What does vaginal redness mean?

Inflammation of the vaginal mucosa is accompanied by profuse leucorrhoea with an unpleasant odor, itching and burning in the external genital area, and pain in the lower abdomen. Colpitis (vaginitis) is an inflammatory disease, one of the most common reasons for women to visit a gynecologist. Pathology can occur at any age and significantly reduce the patient’s quality of life. Colpitis develops on the vaginal mucosa, but as the inflammatory process spreads, it can affect the vulva, uterus, appendages, and lead to irreversible changes in tissues.

At an early stage, colpitis responds well to treatment. Women are advised not to delay visiting a doctor and make an appointment with a gynecologist at the Alfa Health Center clinic in Moscow when the first symptoms appear.

Etiology of colpitis

Normal vaginal microflora includes dozens of types of microorganisms that can live and reproduce in this environment without causing disease. This is a flexible biocenosis that can quickly adapt to changes and suppress the excessive development of opportunistic microbes - such processes are called colonization resistance.

Under the influence of various external and internal factors, the balance of vaginal microflora can be disrupted. The number of lactobacilli decreases, which, in turn, leads to a change in the acidity of the environment and creates favorable conditions for the development of pathogens. Inflammation occurs.

The main infectious agent may be staphylococcus, Escherichia coli, streptococcus, fusobacteria, non-spore-forming anaerobes, peptostreptococci or other bacteria. But in recent years, vaginitis has been characterized by a mixed etiology, when inflammation is caused by the activity of several types of microbes. This significantly complicates treatment, increases the risk of relapse of the disease, and contributes to the transition of acute colpitis to chronic.

Provoking factors

Even the presence of pathogens in the vagina does not necessarily lead to colpitis. For an infection to cause inflammation, provoking factors must be present that suppress the activity of lactobacilli and reduce the local immunity of the female body.

The most common causes of colpitis are:

• violation of the rules of intimate hygiene: too frequent or insufficient washing, use of inappropriate products;
• indolent sexually transmitted infections;
• early sexual debut and promiscuity;
• mechanical injuries to the vaginal mucosa, for example, when using intimate toys, after an abortion, surgery;
• wearing tight underwear made of synthetic fabrics;
• endocrine diseases: diabetes, obesity, thyroid dysfunction;
• hormonal imbalance during puberty, pregnancy, menopause;
• allergic reactions;
• chronic stress, depression;
• lack of vitamins, poor nutrition;
• radiation and chemotherapy for cancer;
• immunodeficiency;
• self-administration of hormonal drugs, antibiotics and a number of other medications;
• congenital pathologies of the structure of the internal genital organs;
• installation of an intrauterine device, etc.

In clinical practice, cases have been described in which women complained of symptoms of colpitis after returning from an exotic country. The reason is a change in diet. A woman actively tries local cuisine, and the microflora reacts by shifting the balance. In such cases, colpitis is often accompanied by intestinal dysbiosis.

Atrophic forms of vaginitis occur in postmenopausal women. The cause of inflammation is the natural thinning of the vaginal mucosa. Dryness in the intimate area contributes to imbalance of microflora.

The doctor tries to determine the cause of vaginitis as accurately as possible in each specific case. Treatment tactics depend on this.

Features of vaginal itching during pregnancy

Unpleasant itching in the vagina often complicates the life of women carrying a child.

If during menstruation it can only be explained by hygienic or infectious problems.

But after they stop, the situation is determined only by the influence of progesterone.

During pregnancy, the clinical course of the painful condition has its own characteristics.

These include:

• vaginal itching appears in the early stages;
• the severity of the symptom is from mild to moderate;
• with diabetes that develops during pregnancy, the itching increases sharply;
• in the early stages there is practically no discharge;
• there is an increase in libido against the background of unpleasant sensations in the groin area;
• general health does not suffer.

If there is itching in the vagina and a delay in menstruation, then with a high degree of probability one can suspect hormonal changes and the onset of pregnancy.

However, it is also possible that an infection may simply occur after unprotected sexual intercourse, which causes acute inflammation and an undesirable symptom.

Therefore, it is completely wrong to firmly state that vaginal itching is a sign of pregnancy.

The problem can appear during ovulation, so you need to clearly understand how many days have passed since your period in order to assess the likelihood of conception.

Transparent discharge from the genital tract or its complete absence often indicates an allergic reaction, which may well occur in the early stages of pregnancy.

The appearance of itching and discomfort in the vagina during delayed menstruation, as well as after childbirth, requires an integrated approach to identifying the cause of the problem.

