Vaginitis is one of the most frequent gynecological problems during childhood and adolescence.
Normal vaginal discharge is white, heterogeneous, and odorless; any change in its characteristics may indicate the presence of infectious vaginitis.
Vaginitis causes itching, swelling and redness of the tissues.
Due to the intense itching, scratching lesions can also be found on the vulva. These symptoms are also accompanied by a strange vaginal discharge called leukorrhea, which will be different depending on the cause of the disease:
The following situations can be a cause of vaginitis:
- Infections: an infection is the cause of most vaginitis in adult women, and is usually due to bacteria, although it can also be caused by other causes such as viruses or fungi. The most common are candidiasis and trichomoniasis.
- Allergic reactions: to medications, materials used to make underwear, products used for intimate hygiene, compresses or tampons, spermicides, lubricants, preservatives, or even to chemical components of the detergents or softeners with which the clothes were washed. they can also be among the causes of vaginitis.
- Injuries or foreign bodies inside the vagina: this is common in young girls, who can get to introduce small toys.
- Hormonal: atrophic vaginitis is common in post-menopausal women, because in this period of life estrogen levels drop sharply, the inner lining of the vagina thins, and normal flow decreases.
To diagnose whether or not vaginitis exists, the doctor must first proceed to a physical examination of the patient, observing the distribution of the hair, the presence of scratching lesions, and the characteristics of the leucorrhoea.
It is very important to determine the origin of the problem in order to establish an adequate treatment capable of eliminating the triggering factors of vaginitis.
The following recommendations will help you prevent vaginitis:
- It is advisable to wear clothes that do not oppress and allow perspiration, and take care of intimate hygiene using products that do not irritate the skin or alter the vaginal pH.
- Intimate deodorants and perfumed products (toilet paper, soaps) can cause allergies, so it is better not to use them.
- Douching should be avoided because it can irritate and cause dryness.
- The perineal area should always be cleaned from front to back to avoid contact with germs from the anus. It is important to teach girls to do it correctly and to get them used to washing their hands before and after using the toilet from an early age.
- It is necessary to wash hands and genitals before and after sexual intercourse.
- Consult the gynecologist when changes in flow are observed, if bleeding occurs outside of menstruation, or if irritation, dryness, itching, or any unusual sign is observed.
