Age colpitis symptoms. Signs of vaginitis and how to eliminate it
This disease is manifested by inflammation of the mucous membranes of the vagina against the background of a decrease in the level of sex hormones - estrogens, in a woman's body.
Despite the fact that vaginitis during menopause usually occurs accompanied by moderately severe symptoms, it still gives the patient a lot of discomfort. We will try to understand what age-related colpitis is and how to treat this condition with experienced gynecologists-endocrinologists of the NEOMED Medical Center.
Signs of colpitis in older women
Every postmenopausal woman knows about the characteristic manifestations of this condition - dryness, burning and itching of the genitals, as well as a whole range of hormonal symptoms. Against the background of general changes in the body, patients often do not even suspect that they have an inflammatory process of the vagina.
Characteristic signs of senile colpitis:
- discomfort in the genital area- the itching and burning mentioned above. They are also accompanied by dry mucous membranes and moderate soreness in the vaginal area;
- tissue hyperemia- the mucous membranes of the genital organs, including the external ones, become red, signaling the spread of inflammation;
- unusual discharge- the nature and consistency of the discharge depends on the infectious agent that caused vaginitis, however, abundant cheesy, putrefactive and mucous discharge mixed with blood is often noted;
- pain when urinating and during sex- Pain causes any physical activity and contact of the genital organs with a liquid medium.
Age-related vaginitis also causes general weakness and irritability of the fair sex, but these signs are lost against the background of general menopausal manifestations.
Causes of age-related colpitis
If in young women the inflammatory process of the vagina develops mainly as a response to a pathogenic infectious agent, then age-related vaginitis is associated primarily with hormonal changes. Against the background of a sharp decrease in estrogen levels, there is a rapid depletion of the mucous membranes of the vagina. This process is accompanied by a significant change in the quantitative composition of the natural microflora of the vagina. First of all, the number of vaginal sticks and lactobacilli that produce lactic acid decreases. The acidity of the mucous membranes is lost and the pH of the medium almost doubles to pH 5.0-7.0.
The acidic reaction of the membranes of the genital organs serves as the main deterrent for the development of the conditionally pathogenic flora of the vagina - the yeast fungus Candida, Escherichia, Escherichia coli, etc. When this protective mechanism is lost and the mucous membranes begin to deplete, all these normal inhabitants of the vagina begin to actively grow and multiply causing inflammation. In some cases, pathogenic microorganisms - trichomonas, ureaplasma, chlamydia, etc., can also serve as the root cause of the infectious and inflammatory process.
It is important to note that the described form of vaginitis sometimes affects young women, if they have the following risk factors:
- immunodeficiency states;
- endocrine pathologies - diabetes mellitus, obesity, thyroid disorders;
- patients who survived the removal of the ovaries;
- women who have undergone radiation and radiotherapy.
Non-compliance with the rules of intimate hygiene and wearing tight synthetic underwear are also factors provoking a violation of the composition of the vaginal microflora.
Diagnosis and treatment of age-related colpitis in women
A gynecologist can make a diagnosis already on the basis of a standard examination and determination of the pH level of the vaginal environment. Bacterioscopic and bacteriological examination of the smear helps to determine the specific pathogen and its sensitivity to antibacterial drugs. An extended colposcopy of the vagina is considered an additional diagnostic measure.
The main direction of treatment of colpitis in older women is hormone therapy. Gynecologists prefer the appointment of natural estrogens. Local application of antibacterial ointments and gels is also prescribed, which are selected individually, taking into account the sensitivity of the identified pathogen. A positive effect is shown by baths with decoctions and infusions of herbs that have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects. Additionally, a set of measures for general strengthening therapy is being formed, which includes taking multivitamin preparations and normalizing the diet.
Experienced gynecologists of the multidisciplinary medical center of the European level of service NEOMED will help diagnose and treat age-related colpitis in women.
The most common age when colpitis occurs in women is reproductive. Usually, the vagina of sexually mature women is protected from vaginal infections by an acidic environment and an intact mucosa. But a sensitive environment that is largely immune to pathogens can quickly become out of balance due to antibiotics, excessive hygiene, or estrogen deficiency.