A combination of hormonal factors, infection, allergies, and mechanical trauma to the genital tract is possible.

Speaking about whether it is possible to get pregnant with itching in the vagina, it should be mentioned that the symptom does not have a contraceptive effect.

Therefore, no one can cancel protection from unwanted pregnancy.

Expert opinion

The diagnosis of colpitis “gets younger” every year. The reason is not only the early onset of sexual activity in girls, but also the modern fashion for underwear. A patient comes to see a doctor with characteristic complaints, and we immediately pay attention to her clothing. Beautiful, lacy synthetic underwear, fashionable thongs do not allow air to pass through and cause a local increase in temperature. This is an ideal environment for bacteria to multiply. If constant wearing of such underwear is accompanied by insufficient intimate hygiene, the girl is almost guaranteed to get bacterial colpitis. You can wear thongs and lace, but only for a short time and on special occasions. The rest of the time, you should take care of your health and choose cotton underwear that will not rub the perineum and will not cause overheating.

Symptoms of colpitis

In the first stages of inflammation, the clinical picture may be blurred. Women notice signs of colpitis when the process already reaches the vulva and vulvovaginitis forms with more pronounced symptoms:

• The character of the leucorrhoea changes
  . Discharge from colpitis darkens and smells unpleasant. Purulent, bloody impurities and clots may appear. The discharge takes on a foamy, cheesy, watery character, which differs significantly from the usual consistency;
• Itching and burning appears in the perineum
  . When inflammation spreads to the vulva and external genitalia, swelling and redness occur. Itching and burning are some of the characteristic signs of colpitis, which do not subside even at night and cannot be controlled with medication;
• Periodic pain occurs in the lower abdomen
  . Women experience similar sensations before menstruation. With colpitis, the pain intensifies during sexual intercourse and bowel movements;
• Problems with urination appear
  . Inflammation in the genitals contributes to the development of an ascending urinary tract infection. The clinical symptoms of colpitis include frequent urination, urinary incontinence, and pain when trying to empty the bladder. Body temperature rises.

Nature of itching in the genital area

By nature, scratching in the female genital area can be constant, periodic and occur only under certain conditions - for example, after a hot bath, beach, sexual intercourse. It is necessary to consult a specialist even in case of periodic and seemingly minor itching, because such a symptom may indicate health problems and the need for therapy. If you start to itch “there”, do not hesitate, consult a doctor.

Itching in the vagina and burning after urination

Most often, the appearance of this symptom after visiting the toilet may indicate the presence of cystitis - inflammation of the mucous membrane of the bladder. This disease is manifested by a frequent urge to urinate, which is an irritating factor and creates the feeling that the inflammatory process is concentrated in the genital area.

Urethritis, an inflammation of the walls of the urethra, which is affected by various types of bacteria and viruses, also leads to discomfort in the genital area.

Almost any disease of the excretory system that causes dryness of the mucous membrane, leads to microtrauma and is accompanied by the appearance of discharge, can cause a woman to complain of discomfort. Urine entering the area of ​​microtrauma causes irritation, resulting in discomfort.

Redness of the vagina in diabetes mellitus

Diabetes mellitus leads to changes in the functioning of the entire body. With this disease, damage to small vessels is observed, local immune forces decrease, the acid-base balance changes, the skin and mucous membranes become dry, flaky, microcracks easily appear on them, which become infected with pathogenic flora and fungi, which leads to inflammatory diseases. And of course, a woman may be bothered by discomfort in the genital area, which is manifested by itching and pain.

Unpleasant allergy symptoms

An allergic reaction can occur when the body is exposed to multiple irritants, such as medications and certain foods. Excessive use of intimate hygiene products - all kinds of scented gels, foams, panty liners - can also lead to allergies and itching in the genital area.

Wearing synthetic, excessively tight underwear, as well as regular shaving of the intimate area with subsequent hair growth can also cause itching.

Itching and burning in the vagina after intercourse

Women often experience unpleasant symptoms when they are allergic to lubricants and the latex from which condoms are made. Various spermicides can also cause irritation and itching in the genital area. If you have an allergic reaction to your partner's seminal fluid, unpleasant symptoms appear after unprotected intercourse and are accompanied by redness and swelling of the vagina and external genitalia.

Sometimes the cause of an allergy to a partner's sperm lies in his food preferences or in the medications he takes. Therefore, if there is discomfort after sexual intercourse, in many cases it is necessary to treat the couple together and contact a gynecologist and urologist.

