Colpitis (vaginitis) is an inflammation of the vaginal walls caused by an infection. Pathology is accompanied by swelling of the mucous membranes and the presence of abundant secretions (whites) with an unpleasant odor. Vaginitis occurs against the background of diseases such as candidiasis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, trichomoniasis, genital herpes, ureaplasmosis, gardnerellosis (bacterial vaginosis), mycoplasmosis, etc. Also, the development of colpitis can be triggered by the vital activity of gonococci, E. coli, streptococci, mycoplasmas and other pathological microorganisms. Bacteria enter the vagina not only from the outside (through sexual contact), but also through the blood flow from the focus of inflammation occurring in the body.
The content of the article:
Types of colpitis
Causes of colpitis
Symptoms of vaginitis
Colpitis in girls
Postmenopausal colpitis
Colpitis during pregnancy
Diagnosis of colpitis
Complications of colpitis
Methods of treatment of colpitis
Features of colpitis treatment during pregnancy
Prevention of colpitis
Colpitis
Treatment of colpitis is a complex of medical and physiotherapeutic measures aimed at neutralizing clinical manifestations and pathogens of the disease.
Colpitis is diagnosed in 60% of patients of childbearing age (18-45 years). Also, the disease can be observed in girls, which, as a rule, is caused by illiterate intimate hygiene (the peak incidence occurs at the age of 5-8 years). Affects vaginitis and women who have entered the post-menopausal period. Most often this is due to natural age-related changes.
Untimely treatment of colpitis leads to the transition of the inflammatory process to the appendages and cervix, which causes the development of infertility, erosion of the uterus and endometritis.
Types of colpitis
Forms of vaginitis are distinguished depending on the factors that caused the formation of the inflammatory process. Each type of colpitis has certain differences and symptoms, which requires a comprehensive and competent therapeutic approach.
The most common forms of colpitis include:
Trichomonas vaginitis. Inflammation is caused by flagellated protozoa — trichomonas. Infection mainly occurs through sexual contact. Infection is also possible through household items. This form of colpitis is easy to diagnose. It also responds well to treatment. Trichomonas vaginitis is accompanied by such clinical manifestations as copious, foamy discharge with purulent inclusions and an unpleasant odor;
Candidiasis colpitis. The inflammatory process is caused by fungi that exhibit pathological activity against the background of provoking factors. The most pronounced symptoms of the disease include itching and curd discharge. Infection can occur through sexual contact or as a result of decreased immunity. Treatment of this form of vaginitis consists in taking antimycotic drugs and the use of local remedies;
Atrophic colpitis. Inflammation is caused by a low level of estrogen production. At the same time, a woman experiences a burning sensation and dryness in the intimate area, as well as pain during sexual contact. Treatment of the atrophic form of the disease consists in the appointment of hormone replacement therapy.
Causes of colpitis
At different ages, different factors can provoke the development of vaginitis:
In childhood, colpitis occurs as a result of the entry of conditionally pathogenic microflora into the vagina from the digestive system. The pathogens can be staphylococci, pinworms, streptococci, etc.;
At the reproductive age, a specific colpitis usually develops, which has an infectious character. The trichomonas form of the disease prevails. Less common is candidiasis vaginitis, which mainly causes hormonal failure during gestation;
After menopause, nonspecific colpitis usually occurs, caused by streptococci and staphylococci. An atrophic, candidiasis and trichomonasal form of colpitis can also be diagnosed. They usually occur under the influence of additional risk factors.
At any age, the cause of colpitis is its own pathogenic microflora or the influence of infectious microorganisms that belong to the group of bacteria, viruses and fungi.
If the development of vaginitis occurs as a result of the vital activity of pathogenic bacteria, there are various factors that help them penetrate into the vagina and actively multiply. Such factors include:
Improper, insufficient intimate hygiene;
Refusal to use contraceptives;
Lack of a regular partner;
Endocrine disorders (diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism);
Damage to the genitals of a thermal, chemical, mechanical nature (prolonged use of an intrauterine contraceptive, ruptures during labor, rough sexual acts, wearing uncomfortable, tight clothes);
Childhood diseases (measles, scarlet fever). The causative agents of these pathologies hemolytically enter the genitals and begin active life;
The use of low-quality underwear, which is made of synthetic low-grade materials;
Hormonal changes (menstruation, pregnancy, breastfeeding, menopause);
Long-term use of antibacterial, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory or hormone-containing drugs;
Hypoestrogenism (estrogen deficiency in the body);
Radiation, chemotherapy in the treatment of oncological pathologies;
Strict diets, lack of vitamins and micronutrients;
Allergic reactions;
Reduced immunity;
Frequent abortions;
Pathologies of the digestive system.