When this natural defense mechanism of the vagina is disrupted, bacteria, fungi, and other pathogens can easily cause this inflammation. They are often transmitted during sexual intercourse and by environmental exposure to the vagina, when it is most susceptible to infection.
With colpitis, the mucous membrane turns red and swells, wet and with vaginal discharge. A gynecologist will help to accurately determine the signs. A swab taken will tell you what type of pathogen that caused the inflammation.
Colpitis is a gynecological disease in which the mucous upper layer of the vagina becomes inflamed. Sometimes the symptoms of the disease can be seen on the vaginal part of the cervix. Treatment depends on the cause - bacteria or mechanical disturbance of the mucosa.
Characteristic signs of colpitis are swelling of the mucosa and atypical discharge. The type of discharge depends on the causative agent of the disease.
There are many factors that can throw the vaginal flora out of balance:
- antibiotics that disrupt the natural bacterial colonization of the vagina
- mechanical effects such as tampons, diaphragmatic contraception or other foreign body in the vagina;
- excessive hygiene (with alkaline soaps);
- vaginal contrast shower;
- estrogen deficiency;
- menstrual blood, which counteracts the acidic environment of the vagina;
- alkaline mucus from the cervix;
- diabetes.
But disturbed microflora and mucosa by themselves have no effect, they only form the basis for inflammation. In fact, colpitis is caused by certain pathogens:
The most common causes of colpitis include bacterial vaginosis. It throws the balance of the vaginal flora out of balance. As a result, settled bacteria that are not usually found there, especially the bacteria of Gardnerella vaginalis.
Some of the possible pathogens belong to the normal vaginal microflora, others come from outside - usually during intercourse. Vaginitis is thus a sexually transmitted disease. Reasons for transmitting pathogens from one person to another may also include sharing or bathing in the same water, underwear, towels, or poor hygiene.
Colpitis in girls
Prepubescent girls do not yet have the defense mechanisms that usually prevent vaginitis. Before puberty, the vaginal environment is not acidic and lacks estrogen, and bacteria can easily multiply and cause infections in the vagina. In most cases, the symptoms of the lesion are visible on the external primary genital organs (the so-called vulvovaginitis). 
Common causes of bacterial vaginosis in children can be identified after a swab from the anus. For example, they may be E. coli, urinary tract infections, or a foreign body. Everything needs to be treated with appropriate methods.
Vaginal infections in older women
Women may also experience a loss of defense mechanism when the body produces fewer hormones, such as during or after age-related menopause. Thus, the risk of vaginal infections increases. Conditional estrogen deficiency in older women doctors call atrophic vaginitis or vaginosis. In the absence of estrogen, it comes to tissue shrinkage (atrophy) of the skin and mucous membranes of the vagina, which become thinner and therefore more vulnerable. In addition, lactic acid bacteria cannot multiply sufficiently, so that other bacteria spread more easily (especially from the intestinal flora).
Age-related vaginitis is often initially located in the vagina. Symptoms vary depending on the pathogen causing the inflammation, and treatment is appropriate.
How to recognize colpitis?
The main symptoms of vaginitis are vaginal discharge. Because of the vaginal infection, there has been an increase in the excretion of fluid, which can be watery, depending on the composition, mucous, purulent, frothy, crumbly or bloody in nature, often with an unpleasant odor.
The type of discharge depends on the specific pathogen. Most vaginitis is based on a mixed infection of different bacteria, resulting in a yellow-green color. The fungus Candida Albicans produces a white, odorless discharge. An unpleasant, fishy odor can, however, indicate a bacterial imbalance in the vaginal flora - the so-called bacterial vaginosis.
Depending on the causative agent of colpitis, symptoms may occur:
- pain during intercourse;
- burning pain (regardless of mechanical irritation);
- itching in the vagina (a fungus may be the cause);
- edema;
- blisters (due to a genital herpes infection);
- discomfort when urinating;
- redness;
- bleeding.
There are two forms of the further course of the disease - acute and chronic.
