Vaginitis, vaginitis or colpitis is, along with vaginal fungus (vaginal mycosis), one of the most common genital diseases in women. The causes are mostly bacteria and pathogens that can be transmitted by frequently changing sexual partners. However, poor hygiene can also be the cause of vaginitis. A typical sign is an increased formation of vaginal discharge.
What is vaginitis?
Vaginitis, also known as vaginitis or colpitis in medical terminology, is a common condition in women. Vaginitis is one of the most common female diseases; almost every woman is affected by one at least once in her life. The term vaginitis covers all inflammatory diseases of this female sexual organ. The causes can be of a very diverse nature; by the way, women after menopause are particularly susceptible. The term vaginitis is derived from Latin; vagina is the Latin name for the female vagina. Normally, vaginitis does not last longer than two weeks. However, if it is not treated properly, it can become chronic in the worst case.
Causes
The main pathogens of vaginitis are bacteria and fungi. Vaginitis is thus one of the sexually transmitted diseases, which can not infrequently be transmitted during sexual intercourse. However, vaginitis can also quickly develop due to a lack of personal hygiene. Basically, the protective mechanism of the female vagina is disturbed in this disease. The normal environment in the vagina has a pH value of four; in the case of vaginitis, this value is altered. Especially when sexual partners change frequently, unwelcome pathogens can penetrate the vagina unhindered. However, the use of antibiotics can also have a negative effect on the natural environment in the vagina. Mechanical influences may also be responsible for the development of this disease. Tampons can be the cause as well as the use of a diaphragm. Hypothermia of the vagina can lead to altered blood and oxygen levels in this area; this can also cause vaginitis. Women who suffer from diabetes are also more prone to vaginitis.
Symptoms, complaints and signs
Women affected by vaginitis usually experience burning pain that occurs regardless of mechanical friction. If the vaginitis is based on a fungal infection, a painful itching in the intimate area also presents itself. If genital herpes is the cause, vesicles and other skin changes form in the vaginal area. What the various forms have in common is that the symptoms mainly occur during urination and sexual intercourse. In addition, there may be bleeding that occurs outside of the period and is usually more intense than usual. Typically, the discharge is also changed, which, depending on the cause, can be watery, thick, bloody or mucous and takes on an unusual odor. In the case of an infection with the fungus Candida albicans, the discharge is whitish-yellow and odorless. Bacterial vaginosis results in a thin fluid discharge with an unpleasant, slightly acidic odor. The discharge is yellowish-greenish if the vaginitis is due to a mixed infection with various bacteria. The symptoms of vaginitis appear in the course of a few days after the infection. If the disease is treated quickly, the symptoms also subside rapidly. Untreated vaginitis severely limits the quality of life and well-being, and chronic symptoms may also occur.
Course of the disease
One of the most common symptoms of vaginitis is increased discharge. This varies from woman to woman and can be watery, purulent, crumbly or even bloody – but it is usually foul-smelling. The typical fishy odor indicates a bacterial imbalance in the vagina. In some women, the discharge is accompanied by other symptoms. For example, burning pain or itching in the vagina are not uncommon. The external genital organs such as the labia can also be affected; in this case, these organs also burn and itch. In principle, vaginitis heals quickly on its own with the appropriate therapy.However, complications can occur if the inflammation spreads to the lining of the uterus – in this case, there may be unpleasant inflammation of the uterus as well as the ovaries and fallopian tubes.
When should you go to the doctor?
Initial symptoms of vaginitis, such as a slight itching in the intimate area and unpleasant smelling discharge, can in many cases be alleviated by simple home remedies: Especially sitz baths with diluted apple cider vinegar and wearing a tampon dipped in yogurt for hours have proven effective. In the intimate area, care should be taken to wear loose, breathable clothing, and clear water is better suited for intimate hygiene than cleansing products containing soap. If the symptoms do not improve within a few days as a result of these measures, or if they even worsen, a visit to the gynecologist is recommended to find out whether the vaginitis is caused by bacteria, fungi or other pathogens such as trichomonads. Burning in the vagina and pain during sexual intercourse should be clarified by a doctor even if there is no increased discharge. On the other hand, white-crumbly, yellowish or thin vaginal discharge can occur even without itching or other disturbances of well-being. Since untreated vaginitis can spread to the uterus and fallopian tubes, a medical examination is nevertheless advisable. In addition, there is a risk that unprotected sexual intercourse will transfer the pathogens to the partner and, without treatment, create a continuing “ping-pong effect”. Pregnant women should immediately consult the attending gynecologist at the first signs of vaginitis, such as burning, itching, redness in the intimate area or unusual discharge, in order to rule out any risk to the unborn child.
Treatment and therapy
Treatment of vaginitis depends on the underlying cause. Since the disease is sexually transmitted, it is advisable to treat the partner at the same time. Vaginitis can usually be diagnosed quite clearly by the gynecologist. The mucous membrane is often affected by vesicles and is also swollen or reddened. Swabs taken from this mucous membrane now provide information about the cause or pathogen of the disease. In the laboratory, this smear is examined in detail under the microscope. Antimycotics and antibiotics are the most frequently prescribed medications for vaginitis. But special vaginal suppositories or creams also usually help quite quickly against the symptoms of vaginitis. By the way, a secret tip that every woman can use at home is a tampon soaked in yogurt. This is inserted into the vagina and helps to restore the natural environment in this area. In principle, however, the use of a tampon should be avoided during vaginitis. Vaginal douches should also not be used during this time; likewise, sexual intercourse should be avoided.
Aftercare
In general, vaginitis is easily self-treatable in everyday life. However, it should be preceded by a confirmed diagnosis by a gynecologist. If women suffer from vaginitis more frequently, certain hygiene measures are necessary. Vaginitis is caused by bacteria, the further spread of which must be prevented. Under no circumstances should harsh cleansing products be used, which can irritate the sensitive area even more and aggravate the problem. Gentle and consistent cleaning is important. Underwear should be changed frequently. The recommended material is cotton, which can be washed at high temperatures after wearing. In vaginitis, a bacterial imbalance occurs in the vagina. The balance can be restored naturally with lactic acid bacteria. Special suppositories, which are inserted into the vagina, help with this. Alternatively, tampons soaked in natural yogurt can be used, which also make the itching that occurs with vaginitis more bearable due to the cooling effect. During the disease, the patient should refrain from vaginal douching and, if possible, from sexual intercourse. A confined and moist environment also favors the spread of bacteria. Therefore, tight-fitting clothing made of synthetic fibers, which increase natural sweating, should be avoided during the acute phase.
You can do it yourself
Vaginitis is usually well accessible to self-help in everyday life. Nevertheless, the gynecologist should ensure the diagnosis in advance during a thorough examination. This does not apply to cases where vaginitis is a known phenomenon in the patient. Vaginitis is caused by bacteria, which must be prevented from spreading further. This requires special hygiene. This in no way means the use of harsh cleansing products, which can further irritate the tissues and exacerbate the problem. Mild but consistent cleaning is important. This includes underwear, which should be changed frequently. This should be cotton and washed at high temperatures after use. Vaginitis results from a bacterial imbalance in the vagina. Lactic acid bacteria are able to restore this balance naturally. These can be introduced into the vagina with special suppositories. A tampon soaked in pure natural yogurt is a natural alternative, and its cooling effect can also relieve the itching that often occurs with vaginitis. Tightness and dampness are factors that favor the spread of bacteria. During the period of the disease, pants should not be too tight. Synthetic fiber promotes sweating and is not a favorable fabric for underwear worn during vaginitis.