Vaginitis (colpitis)
Vaginitis (or colpitis) is something that is not usually talked about out loud, but which can radically change your usual life. Itching, burning, unusual discharge or an unpleasant odor - all this is not only discomfort, but also anxiety: "What if this is something serious?" Such symptoms prevent you from feeling confident, disrupt the rhythm of life and become a cause of anxiety. But it is important to know: you are not alone, and this condition can be treated. In this article, we will tell you how to recognize vaginitis, what causes it and what to do to restore health and comfort.
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What is vaginitis (colpitis)?
Vaginitis, or colpitis, is an inflammation of the vaginal mucosa. Vaginitis can occur in women of any age: from little girls to women during menopause.
The vaginal mucosa protects the female reproductive system. Its normal condition is maintained by beneficial bacteria and an acidic environment that prevents harmful microbes from multiplying. But if this balance is disturbed, inflammation begins.
Symptoms of vaginitis (colpitis):
- Vaginal discharge. It can change color (from white to greenish), be liquid, thick or foamy. The smell often becomes unpleasant - "fishy" or sour
- Itching and burning in the vaginal area. The discomfort increases after urination or physical activity and causes discomfort
- Redness and swelling. The vaginal mucosa appears bright red and may be painful to the touch
- Pain and discomfort. These sensations may bother both during sex and at rest
- Problems with urination. Inflammation sometimes causes frequent urges or pain when urinating
Some women have vaginitis without obvious symptoms, which makes it difficult to notice right away.
Types of colpitis
Colpitis (vaginitis) is classified by the nature of the course, causes and characteristics of the inflammatory process. Let's look at the main types of the disease:
Acute colpitis
Acute vaginitis (colpitis) begins suddenly and manifests itself with severe symptoms.
A woman notices:
- Severe itching and burning
- Pain and discomfort in the vaginal area
- Abundant discharge with an unpleasant odor
If you do not start treatment in time, the acute form can become chronic, which is much more difficult to treat.
Chronic Colpitis
With chronic vaginitis (colpitis) of the vagina, the symptoms are less pronounced, but the inflammation persists for a long time. Often this condition occurs in the absence of proper treatment of the acute process.
Signs of chronic colpitis include:
- Occasional itching and minor discomfort
- Irregular or scanty discharge
- A feeling of dryness in the vagina
Chronic colpitis can worsen the quality of life and require long-term therapy.
Specific colpitis
The specific type is caused by sexually transmitted infections, such as trichomoniasis, gonorrhea or chlamydia.
Characteristic features:
- Severe inflammation
- Purulent discharge
- Pain during urination or sexual intercourse
Treatment of specific colpitis requires mandatory identification of the pathogen and the use of antibacterial therapy.
Nonspecific colpitis
Nonspecific colpitis develops due to the growth of opportunistic microorganisms, such as staphylococci or Candida fungi (causative agents of thrush).
Main symptoms:
- White or yellowish discharge
- Moderate itching
- Sometimes there is an unpleasant odor
This often occurs due to an imbalance of microflora, for example, due to reduced immunity or after taking antibiotics.
Atrophic colpitis
Atrophic colpitis often occurs in women during the postmenopausal period, when estrogen levels decrease. Because of this, the vaginal mucosa becomes thin, dry and vulnerable.
The main symptoms of atrophic colpitis:
- Dryness and discomfort in the vagina
- Pain during intercourse
- Small bloody discharge
Treatment usually involves local hormonal drugs that help restore the mucous membrane and improve its condition.
Stages of colpitis
Initial stage
This is the very first stage of the disease, when inflammation is just beginning.
Usually a woman feels slight discomfort, which can manifest itself as:
- Slight itching or burning
- Minor discharge without a strong odor
- Slight sensitivity in the vaginal area
At this stage, the disease often goes unnoticed, which allows it to progress.
Active stage
If vaginitis (colpitis) of the vagina is not stopped at the initial stage, the inflammation intensifies.
Symptoms become more pronounced and can cause serious discomfort:
- Discharge becomes abundant, its color and odor can change
- Itching and burning intensify, especially after urination or sexual intercourse
- The vaginal mucosa turns red and swells, a feeling of heaviness or pain appears
At this stage, a woman usually seeks help, since the condition begins to noticeably affect her daily life.
Chronic stage
If the disease is left without proper attention or treatment was ineffective, vaginal colpitis can become chronic.
In this condition:
- Symptoms may subside, but inflammation continues to destroy tissue;
- Exacerbations occur with decreased immunity, stress or other provoking factors;
- The vaginal mucosa loses its protective function, which increases the risk of other infections.
Chronic colpitis requires a comprehensive approach to treatment, including restoration of normal microflora and strengthening of the immune system.