Acute colpitis
His symptoms are a continuation of those already mentioned, but in a more severe form. In addition to itching and burning, there are purulent or mucopurulent discharge with ichor, heaviness in the lower abdomen. Signs of inflammation are already observed not only in the vagina, but also on all external genital organs and the cervix. With any contact with the walls, the membrane is broken and blood flows.
The course of the disease is individual and may depend on immunity, the age category of the woman and the pathogen itself.
Chronic colpitis
It occurs during self-treatment, if a woman does not go to a gynecologist when she notices the symptoms of the disease. The cause of colpitis is not eliminated, you remove only its signs.
The symptoms are completely invisible and only sometimes worsen, but the inflammation spreads without problems to the internal genital and reproductive organs. Treatment of chronic colpitis should not be delayed, otherwise it threatens with dangerous complications.
How to eliminate the disease?
With colpitis, treatment depends on which pathogen is responsible for the disease.
Effective remedies for bacterial vaginal infections are:
Used only when prescribed by a doctor! Because the symptoms of some other diseases may have a character similar to colpitis.
Depending on the pathogen that is causing your vaginitis, you may be able to treat it with drugs that are applied locally in the vagina, such as special vaginal suppositories or creams, medications in the form of tablets or injections.
Since pathogens are sexually transmitted, it makes sense to be treated with your partner.
A disease such as colpitis most often occurs on the basis of a weakened immune system. Its level is determined by analysis. Therefore, treatment should include restorative methods and drugs.
If the disease is due to problems with the ovaries or the colpitis is recurrent, hormonal drugs may be prescribed. Treatment of inflammation begins with the help of special antimicrobial solutions, which are administered by douching. Possible sitz baths with the addition of chamomile infusion.
Such treatment also includes a diet without spicy, fried, salty and fatty foods, alcoholic beverages. Most of the diet should consist of dairy products.
Independent measures
Alternative medicine
There are home remedies for colpitis, the treatment of which is quite effective. You can insert a tampon soaked in yogurt into your vagina to improve acidity or relieve discomfort. During therapy, it is advisable that you abstain from sexual intercourse. While vaginitis has not yet finished treatment, it is better not to use tampons.
With rare inflammation of the vagina in girls, local treatment with potassium permanganate baths is used. In the case of resistant bacteria, it is advisable to use antibiotics and ointments. With colpitis, doctors always give a good prognosis - provided that the treatment of inflammation is carried out constantly.
Prevention
There is no 100% protection against colpitis. Try to avoid exposure to pathogens, such as using condoms during intercourse, showering before and after.
You can try not to disturb the natural environment of the vagina. Just as poor hygiene can increase the chance of vaginitis, washing too often with soap, long bubble baths, vaginal douches, or intimate sprays can be harmful. The vagina has very good defenses against infections and excessive body hygiene can disrupt this defense mechanism and contribute to the onset of colpitis.
Also ensure proper toilet hygiene: when cleaning feces, movements should be exclusively from front to back. Do not wipe the stool from the anus to the vagina. If you notice any symptoms, contact your gynecologist immediately.
Complications
They can occur if vaginitis has developed to the cervix. In this case, infections of the uterus or inflammation of the fallopian tubes and ovaries (pelvic inflammatory disease) are possible.
Vaginitis during pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of preterm birth. In addition, there is a possibility of infection of the child from pathogens of the expectant mother during childbirth. This is especially true of colpitis with herpes viruses, gonococcus or chlamydia trachomatis. Also, these bacteria can cause a newborn disease such as conjunctivitis. In these cases, a planned caesarean section is recommended.
Important: Herpes viruses cannot be completely eliminated, they remain in the body for life.
Colpitis: symptoms, causes and treatment
The content of the article:Women of reproductive age, for one reason or another, often face problems in terms of gynecology. Medical statistics say that at least once every second woman has experienced such a disease as colpitis. Consider the causes of its occurrence, the symptoms of colpitis, diagnostic methods and treatment regimens, and also find out what effect this pathology can have on the organisms of a pregnant woman and an unborn child.
