Vaginitis: what it is, causes of colpitis, symptoms and treatment in an article by gynecologist T. F. Morozova.

Atrophic colpitis. It occurs due to a decrease in the level of female sex hormones (estrogens) in the body, as a result of which the vaginal epithelium becomes thinner and colonization of the vagina with lactobacilli decreases. Conditions favorable for the development of infection are created. The provoking factors of the disease are: old age, artificial menopause, taking certain medications. drugs. The main symptoms of atrophic colpitis in women: itching and dryness in the vagina, discomfort during intimacy.
Candidiasis colpitis. In the photo, colpitis in women looks like redness of the vaginal mucosa and its covering with a white coating. This form is caused by fungi of the genus Candida - opportunistic microorganisms. Infection with yeast colpitis can occur after anal/oral sex, due to decreased immunity and dysbiosis. The problem can also be a consequence of long-term antibiotic therapy or pregnancy. Colpitis is especially often diagnosed during pregnancy in the third trimester.
Trichomonas colpitis. The most common form. The cause of trichomonas colpitis is trichomonas. Infection occurs during unprotected sexual intercourse, through household items. Immediately after entering the vaginal cavity, Trichomonas begins to multiply and infect mucosal cells. Discharge and a whitish coating appear.

Causes

The causes of colpitis are different.
These include disturbances in the functioning of the body, infections, and injuries. Each of the provoking factors leads to an acute inflammatory process and an imbalance in the bacterial microflora of the vagina. Colpitis can develop as a result of:

Infections with sexually transmitted infections. During unprotected sexual intercourse, pathogenic microorganisms travel from the infected mucous membrane of the partner to the vaginal mucosa. A healthy own microflora does not allow microbes to multiply, but due to weakened immunity, dysbacteriosis or microtrauma, an inflammatory process can begin. Some opportunistic microorganisms contribute to the occurrence of colpitis even in the absence of associated complications. Colpitis is caused by STIs: trichomoniasis, chlamydia, gonorrhea, ureaplasmosis, genital herpes.
Mechanical damage to the vaginal mucosa. This refers to microtraumas that appear for various reasons (usually due to insufficient hydration of the vagina during sexual intercourse, or the insertion of foreign objects). Because of them, the integrity of the mucous membrane is disrupted, bacteria enter the thickness of the tissue and begin to actively multiply there. The normal balance of microflora is disrupted.
Long-term use of antibacterial drugs. Broad-spectrum antibiotics destroy not only the pathogen, but also normal microorganisms, so dysbacteriosis develops, and with it colpitis.
Diseases of the endocrine system. If the ovaries produce insufficient amounts of female hormones, the risk of developing atrophic colpitis increases sharply. Therefore, the cause of the disease includes any pathology that leads to a decrease in the amount of estrogen (diseases of the adrenal glands, pancreas and thyroid glands).
Nutritional disorders of the mucous membrane. Impaired blood circulation can deprive healthy mucous membranes of the ability to protect the body from the penetration of pathogenic microorganisms. If an insufficient amount of blood enters the tissue of the vaginal walls, the membranes become thinner, and micro tears easily form on them. Mucous cells stop producing normal physiological secretions, and the pH in the vagina changes. Also, the nutrition of the mucous membranes may be disrupted due to a lack of vitamins in the body (especially vitamin A).
Local allergies. They can be caused by lubricants, condoms, ointments, and suppositories. The mechanism of development of allergic colpitis is associated with the work of local immune cells. When allergens fall on them, they trigger a chain of biochemical reactions. As a result, the body begins to struggle with the foreign material, and the mucous membrane becomes inflamed.
Failure to comply with personal hygiene rules. Residues of urine, menstrual blood, vaginal discharge, not eliminated in time, are an excellent environment for the development of pathogens.
Decreased immunity. A weakened immune system itself cannot be the cause of vaginal colpitis, but it creates all the conditions for the development of this disease. Therefore, inflammation of the genital mucosa is more often encountered by women who have suffered severe infectious diseases, a bone marrow transplant procedure, oncology, suffer from HIV/AIDS, have poor nutrition, and have been using hormonal and antibacterial drugs for a long time.

