VAGINITIS

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The most common causes of abnormal vaginal discharge are infections. These are generally simple infections that we see frequently. However, sometimes there may be sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and infections that require partner treatment. STDs can affect the uterus, tubes and ovaries, reducing future reproductive potential in men and women. Therefore, early diagnosis and treatment is very important. Apart from infections, sometimes cervical cancer, uterine cancer and tubal cancers can cause discharge. The amount of discharge increases in pregnant women. Discharge may be more than normal in women with poor hygiene, those who use tampons, vaginal showers, sprays, or hygiene products.

WHEN SHOULD I CONSULT A DOCTOR?

• If there is a change in the amount, color or smell of the discharge

• If there is a yellow-green discharge or bad smell

• If there is white discharge or itching like a cheese cut

• If there is redness, burning, itching in the genital area

• If there is bleeding outside menstrual period

• If there is pain during intercourse

• If there is bleeding after intercourse, you should definitely consult a doctor.

WHAT IS VAGINITIS?

Vaginitis is the most important cause of vaginal discharge. Vaginitis is inflammation of the vagina. It causes discharge, itching, burning and pain. Many infections or irritating factors or allergies can cause vaginitis.

WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF VAGINITIS?

The most common vaginitis. The causes are as follows:

• Bacterial vaginosis: It occurs as a result of the increase in the proportion of some microorganisms that are normally found in small amounts in the vagina and the disruption of the balance between microorganisms. The amount of lactobacilli, which are normally abundant in the vagina, decreases, other bacteria, which we call anaerobic, increase, and the normal flora of the vagina is disrupted. This causes bad odor, discharge and burning complaints.

• Fungal infections: There are a small amount of fungi in the vagina. Excessive growth of fungi causes infection. Candida type fungi generally cause infection. Patients experience itching, burning, white cheese-like discharge and redness. It is more common in people who use antibiotics, pregnant women, diabetics, and those who sweat a lot.

• Trichomonas: Trichomonas is a single-celled parasite. It is transmitted sexually. There may be other STDs along with it. It causes abundant green-yellow frothy discharge.

• Non-infectious vaginitis: Vaginal sprays, scented soaps, detergents, pads and tampons cause vaginal irritation and It may cause vaginitis. Sometimes foreign objects such as forgotten tampons, toilet paper, etc. in the vagina can also cause vaginitis.

• Vaginitis due to menopause: The decrease in estrogen levels in menopause causes thinning of the vaginal wall, and this thinning causes vaginal dryness and burning. In such patients, short-term vaginal estrogen treatment solves the problem.

HOW CAN I KNOW IF IT IS VAGINITIS?

The most important finding is a change in the color, amount and smell of the discharge. Vaginal itching, burning, and pain during sexual intercourse may occur. Patients with vaginitis may also experience pain after urination. Some women may experience bleeding after intercourse or non-menstrual bleeding. The color and smell of the discharge sometimes help us understand which infection it is. For example, discharge that is gray-white in color, foul-smelling, and causes a stinky fish-like odor, especially after intercourse, is the discharge of bacterial vaginosis. Green-yellow frothy discharge indicates trichomonas infection. Itchy discharge like white cheese curds is a fungal infection. However, the findings may not always be this obvious or typical, or several infections may occur together. In such cases or in cases where there is no response to treatment, the causative agent should be determined by performing a culture test on vaginal discharge and treatment should be given accordingly.

WHAT ARE THE RISK FACTORS FOR VAGINITIS?

• Sexual intercourse,

• Pregnancy,

• Menopause,

• Using birth control pills

• Some medications, antibiotics

• Diabetes (diabetes mellitus) )

• Vaginal shower (washing the inside of the vagina), bubble bath

• Vital hygiene such as vaginal spray, deodorant, scented soap, etc. using products

• Wearing tight, breathable, sweat-proof clothes

• Performing genital cleaning from back to front

• Using a spiral (intrauterine device)

• Having had an STD before

• Smoking

WHAT ARE THE COMPLICATIONS OF VAGINITIS?

• Those who have vaginitis The risk of other sexually transmitted diseases is higher in women. These diseases can also infect the uterus and tubes in women and affect future fertility.

• Some vaginitis can also be transmitted to partners.

• Some infections can occur in pregnant women. It may cause premature birth and low birth weight.

• Some infections can be transmitted to the baby during birth.

HOW IS VAGINITIS DIAGNOSED?

For the diagnosis of vaginitis, first talk to your doctor about your complaints. will talk about. Your doctor will question how long you have had the complaint, whether it has happened before, whether your partner has a similar problem, whether you are pregnant, whether you are taking medication, whether you have a disease such as diabetes, the color, smell, amount of discharge, and any accompanying complaints. Afterwards, you will need to have a gynecological examination. During the examination, a speculum is inserted into the vagina and the walls of the vagina and the cervix are examined. The color, consistency and odor of the discharge are examined. Generally, most patients are diagnosed through examination and treated. However, in some patients, several infections may occur together or there may be no typical findings of the infection. In such cases, a culture test is taken from the patient's discharge and treatment is given according to the microbe grown as a result.

HOW CAN I PREVENT VAGINAL INFECTION?

All women should be informed about genital hygiene. The risk of infection is reduced in women who comply with genital hygiene rules.

• First of all, the genital area should be kept dry and clean. Underwear should be cotton and should be changed frequently. Tight, tight jeans and trousers should not be worn. Sweat-absorbing, loose-fitting clothes should be preferred.

• Only water or soaps whose pH is compatible with the body pH should be used for cleaning the external genital area. Deodorant, scented, antibacterial soaps should not be used. If soap is used, it should be washed thoroughly and then dried thoroughly.

• After the toilet, genital cleaning should be done from front to back. Thus, the transmission of germs from the anus to the vaginal area is prevented.

• Products such as deodorant, spray, deodorizer, lubricant, etc. should not be used as genital cleaners.

• Vaginal douche (washing the inside of the vagina after intercourse) should never be done. The vagina cleans itself. It does not need to be washed other than normal bathing. Washing the inside causes the destruction of microorganisms that protect against diseases in the vagina. Vaginal douche does not clean the infection, on the contrary, it increases the risk of infection.

• Tub or bubble bath should not be used.

• Underwear should be washed well, rinsed thoroughly, and there should be no detergent residue on it.

• Things that cause irritation such as tampons and pads should be avoided.

• You should enter the sea or pool while it is clean. You should never swim in wet swimsuits.

• Using a condom during intercourse reduces the risk of transmitting the infection.

Vaginal infection may cause pain, burning and discomfort during intercourse. In addition, since some infections can be transmitted sexually, the infection can also be passed to the partner during intercourse. Therefore, information about this situation should be obtained from the doctor. If there is pain during intercourse, a 1-week break should be taken. To reduce the risk of infection to the partner, intercourse should not be had until the infection is over, or condoms should be used in suitable patients. Spouse treatment should also be given to couples who are likely to be infected.

HOW IS VAGINITIS TREATED?

Treatment is planned according to the factor causing vaginitis. The genital area is kept dry and clean. The patient is informed about genital hygiene. Partner treatment is also given for infections that can be transmitted to a partner. For sexually transmitted diseases, sexual intercourse is prohibited during treatment. In suitable patients who do not have pain or burning, intercourse can be allowed using a condom. In patients with itching and swelling, complaints can be reduced by applying cold compresses, towels and ice packs. Generally, complaints ease and improve within 1 week. If the complaints do not subside within a week, more detailed tests may be required.

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