Bacteria

The most common cause of vaginal inflammation is a bacterial infection. This is preceded by the so-called bacterial vaginosis, which means that the natural vaginal flora has been disturbed and there is an incorrect colonization with other bacteria, which can then trigger an inflammation. These are often bacteria that occur in many places and are also naturally part of our bacterial flora.

This includes, for example, the E. Coli germ, which is present in our intestines. Other typical germs are staphylococci, streptococci and enterobacteria. As explained above, lack of hygiene does not play a leading role in the infection with one of these germs, but the disturbance of the natural vaginal flora. Bacteria associated with classic sexually transmitted diseases such as gonorrhea (gonorrhea, the pathogen is called Neisseria gonorroeae) or chlamydia infection can also cause vaginal inflammation. The typical transmission route here is unprotected sexual intercourse – you can protect yourself by using condoms.

Mushrooms

A vaginal inflammation can also be caused by the incorrect colonization of fungi and is then also called vaginal mycosis. Here, too, the disturbance of the vaginal flora is typically preceded by a fungal infection. The forerunner among the fungi in vaginal inflammation is the yeast fungus Candida albicans, which accounts for over 80% of vaginal fungal infections. This fungus, like the other possible fungi, occurs naturally on our skin and also in our intestinal flora.

Diagnosis

To enable the gynecologist or family doctor to make the correct diagnosis, he will first conduct a short interview (anamnesis) to determine and assess the onset, symptoms and course of the disease. The next step is an examination of the vagina, where the condition of the mucous membrane (redness, blisters, deposits) and possibly also the discharge (color, odor, consistency) can provide information about the possible pathogen.The pathogen can be secured by performing a smear test with pathogen identification on site under the microscope or in a microbiological laboratory. In addition to the diagnosis of the current vaginal inflammation, it is also important to identify the cause of this.

Has a new antibiotic or other medication been taken? Have there been any changes in lifestyle or diet? What does current genital hygiene look like? These and similar questions, possibly followed by examinations, can prevent a recurrence of vaginal inflammation.