Vaginal inflammation is a very common problem that many women face. Constant itching, burning, the appearance of uncharacteristic discharge can hardly improve the patient's quality of life. Moreover, the lack of therapy is fraught with dangerous complications, because the inflammatory process can spread to other organs of the reproductive system.
Of course, women are interested in additional information. Why does inflammation of the vaginal mucosa develop? How dangerous can the pathology be? What treatment methods can a doctor offer?
A specific form of vaginal inflammation: causes
Vaginitis (colpitis) is a fairly common problem. According to statistics, about 60% of patients complain of itching, swelling and mucopurulent vaginal discharge. And if a few years ago only women of mature and old age faced this disease, today today the disease is increasingly diagnosed in young patients.
Most often, the inflammatory process is the result of pathogenic microorganisms entering the vaginal tissue.
- Trichomonas vaginitis is considered common, the causative agent of which is Trichomonas. Inflammation caused by protozoa is accompanied by severe discomfort, itching and profuse frothy discharge.
- The disease can develop against the background of damage to the body by intracellular pathogens, in particular, mycoplasmas, chlamydia. Inflammation in this case often proceeds hidden.
- Occasionally, vaginosis appears against the background of damage to the body by gonococcus. The clinical picture in this case is very bright - women complain of severe burning, the appearance of copious purulent discharge.
Causes of Non-Specific Vaginitis
A non-specific inflammatory process is associated with the activation of the so-called conditionally pathogenic microflora. Bacteria such as E. coli, some strains of staphylococci and streptococci, live in the body of every person. But normally, their number is strictly controlled by the human immune system. If, for one reason or another, the defense mechanisms weaken (even temporarily), then conditionally pathogenic microorganisms begin to multiply actively. This is accompanied by pain, swelling, itching, and burning in the vagina.
Pathology, by the way, can be triggered by the intensive reproduction of fungi of the genus Candida, which are also part of the natural microflora of the vagina.
In addition, women during menopause often suffer from vaginitis, because at this time the amount of sex hormones synthesized by the ovaries is sharply reduced. It also leads to a violation of the natural composition of the vaginal microflora.
What can trigger a disease? Risk Factors
Of course, in most cases, vaginal inflammation is the result of the activity of pathogenic microflora. But there are factors whose effect increases the likelihood of developing an ailment. Their list is as follows:
- non-observance of personal hygiene;
- random sexual intercourse; promiscuous sexual life;
- various pathologies of the endocrine system, in particular diabetes mellitus;
- hypovitaminosis and vitamin deficiency;
- disorders of the digestive system;
- injuries received during rough sexual contacts, childbirth, various diagnostic gynecological procedures;
- installation of an intrauterine device;
- wearing synthetic, too tight underwear.
Symptoms of the inflammatory process in the vagina
Violations that occur against the background of this disease, largely depend on the form of inflammation and the stage of its development.
First, the mucous membranes redden and swell. Often the same thing happens with the labia and other external tissues. Patients complain of constant itching and burning in the vagina. Sometimes there is soreness of the external genitalia and discomfort in the lower abdomen. Unpleasant sensations, as a rule, intensify during walking, physical activity.
The appearance of vaginal discharge can also be attributed to the symptoms of inflammation: they can be mucous, with impurities of pus and traces of blood. The unpleasant, even fetid smell of secretions is also very characteristic.
Urination is accompanied by increased pain. Unpleasant sensations also arise during sexual intercourse, so women, as a rule, try to avoid sexual contact - a gradual decrease in libido is observed. Moreover, sometimes the swelling of the mucous membranes becomes so strong that neither sexual intercourse nor even gynecological examination is possible.
Symptoms of intoxication also sometimes occur against the background of acute inflammation of the vagina - body temperature rises, patients complain of body aches, muscle pain, weakness, nausea, dizziness.
Some patients experience redness not only in the external genitalia, but also in the skin on the buttocks and on the inside of the thighs. The inflammatory process in the vagina is sometimes associated with urethritis, cervicitis, endometritis.