Colpitis, what is it
Colpitis in women is an inflammatory process that develops on the mucous membrane of the vagina. Only in isolated cases is colpitis a single isolated inflammatory process. In most cases, this pathological condition occurs simultaneously with inflammation of the mucous membranes of the external genital organs (with vulvitis), the canal of the uterine neck (with endocervicitis) and / or the upper membranes of the urethra (with urethritis). In fact, colpitis can be considered one global problem, consisting of many smaller problems. Not only the notorious vaginal candidiasis (typical thrush) can be attributed to colpitis, but also more dangerous STDs (which are sexually transmitted) that affect the mucous layers of the vagina, thereby provoking the development of inflammatory processes of various scales in them.
Causes of colpitis in women
The development of the disease occurs due to the ingestion of various pathogenic microorganisms (pinworms, gonococci, trichomonas, ureaplasmas, proteus, gardnerella, Escherichia coli, staphylococci, streptococci, chlamydia, fungi of the genus Candida into the vagina. Various viruses, such as papillomavirus, cytomegalovirus, can also cause colpitis or the herpes virus.
Microorganisms can get on the mucous membrane in various ways: with unwashed hands, with insufficiently thorough hygiene of the genital organs, with stale linen. Also, the inflammatory process can be triggered by prolonged mechanical irritation of the mucous layers of the vagina. This is common among women who have been prescribed by a doctor to wear rings that keep the vaginal walls from falling out. Interestingly, colpitis can be diagnosed not only in adult women and girls. This pathology is often found in childhood in girls 4-12 years old. The most common cause is blood flow in the genitals in diseases such as measles, influenza and scarlet fever.
But you need to keep in mind that a woman is never in completely and completely sterile conditions, so the ingress of pathogenic bacteria into the body is normal and natural. A healthy female body is able to independently get rid of pathogenic microbes without any negative consequences. In view of this, there are several factors predisposing to infection with colpitis:
Decreased functional activity (hypofunction) of the ovaries.
Diseases with a chronic course of various systems and organs.
Abnormal structure of the organs of the reproductive system (this includes the omission of the walls of the vagina, displacement to the sides of the genital organs, wide gaping of the genital slit, and others).
Sluggish vaginosis of bacterial origin (may occur as a result of improper douching, the use of potent antiseptic drugs, the illiterate use of intrauterine contraceptives, and also due to the natural physiological thinning of the vaginal mucosa in the postmenopausal period).
At risk are women who have a history of various diseases of the genitourinary system and those who regularly use intrauterine devices. The risk of "catching" colpitis is also high in women who have several sexual partners.
Doctors know cases of senile colpitis. In older women, the vaginal mucosa, due to age-related hormonal changes, becomes overdried, "wrinkles", which can provoke the onset of an inflammatory process.
Symptoms of colpitis in women
Symptoms of the disease vary depending on the type of pathology. Colpitis can be acute and chronic. Let us consider in detail the characteristic symptoms for each type of colpitis.
Acute course of colpitis
Symptoms of acute colpitis occur unexpectedly. Suddenly, the woman begins to feel the characteristic cramps, itching and burning in the vaginal area. Intensive discharges appear, the nature of which can be different: from mucopurulent to pronounced purulent with an admixture of blood. The lower abdomen may sip a little. Often during urination, the intensity of unpleasant sensations increases. The mucous membranes of the vagina change their normal pinkish color to bright red, and visible swelling appears. Even the slightest mechanical impact can provoke bleeding of the vaginal mucosa. Often, the inflammatory process extends to the uterine cervix and other genital organs of a woman. Symptoms of the development of colpitis are strictly individual and depend on which pathogen caused the disease. For example, colpitis caused by Trichomonas is manifested by purulent discharge from yellow to green, they can be frothy, have a sharp unpleasant odor. At the same time, fungal colpitis is characterized by discharge of a light shade, even closer to white with a curdled consistency.
Often, colpitis is characterized by symptoms of vulvovaginitis, the development of which is very rapid: irritation from the vagina quickly spreads to the genitals and soon even affects the surface of the thighs and buttocks. The unpleasant symptoms of colpitis always suppress a woman's sexual desire. Sexual intercourse becomes painful and can cause bleeding due to mechanical damage to the inflamed vaginal walls.
