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Discomfort in the genital area, unusual discharge, itching, or burning are symptoms that should not be ignored. One of the most common causes of such complaints is vaginitis (another name for this condition is colpitis) — inflammation of the vaginal mucosa.
Sometimes the symptoms are pronounced, while in other cases a woman may notice only minor changes in discharge or mild discomfort. However, even moderate manifestations require attention, as the inflammatory process may progress.
In this article, we will discuss what vaginitis is, which signs are characteristic of it, and what treatment approaches are used. At the same time, it is important to remember that without laboratory diagnostics it is impossible to determine the exact cause of inflammation. Therefore, a medical consultation is necessary to choose the correct therapy.
What Is Vaginitis
Vaginitis is an inflammatory process that affects the vaginal mucosa. Under normal conditions, it has its own microflora, dominated by beneficial bacteria that maintain the natural level of acidity and protect against infections. When this balance is disrupted, conditions for inflammation develop.
Depending on the course of the disease, an acute form is distinguished, when symptoms appear suddenly and are quite intense, and a chronic form — when manifestations are less noticeable, but inflammation persists for a long time. That is why it is important not only to relieve unpleasant sensations but also to determine the cause of changes in the mucosa and eliminate the underlying factor.
What Causes Vaginitis
Colpitis may have an infectious or non-infectious origin. In the first case, bacteria, fungi, or other microorganisms are responsible. In the second case, inflammation occurs due to hormonal changes, allergic reactions, mechanical irritation, or other factors.
The main causes include:
- sexually transmitted infections;
- active overgrowth of opportunistic microorganisms;
- candidal infection;
- hormonal changes during pregnancy or menopause;
- use of antibacterial medications;
- decreased immunity;
- allergic reaction to intimate hygiene products;
- mechanical irritation of the mucosa.
It should also be noted that inflammation may develop against the background of concomitant gynecological or urological diseases. That is why regular women’s check-ups help detect disorders in time and prevent complications.
Symptoms of Colpitis
The manifestations of the disease may vary depending on the cause; however, there are symptoms that occur most frequently:
- changes in vaginal discharge (amount, color, odor, consistency);
- itching or burning in the vulvar area;
- redness and swelling of the mucosa;
- discomfort or pain during sexual intercourse;
- burning during urination.
In some cases, pulling pain in the lower abdomen or a constant feeling of irritation may occur. It is important to remember that similar symptoms can also appear in other diseases of the genitourinary system, so self-diagnosis is not possible.
How Vaginitis Is Treated
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The treatment method for vaginitis is chosen depending on the cause of inflammation. That is why examination and laboratory tests are performed before therapy is prescribed — a smear for flora, bacterial culture, PCR diagnostics, or other tests as indicated. Without identifying the pathogen or triggering factor, treatment may be ineffective and lead to recurrence.
Depending on the cause of inflammation, the following are used:
- Antibacterial medications. Prescribed for bacterial inflammation or sexually transmitted infections. They may be used systemically (in tablets) or locally in the form of vaginal suppositories.
- Antifungal agents. Used in cases of candidiasis, when the cause is excessive growth of Candida fungi.
- Antiviral medications. Prescribed when a viral infection is present.
- Hormonal therapy. Used in atrophic vaginitis associated with estrogen deficiency during menopause.
Local anti-inflammatory medications may also be prescribed to reduce swelling, itching, and discomfort, as well as preparations to restore microflora — probiotics and products containing lactobacilli that help reestablish the natural balance of microflora after treatment.
In some cases, treatment is also required for the sexual partner, especially if a sexually transmitted infection is identified. This reduces the risk of reinfection.
In addition to medication therapy, the doctor may recommend:
- temporarily refraining from sexual intercourse;
- avoiding aggressive intimate hygiene products;
- wearing underwear made of natural fabrics;
- limiting spicy and salty foods if they worsen symptoms;
- avoiding self-use of antiseptics or douching.
It is important to complete the full course of treatment, even if symptoms disappear earlier. Premature discontinuation of therapy often leads to a chronic form of the disease or recurrent exacerbations.
It should be remembered that symptoms typical of colpitis may also occur in other diseases of the genitourinary system. Therefore, if signs of inflammation appear, it is advisable to consult a gynecologist to receive evidence-based recommendations and individually selected treatment.
