Vaginitis

What it is?

Vaginitis is an inflammation of the vaginal mucosa. There are vulvovaginitis - inflammation of the vaginal mucosa and external genitalia, vulvitis - inflammation of the labia and clitoris. Vaginitis is a fairly common gynecological disease.

Why does this happen?

Risk factors for vaginitis are reduced immunity, treatment with certain drugs, and hormonal disorders. Vaginitis is often caused by sexually transmitted diseases, such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, and mycoplasmosis. In addition, vaginitis occurs against the background of hormonal disorders in ovarian diseases, menopause, obesity, and diabetes. Sometimes the cause of vaginitis is damage to the vaginal mucosa due to improperly performed medical procedures (out-of-hospital abortion, improper douching, insertion of various objects into the vagina). Less common is vaginitis as a result of an allergy, for example, to the rubber of a condom or medications inserted into the vagina. Severe hygiene violations are also prerequisites for vaginitis. All of the above factors contribute to the settlement of unusual microflora in the vagina with further inflammation.

What happens?

Usually the first symptom of vaginitis is discomfort in the vaginal area. There may be contamination of underwear with vaginal discharge. The discharge is often accompanied by itching, sometimes swelling and redness of the external genitalia. Sexual intercourse becomes painful. Colpitis is often accompanied by a burning sensation when urinating and pain in the lower abdomen or back. With chronic vaginitis, the main complaint of patients is discharge from the genital tract, less often they are bothered by itching and discomfort in the vaginal area. Chronic vaginitis is characterized by a long course and a tendency to recur.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of vaginitis is made already at the stage of questioning and physical examination. Then additional research methods: vaginal smear, blood and urine tests.

Treatment

Treatment of vaginitis consists of local and general, taking into account the types of microbes involved in inflammation. An extremely important factor in recovery is the complete cessation of sexual activity for the entire period of treatment. It is necessary to conduct an examination and, if necessary, treatment of the sexual partner.

In case of thick purulent or mucous discharge, the vagina is douched with antiseptic solutions. When the purulent discharge stops, vaginal douching is carried out with astringents (a decoction of oak bark, for example). At the same time, restorative treatment is used. In case of insufficiently effective treatment, a tendency to relapse and with severe ovarian hypofunction, local use of estrogen hormones is recommended.

Antibiotics and sulfonamide drugs are prescribed after determining the sensitivity of the pathogen to them. They are used topically in the form of solutions and emulsions, and are also prescribed orally for severe vaginitis. Particular attention is paid to the treatment of vaginitis in pregnant women. On the one hand, it is extremely important for them to completely eliminate the inflammatory process, on the other hand, pregnancy imposes restrictions on the range and dosage of drugs that can be used.

Proper treatment of vaginitis and subsequent prevention of relapses provide a good prognosis in most cases.

Vaginitis is an inflammation of the lining of the vagina (vagina) that can be caused by various factors such as infection, allergies, injury or irritation. Symptoms of vaginitis may include itching, burning, vaginal discharge, pain when urinating, and bleeding.

Causes of vaginitis:

Allergies: Vaginitis often occurs in women who are allergic to latex, spermicides and other chemicals that are used in various methods of contraception and to treat diseases of the vulva. Infection: Vaginal infections can cause vaginitis, such as chlamydia, trichomoniasis, gonorrhea, syphilis and bacterial vaginosis. They may also be caused by the herpes virus, human papillomavirus, HPV, cold sores, HPV, or other infections. Irritation: Irritations can be caused by vaginitis such as allergies to laundry detergents, soaps, pads, intrauterine devices, as well as other contraceptives such as oral contraceptives, or even some dyes used to color hair. Trauma: Trauma occurs when the tissue of the vulva is damaged. This may occur during childbirth, surgical procedures, pelvic examination, or sexual intercourse. Damaged tissue cannot respond adequately to infections or irritations. Bleeding: Mild vaginal bleeding may increase and lead to severe bleeding due to the development of vascular tumors, ruptures of the internal organs of the vagina, ulceration of the anus and cervical canal of the cervix, atresia and hypertrophy of the vaginal part of the cervix or obstruction of the lower third of the vagina and cervix.

Symptoms: Itching: Itching can be the main symptom of vaginitis. Itching may be accompanied by a burning sensation in the vagina and vulva, especially at night. Vaginal Discharge: Vaginal discharge is the most common symptom of vaginitis, characterized by a whitish, clear or blood-streaked discharge. If the discharge is yellow or greenish-yellow, you should consult a doctor. Pain: Pain may occur in the vulva or vagina, but may also extend to the abdomen. Pain may also occur during sexual intercourse or when pressing on the leg