. If the problem persists, you may have to repeat the procedure after consulting a doctor. Also in the package there is an applicator to insert the pill deep enough into the vagina.

In what trimesters of pregnancy can it be used: 2nd and 3rd trimester

Convenient application, fast effect, low price in the segment
Not every pharmacy chain implements
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2. “Primafungin”

There are three suppositories in the package, and this is the required minimum dose for the treatment of candidiasis with this drug. But, perhaps, one package will not be enough: sometimes the course of treatment is 6 days. The active ingredient – natamycin – is safe, but make sure that you do not have hypersensitivity to all components of the suppositories. 

In what trimesters of pregnancy can it be used: 1st, 2nd and 3rd trimester and while breastfeeding

Safe drug, can be used during the entire period of pregnancy.
The price is higher than that of drugs with clotrimazole
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3. “Natamycin”

If you are looking for suppositories for thrush during pregnancy in the first trimester, pay attention to this remedy. The manufacturer did not even begin to invent anything about the name of the drug: the active substance is indicated, which fights the fungus that provokes vaginitis and vulvitis. 

One package contains three suppositories. Since the course of treatment, as indicated in the instructions, must be selected individually, perhaps one pack is enough for two courses, but two packs for one time may be required.

In what trimesters of pregnancy can it be used: 1st, 2nd and 3rd trimester

Can be used from the beginning of pregnancy, safe drug
Leaves marks on linen, not sold in every pharmacy
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4. “Clotrimazole”

“Clotrimazole” is used not only for thrush, but also for other infections caused by a fungus, as well as before childbirth – for the rehabilitation of the birth canal in order to prevent chronic candidal infection.

The manufacturer notes that there are no contraindications for the use of tablets by pregnant women, but before that, you should definitely consult a doctor. It is safe to use during pregnancy in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters, but these suppositories for thrush should not be used in the 1st trimester.

Not the most convenient course of treatment: either twice a day for three days, or one tablet per day for 6-7 days. However, the low price, perhaps, will play a decisive role for someone.

In what trimesters of pregnancy can it be used: 2nd and 3rd trimester

Budget drug, can be used for other fungal infections
Inconvenient course of treatment
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5. “Dequalinium chloride”

These are vaginal tablets that are produced in Our Country – it is clear from the name which active ingredient is in the composition. The drug is intended for the treatment of candidiasis, vaginosis and vaginitis, it is also used to prepare the genital tract for childbirth and operations. 

The course of treatment is 6 days, and one package is designed just for one full course. Apply, like most other candles, one at a time.

In what trimesters of pregnancy can it be used: 3 trimester

Broad spectrum, rarely irritating
Difficult to find for sale
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6. “Ecofucin”

drug, created in order to fight the causative agent of the fungus. In addition, suppositories, due to their composition, stimulate the growth of beneficial bacteria.

There are 6 suppositories in the blister, if treatment is started in a timely manner, perhaps one package is enough for more than one course (3-6 days of treatment are assumed). The drug is safe and can be used at any stage of pregnancy and lactation.

In what trimesters of pregnancy can it be used: 1st, 2nd and 3rd trimester and while breastfeeding

Can be used from the beginning of pregnancy
Long course of treatment
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7. “Pimafucin”

Antifungal antibiotic with natamycin in the composition. Produced in packs of 3 and 6 candles. It is used to treat vulvovaginal candidiasis, and, in particular, these suppositories can be used during pregnancy, there are no restrictions on trimesters in the instructions. The course is selected individually, the average is 3-6 days. 

In what trimesters of pregnancy can it be used: 1st, 2nd and 3rd trimester

Efficacy, can be used from the beginning of pregnancy
Long course of treatment.
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8. “Primacin”

An antifungal agent that is used to treat diseases caused by Candida. The course of treatment is from 3 to 6 days, depending on the case. If the disease is advanced or there is a relapse, the doctor may prescribe additional pills (to eliminate the source of infection in the intestines). 

It is possible to use these suppositories during the entire period of pregnancy and lactation.

In what trimesters of pregnancy can it be used: 1st, 2nd and 3rd trimester and while breastfeeding

Effectiveness, can be used from the 1st trimester and during breastfeeding
Difficult to find for sale
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9. “Fluomizin” 

French-made vaginal tablets are suitable for the treatment of thrush, bacterial vaginosis and trichomonas vaginitis. The list of contraindications is minimal: do not use if there are ulcers on the vaginal mucosa and cervix, before sexual activity, and if you are hypersensitive to the components of the drug. But he will become a faithful assistant from unpleasant discharge from the first days of pregnancy and in the postpartum period.

In what trimesters of pregnancy can it be used: 1st, 2nd and 3rd trimester

Can be used at any time during pregnancy
Sometimes not completely dissolved, high cost in the segment
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10. “Kandizol”

These pills are suitable for those who do not like to use candles to fight thrush (many of them melt in their hands, which is inconvenient). A drug based on clotrimazole is used to treat genital infections caused by yeast-like fungi of the genus Candida, as well as to sanitize the birth canal. Candizol is allowed to be used in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters – if the benefit to the mother outweighs the potential harm to the child. But in the 1st trimester and during lactation, these pills should not be used.

