Vaginitis
Treatment Duration
30
Suggested Sessions
2-3 times/ year
What is vaginitis?
It is an inflammation of the vagina, i.e. an infection of the lower genital system, caused by various fungi, bacteria, parasites and sexually transmitted microorganisms.
Vaginitis can often be asymptomatic, but in some cases it causes stinging, itching or atypical vaginal discharge.
The normal flora of the vagina naturally protects the vagina. When it is disturbed, then there is an increased sensitivity to vaginitis.
Vaginal atrophy or decreased estrogen levels due to menopause increase the chances of vaginitis!
Symptoms
- Informal and foul-smelling vaginal fluids (white, yellow, gray)
- Itching
- Burning sensation (stinging)
- Pain when urinating and during sexual intercourse
- Blood from the vagina
Some types of vaginitis can be caused by sexually transmitted microorganisms, so they occur after sexual intercourse.
The most common types of vaginitis
Bacterial vaginosis
It is caused by certain bacteria and causes stinging, smelly liquids and grayish-white secretions.
Fungal vaginitis
It is caused by certain fungi and causes irritation to the external genitalia, itching and thick white discharge.
Trichomoniasis
It is caused by a sexually transmitted parasite and causes yellow-green secretions, intense discomfort and the characteristic cervicitis also known as the Strawberry-like effect.
Chlamydia
It is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases. Research shows that almost 80% of infected women remain asymptomatic. This is especially dangerous, as if not treated immediately, it can cause inflammation of the upper genitals (uterus, fallopian tubes), thus increasing the chance of reduced fertility.
Risk factors
- Hormonal changes (menopause - pregnancy)
- Intense sexual activity
- Frequent alternation of sexual partners
- Sexually transmitted diseases
- Wet swimsuit for a long time on the body
- Synthetic underwear
- Some medicines (antibiotics, steroids)
- Diabetes mellitus (uncontrolled)
- Unsuitable cleaners for sensitive areas
- Spermicides
- Tight trousers
Visit your gynecologist regularly, as if an asymptomatic vaginitis is not treated, it can have very unpleasant consequences!
Diagnosis
For the correct diagnosis of vaginitis, a visit to the gynecologist is necessary.
The test takes about 20 minutes and does not require any special preparation.
The medical history is taken, and during the gynecological examination a vaginal fluid is taken.
The vaginal fluid is then cultured to identify the microorganism that is the cause of the inflammation.
Vaginitis can also be due to a dermatitis or allergy, so the appropriate treatment needs to be followed!
Treatment
The type and duration of treatment depend on the microorganism that has caused the inflammation.
Its duration can range from 1 day to 2 weeks, depending on the etiology.
For the treatment of vaginitis is usually administered:
Oral medication or vaginal suppositories
Vaginal medications
Targeted treatment for vaginitis is required, as it can be due to many different microorganisms.
Therefore, a specific treatment must be given, to which the microorganism responsible for vaginitis will be sensitive.
In some cases where the microorganism is resistant, the sexual partner needs to be re-examined or even treated.
Do not sit for many hours in a wet swimsuit, as the humidity in the area and the heat, favor the growth of microorganisms that can cause vaginitis!
Prevention
- Good body hygiene
- Avoidance of dangerous factors
- Use of condoms
- Restriction of sexual partners
- Wet swimsuit change
- Use of probiotics while taking antibiotics
- Clean personal towels at home and on the beach
If you have vaginitis often, you should have regular gynecological examinations to identify the cause and treat it properly.
Ask The Doctor
Dr. Tzonis Panagiotis
Μαιευτήρας-Γυναικολόγος
210 69 29 999
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why is vaginitis more common in the summer?
In the summer months, the temperature causes intense sweating and when combined with synthetic underwear or very tight pants, the humidity in the sensitive area favors the growth of microorganisms that can cause vaginitis.
For the same reason, soaked swimwear on the body for a long time is also considered a reason that vaginitis occurs more often in the summer.
Can Vaginitis affect pregnancy?
Yes. If vaginitis is not treated, it can migrate to the upper genitals, i.e. the uterus and fallopian tubes. If this happens, then it can cause miscarriage, premature birth or even a low birth weight baby.
Can vaginitis affect fertility?
Yes. Chlamydia-induced vaginitis can be asymptomatic, so if left untreated it can cause Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID), which results in reduced fertility.