Definition
Vaginitis, also called vaginitis or colpitis, is the inflammation of the mucosa of the vagina. If the labia are also affected, it is called vulvovaginitis. This inflammation is often caused by bacteria or fungal infections. Many women suffer from vaginal inflammation during their lifetime and this has nothing to do with a lack of hygiene, as is unfortunately often mistakenly assumed. How vagina inflammation develops and how it can be successfully treated is explained in the following text.
Causes
The vagina naturally has its own protective barrier, which is formed by the so-called vaginal flora. This refers to a range of microorganisms that prevents the colonization of other harmful microorganisms such as bacteria or fungi. In addition, the vagina has an acidic pH value which can also repel potential intruders.
If this natural protective barrier is now disturbed, pathogens can more easily colonize the mucous membrane and thus lead to inflammation. There are many factors that can throw the natural vaginal flora out of balance. A typical example is an inflammation of the vagina after taking antibiotics.
Antibiotics destroy bacterial pathogens – but unfortunately not only these. Our natural bacterial colonization (so-called microbiom) can also suffer from the effect of the medication – this leads to diarrhea in the intestine, for example. In the vagina, important bacteria that are responsible for the protective barrier can be killed – the result is the colonization of new bacteria, which can then lead to vaginal inflammation.
Excessive hygiene, for example with alkaline soaps in the intimate area, has a similar effect. Here, too, the natural vaginal flora is destroyed and incorrect colonization can lead to vaginal inflammation. The hormone estrogen also has an important influence on the vaginal flora.
If an oestrogen deficiency occurs here, such as in the menopause, the vagina is more susceptible to inflammation. Mechanical irritation can also disturb the vaginal flora. These include, for example, contraception using a vaginal diaphragm or the use of tampons. Finally, it should be mentioned that even a regularly very heavy menstrual period can raise the pH value and thus reduce the barrier function.
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