Chronic course of colpitis
The overflow of the acute form of the disease into the chronic one occurs only for one reason: the woman did not take measures to treat the acute course of the pathology or was self-medicating. The latter option, as well as the first, is absolutely unacceptable, because the activity of the infection is suppressed, but its presence is not excluded. That is, the inflammatory process remains. Symptoms of chronic colpitis are most often erased, not pronounced, but exacerbations occur periodically. The signs of chronic colpitis are the same as those of the acute form of the inflammatory process, but they are sluggish. The main danger of this form of pathology is that the inflammation gradually passes from the vagina to the fallopian tubes, ovaries and the uterus itself. This can lead to problems with conception, that is, infertility.
I would also like to dwell on the features of the course of colpitis in female representatives of non-reproductive age.
Colpitis in childhood
Doctors officially call children's colpitis vaginitis. According to statistics, every fifth girl 4-12 years old has been diagnosed with an inflammatory process in the vagina at least once. In the vast majority of cases, vaginitis in childhood is provoked by infection of a bacterial origin on the vaginal mucosa. Rarely, the inflammatory process develops as a result of allergic reactions to food or hygiene products intolerable to the child's body. Most often, the disease occurs in a chronic form, which in this case is characterized by not too abundant purulent-mucous discharge. Vaginitis in girls in an acute form is quite rare, it can be provoked by diseases of an infectious origin and the ingress of foreign bodies into the vagina.
Colpitis in postmenopausal age
Women of non-reproductive age after menopause also experience colpitis. It is customary for doctors in older women to call this disease atrophic colpitis. The development of this pathology is due to the fact that with the onset of menopause, the level of sex hormones in the body decreases, respectively, the activity of the ovaries becomes less active, and the mucous membranes of the vagina dry up, atrophic changes appear. At the beginning of the development of the inflammatory process, the symptoms are not pronounced, but gradually it increases: characteristic cramps and pains appear in the vagina, the vulvar area itches, purulent discharge, sometimes with blood, is possible.
Diagnosis of colpitis
Usually an experienced gynecologist is not difficult to diagnose colpitis. Examination of the patient on the chair is performed using standard gynecological mirrors. The acute course of colpitis is always visually noticeable: the mucous membrane of the vagina has a bright, uncharacteristic for a healthy shade. The folds of the vagina are quite loose, thick, there are swelling. Serous or purulent raids are often noted. If the doctor tries to scrape off the plaque, then the integrity of the tissue is easily damaged and starts to bleed. Particularly severe, neglected cases of colpitis during visual examination are manifested by erosion of the epithelium.
The chronic form of colpitis is somewhat more difficult to diagnose due to the fact that the defectiveness of the vaginal mucosa in this case will be much less pronounced.
But in order to make an accurate diagnosis, one examination in the mirrors is not enough. At the moment, in order to make a correct diagnosis, and, therefore, to prescribe an adequate, effective treatment, doctors use such a diagnostic method as colposcopy. The procedure is carried out using a special device - a colposcope, which looks very similar to a laboratory microscope. With its help, the doctor gets the opportunity to make a thorough examination of the vagina and cervix under multiple magnification. Modern colposcopes allow not only to display a clear picture on the screen, but even record a video, which almost completely eliminates the possibility of making a wrong diagnosis in a patient. During the diagnosis with a colposcope, a woman does not experience any pain.
In addition to colposcopy, every woman with suspected colpitis should have smears from the urethra, vagina, and cervical canal for microscopy. The result of these analyzes reveals the amount of leukocytes in the smear. Nonspecific colpitis is characterized by a large number of them (30-60 or even more in the field of view), as well as an increased content of cells of the lowered epithelial tissue. In the conclusion to this laboratory analysis, the number of lactobacilli will also be indicated (with colpitis it invariably decreases) and the presence of "foreign" microflora.
The patient is also prescribed bakposev and bacterioscopic examination of smears. These analyzes make it possible to identify pathogenic microorganisms (to establish their gram-bearing, types, nuances of morphology). In the acute course of colpitis, large associations of a wide variety of bacteria are most often found.
If you suspect the presence of concomitant gynecological pathologies, the specialist prescribes an ultrasound diagnosis of the pelvic organs to the patient.