Discomfort due to improper hygiene

Both insufficient and excessive hygiene are harmful when a woman violates the natural flora of the genital organs. Not everyone knows that regular soap is not suitable for the intimate area, because it changes the environment in favor of an alkaline one. This can additionally lead to discomfort and itching. The skin of the body and the mucous membrane of the genitals have different pH values, so in order to avoid itching anywhere, they need different care.

Problems when taking antibiotics

Antibacterial drugs are often used in the treatment of various bacterial infections. As a rule, the course of treatment with these drugs prescribed by a doctor is quite long. And this does not count the cases when women self-medicate and prescribe antibiotics to themselves, for example, for ARVI and influenza. They don’t know that antibacterial drugs are powerless against viruses and can only cause harm.i

Unfortunately, as a result of taking antibiotics, the beneficial microflora of a woman’s body suffers, which causes problems with the gastrointestinal tract and other internal organs. Bacterial vaginosis may develop - vaginal dysbiosis, in which the number of beneficial bacteria sharply decreases, while the opportunistic flora grows and makes itself felt by itching in the genital area.

Dysbacteriosis also often leads to a decrease in the local defenses of the mucous membrane, which only aggravates the process and leads to secondary infection.

Discomfort with candidiasis (thrush)

Urogenital candidiasis is caused by yeast-like fungi of the genus Candida, which, in the absence of any disturbances in the body, are normally present in the microflora of the genital organs. Candidiasis develops with intensive proliferation of fungi, which leads to a disruption of the natural balance of the environment of the genital organs. The development of candidiasis is often caused by a general decrease in immunity.

The fungal disease is manifested by swelling, hyperemia (redness), copious cheesy discharge from the genital tract (which is why this disease is popularly called thrush), pain during sexual intercourse and a feeling of irritation and itching in the vulva area.

Contrary to popular belief, men also suffer from candidiasis, which manifests itself in them as a disease such as balanitis, an inflammatory disease of the penis.

Vaginal discomfort during pregnancy

Discomfort in the genital area in a pregnant woman is caused by the same reasons as in women who are not currently expecting a child. But still, the expectant mother has one more reason for discomfort in the genital area - sudden changes in hormonal levels in the body. Hormonal imbalance leads to a weakening of the immune system, which in turn contributes to the proliferation of pathogenic bacteria in the genital area and the appearance of an unpleasant symptom.

Treatment and relief from vaginal discomfort during pregnancy must be treated with the greatest care and only those drugs whose instructions indicate that they are approved for use by expectant mothers should be used.

Itching and burning in the vagina during menopause

With the onset of menopause, a woman’s hormonal levels also undergo enormous changes that affect all organs and systems, including the reproductive organs. Estrogen deficiency in the female body, as well as involutive changes in blood circulation, a reduction in the secretory activity of the gonads and the production of collagen fibers, which are responsible for rapid tissue regeneration, all lead to discomfort in the genital area. A woman is worried about dry mucous membranes, discomfort during sexual intercourse, and often microtrauma and the appearance of wounds.

If you detect the first signs of atrophic changes, you should contact a gynecologist to prescribe adequate treatment that will eliminate unpleasant symptoms and allow you to have a sexual life without unpleasant consequences.

Discomfort in the genital area due to sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)

Sexual infections are one of the most common causes that lead to unpleasant symptoms in the vaginal area. Almost all infectious diseases that are sexually transmitted lead to discomfort in the genital area.ii

The following urogenital infections most often manifest as itching in the genital area:

• chlamydia;
• trichomoniasis;
• mycoplasmosis;
• ureaplasmosis;
• syphilis;
• gonorrhea.

All of these diseases are distinguished by nonspecific symptoms, one of which is scratching in the intimate area.iii To prevent partners from itching, it is necessary to consult a doctor in a timely manner and begin treatment when the first suspicious signs appear.

Types of colpitis

According to the intensity of the disease, the disease is divided into two types:

• Acute colpitis
  . Symptoms are pronounced, appear and increase within 1-3 days. In the acute period, treatment is most effective if you consult an experienced gynecologist;
• Chronic colpitis
  . The disease occurs with mild symptoms. Periods of exacerbation occur in waves, the frequency and intensity of manifestations are individual.