general information

Vaginitis, vulvovaginitis and colpitis occur in sexually active adult women, virgins, adolescents and children, as well as in menopausal and elderly women. And in general, it is not so easy for a woman to have a beautiful and clean vagina. Let's be honest. It requires much more money than most other organs. Unfortunately, some of the well-intentioned efforts we put into making him look good and healthy, such as deep bikini waxing, crotch shaving, "scented soap washes," etc. In the end, it only aggravates everything and causes colpitis. The reasons, acting individually or together, lead to the appearance of bad, sometimes purulent vaginal discharge, significant irritation, rash, terrible itching...

Sometimes the question arises: “Does colpitis occur in men and what is it?” This formulation is incorrect - a man does not have a vagina, and therefore there cannot be inflammation. Therefore, if representatives of the stronger sex end up on this page from a search, then this is clearly happening by mistake - there is nothing here and cannot be!

Causes of colpitis

Girls' vaginas can become inflamed for the following most common reasons:

STDs (trichomoniasis, thrush, gonorrhea, mycoureaplasmosis, etc.)
Endocrine disorders (ovarian diseases, obesity, diabetes).
Hormonal changes during puberty, pregnancy, menopause.
Uncontrolled or prolonged use of antibiotics.
Poor intimate hygiene.
Weakening of the immune system.
Injuries to the vaginal mucosa.
Allergic reactions to anything.
Vascular pathologies that impair the nutrition of the mucous membrane.
Senile atrophy of the vaginal mucosa.

The consequence of these reasons is a disruption of the natural microflora - vaginal dysbiosis, with its further colonization by atypical microorganisms, which cause an inflammatory reaction in the genital tract.

How inflammation develops

Problems are inevitable if the number of pathogens entering the reproductive tract is too large. Inflammation in the vagina can be caused by E. coli, staphylococci, gardnerella, and streptococci. Disruption of the normal vaginal microflora can occur due to the above reasons, as well as excessive sexual activity.

Depending on the location of the primary source of infection, the following are distinguished:

primary colpitis - it immediately develops in the vagina, and
secondary colpitis: • ascending - the infection comes from the external genitalia, urethra, anus; • and descending - during the transition of inflammation from the uterine cavity.

Recently, specific colpitis caused by mycoplasmas and chlamydia has become increasingly common, which can occur in mixed forms, often in virgin girls. If bacterial vaginitis is not treated, complications can occur. Inflammation can spread to the cervical canal, cavity and appendages. The consequence of an ascending infection can be cervical erosion, cervicitis, endometritis, and in advanced cases - adhesions and infertility. The likelihood of infection increases with sexual intercourse during menstruation.

Symptoms of colpitis

Signs of the disease in women depend on the cause of inflammation in the vagina. The course of colpitis can be acute, subacute, sluggish, chronic, latent and asymptomatic. All its forms are characterized by one important symptom - the inflammatory nature of vaginal discharge, the so-called. "leucorrhoea". Their character is determined by their origin (tubal, uterine and vaginal leucorrhoea is liquid, cervical leucorrhoea is mucous). An admixture of pus in the discharge usually indicates an inflammatory process, while blood often indicates the development of a tumor.

Acute colpitis

In the acute stage of the disease, the amount of leucorrhoea increases sharply. They may have an unusual consistency, color, pungent odor, and are often accompanied by burning and itching in the intimate area, pain during sexual intercourse. Based on the nature of the discharge, one can assume the most likely cause of inflammation. Often the symptoms of colpitis are accompanied by urinary disorders in the form of cystitis and pain in the lower abdomen or back.

The temperature usually does not increase in acute colpitis of a nonspecific nature, or slightly in case of deep damage to the vaginal walls. As a rule, a high temperature is typical for the clinic of colpitis of gonorrheal or trichomonas origin. Very often it is accompanied by copious, foul-smelling discharge that contains pus or even blood. Flowing down the inner surface of the thighs, in advanced cases, such secretions cause severe irritation of the skin, which makes it difficult to walk. A woman experiences a burning sensation and painful itching in the vagina, in the area of the external genitalia.

