Vaginitis is one of the most common gynecological problems that will afflict most women at some stage in their lives.
Symptoms of vaginitis are pain or tingling during urination, itching and more. They mainly occur when the pH balance in the vagina is disturbed due to menopause, anxiety, pregnancy, tight clothing and certain medications, such as antibiotics or when there is a decrease in the body’s defense mechanism or estrogen levels.
In some cases, it is not only vaginitis, but also vulvovaginitis (inflammation of the vulva), which may be accompanied by cervicitis (cervical inflammation). In summer there is an increase in vaginitis incidents, due to heat and humidity, and they are also increased during pregnancy.
The symptoms of vaginitis include itching and irritation of the vagina and vulva, redness in the walls and secretion of a white viscous fluid from the vagina. The secretions are characterized by an odd color and odor and sometimes they are mixed with blood.
Some of the most common causes of vaginitis are the following:
- Fungi (the most common cause)
- Trichomonas vaginalis
- Bacteria (Gardnerella Vaginalis)
- Chlamydia
- Mycoplasma (ureaplasma hominis)
- Viruses, such as HPV and genital herpes
- Atrophic vaginitis (puberty – menopause)
The three most common conditions associated with increased vaginal discharge are bacterial vaginitis, trichomoniasis and fungal infection (candidiasis).
There are some general rules that women should follow to prevent vaginitis.
- Obey the rules of personal hygiene
- Avoid internal vaginal washes with antiseptics
- Use tampons at the lowest possible frequency
- After bathing in the sea, change at least the bottom of the swimsuit, as the residual moisture favors the growth of fungi.
- Always use towels or mats while staying on the beach
- Dress in cotton clothes
- Enrich your daily diet with yogurt and milk, which are good sources of Vitamin B that protect the body’s natural flora.