By the way, this drug is also available in the form of a cream and a solution for external use.

In what trimesters of pregnancy can it be used: 2nd and 3rd trimester

The minimum list of contraindications, effectiveness
Cannot be used in the 1st trimester, difficult to find on sale

How to choose candles from thrush during pregnancy

No matter what happy women from TV commercials say, you should consult a doctor before using this or that remedy. Especially if you are in an interesting position.

“In addition, when choosing suppositories for thrush, you should pay attention to the shape: vaginal tablets, suppositories, cream differ in consistency and additives,” notes Alsu Kuchumova, obstetrician-gynecologist, ultrasound specialist. – With dryness in the vagina, give preference to suppositories, as they contain fats in their composition. Avoid the presence of alcohol in the preparation, which will additionally irritate the inflamed vaginal mucosa.

Popular questions and answers

According to various studies, about 75% of women under the age of 25 have experienced thrush at least once (4). But during pregnancy, even a familiar problem can lead to a stupor: what to do, how to react? Obstetrician-gynecologist Alsu Kuchumova answers the most frequent questions.

How can a pregnant woman understand that she needs to start using candles?

It is necessary to consult a doctor, pass the necessary tests. For example, sometimes patients during pregnancy are simply disturbed by abundant discharge, without itching and discomfort – this may be a variant of the norm, and there is no point in using candles, only because “the linen gets more dirty”.

But if we consider the option when it is impossible to visit a doctor, while a pregnant woman is worried about abundant cheesy discharge, itching and swelling of the external genital organs, then these symptoms may indicate an exacerbation of vulvovaginal candidiasis.

Is it possible to use cream or vaginal tablets instead of suppositories for thrush during pregnancy? What can replace suppositories?

Yes, of course, the main thing is to skillfully apply it. As a rule, an applicator is added to the cream package, a kind of conductor, where a certain amount of cream is collected and injected vaginally. This is convenient because it eliminates the introduction of a finger and damage to the vaginal mucosa with nails. Vaginal tablets also come with applicators, but if without, then the inconvenience of the introduction is that the tablets do not slip, because there are no oils in the composition, they dissolve in the vagina for a long time and “crumble”, particles of tablets come out during the day, which may be accompanied by burning. But if there are no options, then you can suggest moistening the tablet before inserting it into the vagina.

What to do if the course of treatment is completed, but the symptoms remain?

Consult a doctor and take, for example, a culture for fungi of the genus Candida with a determination of sensitivity to antimycotic drugs, because uncontrolled, unreasonable and frequent use of drugs leads to resistance, lack of sensitivity to certain antimycotic drugs.

And of course, it makes sense to reconsider the rules of intimate hygiene and diet. It is recommended to exclude sweet and starchy foods for those who are often concerned about the symptoms of candidiasis. During a normal pregnancy, a condition called insulin resistance develops, which is a decrease in the sensitivity of cells to the action of insulin, which leads to an increase in the concentration of glucose in the blood. Vaginal secretion is nothing more than an “effusion” of transudate from the blood, and, accordingly, a high concentration of glucose is ideal conditions for the reproduction of fungi of the genus Candida.

Here are some more general recommendations: do not use daily disposable pads, give preference to underwear made from natural fabrics, change it daily. Wash with water from front to back, do not abuse intimate hygiene products. The popular bath bombs, which are made from baking soda, can also cause an imbalance in the pH of the vagina, especially if there are problems with the tone of the pelvic floor muscles.

In no case should you douche with soda – this must be remembered! Some people try to get rid of itching in this way, but at the same time they only worsen the situation.

When can I return to sexual activity if a course of treatment is started?

Usually, intimate life can be restored after the end of the course of treatment, if there are no other contraindications for a pregnant woman. It is also important to exclude the presence of candidal infection in a partner. He himself may complain of itching, peeling, redness of the glans penis, in this case it is necessary to refer the partner to a dermatovenereologist for recommendations on treatment so that there is no re-exacerbation of candidiasis in a pregnant woman.

Sources of

  1. A.L. Tikhomirov, S.I. Sarsania, V.V. Kazenashev. Rational therapy of vulvovaginal candidiasis // Gynecology. 2021. №3. pp. 29-34. URL: https://cyberleninka.ru/article/n/ratsionalnaya-terapiya-kandidoznogo-vulvovaginita-1/viewer
  2. T.N. Bebneva, G.B. Dicke. Modern features of vulvovaginal candidiasis and the choice of rational therapy outside and during pregnancy // BC. Mother and child. 2018. No. 1. pp. 49-56. URL: https://cyberleninka.ru/article/n/sovremennye-osobennosti-kandidoznogo-vulvovaginita-i-vybora-ratsionalnoy-terapii-vne-i-vo-vremya-beremennosti/viewer
  3. V.L. Tyutyunnik, N.E. Kan, N.A. Lomova, M.K. Majidov. Therapy of urogenital infections during pregnancy // Pregnancy and childbirth. 2017 №2. pp. 62-65
  4. V.N. Serov. The problem of vulvovaginal candidiasis in gynecological practice // Medical Journal. 2014. №6. URL: https://medi.ru/info/1852/

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