When the inflammatory process becomes chronic, the symptoms become mild. But the most stable symptom is itching in the genital area, which does not stop even with a decrease in the amount of discharge.

Chronic colpitis

At this stage, the main complaints are about discharge from the genital tract, and less often, itching and discomfort in the vaginal area. The disease is characterized by a long course and a tendency to relapse.

In chronic colpitis, the symptoms are erased, swelling and hyperemia are not expressed, there may be multiple or focal dilatations of blood vessels. The vaginal epithelium with significant structural changes may disappear in one area or another. Pus appears to be released directly from the vaginal walls, which become thick and rough.

The chronic form of colpitis has the following symptoms:

Burning and itching in the vagina;
Pain during sexual intercourse;
Heaviness in the lower abdomen;
Bloody discharge from the genital tract;
Purulent discharge, often with an unpleasant odor;
Redness of the vaginal mucosa.

Atrophic colpitis

During menopause and menopause, with an inevitable reduction in the amount of estrogen produced by the ovaries, women may develop age-related colpitis. Due to a decrease in the number of lactobacilli, which perform a protective function, during the menopausal period, opportunistic microorganisms actively multiply in the vagina, which provoke local inflammatory reactions and increased discharge.

In senile (senile) colpitis, the mucous membrane is atrophic, has a pale yellow color, and hemorrhagic spots and granulating tissue defects are located on its surface. Wrinkling of the submucosal tissue occurs. This leads to a narrowing of the vaginal lumen or even fusion of its walls. This leads to the activation of pathogenic microflora of the vagina, as well as the creation of favorable conditions for the penetration of pathogenic bacteria from the outside.

With atrophic colpitis, symptoms in older women are practically absent. The disease progresses indolently, patients may have no complaints. The most common symptoms are burning and itching, a feeling of “tightness” in the vagina and dryness. Intimacy is painful, followed by bloody discharge or even minor bleeding. When examined in the speculum, a pale pink, thinned mucosa with many pinpoint hemorrhages is revealed. Often, due to vaginal dryness in atrophic colpitis, insertion of gynecological speculum is difficult.

Tormented by atrophic menopausal colpitis?

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Symptoms of colpitis

The characteristics and intensity of symptoms of colpitis may vary. It depends on the duration of the disease and its causes. Regardless of the clinical form of the pathology, the signs are exclusively local in nature. General manifestations - fever, muscle/headaches, weakness, increased fatigue - are possible only with purulent colpitis.

Among the most common symptoms of colpitis:

Vaginal discharge observed in any phase of the menstrual cycle. In the bacterial form they are abundant, containing gas bubbles. For candidal colpitis - curdled, in the form of flakes. In the trichomonas form, they are dirty green, sometimes foamy.
Smell. During their life, fungi decompose chemicals (proteins, sugars) and release gases. Because of this, the smell of rotten fish appears (this symptom is not typical for candidal colpitis).
Mild abdominal pain that gets worse during urination. They are caused by irritation of the inflamed vaginal walls by substances contained in urine. Also, discomfort becomes more pronounced during sexual intercourse.

If you experience similar symptoms,
consult your doctor . It is easier to prevent a disease than to deal with the consequences.

Pathogens

Treatment of vaginitis will largely depend on the causative agent of the disease. The cause of the pathology is an infectious lesion of the mucous membranes; depending on its source, the following types of colpitis are distinguished:

bacterial, the causative agent is pathogenic and saprophytic bacteria;
a viral, pathological process on the mucous membrane is caused by HPV, herpes virus and others;
fungal, most often these are fungi of the genus Candida.

Diagnostics

The doctor can make a preliminary diagnosis of “Colpitis” immediately after listening to the patient’s complaints and examining her in a chair, during which a strong inflammatory process is revealed. The only difficulty is that it is necessary not only to identify the disease, but also to understand its cause. Very often, colpitis accompanies other gynecological diseases and is a consequence of disturbances in the functioning of certain systems and organs.

