With a decrease in estrogen during menopause, while breastfeeding or after removal of the ovary in women, the vaginal walls become dry and thin. This phenomenon causes an inflammatory process and is called "atrophic vaginitis" (colpitis).
Why does the disease occur?
A small content of female sex hormones leads to slow reproduction of vaginal epithelial cells. This provokes a decrease or complete disappearance of beneficial lactobacilli, which provide the normal microflora of the genital organs of women.
Why do you need a sufficient level of estrogen in the vagina:
- promotes proliferation of the epithelium;
- improves blood supply;
- forms lactic acid;
- It maintains an acidic environment, which is necessary for the propagation of “beneficial” bacteria and the reduction of pathogenic microorganisms.
An insufficient amount of estrogen leads to atrophic changes and serves as a favorable background for the formation of chronic forms of colpitis, such as bactericidal vaginitis. The disease is not sexually transmitted.
Atrophic vaginitis - symptoms
The disease has the following symptoms:
- burning sensation, dryness and itching in the vagina;
- pain after or during intercourse;
- small vaginal discharge with an admixture of blood;
- frequent urination
- whitish vaginal discharge.
Atrophic vaginitis is not dangerous for women, but introduces unpleasant moments into the intimate life of partners. To determine the disease, you need to contact a gynecologist.
Atrophic vaginitis - diagnosis
The specialist during the inspection will conduct the following examinations:
- examination on the gynecological chair of the cervix and vagina using a mirror;
- taking smears to exclude other types of colpitis, such as nonspecific vaginitis. And also to exclude oncology and conduct bacterial and bacteriological examinations;
- colposcopy procedure;
- determination of the pH of the vaginal environment.
These actions will help the gynecologist to correctly diagnose and prescribe the right treatment.
Atrophic vaginitis - treatment
When breastfeeding, the disease passes over time, and with menopause it is protracted. As a treatment, a doctor may prescribe:
- hormone therapy;
- replenishment of estrogen with tablets, ointments, creams and suppositories;
- water-based lubricants to relieve pain.
An antibiotic for colpitis is not prescribed, since the disease is not infectious. The most commonly prescribed creams are those where itching and burning of the vagina disappear within seven days. The tool continues to be used to consolidate the result for another week. Atrophic vaginitis can be treated due to the content of estrogen in the preparations, which thickens the vaginal epithelium.
Atrophic vaginitis - prevention
In order not to start and prevent the disease, the following actions must be taken:
- perform a gynecological examination twice a year;
- introduce fermented milk products into the diet, and exclude spicy and salty foods;
- observe hygiene rules.
Atrophic vaginitis is observed in 30% of women, and the risk of developing the disease doubles after a woman reaches the age of 55-60 years. Thus, in adolescence, the disease occurs in every second female.