Complicated stage
In severe cases, the inflammation can spread beyond the vagina and affect the pelvic organs. This is fraught with serious consequences:
- Chronic pain
- Difficulty conceiving and carrying a pregnancy
- Long and complicated treatment
The consequences of vaginitis can be avoided if you consult a doctor in time and strictly follow his recommendations.
General information
Causes of Vaginitis
Vaginitis (colpitis) occurs when the balance of vaginal microflora is disturbed or the mucous membrane is damaged.
Here are the most common causes:
- Infections. The growth of bacteria, fungi or viruses is a common cause of inflammation. For example, Candida fungi (thrush) and gardnerella bacteria are activated when the immune system is weak. Inflammation can also be provoked by sexually transmitted infections: trichomoniasis, chlamydia, gonorrhea
- Hormonal changes. Estrogens are responsible for the health of the vaginal mucosa. When their level drops (during menopause, pregnancy or adolescence), the mucosa becomes thinner and loses its protection, which leads to inflammation
- Lack of hygiene. The problem may arise due to both insufficient cleanliness and excessive use of aggressive intimate hygiene products. Both cases disrupt the microflora and cause inflammation
- External factors. Vaginitis can be caused by mechanical damage (for example, due to tight underwear), allergies to latex or hygiene products. Inflammation also often occurs after taking antibiotics, which disrupt the natural balance of microflora
- Weakened immunity. Chronic diseases (for example, diabetes), stress or severe fatigue reduce the body's defenses and make the vagina vulnerable to infections
If you find and eliminate the cause in time, you can avoid inflammation and its complications.
Disease prevention
Adenomyosis develops gradually, and doctors distinguish four stages depending on the depth of penetration of the endometrium into the muscle layer. Even if nothing bothers you, visit a gynecologist every six months. Preventive examinations will help to notice the problem in time and avoid complications.
Prevention of vaginitis:
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Hygiene without fanaticism. Using aggressive intimate hygiene products can disrupt the natural balance of microflora. It is better to choose soft gels with a neutral pH and avoid douching without a doctor's prescription. Underwear should be changed every day, giving preference to natural fabrics that "breathe".
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Strengthening the immune system. A healthy lifestyle is the key to a strong immune system that protects against inflammation. Try to maintain a sleep schedule, eat right, and include probiotics in your diet, such as yogurt or kefir. They help maintain a healthy bacterial balance.
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Protection during sex. Condoms reduce the risk of infections that can cause vaginitis. Discuss your partner's health with them and, if necessary, get tested together to rule out hidden infections.
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Do not self-medicate. If you experience itching, burning, or unusual discharge, it is best to see a doctor immediately. Self-medication, especially taking antibiotics without a prescription, can worsen the situation with vaginitis and lead to chronic inflammation.
Answers to popular questions
Doctors at K+31 answer common questions about colpitis:
How does vaginitis progress in young girls and teenagers?
In young girls, vaginitis often manifests itself as itching, redness, and discharge, which sometimes has an unpleasant odor. The causes can be different: poor hygiene, the use of soap that irritates the mucous membrane, or even the ingress of a foreign body.
In adolescents, vaginitis is often associated with hormonal changes. During this period, the vaginal microflora is still unstable, and the body becomes more vulnerable to infections.
How is vaginitis treated during pregnancy?
Treatment of vaginitis in pregnant women is aimed at eliminating inflammation and protecting the child from possible complications. Usually, local medications are prescribed - suppositories or creams that do not affect the development of the baby.
If vaginitis is caused by fungi, antifungal suppositories are used. For bacterial infections, safe antiseptics are prescribed. Treatment is always selected individually, taking into account the duration of pregnancy and the severity of symptoms.
Is colpitis sexually transmitted?
Colpitis itself is an inflammation of the vaginal mucosa, and it is not contagious in itself. But if the inflammation is caused by a sexually transmitted infection (for example, chlamydia or trichomonas), the partner may become infected. In such cases, both partners must be treated, otherwise the disease will return again and again.
Can vaginitis come back after treatment?
Yes, if the cause of vaginitis is not eliminated. For example, synthetic underwear, scented gels for intimate hygiene or refusal to treat the partner can cause inflammation again.
To avoid recurrence of vaginitis, it is important:
- Complete the full course of treatment
- Follow the doctor's recommendations
- Eliminate factors that provoke inflammation
What symptoms require urgent medical attention?
If you experience severe pain in the lower abdomen, high temperature, discharge with a sharp unpleasant odor or blood impurities, this is a reason to immediately consult a doctor. Such symptoms may indicate the spread of infection to the uterus, ovaries or other organs.
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