Collecting information if colpitis is suspected involves the following procedures:

Ultrasound of the pelvis;
standard gynecological examination using speculum;
colposcopy (examination of the vagina using a microscope);
rectal examination (digital/visual inspection of the rectum for fistulas);
amiotest (aimed at determining a specific odor);
bacteriological and cytological analyses;
blood test (general, biochemical, hormones);
Analysis of urine.

The gynecologist faces the following tasks:

determine the exact boundaries of the emerging inflammatory process;
exclude the presence of inflammation in the uterus, its appendages and cervix;
identify the pathogen (if we are talking about infectious colpitis);
analyze dysbacteriosis;
check the level of estrogen in the blood;
determine which antibiotics microbes are resistant to;
check for structural changes in the vaginal mucosa,
detect chronic diseases that may affect the course of colpitis.

What contributes to the development of colpitis

Even when pathogenic microorganisms penetrate the vagina, an inflammatory process does not always begin. The following factors act as catalysts:

non-compliance with intimate hygiene standards: rare or too frequent hygiene procedures;
the presence of hidden sexually transmitted infections;
promiscuous sex life, especially without a condom;
injuries to the vaginal mucosa during rough sexual intercourse, deflowering, abortion and medical procedures;
diseases of the endocrine system (diabetes mellitus, thyroid diseases);
uncomfortable, tight underwear made of synthetic fabrics;
changes in hormonal status - pregnancy, breastfeeding, onset of menstruation, menopause;
oncological diseases and their treatment with radiation and chemotherapy;
immunodeficiency or temporary decrease in immunity;
vitamin deficiency, diets, unbalanced nutrition;
allergy;
uncontrolled use of antibiotics, hormone-containing or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
disturbances in the structure of the genital organs (prolapse of the vaginal walls, enlarged genital opening);
dysfunction of the ovaries.
wearing an intrauterine device;
diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;

Treatment of colpitis

Treatment of colpitis must be comprehensive - include local and general therapy. It involves eliminating the symptoms of the inflammatory process and fighting the infection that provoked it. Doctors pay maximum attention to increasing the body’s protective properties.

The basic principles of treating colpitis include:

etiotropic therapy;
restoration of vaginal microflora;
treatment of the sexual partner;
increasing immunity;
physiotherapy;
treatment of existing concomitant diseases.

Etiotropic therapy

Etiotropic therapy for colpitis is aimed at eliminating the main cause of the disease. It involves the use of antiviral, antibacterial and antimicrobial drugs. Nonspecific colpitis is treated with combined broad-spectrum drugs that eliminate fungal/bacterial infections. The vagina is douched with antiseptics (chlorhexidine, furatsilin), tampons with sea buckthorn oil and galascorbine are inserted inside. Additionally, take Dalacin, Betadine, Metronidazole, Clotrimazole, Diflucan or Terzhinan tablets.

Features of the treatment of specific colpitis depend on the pathogen:

the candidal form is treated with antifungal drugs;
bacterial - antibiotics (a preliminary study is necessary to determine the sensitivity of the identified microbes to antibiotics);
trichomonas - "Metranidazole" (if trichomonas colpitis is diagnosed during pregnancy, treatment with "Metranidazole" is not carried out in the first trimester).

Also, to eliminate the symptoms of colpitis, suppositories (Nystatin), Ketoconazole cream, Ampicillin and Tetracycline tablets, and Metronidazole vaginal tablets can be used.

Restoration of vaginal microflora

Eubiotics help restore the vaginal microflora after using antifungal and antibacterial drugs. These are lactic acid bacteria that can inhabit the vaginal lining and thus restore their acidity. Their intake prevents the proliferation of pathogenic microorganisms.

The drugs for the treatment of colpitis have proven themselves well: Vagilak, Lactobacterin, Biovestin, Bifidumbacterin.