Modern gynecology offers patients with colpitis general and local therapy. The tactics and treatment regimen in each clinical case is selected by a specialist on a strictly individual basis. The type of pathology, the presence of concomitant gynecological problems, the age of the woman, as well as her history are taken into account.
Local treatment of colpitis involves sanitation (douching / washing) of the vagina and external genital organs with special solutions of certain medications. Most often it is a solution of potassium permanganate (the notorious potassium permanganate), zinc sulfate, chlorophyllipt or a solution of rivanol. As a supplement, it is recommended to use decoctions of herbs with antiseptic properties (for example, chamomile or sage).
General therapy includes general strengthening treatment, the purpose of which is to increase immunity. After all, as mentioned above, the low protective ability of the female body is a sure way to health problems, including colpitis.
During the diagnosis, the doctor determines the type of bacteria in order to act on them with antibacterial drugs during the treatment. Antibiotics can be given either topically or orally, and in some cases both.
The patient is required to comply with a special diet. The diet excludes dairy and sour-milk products and dishes, and also minimizes the amount of salty, fatty and spicy foods consumed. Also, for the duration of treatment, alcoholic and sweet carbonated drinks are completely excluded.
In order to reliably assess the effectiveness of the prescribed treatment, swabs from the vagina are taken from the patient for analysis at regular intervals. In patients of childbearing age, a smear is taken on the fifth day of the cycle, in young patients, as well as in the elderly, a control smear is taken after the completion of the full course of colpitis therapy.
Treatment of atrophic colpitis
Since the cause of the development of colpitis in the postmenopausal period is a hormonal imbalance, gynecologists use hormone therapy to treat this problem in mature women. Treatment with hormone-containing agents is carried out in two ways. The first method of treatment is topical therapy. Tablets and vaginal suppositories are used. The second method is already systemic, that is, taking tablets (of course, orally) and injections. The most effective and widely used for the treatment of colpitis are drugs such as Ginodian depot, Ovestin and some others.
The following methods are used as adjunctive therapy:
Physiotherapeutic procedures (most often this is a magnetic laser effect on the external genital organs).
Treatment of the vagina and labia with soda solution.
The use of vaginal suppositories with sea buckthorn oil.
Treatment of both acute and chronic colpitis implies complete abstinence from sexual intercourse until the tests return to normal and the symptoms of the disease disappear.
The scheme of treatment of colpitis
Specific treatment
Etiotropic treatment depends on the pathogen that caused colpitis. Preparations and treatment regimens for colpitis are presented in the table.
| The causative agent of the disease | Drugs and treatment regimen |
| Nonspecific bacterial colpitis | polygynax 1-2 vaginal capsules per day for 7-12 days; terzhinan 1 suppository at night for 10 days; meratin combi 1 vaginal tablet at night for 10 days; mycogynax 1-2 vaginal capsules for 7-12 days; betadine, vocadine (iodine polyvinylpyrrolidone) 1-2 vaginal capsules for 7-12 days. |
| Gardnerella colpitis | Ung. Enter Dalacini 2% with an applicator into the vagina 1 time per day for 7 days or ointment tampons 2 times a day in the morning and evening for 2-3 hours, for 7-10 days; ginalgin 1 vaginal suppository at night for 10 days; terzhinan (meratin combi, mykozhinaks) 1-2 vaginal capsules for 12 days; metronidazole 0.5 g 2 tablets 2 times a day for 10 days; Klion-D 100 is injected at night deep into the vagina, 1 tablet for 10 days. |
