Vaginitis: Causes, Remedies, and Prevention

La vaginitis It is an inflammation of the vagina, typically caused by bacteria, fungi, and protozoa. It develops following an alteration of the bacterial flora, the so-called saprophytic flora that protects the vaginal mucosa from external aggressions. Vaginal inflammation can also spread to:

to the vulva (vulvovaginitis)
at the cervix (cervicovaginitis)
to the urethra (less often).

Index of topics

What

Vaginitis may be caused by bacteria (especially Gardenella vaginalis), fungi (such as Candida), and protozoa (the Trichomonas), but a triggering factor can also be a radical hormonal change, for example due to the arrival of menopause.

Cause

The most common cause of vaginitis is related to a infection that is transmitted sexually, or even using public bathrooms or towels and underwear from contaminated people. Other causes include the use of intimate hygiene products with too high a pH (sometimes even above 7), antibiotics or medications for type 2 diabetes, and difficult menstruation, which can alter vaginal pH. Pregnancy or menopause can also trigger vaginitis. Finally, a particular type of vaginitis, called actinic vaginitis, can be triggered by radiation therapy to the vaginal area associated with the treatment of certain cancers.

Symptoms

The most common symptoms of vaginitis are:

Intense itching, especially in the area of infection
Vaginal discharge with an unpleasant smell
White, thick, cottage cheese-like discharge, especially in vaginitis caused by fungi
Pain and irritation during sexual intercourse
Difficulty urinating
Light bleeding

Diagnosis

First the diagnosis should be entrusted to a specialist doctor, the gynecologist, and not with the usual, perverse do-it-yourself method. If he deems it necessary, the doctor may request a vaginal swab test, with a sample taken for laboratory analysis.

Vaginitis can also be the result of food intolerances To foods containing mold and yeast: bread, beer, wine, vinegar, cheese, mushrooms. A test, coordinated with your doctor, may allow you to identify the specific intolerance. The most commonly used tests to complete the diagnosis of vaginitis, after clinical evaluation, are:

anamnesis and pelvic examination
Vaginal pH and wet preparations with saline and potassium hydroxide (KOH)
Sometimes nucleic acid amplification tests or other molecular diagnostic tests or culture

Natural remedies

Among the most effective natural remedies against vaginitis are:

Iron your clothes, even your underwear, with a hot iron: the fungus dies with intense heat.
Some studies have shown that you can boil underwear or soak it in water. bleach for 24 hours, before using them: this method allows you to kill the fungus.

The hip bath with hot water, salt and vinegar

Rather than useless chemical-based vaginal douches, take a simple sitz bath, filling the tub with warm water up to your hips. Add salt to the water (enough to make the water salty) and half a cup of vinegar to help the vagina regain its natural pH of 4,5. Sit in the water until it cools: the bath will help eliminate the infection.

Silk Ritual

Any treatment for vaginitis, which includes the use of medications, should be decided by a doctor and never with the help of Dr. Google, social media, or a DIY method. When infectious vaginitis is caused by bacterial infections, the doctor may prescribe antibiotics, administered topically, such as creams and vaginal suppositories.

I most used active ingredients They are metronidazole, metronidazole, but also tinidazole, doxycycline, azithrocymine and ceftriaxone.

Prevention

Vaginitis can be prevented with some very simple measures.

Sleep without underwear under your pajamas to keep your intimate areas cool and well-ventilated. Vaginitis fungus thrives in warm, humid environments.
Clothes should be comfortable, with natural fabrics, such as cotton, avoiding clothing that is too tight or made of synthetic materials.
Do not use starch-based powders, hygiene products, or cosmetics: starch is a substance that promotes the growth of fungal cultures.
Don't waste money on vaginal douches, gels, foams, anti-candida tablets, intimate deodorants, and sprays: all useless and even counterproductive products.
Wash the vaginal area with plain water and without aggressive intimate cleansers.
Use the "telephone" of a flexible showerhead to direct the natural stream of water into the vaginal area. Do not add soap.
La toilet paper It shouldn't be colored: it's made with different shades using dyes that can be irritating. Toilet paper should be white, soft, and unscented.
Always wash yourself before and after making love.
When you have vaginitis, All types of sexual contact should be avoided.
Check your blood sugar: yeast thrives on sugar, so excess sugar has been shown to cause vaginitis. The same goes for lactose contained in dairy products and artificial sweeteners: increases the likelihood of mycosis.

Vaginitis: causes, remedies, and prevention