Information about possible complications
Vaginal inflammation is relatively easy to treat with medication. But in the absence of therapy or delayed diagnosis, the ailment often leads to dangerous, and sometimes irreversible, complications.
- Sometimes pathogens spread to other organs of the genitourinary system. Infection can affect the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, less commonly the bladder, urinary tract, and kidneys.
- Inflammation of the appendages and uterus leads to disruption of the menstrual cycle, sometimes until the complete disappearance of menstruation (amenorrhea).
- Adhesions and obstruction of the fallopian tubes are possible, which leads to the development of infertility, and also increases the risk of ectopic pregnancy after fertilization.
- If untreated, acute vaginosis can become chronic. This kind of pathology is much worse treatable.
- Sometimes, against the background of vaginitis, so-called fistulas are formed - cavities in the vagina connected to the rectum.
- Perhaps the development of an abscess of inflamed tissue. This is a dangerous condition that requires immediate surgical intervention.
That is why in no case can you ignore the symptoms of vaginal inflammation. The sooner therapy is started, the greater the chances of a quick and successful recovery.
Atrophic vaginitis
Atrophic inflammation of the vagina is usually diagnosed in older women. After the onset of menopause, the level of sex hormones in the body decreases, which in turn leads to qualitative and quantitative changes in the vaginal microflora. Dryness, thinning, and later gradual atrophy of the vaginal membranes are observed.
The disease is sometimes diagnosed in women of childbearing age, but in such cases, its development, as a rule, is associated with the use of hormonal drugs, severe diseases of the endocrine system, underwent surgery to remove the ovaries and uterus.
In this case, treatment is reduced to taking medications containing estradiol and estriol (available in the form of suppositories and tablets). The course of therapy also includes drugs that help restore normal microflora, populate tissues with various strains of beneficial bacteria.
Allergic inflammation
Vaginal inflammation is not always associated with the activity of pathogenic microflora. Allergic reactions are also accompanied by edema, itching and other characteristic symptoms. It is worth noting that allergies can be triggered by the use of spermicides, lubricants, vaginal suppositories. Sometimes there is an increased sensitivity to latex, from which condoms are made. The disease is treated with antihistamines, in more severe cases - with the help of hormonal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Is it possible to develop pathology in childhood?
A similar ailment is sometimes diagnosed in girls before puberty. The fact is that the children's body is more susceptible to various infections - the causative agents of scarlet fever, diphtheria, measles can penetrate the tissues of the reproductive system.
In addition, the mucous membrane of the vagina at such a young age is much thinner, and the microflora has not yet managed to fully form. By the way, in most cases, girls develop simultaneous inflammation of the vagina and labia - vulvovaginitis.
Vaginitis during pregnancy
Vaginal inflammation during pregnancy is considered a fairly common problem. As you know, during the bearing of a child, the body of a woman undergoes restructuring. The hormonal background changes, the immune system weakens, which significantly increases the likelihood of developing vaginitis.
During this period, therapy is associated with a lot of complications, because the patient can not take all the drugs. However, treatment for vaginal inflammation is necessary. In the absence of therapy, the infection can spread to deeper layers of the tissue. There is a risk that the pathology will affect the uterus. Moreover, pathogenic microorganisms can enter the amniotic fluid, affect the tissues and organs of a growing baby, and lead to miscarriage or premature birth.
Diagnostic measures
If alarming symptoms appear, you should definitely contact gynecology. Vaginal inflammation can be diagnosed during a routine examination using mirrors. The acute inflammatory process is accompanied by compaction and swelling of the vaginal mucosa. The tissues are brightly colored, covered with purulent or serous films. In the most severe cases, the formation of bleeding wounds and erosion is observed. Further studies are ongoing.
- Colposcopy allows you to carefully examine the mucous membranes of the vagina and cervix.
- A patient also necessarily takes a smear from the cervix and urethra, scraping a small amount of tissue from the walls of the vagina. Microscopic examination of the collected material allows you to determine the cause of the development of the disease. With non-specific inflammation in the samples, an increased number of leukocytes, the appearance of extraneous microflora can be detected.
