Atrophic colpitis is a disease that develops in almost all women 1.5-5 years after the end of menstruation. Initially, changes occur in the epithelium of the mucous membrane, it becomes thinner. The walls of the vagina become easily traumatized, hyperemia leads to the appearance of liquid secretions mixed with blood. Since the protective functions of tissues are violated with a deficiency of female hormones, this leads to the attachment of a secondary infection and a prolonged chronic course of the disease.
A woman, if she has atrophic colpitis, feels itching, dryness and burning in the vaginal area, discharge with an unpleasant odor. On examination, the mucous membrane is bright red, weakness of the muscles of the pelvic floor, prolapse of the vagina, pain during intercourse and medical examination.
The provoking factors in the development of the disease are reduced immunity, diabetes mellitus, radiation of the genitals, frequent sexual intercourse, menopause, HIV infection and synthetic underwear.
The most correct and effective treatment method is estrogen replacement therapy in the first years after menopause. The later they start hormonal treatment, the lower the effect.
Is it possible to prevent atrophic colpitis, or does it inevitably develop in every woman during menopause? Yes, estrogen levels are gradually decreasing in all women, but constant intake of synthetic hormones helps maintain hormonal levels. Personal hygiene, refusal of deodorants, lotions, scented soaps can protect the skin and mucous membrane from dryness.
A cool shower instead of a hot bath, the fight against obesity, the use of cotton underwear, can protect a woman and prevent atrophic colpitis. But the Russian bath is an excellent key to health for women over fifty years old, if there are no contraindications in the form of heart and vascular diseases.
High temperature and humidity enhance metabolic processes, stimulate the production of mucus, relax muscles and improve blood circulation in the skin and mucous membranes. Contrast procedures are used to strengthen muscle tone and vascular elasticity when they are doused with cool water after a steam room. In this case, smooth muscle contraction and narrowing of blood vessels occur, which serves as a training for all defense mechanisms.
The process of atrophy slows down, the rush of blood to the mucous membranes increases, the production of collagen is stimulated, the elasticity and tone of the tissues are maintained, which means that atrophic colpitis has no reason for development. It is much easier to prevent a disease than to treat it.
It is important for women to know that using medicinal herbs, it is possible to carry out preventive treatment long before the onset of menopause. You can make a decoction of Rhodiola rosea and do irrigation on the back of the vagina, or you can use sit-down warm baths. To prepare the broth, you need to take 100 g of grass, pour a liter of water and boil for 10 minutes over low heat. After the broth has cooled, it must be filtered and used as intended.
When colpitis is diagnosed, treatment with folk remedies serves as an excellent complement to the hormone replacement therapy prescribed by the gynecologist. At home, a woman can apply gels, candles, tablets, and also perform douching and irrigation, insert tampons and take warm baths.
A positive effect is the reception of infusion of celandine. For this, 1 tbsp. l of herbal raw materials pour a glass of boiling water. For half an hour they insist in a thermos, after which they are filtered and drunk three times a day.
For douching, a decoction of calendula or chamomile flowers is used. At night, you can use a swab with aloe juice. You can wrap the crushed aloe pulp in gauze and enter deep into the vagina before bedtime. Such procedures stimulate recovery processes in the mucosa, relieve inflammation and moisturize it.
To prevent the disease, you need to avoid stress, exercise, do not smoke, monitor nutrition. When menopause occurs, do not forget about replacement therapy, do not postpone a visit to the doctor for a long time.