Treatment of sexual partner

If colpitis is caused by a sexually transmitted infection, simultaneous treatment of both sexual partners is necessary. This is done in order to prevent re-infection and relapse. During treatment you should avoid having sex. Intimate relationships are allowed only after passing a control test taken from both the man and the woman.

Boosting immunity

To increase the body's resistance to pathogens and speed up the recovery process, the patient is prescribed:

heliotherapy (solar therapy);
vitamin and mineral complex;
thalassotherapy;
laser irradiation of blood.

Physiotherapy for colpitis in women

Physiotherapy is not recommended for all women diagnosed with colpitis. They are usually used in cases of chronic disease. With the help of physiotherapy, itching is relieved, local immunity is stimulated, inflammation is eliminated, and fungal/bacterial intoxication is reduced.

The patient may be prescribed:

zinc electrophoresis;
ultraviolet short-wave irradiation;
half-baths with potassium permanganate;
low-frequency UHF therapy.

Treatment of existing concomitant diseases

For colpitis treatment to be successful, concomitant diseases must be eliminated. So, with hypofunction of the ovaries, correction of their activity is carried out. If a woman has serious chronic diseases (thyroid, diabetes), stable remission is achieved.

Treatment of colpitis during pregnancy

Treatment of colpitis in pregnant women is based on determining the type of pathogen and selecting safe and effective medications. The difficulty of therapy lies in the impossibility of using many drugs.

Treatment tactics for colpitis in pregnant women:

exclusion from the diet of fatty, spicy and fried foods;
refusal of sexual activity for the duration of treatment;
antibiotic therapy (“Josamycin”, “Erythromycin”, “Rovamycin” - medications are selected by a gynecologist);
antifungal therapy (if candidal colpitis) in the form of ointments and suppositories (“Nystatin”, “Clotrimazole”, “Limafucin”).

Restoration of normal microflora

The second stage involves restoring vaginal function, increasing protective properties by restoring normal own microflora and reducing relapses of the disease. Biological agents

Acylact (suppositories) 1 piece at night for 10 days,
Lactonorm 1 capsule in the vagina at night for 7 days,
Vagilak 1 capsule per day orally for 2 to 4 weeks,
Provag 1 tablet per day with meals for 20-30 days.

The choice of drugs is made taking into account individual intolerance, allergic reactions, and the presence of concomitant diseases. Therapy should be aimed at eliminating the symptoms of the disease, eliminating risk factors, and clinical recovery.

Diet for colpitis

Following a diet for colpitis makes it possible to strengthen the immune system and speed up the process of restoration of damaged mucous membranes. During treatment, a woman should consume:

food products that contain polyunsaturated acids (tuna, cod, shrimp);
dairy products;
vegetables, grains, fruits.

You should avoid heavy foods (fatty, fried) and alcohol. They interfere with the normal functioning of the liver, contribute to the exacerbation of chronic diseases, which ultimately leads to inhibition of the recovery process in the vaginal mucosa.

Symptoms and treatment of trichomonas colpitis

This subtype of pathology is caused by exposure to the simplest microorganism - Trichomonas. The most common type of colpitis, which is usually transmitted sexually. It is interesting that trichomonas colpitis can be asymptomatic. Then the woman may not even suspect that she is a carrier of this infection. Active reproduction of the pathogen takes up to 1 month, most often in the period from 1 to 15 days. During this time, the infection actively multiplies on the mucous membrane of the genital organs.

It is worth noting that along with damage to the vagina, inflammation of the cervix and urethra is observed. During the acute phase of this disease, women complain of a foamy yellow-green discharge, which is accompanied by burning and itching. The acute phase of trichomonas colpitis very quickly turns into a chronic pathology if a woman does not carry out the necessary treatment on time.

Women are usually prescribed treatment with metronidazole tablets in combination with the topical use of gels of the same drug group. The duration of this therapy depends on the duration and progression of the disease in the patient. It is worth noting that timely contact with a doctor will reduce the treatment period to a minimum.

Danger

If treatment is prescribed correctly, there is no threat to the woman’s health. But self-medication, as well as complete ignorance of the symptoms of the disease, can cause inflammation of the fallopian tubes, uterus, cervix, and ovaries. This negatively affects reproductive health, leading to recurrent miscarriage or infertility.