Symptoms of vaginitis
Inflammation of the vaginal walls can manifest itself in the following symptoms:
Vaginal discharge. Their nature depends on the etiology and severity of inflammatory processes. Compared to when the woman was healthy, the amount of discharge increases significantly. Whites can be watery, purulent, foamy or curd. Atrophic colpitis is accompanied by the appearance of blood clots in the secretions;
Increase in body temperature;
Unpleasant smell. More often it is sour, blurred;
Redness, swelling, irritation of intimate areas;
Burning and itching sensations that increase during prolonged walking, at night and in the afternoon;
Increased irritability, insomnia, neurosis. These manifestations are caused by symptoms of colpitis, which constantly bother the patient;
Periodic pain in the pelvis. As a rule, during intimacy or the act of defecation, pain sensations increase;
Frequent urge to urinate. Enuresis (urinary incontinence) is often observed.
The acute phase of colpitis is accompanied by an exacerbation of clinical manifestations of inflammation. When the disease becomes chronic, the symptoms become mild. The most stable manifestation of vaginitis, which gives a woman significant discomfort, is itching. Even with minor secretions, it does not stop.
Colpitis in girls
Vaginitis in girls is usually characterized by a lesion of the vulva (external genitalia), therefore it is called vulvovaginitis. Most often, this condition is provoked by a bacterial infection. An allergic reaction can also cause the development of the disease. Usually the inflammation is chronic and is accompanied by minor mucopurulent discharge. Exacerbation of vulvovaginitis can be caused by the course of acute viral or infectious diseases and the ingress of a foreign body into the vagina.
Postmenopausal colpitis
The development of vaginitis in 55-60-year-old women is atrophic. The appearance of the disease is due to the onset of menopause. At the same time, women have a decrease in the amount of sex hormones, which leads to shrinkage (atrophic changes) of the vaginal mucosa and a weakening of the activity of the ovaries. This process is characterized by thinning of the vaginal membranes, smoothing of folds, slight injury and inflammation. The absence of lactobacilli (the main components of the microflora) provokes the involuntary entry of pathogenic microorganisms into the vagina and their further reproduction.
Colpitis during pregnancy
During gestation, vaginitis leads to certain inconveniences, but it is not the colpitis itself that is dangerous, but its complications that it causes. The occurrence of an ascending infection adversely affects the development of the fetus and is dangerous for the child during the birth process. Inflammation of the vagina in pregnant women can cause problems with gestation, lead to infection of the amniotic fluid, infection of the fetus and other complications of pregnancy.
The acute form of colpitis during pregnancy is accompanied by painful sensations and quite abundant turbid secretions. With a chronic course of pathology, pain and discharge become less pronounced.
Treatment of inflammation of the vaginal walls in pregnant women requires a special approach and attention. Despite the fact that most local medications for the treatment of colpitis during gestation are safe, you need to consult a doctor before using them.
Diagnosis of colpitis
The basis for effective treatment of colpitis is considered to be a correctly diagnosed diagnosis. The diagnosis is made based on the results of the patient’s survey, gynecological examination, as well as hardware and laboratory tests. In acute colpitis, during a vaginal examination with the help of mirrors, the gynecologist immediately detects redness and swelling of the vaginal mucosa. Mucopurulent discharge is detected in the back of the vagina.
With the fungal form of vaginitis, a white plaque is found on the reddened walls of the vagina, when removed, the mucosa begins to bleed. Scrapings and smears from the urethra, cervix and vagina for further diagnosis are taken by a doctor after preliminary treatment of the genitals with a special drug. Laboratory tests will determine the stage and form of the disease, as well as the type and nature of the pathogen.
The tactics of treatment of vaginitis is determined by the doctor personally in each situation. At the same time, the doctor takes into account the symptoms of inflammation, the patient’s age, her physiological characteristics and needs of the body, as well as the causes and stage of the disease.
Complications of colpitis
The lack of timely treatment of any type of vaginitis can lead to serious consequences for the female body. Possible complications of colpitis include:
The transition of inflammation into a chronic sluggish pathology. The chronic inflammatory process is not only difficult to respond to therapeutic effects, but also worsens the quality of life with constant relapses;
The spread of the inflammatory process to the upper parts of the urinary system, which provokes the development of cystitis, urethritis and other diseases of this area;
Timely undiagnosed and untreated nonspecific colpitis can cause problems with conception, infertility and miscarriage of a child. Chronic vaginitis can lead to ectopic pregnancy;
The appearance of erosive bleeding areas on the walls of the vagina, through which various infections easily penetrate into the organs of the reproductive system;
The risk of infectious complications after surgery and a number of gynecological studies.
The occurrence of synechiae in girls, which leads to the fusion of the labia minora and labia majora;
Formation of endometritis, cervicitis, cervical erosion, salpingoophoritis and other pathologies of the reproductive organs.
