One of the main parameters of a woman's reproductive health is vaginal microbiocenosis. It plays an important role in ensuring microecological status. The organism at the cellular and molecular levels continuously monitors the interaction between fragments of the vaginal epithelium and the bacteria living in it. As a result, the resistance of the epithelial elements to the population of pathogenic microflora is developed . With the weakening of colonization resistance, a tank develops. vaginosis. ICD-10 this disease is not registered. The concept of "bacterial vaginosis" appeared a few years after the release of this classification. The disease is unpleasant not so much with its manifestations as with complications arising from the absence of adequate therapy. It acquires the greatest danger during pregnancy.
What is this ailment?
Tank. vaginosis is a disease of the vaginal mucosa that develops as a result of changes in its microflora. The pathological process is accompanied by copious discharge with a characteristic odor. The exact causes of its occurrence are not fully established. It is assumed that a certain role in this matter belongs to hormonal disorders and the use of antibiotics for therapeutic purposes. Vaginosis therapy is aimed at the destruction of pathogenic bacteria and the normalization of microflora.
Every healthy woman has many microorganisms in her vagina. Lactobacilli (Doderlein sticks) belong to the beneficial microflora and make up approximately 99% of the total. The remaining microorganisms account for one percent. Under adverse conditions, they provoke the development of various diseases. In a healthy body, an increase in the number of pathogenic bacteria is restrained by the local immunity of the vaginal mucosa. Doderlein sticks produce peroxides, which form an acidic environment and also prevent the propagation of other types of microorganisms.
Certain microbes are involved in the development of the disease, but it does not belong to the group of sexually transmitted ones. These bacteria can be found on the genital mucosa of perfectly healthy men and women, which is why bacterial vaginosis is often called nonspecific vaginitis.
The causes of the disease
Why does a tank arise. vaginosis? The reasons for the development of this disease are not fully understood. Scientists from around the world continue to actively explore this issue and make assumptions. Today, the only reason for the development of the disease is considered to be a change in the quantitative composition of microorganisms in the vagina. It is known that the microflora of the mucosa is represented by lactobacilli. Other pathogenic bacteria (anaerobic cocci, mycoplasmas, gardnerella) are present in small quantities. Lactobacilli are actively involved in the synthesis of lactic acid. Thanks to her, an acidic environment is constantly maintained in the vagina. It provides suppression of the growth of pathogenic flora.
The developed system of self-regulation provides a constant composition of the vaginal environment. Under the influence of certain adverse factors, the integrity of this balance is violated. The vaginal microflora loses its normal quantitative composition. As a result, the number of lactobacilli drops sharply, the acidity of the medium changes. Pathogenic microorganisms against the background of these processes begin to multiply uncontrollably, a tank appears. vaginosis. There are no specific causative agents of the disease. Among bacteria associated with nonspecific vaginitis, Gardnerella vaginalis is commonly mentioned.
There are many factors that contribute to the development of the disease. They can conditionally be divided into external and internal. Impaired functioning of the immune system, hormonal imbalance, infectious pathologies and endocrine ailments provoke changes in the vagina from the inside. Uncontrolled use of antibacterial agents and douching for medicinal purposes also have an adverse effect on the microflora.
In the menopause, the tank. vaginosis in most cases is due to natural causes. Against the background of a decrease in the estrogen content in the vagina, a decrease in the growth of lactobacilli and an increase in the acidity of the medium are noted.
Symptoms of the disease
Clinical manifestations of the tank. vaginosis does not have specific signs. Often, the only symptom of the disease is abundant vaginal discharge with an unpleasant odor. At the initial stage of the development of the disease, they are liquid and white. If a woman neglects treatment, after a while the secret acquires a greenish tint and the smell of rotten fish. By its consistency, it resembles cottage cheese.
With bacterial vaginosis, there are no obvious signs of an inflammatory process (swelling, hyperemia, redness). However, various pathologies of the cervix may accompany the disease. Among them, cervicitis, erosion, ectropion should be distinguished. In approximately 50% of cases, nonspecific vaginitis is asymptomatic. That is why it is very difficult to identify it at the initial stages of development. Only a regular visit to the gynecologist for preventive purposes can detect an ailment. The following tank symptoms are distinguished. vaginosis:
- Itching in the external genital area.
- Burning sensation during urination.
- Characteristic vaginal discharge.
- Discomfort during intercourse.