The presence of dangerous complications of colpitis is indicated by:

disruptions of the menstrual cycle;
amenorrhea;
difficulties associated with conceiving a child;
severe pain in the lower abdomen;
vaginal bleeding.

Folk remedies

List of folk remedies that have an excellent effect on the treatment of colpitis:

Pour 50 g of dry crushed coltsfoot leaves with a liter of boiling water, leave for 1 hour, then strain. The infusion is used for douching for chronic inflammation of the vagina, accompanied by pain (a decoction of blackberry leaves is also prepared).
Coltsfoot leaf - 2 parts, nettle leaf - 1 part, St. John's wort herb - 1 part, common thyme herb - 2 parts, calamus rhizome - 2 parts, buckthorn bark - 1 part. Place two tablespoons of the resulting mixture in a thermos and pour 2 cups of boiling water. Leave overnight, and in the morning strain and take half a glass 3 times a day.
Chamomile decoction: add 2 tablespoons of chamomile flowers to a liter of water and boil for 15 minutes. Then the decoction is cooled, filtered through cheesecloth and used for douching twice a day for two weeks (a decoction of calendula is also prepared).
Yarrow herb - 20 g, sage leaves - 20 g, pedunculate oak bark - 40 g, rosemary leaf - 20 g. Mix everything, add three liters of water and boil. Use twice a day for douching.
Chamomile inflorescence - 25 g, wild mallow flowers - 10 g, sage leaves - 15 g, pedunculate oak bark - 10 g. Pour two tablespoons of the resulting mixture with a liter of boiling water. Use for douching and vaginal tampons.

To treat inflammation of the vagina and cervix, which are caused by trichomoniasis, pathogenic fungi and various bacterial infections, use a 3% propolis solution mixed with 96% ethyl alcohol. Treatment lasts 7-10 days, the drug is used once a day.

Prevention

There are no vaccines to prevent the development of colpitis. To reduce the risk of infection, you need to:

see a gynecologist once a year (during a standard examination in a gynecological chair, the doctor can easily identify the first symptoms of the inflammatory process and immediately prescribe effective therapy);
strictly observe the rules of personal hygiene (wash the external genitalia twice a day with warm water and soap or intimate hygiene product from front to back);
strengthen the immune system, eat well, take vitamins and minerals;
do not self-medicate with antibiotics;
have one regular sexual partner.

At the first symptoms of colpitis, you should immediately make an appointment with a gynecologist.

. A disease detected at an early stage is much more treatable. If you do not visit a doctor on time, colpitis can become chronic or cause complications (abscess, fistula). Also, if left to chance, the infection can spread to the uterine cavity and lead to infertility.

This article is posted for educational purposes only and does not constitute scientific material or professional medical advice.

Consequences and complications of colpitis

Timely drug treatment of any type of colpitis will significantly reduce various risks to women’s health. If a woman neglects her health, then there is a risk of complications of colpitis:

Inflammatory processes - urethritis, cystitis;
The formation of inflammation of the inner layer of the uterus (endometritis), inflammation of the cervical canal (cervicitis) and erosion of the cervix;
Infertility, ectopic pregnancy;
Formation of bleeding areas on the vaginal walls, which can cause new inflammatory processes;
Girls may develop synechia (fusion of both the labia majora and labia minora);

Physiotherapy

In addition to taking medications, physical therapy has a good effect on vaginitis. It includes UV irradiation, UHF, ultraphonophoresis and SMV therapy. These procedures reduce the clinical manifestations of inflammation and accelerate the restoration of the epithelial layer.

For intimate hygiene, you should use ready-made products with antiseptic properties. When treating vaginitis, you should wear only natural underwear to avoid the greenhouse effect. It is advisable to use gels and powders with a hypoallergenic composition for washing clothes.

During the treatment period, it is worth reviewing your diet, giving up alcohol, spicy and salty foods. The emphasis should be on fermented milk products, fresh vegetables and fruits.