Atrophic vaginitis - symptoms, treatment, prevention

With a decrease in estrogen during menopause, with breastfeeding or after removal of the ovary in women, the vaginal walls become dry and thin. This phenomenon causes an inflammatory process and is called "atrophic vaginitis" (colpitis).

Why does the disease occur?

A small amount of female sex hormones leads to a slow multiplication of the cells of the vaginal epithelium. This provokes a decrease or complete disappearance of useful lactobacilli, which provide a normal microflora of the female genital organs.

What is needed for a sufficient level of estrogen in the vagina:

• Promotes the proliferation of the epithelium;
• Improves blood circulation;
• Forms lactic acid;
• Supports the acidic environment that is necessary for the propagation of "beneficial" bacteria and the reduction of pathogenic microorganisms.

An insufficient amount of estrogen leads to atrophic changes and serves as a favorable background for the formation of chronic forms of colpitis, such as bactericidal vaginitis. The disease is not transmitted sexually.

Atrophic vaginitis - symptoms

The disease has the following symptoms:

• Burning sensation, dryness and itching in the vagina ;
• Painful sensations after or during intercourse;
• Small discharge from the vagina with an admixture of blood;
• Frequent urination ;
• Whitish discharge from the vagina.

Atrophic vaginitis is not dangerous for women, but it introduces unpleasant moments into the intimate life of partners. To determine the disease you need to turn to a gynecologist.

Atrophic vaginitis - diagnosis

The examiner will conduct the following examinations:

• Examination on the gynecological chair of the cervix and vagina with a mirror;
• Taking smears to exclude other colpitis species, such as nonspecific vaginitis. And also to exclude oncology and carry out bacterial and bacteriological examinations;
• Conducting a colposcopy procedure;
• Determination of the pH of the vaginal environment.

These actions will help the gynecologist correctly diagnose and prescribe the right treatment.

Atrophic vaginitis - treatment

When breastfeeding the disease eventually passes, and with menopause is protracted. As a treatment the doctor can appoint:

• Hormonal therapy;
• Replenishment of estrogen with the help of tablets, ointments, creams and suppositories;
• Lubricants on a water basis to relieve painful sensations.

Antibiotic in colpitis is not prescribed, since the disease is not infectious. The most commonly prescribed cream, with the use of which the itching and burning of the vagina pass within seven days. The agent continues to use to consolidate the result for another week. Atrophic vaginitis is treatable due to the content in the preparations of estrogen, which thickens the epithelium of the vagina.

Atrophic vaginitis - prevention

In order not to start and prevent the disease, it is necessary to take the following actions:

• Perform gynecological examination twice a year;
• Enter into the diet of dairy products, and sharp and salty foods excluded;
• Observe the rules of hygiene.

Atrophic vaginitis occurs in 30% of women, and the risk of developing the disease doubles after reaching a woman of 55-60 years. Thus, in transition years, the disease occurs in every second female.