| Trichomonas colpitis | The course of treatment is 10 days during 3 menstrual cycles. metronidazole (ginalgin, klion, efloran, trichopolum, flagyl, pitride) in the morning and evening, 1 vaginal suppository for 10 days; tinidazole (fazizhin) 1 suppository at night for 10 days; macmiror complex 1 vaginal suppository at night for 8 days; terzhinan (meratin combi, mykozhinaks) 1 vaginal suppository at night for 10 days; trichomonacid vaginal suppositories 0.05 g for 10 days; nitazol (trichocid) 2 times a day suppositories in the vagina or 2.5% aerosol foam 2 times a day; Neo-penotran 1 suppository at night and in the morning for 7-14 days; hexicon 1 vaginal suppository 3-4 times / a day for 7-20 days. |
| Candidal colpitis | nystatin 1 vaginal suppository at night for 7-14 days; natamycin 1 vaginal suppository at night for 6 days or a cream that is applied to the surface of the mucous membranes and skin with a thin layer 2-3 times a day; pimafucort 2-4 times a day in the form of a cream or ointment for 14 days; clotrimazole - 1 vaginal tablet at night for 6 days; canesten 500 mg once as a vaginal tablet; miconazole 2-3 times a day vaginal cream for 6 days. |
| Genital herpes | direct antiviral drugs:
(cyclovir, zovirax, vivorax, virolex, atsik, herpevir) - cream for application to the affected area 4-5 times a day for 5-10 days; bonafton - 0.5% ointment, topically 4-6 times a day for 10 days; epigen (aerosol) - 4-5 times a day for 5 days; interferons and their inducers: a-interferon in suppositories - vaginally for 7 days; viferon - candles, 1-2 times a day, 5-7 days; poludan - 200 micrograms locally 2-3 times a day for 5-7 days; Gepon - 2-6 mg is diluted in 5-10 ml of saline, in the form of douches or vaginal tampons 1 time per day for 10 days. antiviral drugs of plant origin: alpizarin - 2% ointment topically 3-4 times a day; Megosin - 3% ointment for applications on the cervix after douching, apply for 12 hours 3-4 times a week. |
Treatment of vaginal dysbacteriosis
After specific treatment, it is required to restore the normal microflora of the vagina; for this, the following drugs are used:
- (lyophilizate of live bifidobacteria) vaginally 5-6 doses diluted with boiled water, 1 time per day for 5-8 days or 1 vaginal suppository 2 times a day for 5-10 days;
- (freeze-dried microbial mass of active strains of bifidobacteria and E. coli) - vaginally 5-6 doses 1 time per day for 7-10 days;
- lactobacterin(lyophilisate of live lactobacilli) - vaginally 5-6 doses, diluted with boiled water 1 time per day, 5-10 days;
- colibacterin dry(lyophilisate of live bacteria) - vaginally 5-6 doses 1 time per day for 5-10 days;
- vagilak(Lactobacillus acidofilus - 18 mg, Lactobacillus bifidus - 10 mg, yogurt culture - 40 mg, whey powder - 230 mg, lactose - 153.15 mg) - 1 capsule in the vagina 2 times a day for 10 days;
- acylac- 1 vaginal suppository at night for 10 days;
- "Simbiter-2"(one dose contains 1000 billion living cells of microorganisms of a 25-strain probiotic culture) - the contents of the vial pre-diluted with boiled water (1: 2) are administered intravaginally for 10-15 days.
Vitamin therapy for colpitis
Multivitamins courses (vitrum, centrum, uni-cap, multitabs);
Riboflavin 0.005 g 2 times a day;
Ascorbic acid 200 mg with tocopherol acetate 100 mg 3 times a day.
Colpitis and pregnancy
During pregnancy, the female body experiences very serious stress, so the immune system often fails. A pregnant woman is always more vulnerable than a woman who does not bear a child. Colpitis in itself cannot become an obstacle to successful conception. And in fact, this disease in itself is not terrible for a pregnant woman. But not everything is so clear. The consequences that may be are very dangerous for the unborn child. For example, with colpitis, the risk of developing an ascending infection is very high, when the fetus from the mother can be infected even during its intrauterine life. Natural childbirth is also dangerous, when the child becomes infected from the mother at the time of passage through her birth canal. Pregnant women who are faced with colpitis should keep in mind that the inflammatory process on the vaginal mucosa can provoke miscarriage. Often, the amniotic fluid is also infected, which can lead to the development of a variety of pregnancy complications, ranging from polyhydramnios to premature birth of a not always healthy baby.