If you find yourself with one or more symptoms, you should consult a doctor. Among the most common pathologies of a gynecological nature, a tank can be noted. vaginosis, endocervicitis. N.P. Ts. (scientific and practical centers) of medical care offer their own statistics of morbidity, which confirms the frequency of clinical cases of these ailments in women. They are similar in their symptoms, so they are sometimes difficult to differentiate. Both diseases cause serious harm to a woman’s health, therefore, require qualified treatment. Otherwise, the disease can become a constant companion.
Tank. vaginosis during pregnancy
In the body of every woman during pregnancy, certain physiological changes occur. They provide safe bearing and successful delivery. Sometimes these changes contribute to the appearance of the tank. vaginosis. A completely new order of hormonal regulation is formed in the body of a woman, where gestagens predominate. Otherwise, they are called pregnancy hormones. Progestogens affect the amount of mucus produced and cause fluctuations in the acidity of the medium. As a result, there is a change in self-regulation of the composition of the vaginal microflora, the volume of pathogenic microorganisms is growing, the tank is developing. vaginosis. In pregnant women, the lack of timely treatment can lead to premature miscarriage and the birth of a small child. The possibility of uterine infections in the postpartum period is not ruled out.
Many women in a position with such a diagnosis feel normal. The severity of symptoms depends on the duration of the pathological process and the presence of concomitant ailments. Often, the only complaints are characteristic vaginal discharge. The disease requires proper treatment. In conditions of a decrease in the activity of the body's defenses, the pathological process may be accompanied by inflammation and the addition of pathogenic flora. As a rule, topical administration of etiotropic drugs is used for treatment. From the second trimester, Metronidazole or Clindamycin is prescribed in short courses. It is important to take medications prescribed by your doctor even after the symptoms disappear. Sometimes after the end of therapy, the signs of the disease appear again. Doctors explain this by the fact that antibiotics kill not only pathogenic, but also “useful” microflora. If symptoms are tank. vaginosis reappeared, you should inform your doctor about this and take the necessary measures to eliminate them.
The effect of the disease on men's health
The pathology described in the article develops in the female vagina. That is why the tank. vaginosis in men does not occur. However, representatives of the stronger sex do not exclude the appearance of urethritis if they have sexual contact with a sick woman. This pathology is manifested by pains and pain during urination. If these symptoms are not present, specific treatment is not required.
Medical examination
Diagnosis of the disease begins with a regular survey, a study of the symptoms and complaints of the patient. At this stage, it is important for the doctor to know whether such episodes of the pathology have occurred before, what treatment was carried out, how effective it was. Symptoms of vaginosis are scanty and not marked. Therefore, the most valuable in diagnosis are the data of a gynecological examination and the results of a laboratory study.
An important criterion for confirming the disease is the absence of external signs of vaginal inflammation. With a tank. vaginosis of its mucosa has a pinkish tint. The discharge is evenly distributed along the walls of the vagina. Usually they have a characteristic odor reminiscent of rotten fish.
During the examination, the doctor measures the acidity of the vagina using special indicator strips. A shift to an alkaline environment indicates the presence of an ailment. An amine test is also required. For its holding, the secret from the vagina is mixed with a 10% KOH solution. If the smell of rotten fish appears or intensifies during this interaction, the test is considered positive.
Laboratory examination begins with a vaginal smear microscopy for a detailed study of the quantitative composition of microflora. A large number of gardnerells indicates bacterial vaginosis. Another important diagnostic sign is the presence of “key elements” in the smear. They look like cells of exfoliated squamous epithelium with bacteria on the membrane. In general, the scope of the examination is determined by the doctor. In most cases, the diagnosis does not carry difficulties.
How to treat a tank. vaginosis?
For each case of the disease, the doctor selects an individual therapy regimen. The selected treatment tactics should take into account that the pathological process develops against the background of changes in the vaginal microflora and a quantitative increase in pathogenic microbes. As a rule, therapy is carried out in two stages. At the first, it is necessary to improve the physiological conditions of the vagina, eliminate anaerobic microorganisms and normalize hormonal status. On the second - to restore microbiocenosis.
The volume of therapeutic intervention is determined immediately by several factors:
- the severity of the clinical picture;
- form of the disease;
- the duration of the pathological process;
- the presence of concomitant diseases;
- the presence of inflammation.
Before treating the tank. vaginosis, the doctor conducts a mandatory conversation with the patient. The thing is that throughout the course of therapy, certain rules must be observed. Limit the use of alcoholic beverages, spicy and spicy foods. If the patient undergoes a parallel course of treatment for another disease, it is necessary to inform the doctor about this.