- Bacteriological culture is also carried out. This procedure allows you to accurately determine the type of pathogen, as well as check the sensitivity of pathogenic microorganisms to a particular drug.
- Ultrasound examination of the pelvic organs is also mandatory. This procedure allows you to identify the presence of concomitant pathologies and developing complications.
Medications for vaginal inflammation
When the slightest symptoms appear, you need to contact a gynecologist. The treatment regimen is made depending on the form of inflammation, the stage of its development and the causes.
If there is a bacterial lesion, then patients are prescribed a course of taking antibiotics with a wide spectrum of effects, in particular, Amoxiclav, Doxinate, Amoxicycline. With fungal (usually candidal) inflammation, antifungal medications, in particular Fluconazole, are used. The inflammatory process caused by the simplest organisms requires the use of metronidazole preparations (Flagit, Trihozol). These funds are available both in the form of tablets for oral administration, and in the form of vaginal suppositories.
With inflammation of the vagina, it is also necessary to treat the external genitalia with antiseptic solutions of chlorhexidine or potassium permanganate. For douching, decoctions of medicinal plants are used, in particular, calendula, chamomile, sage, and a series of. These herbs have pronounced anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. By the way, douching can be carried out no more than three days in a row, since otherwise the procedure leads to even more serious microflora disturbances.
Anti-inflammatory pills are also used. With inflammation of the vagina, non-steroidal drugs help, and in severe cases glucocorticosteroids are needed. If vaginosis is the result of hormonal disruptions, then women are prescribed medications that contain sex hormones.
For the duration of therapy, patients are advised to refuse sexual intercourse. In addition, diet is also important. In particular, fatty and spicy dishes, sweets, alcohol are contraindicated, since these products create unfavorable conditions for the life of beneficial microflora bacteria.
By the way, the intake of antifungal and antibacterial agents negatively affects the microflora of the vagina. That is why women are prescribed special candles and pills, which contain live beneficial bacteria (Bifiform, Linex).
Traditional medicine
Some homemade remedies can help with this disease.
- As already mentioned, douching is helpful. For the procedure, you can use a decoction of leaves of coltsfoot.
- It is possible to process the genitals with the help of a decoction from the root of the pink radiola.
- Doctors recommend using sea-buckthorn candles (they can be purchased at the pharmacy ready-made). Such suppositories help to relieve itching, slow down the development of the inflammatory process, and accelerate tissue regeneration. The composition contains only natural ingredients, so candles are safe. By the way, instead of suppositories, a swab dipped in a small amount of sea buckthorn oil can be inserted into the vagina.
- Decoctions of herbs can be used to prepare warm sitz baths. First you need to make an herbal mixture. We mix two parts of oak bark, one part of dry yarrow herb, sage leaves and medicinal rosemary. Pour 100 g of the mixture with three liters of water and bring to a boil. After the broth has cooled and infused, it must be filtered.
- For washing the vagina using elderberry. 4-6 tablespoons of chopped fruit, pour 500 ml of boiling water and let it brew. The product is then filtered. Douching is best done before bedtime.
- You can prepare a medicine for oral administration. To do this, mix equal parts of valerian root, dry nettle leaves and lemon balm. Two tablespoons of the mixture must be ground in a coffee grinder, then put in a thermos and pour 500 ml of boiling water. The medicine is infused for the whole night. The filtered solution is taken at 50 ml per day (it is better to do this before meals). The course of such home therapy lasts a month.
Of course, before using any means you need to consult a doctor. The inept use of certain drugs (even if we are talking about decoctions of plants) can only worsen the situation.
Predictions for patients. Preventive actions
Inflammation of the vaginal mucosa in most cases lends itself well to drug treatment. On the other hand, if the patient did not seek help on time, complications are still possible.
There are no specific prophylactic agents. Women are advised to carefully monitor personal hygiene, avoid accidental sexual intercourse, and use barrier methods of contraception to protect against infection.
It is important to avoid injuries and exposure to provoking factors. All inflammatory and infectious diseases of the pelvic organs should be cured in time. When the first symptoms appear, you need to see a doctor - the sooner therapy is started, the easier the recovery period will pass.