Timely diagnosis and a well-chosen course of therapeutic action will help prevent the occurrence of adverse effects of colpitis.
Methods of treatment of colpitis
Therapy of vaginal inflammation needs a comprehensive approach, which necessarily includes etiotropic treatment. At the same time, the therapeutic effect is aimed at eliminating or suppressing the activity of the pathogen of the inflammatory process. For these purposes, the doctor can use antibacterial, hormonal, antiviral and antimycotic drugs. In some situations, combined treatment is required, which involves taking several medications at the same time.
Also, an integrated approach to colpitis therapy includes the following activities:
The appointment of general restorative drugs for immune disorders;
Vaginal douching with drugs with antimicrobial effect;
Washing of intimate places with special solutions;
Compliance with dietary nutrition (refusal of alcoholic beverages, exclusion of fatty, spicy, salty dishes).
During therapy, laboratory examination of vaginal whites is carried out at certain time intervals. In women of reproductive age, a control smear is taken on the 5th-6th day of the menstruation cycle. In girls and women aged 50-60, the analysis is done after the completion of the therapeutic course.
Local treatment of vaginitis involves the use of various antiseptic and disinfectants. A woman is prescribed rinsing and douching with soda, potassium permanganate, boric acid solutions. The course of treatment is 2-3 weeks.
In addition to etiological and local therapy, treatment of concomitant pathologies is necessary. If the provoking factors are not eliminated, colpitis will constantly recur. For these purposes, hormonal disorders are corrected (with senile colpitis), weight loss, treatment of diseases of the endocrine glands and diabetes mellitus. With obesity, it is important for a woman to control her weight and fight extra pounds by following a rational diet and exercising. In the presence of diabetes, it is important to control blood sugar levels. If colpitis in childhood is provoked by measles or scarlet fever, antibacterial therapy of the infection is prescribed. In case of elimination of provoking factors, the prognosis for recovery is considered favorable.
In order for the course of prescribed treatment to be as effective as possible, the patient should adhere to the following recommendations:
Abstinence from intimacy for the period of therapeutic effect. The disappearance of clinical manifestations does not indicate recovery. Only laboratory diagnostics can confirm the elimination of inflammatory processes;
If necessary, the course of therapy is not only the patient, but also her partner. Since nonspecific colpitis can occur asymptomatically in a man, there is a high probability of re-infection with pathogenic bacteria after the resumption of sexual relations;
Regular hygienic procedures with the use of antiseptic agents (at least 2 times a day);
If colpitis is diagnosed in a girl, it is important for parents to carefully monitor her intimate hygiene. The child needs to be washed after each process of urination and the act of defecation. When washing clothes, you need to use high-quality detergents. Before putting it on, the underwear should be ironed. You also need to make sure that the girl does not suffer from itching and does not comb her private parts. These actions can provoke re-infection;
Follow a dietary diet. In addition to avoiding spicy and salty dishes, you need to include fermented milk products in your daily diet;
Some medications imply the complete exclusion of alcohol. Even if there are no such contraindications, it is still recommended to refrain from drinking alcohol-containing beverages and products.
After completing the therapeutic course, many patients need to increase local immunity and restore the natural vaginal microflora through reproduction of biocenosis in the mucous membranes. For these purposes, vaginal probiotics, local antibacterial drugs, vaginal candles, etc. can be prescribed.
After the end of treatment, the patient passes control tests (bacteriological culture, smears, blood tests), which allow to evaluate the results of the therapy.
Features of colpitis treatment during pregnancy
Therapy of vaginitis in women in a position requires special attention. It is pregnant women who are the most vulnerable, because in addition to their impaired immunity, serious hormonal changes occur in the body. Nonspecific colpitis in such situations can provoke the development of bacterial infection. The treatment regimen is determined only by the doctor, taking into account the patient’s position, her state of health and the severity of clinical manifestations.
It is impossible not to treat colpitis, since inflammation adversely affects both the condition of the mother and the fetus. Also, the unborn child is at risk of infection during labor.
In the treatment of vaginitis, pregnant women are prescribed a course of antibacterial treatment, physiotherapy procedures and immunomodulators. Topical medications may also be indicated. All medications during gestation should be taken with caution, according to the doctor’s instructions.
Prevention of colpitis
The main task in preventing colpitis is to neutralize the provoking factors that contribute to the penetration of pathogenic microorganisms into the vagina. To do this, a woman should follow the following rules:
Timely treat gynecological pathologies that weaken the functions of the ovaries;
Do not use contraceptive gels containing spermicides that cause changes in the vaginal microflora;
Strengthen the immune system by taking a complex of trace elements and vitamins;
Avoid perfume additives in intimate hygiene products;
Change underwear daily;
Do not use gaskets made of low-quality materials (in such an environment, bacteria develop faster);
Wear comfortable, spacious clothes.