First step
At the first stage, antibacterial agents are used to combat the disease. Drugs are selected taking into account the results of a laboratory study. Antibacterial agents are designed to eliminate the unfavorable vaginal flora and create “good” conditions for the reproduction of beneficial bacteria. For this purpose, patients are prescribed a variety of vaginal preparations ("Hexicon" gel "Metronidazole"). What candles should be prescribed with a tank. vaginosis, the doctor decides individually. It should take into account a number of additional factors (the presence of concomitant ailments, sensitivity to the components that make up the drug, etc.). To achieve a positive therapeutic effect, it usually takes 7-10 days. Sometimes doctors prescribe alternative treatment regimens using Metronidazole and its analogues in the form of tablets. The duration of their intake usually does not exceed one week.
Tank treatment. vaginosis with vaginal preparations gives good results. They are not inferior to tablets in their properties, but have several advantages. Vaginal creams and suppositories are administered directly to the pathological focus, can be used during pregnancy and do not cause side effects.
According to indications, symptomatic therapy is also prescribed. For complaints of itching and burning in the vagina, women are recommended local painkillers. Antihistamines eliminate severe allergic reactions. In case of violations of local immunity, immunocorrectors are prescribed. For all patients, the local use of lactic acid is mandatory for regulating the pH of the vaginal environment. For this, the drug "Femilex" is usually used. 1-2 weeks after the end of therapy, a second examination and laboratory tests are prescribed to evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment.
Second phase
Antibacterial agents successfully eliminate pathogenic microflora in the vagina. However, they cannot create the most favorable conditions for the development of lactobacilli. Therefore, after 2-3 days, they move on to the next stage of therapy.
Tank treatment. vaginosis includes measures to restore the lactoflora of the vagina and increase local immunity. For these purposes, eubiotics and probiotics are prescribed, which include lactobacilli and bifidobacteria ("Acylact", "Bifidumbacterin"). In the vast majority of cases, step-by-step treatment gives a positive result. The effectiveness of the therapy is evaluated twice: after 10 days, and then after 1.5 months. If the vaginal biocenosis can be restored, treatment is considered successful.
There is no consensus on the treatment of asymptomatic vaginosis. However, this form of the disease should not be ignored. If a woman is somatically healthy, and the diagnostic results do not show serious violations, doctors usually resort to expectant tactics. When there is a tendency to exacerbate the pathological process, the woman is prescribed appropriate therapy.
Treatment with folk remedies
In traditional medicine, such a thing as a tank. vaginosis does not occur. This name of the disease appeared recently. However, traditional healers offer their own options for the treatment of vaginal discharge, which are frequent companions of the disease. For these purposes, soda syringes, baths with decoctions of chamomile and calendula are suitable. Oral administration of anti-inflammatory infusions only alleviates the symptoms of the disease. They reduce itching and burning, the amount of secretions, but can not completely cure the tank. vaginosis.
Reviews of doctors indicate that folk remedies are excellent for strengthening general and local immunity. For these purposes, vitamin teas and mountain ash infusions are used.
Women have a widespread belief that kefir douching is useful for restoring the vaginal microflora. In fact, in this drink, in addition to beneficial bacteria, contains a large number of harmful, including mushrooms. In addition, such douching does not allow the beneficial microflora to multiply normally. In our world, there are a large number of safer and more effective drugs than kefir. Eubiotics should be prescribed by a doctor at the second stage of therapy, after antibiotic treatment.
Possible complications
A disease such as a tank should not be ignored. vaginosis. Suppositories, pills and vaginal creams today allow you to get rid of the disease forever in a few days. However, many women are in no hurry to seek help from a doctor, ignoring the symptoms. Such neglect of one's own health can negatively affect the work of the whole organism.
The lack of timely therapy contributes to the development of inflammatory diseases. The pathological process usually extends to the internal genital organs (uterus, ovaries with appendages). With a tank. vaginosis to one degree or another suffers from general and local immunity. As a result, susceptibility to genital infections and fungal infections increases.
Disease prevention
Specific prophylaxis of bacterial vaginosis has not been developed. To prevent the development of this disease, it is necessary to exclude the factors provoking it:
- It is rational and only as prescribed by the doctor to take antibiotics.
- Prevent intestinal dysbiosis.
- Timely treat gynecological diseases, monitor the hormonal background.
- Strengthen immunity.
- Have a regular examination with a gynecologist.
Excessive vaginal discharge usually indicates a tank. vaginosis. Photos of patients, causes and symptoms of the disease are presented in the materials of this article. Despite the insidiousness of this ailment, it is easily treatable. The main thing is to timely identify it and follow the doctor's recommendations. Be healthy!