Colpitis
Colpitis is an inflammation of the mucous membrane of the vagina and the vaginal part of the uterus, in which there is swelling of the mucous membrane, profuse discharge (with an unpleasant odor, purulent or white) appears.
As a rule, such a condition in women can result from a wide variety of infections, which include candidiasis (colpitis), trichomoniasis (trichomoniasis colpitis), chlamydia, gonorrhea, genital herpes and various other infections. Often, colpitis is caused by streptococci, gonococci, mycoplasmas, Escherichia coli and other infections that enter the vagina from the outside, or together with blood directly from the focus of inflammation inside the body.
Colpitis treatment must be adequate and timely, otherwise the disease can spread to the uterus itself, the appendages, the cervical canal, which can lead to such serious complications as cervical erosion, endometritis and infertility.
What contributes to colpitis?
Mostly microbes enter the vagina during sexual intercourse. However, this process is not terrible for a healthy woman, since the vagina is prone to self-cleaning, which leads to the destruction of these bacteria.
The predisposing factors for the occurrence of colpitis are:
- weak ovarian activity;
- various anomalies of the reproductive system (prolapse of the walls of the vagina, displacement of the genitals, wide gaping of the genital fissure, etc.);
- various diseases of internal organs and systems;
- non-observance of sexual hygiene (frequent change of partners);
- non-compliance with the rules of personal hygiene;
- a change in the vaginal mucosa as a result of irrational use of contraceptives, too frequent or improper douching, thinning of the mucous membrane during postmenopausal period;
- various vaginal injuries (chemical, thermal or mechanical).
All of the above factors weaken the body's defenses against various infections, which contributes to the unhindered penetration of microbes into the tissues and their reproduction, while in a healthy body they predominantly die in the process of self-cleaning of the vagina.
Colpitis types
The most common types of colpitis are:
- Atrophic colpitis, when an infectious process in the vagina occurs as a result of a decrease in the level of estrogen in a woman's body, i.e. in old age. Predominantly atrophic colpitis occurs in women after menopause, when, as a result of a decrease in estrogen levels, the vagina becomes vulnerable to infections.
- Candidal colpitis is an inflammation of the vaginal mucosa resulting from the defeat of yeast-like fungi of the genus Candida. As a rule, candidal colpitis is combined with lesions of the vulvar mucosa. This type of disease occurs in women of reproductive age. Pregnant women are especially at risk.
- Trichomonas colpitis is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases. Along with damage to the vagina, inflammation of the cervix and urethra (trichomoniasis) can often be observed. Predominantly Trichomonas colpitis has a chronic course with periodic exacerbations.
Chronic and acute colpitis symptoms
By the nature of the course, colpitis is chronic and acute.
Symptoms of acute colpitis occur suddenly. In the vaginal area, there is a burning sensation, pain, itching, profuse discharge of a purulent or mucopurulent character with an admixture of ichor, heaviness in the lower abdomen. Sometimes there are symptoms of colpitis such as burning and pain when urinating. When examining the patient, the vaginal mucosa has an edematous and red appearance, and at the slightest impact on it, it begins to bleed. The inflammatory process can spread to the external genital organs and the cervix.
The individual course of acute colpitis depends on factors such as the state of immunity and the woman's age, as well as on the causative agent of the infection. For Trichomonas colpitis, strong discharge is characteristic: foamy, purulent, yellowish-green in color, with a pungent unpleasant odor. With candidal colpitis, the discharge is usually white, with a curdled consistency.
If the treatment of acute colpitis is not carried out in a timely manner, then, as a rule, it becomes chronic. Chronic colpitis is dangerous because the infection can hide, and the inflammatory process will pass sluggishly with periodic exacerbations. Colpitis symptoms in this case are not pronounced.
Chronic colpitis is characterized by a slow spread of the infectious process to other organs: the fallopian tube, uterus and ovaries.
Colpitis diagnostics
A correct and timely diagnosis is the key to successful treatment of colpitis. As a rule, the diagnosis is made based on interviewing the patient, examining her by a gynecologist and the results of laboratory tests.
In acute Trichomonas colpitis, during the examination of the patient on the chair, the doctor can immediately notice redness and swelling of the vaginal mucosa, and in the back of the vaginal vault, see mucopurulent discharge.
With candidal colpitis, the doctor may find a white plaque on the reddened mucous membrane of the vagina, and when trying to remove it, the mucous membrane will begin to bleed.
For a correct diagnosis, a woman is tested from the cervical canal, urethra and vagina. This helps to clarify the type of pathogen.
Colpitis treatment
In the treatment of colpitis, doctors use an integrated approach, consisting of:
- antibiotic therapy to influence the causative agent of infection (those antibiotics are used to which the greatest sensitivity is found);
- fortifying treatment, especially in case of immunity disorders;
- washing the external genital organs with medicinal solutions, douching the vagina with antimicrobial agents;
- a special diet that excludes fatty, spicy and salty foods, as well as any alcoholic beverages.
During treatment, a woman must be prescribed laboratory tests at regular intervals.
The main treatment for atrophic colpitis is hormone replacement therapy, which is carried out in two ways:
- local - prescribe vaginal suppositories and tablets;
- systemic - hormonal injections or oral tablets are prescribed.
The main drugs for atrophic colpitis are Klimonorm, Ovestin, Ginodian-Depo, etc.
Prevention of colpitis
To prevent the disease, a woman must eliminate those conditions that contribute to the penetration of pathogens inside, and monitor:
- strengthening the immune system;
- timely treatment of gynecological diseases;
- hygiene of sexual activity and hygiene of the genitals.
You should avoid perfumed sprays for intimate hygiene and bath gels, various contraceptive gels, which contain spermicides, as they disrupt the natural microflora of the vagina.
Preference should be given to comfortable linen made from natural fabric.
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The information is generalized and provided for informational purposes only. At the first sign of illness, see your doctor. Self-medication is hazardous to health!