According to the type of pathogen, there are two types of vaginitis:

• Specific colpitis
  . The inflammation is caused by a sexually transmitted infection acquired from a partner. The disease is quite aggressive, with pronounced symptoms, and can occur even with normal vaginal microflora. Specific ones include chlamydial, trichomonas vaginitis, inflammation caused by gonococcus, Koch's bacillus;
• Nonspecific colpitis
  . The causative agent is a microorganism that is present in the natural microflora of the vagina: Candida fungi, E. coli, streptococcus, ureaplasma, mycoplasma, etc. The cause of the disease is a shift in the balance and inhibition of lactobacilli. Nonspecific includes, for example, fungal (candidal) colpitis, which is usually called thrush.

Diagnosis of colpitis

Gynecological examination

Diagnosis begins with a consultation with a doctor. It is necessary to answer the doctor’s questions as fully and honestly as possible, talk about how long ago the first symptoms appeared and their intensity. The doctor will clarify the presence of provoking factors. Then an examination is carried out on a gynecological chair.

It is important for a specialist to obtain information about the condition of the external genitalia, urethra, mucous membrane of the vulva and vagina. Be sure to palpate the uterus and ovaries to determine the extent of the process and the presence of concomitant diseases. The inspection is standard, ordinary mirrors are used. Based on the results of the survey and palpation, the doctor will issue a referral for a comprehensive examination to clarify the diagnosis.

Lab tests

The patient's blood, urine and vaginal secretions are sent for examination. The doctor takes a vaginal smear immediately during the examination.

Key indicators required for diagnosis:

• presence of HIV, syphilis, hepatitis;
• smear cytology;
• PCR analysis to identify the pathogen;
• bacterial culture of secretions to determine sensitivity to antibiotics;
• General analysis of urine and blood to assess health status and identify concomitant diseases.

Particular cases of itching and their clinical features

Before choosing a medicine for vaginal itching, you need to accurately determine its cause.

In addition to frequent situations where the etiology of the problem does not seem complex, there are also symptoms that are difficult to differentiate.

The cause of vaginal itching does not always lie in gynecology, so some other problematic cases are discussed below.

• Itching after shaving. It often occurs due to mechanical trauma to the mucous membrane and skin, as well as due to allergies to poor-quality hygiene items. Usually goes away within 1-2 days. Does not cause serious health problems.
• Itching during ovulation . A common situation for a woman. Libido also increases during this period. The problem is associated with high levels of estrogen in the blood. The symptom passes without discharge or odor and lasts no more than 2-3 days. Does not require special therapy.
• Itching in the vagina before menstruation. Also a typical situation for women, especially during the premenopausal period. During menopause, hormonal status changes, which leads to the cessation of menstruation. Therefore, before the onset of menopause, before menstruation, against the background of a hormonal surge and atrophy of the mucous membrane, unpleasant sensations often occur.
• Itching due to vaginal dysbiosis . In fact, changes in microflora are associated with the predominance of pathogenic microorganisms. Therefore, in addition to itching, green vaginal discharge is possible. Drug correction is required in the form of antibacterial and microflora-normalizing therapy.
• Itching in the vagina during menopause. It occurs with varying intensity. Sometimes it even interferes with falling asleep and disrupts the quality of life. The reason is hormonal changes in the body. But due to a decrease in local immune status, infection often occurs, which explains the reasons for relapses in the absence of adequate treatment.
• Itching in the vagina after a biopsy. This unpleasant symptom is caused by mechanical irritation of the nerve endings. Severity is mild to moderate, usually disappears in 1-2 days. If a burning sensation and dryness of the vagina occur against the background of itching, you should immediately consult a specialist, as complications of the biopsy are possible.
• Itching in the anus and vagina. The situation is typical for allergic reactions, atrophic and hormonal changes, as well as in the presence of STDs. Itching of the vagina and anus may also be due to the presence of helminths, especially if the signs of the problem intensify in the morning. The situation requires the intervention of a specialist, since the exact etiology of the unpleasant symptom is difficult to assess based on the nature of itching of the vaginal and rectal mucosa.
• Itching after caesarean section. A common sign indicating a violation of the innervation of the genital organs. Another reason may be hormonal changes in a woman’s body. Typically, itching and redness in the vagina are mild, and all symptoms go away on their own a few days after surgery.
• Itching in the urethra and vagina. A symptom characterizing the inflammatory process in the genitourinary system. Usually, not only itching, but also a fishy odor from the vagina can be felt at the same time. The problem requires treatment, as infection may spread and damage the kidneys, uterus or appendages. Itching in the vagina after cystitis may indicate a fungal superinfection or an allergy to antiseptics.
• Itching in the vagina from toilet paper . A common everyday situation associated with irritation of easily wounded mucous membranes. A common symptom in older women with atrophic vulvitis. If itching occurs immediately after urination, then the infectious nature of the unpleasant manifestation is also possible.