Despite the fact that a large number of medications for the treatment of colpitis are prohibited for use during pregnancy, it is still impossible to leave this problem unattended! At the first manifestations of unpleasant symptoms of colpitis, you need to seek help from your local gynecologist. Usually the problem is quickly solved with the help of immunomodulating drugs and local antibacterial agents. It is also recommended to resort to traditional medicine recipes - to use douching and washing with decoctions of medicinal herbs. What exactly - the specialist will tell.
Inflammation of the mucous membrane of the vagina. In women who have entered the postmenopausal period, the likelihood of developing atrophic colpitis is greatly increased. Pathology is mainly associated with a significant decrease in the production of the hormone estrogen. The disease can also be referred to in medical records as atrophic postmenopausal vaginitis, senile, age-related or senile colpitis.
Causes
Senile colpitis most often occurs in old age. Approximately 10 years after the complete cessation of menstruation, signs of atrophic changes are detected in almost half of women, and the likelihood of the disease increases every year. The risk of development also occurs in young women who experience artificial menopause after removal of the ovaries or their radiation.
The main reason is hypoestrogenism, that is, low estrogen levels. The lack of these sex hormones leads to the following changes in the mucous layer of the vagina:
- Slowdown and to the gradual complete cessation of the growth of the epithelium.
- Thinning of the mucous layer.
- Decreased secretion by the glands.
- Reduction in the number of lactobacilli, violation of microflora and the occurrence of bacterial vaginosis.
- Increased dryness and vulnerability of the inner walls of the vagina.
- Activation of conditionally pathogenic flora.
Injury with gynecological instruments during the examination, microtraumas received during sex contribute to the penetration of the infection deep into, and then an inflammatory reaction develops.
The risk group includes patients with diabetes mellitus, hyperthyroidism and other endocrine pathologies, with a weakened immune system and with HIV infection.
Contributes to the occurrence of senile colpitis frequent use of scented gels and soaps for intimate hygiene, wearing underwear made of synthetic fabrics, insufficient hygiene of the genitals, frequent sexual intercourse.
Symptoms
The disease develops slowly and at the very beginning there are no obvious signs of senile colpitis. A woman may periodically pay attention to itching and pain in the vagina, which sometimes increase after intimate hygiene with soap. As pathological changes intensify, more pronounced signs of the disease begin to appear, these include:
When fixing even one symptom for a long time, it is necessary to undergo an examination by a gynecologist.
Diagnostics
A gynecologist can suggest a diagnosis based on a combination of complaints and factors predisposing to the development of senile vaginitis. To confirm the diagnosis, a number of examinations are prescribed:
To exclude the development of vaginitis under the influence of specific pathogens (trichomoniasis, candidiasis), it is necessary to take tests to detect infection.
Treatment
The main treatment for atrophic colpitis is hormone replacement therapy. Its main goal is to restore the trophism of the mucous layer of the vagina and prevent exacerbations of inflammation. Estrogens are prescribed up to 5 years.
- When prescribing hormone replacement therapy, drugs such as Angeliq, Estradiol, Klimodein, Tibolone and a number of others are chosen.
- To eliminate the inflammatory reaction, suppositories or ointments are prescribed - Estriol, Ovestin.
- If there are a large number of injured areas of the mucosa, Methyluracil suppositories are prescribed for better healing.
- Recommended for use are phytoestrogens - hormones of plant origin.
- If contraindications to the use of hormones are identified, baths from a decoction of chamomile, St. John's wort, calendula are prescribed. With these decoctions, douching can also be carried out. You can read more about the treatment of folk remedies here.
In the video clip of the popular program, you can learn in detail about the causes, symptoms and treatment of atrophic vaginitis:
Prognosis and possible complications
The course of atrophic colpitis is generally favorable, but during the period of relapses, the quality of life suffers greatly. The atrophic process can spread to the cervix and its body. Urinary incontinence, which increases with the progression of the pathology, also becomes an unpleasant consequence of senile vaginitis.
Prevention
Prevention consists in taking special hormones with the onset of menopause. Good physical activity, the absence of bad habits and extra pounds, rational and healthy nutrition can also be attributed to non-specific prevention measures. Compliance with all hygiene rules and wearing underwear made from natural fabrics.
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