There are many other isolated situations in which pathological sensations occur in the external genitalia.

Even hemorrhoids can cause itching in the vagina, not just the rectum.

The exact cause of the painful condition is always determined by the doctor after examination, diagnosis and trial treatment.

That with itching in the vagina, psychosomatics also suffers, this also requires professional correction.

Treatment of colpitis

Therapy is prescribed individually. When drawing up a treatment plan for colpitis, the doctor must take into account the cause of inflammation, the woman’s age, and the presence of other diseases.

The basis of therapy is taking medications: antiviral, antifungal, antibiotics, etc. Properly selected medications help to quickly relieve symptoms, strengthen the immune system, and relieve inflammation. The doctor may prescribe tablets, douching solutions, vaginal suppositories, gels, and baths.

The effectiveness of the diet in the treatment of colpitis in women has been proven. Alcohol, carbonated drinks, salty and fatty foods, and smoked foods are excluded from the diet. You can eat fresh fruits and vegetables, good quality meat and fish dishes.

Often girls feel relief already on the 2-3rd day and stop taking medications, thinking that they have cured the inflammation. This is a very big mistake. You cannot interrupt the assigned course. When treatment is not completed, drug-resistant microflora forms in the vagina. Vaginal colpitis recurs, but no longer responds to usual therapy. The doctor has to completely change the treatment regimen in order to cure the patient.

Other features of the treatment of colpitis:

• if the inflammation is caused by a sexually transmitted disease, the partner must also undergo therapy;
• During treatment, complete sexual rest is recommended to restore the mucous membrane;
• intimate hygiene products, underwear and pads must be replaced with safer ones.

Tests for colpitis are taken several times during treatment. Based on the results of the smear, the doctor monitors the effectiveness of the prescribed medications.

Atrophic colpitis in women after 50 years of age is treated only with hormone replacement therapy. It is recommended to use special intimate lubricants to moisturize the vagina.

Colpitis during pregnancy also requires a special approach. The doctor must take into account the risk of drug exposure to the fetus, but cannot allow the development of inflammation, which is a common cause of perinatal mortality. A pregnant woman needs to carefully monitor her condition and nutrition in order to bear a healthy baby.

Physiotherapeutic techniques are actively used in the treatment of colpitis. In the acute course of the disease, the doctor prescribes exposure to high-frequency electromagnetic fields and ultraviolet irradiation. To combat chronic inflammation, courses of Kellat electrophoresis, ultraphonophoresis, and centimeter wave therapy are carried out.

Important:

do not self-medicate. Douching with herbal decoctions, solutions of medicinal substances, hot compresses and baths without a doctor’s prescription can complicate the course of the disease. Women often come to our clinic with serious burns of the vaginal mucosa and severe allergic swelling - this is the result of using untested recipes. Colpitis, which could easily be cured in a few days, is complicated by purulent processes, vaginosis, and tissue atrophy.

How to treat vaginal itching

The question of how to get rid of vaginal itching arises acutely immediately after the appearance of an unpleasant symptom.

An attempt to use traditional methods of influencing the problem only worsens the clinical picture.

Therefore, the only correct way to quickly relieve vaginal itching is to consult a specialist for medical help.

The general principles of therapeutic action on a painful condition include the following steps:

• establishing the cause of the disease;
• external treatment - apply ointment or gel for vaginal itching;
• antihistamine antiallergic drugs locally or systemically;
• restorative therapy;
• systemic antimicrobial therapy - tablets or injections for vaginal itching;
• anti-relapse treatment.

Only a medical specialist can decide how to relieve vaginal itching based on diagnostic results or at least a preliminary examination.

However, before you begin medicinal correction of the problem, you need to start with hygiene issues.

Plays an important role as a wash when itching in the vagina.

Highly alkaline soap solutions only irritate the mucous membrane, so neutral agents are always preferable.

If there is a rash on the skin of the pubis and itching in the vagina, then it is necessary to exclude the presence of lice.

When lice are detected, all that is required is shaving, douching with antiseptic solutions and anti-pediculosis treatment.

Pubic lice are removed quite easily and quickly, and the problem of unpleasant sensations disappears.

If there are pimples and itching in the vagina, then the likely cause is herpes.

In this case, antiviral therapy is used.

The drugs of choice are acyclovir and its derivatives.

An ointment for vaginal itching containing this drug is prescribed for up to 1 month.

In parallel, acyclovir or valacyclovir is taken orally.