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Vaginitis, also known as inflammation of the vagina, is one of the common conditions that one in three women will encounter at some point in their lives.
Vaginitis can occur at any age but is more common between the reproductive years, from puberty to menopause.
It is normal for every healthy woman to have a small amount of clear or cloudy white discharge from the vagina.
This type of discharge helps to keep the vaginal tissue moist and healthy, and it maintains the natural vaginal flora. However, hormonal changes, pregnancy, vaginal douching, antibiotic use, and the presence of infections can disrupt the natural balance of the vaginal flora.
This imbalance may lead to the overgrowth of parasites, fungi, and bacteria, causing damage to the vaginal epithelium (the cells that form the tissue) and inflammation.
If this occurs, symptoms like itching, increased discharge, and unpleasant odors may arise, requiring consultation with a doctor for diagnosis and treatment. Before answering the common question, “What happens if vaginitis is left untreated?”, it is important to answer “What is vaginitis?” or “What does vaginitis mean?”
The vagina is the area where the female reproductive organs meet the outside world. Mucosal structures in the body, such as the mouth, intestines, and vagina, provide a moist environment suitable for foreign microorganisms to live.
The complex formed by the mucosa and microorganisms is known as the flora. Cells in the vagina contain estrogen, which helps convert stored glycogen into lactic acid, maintaining the natural vaginal flora.
The pH balance of the natural flora (between 3.8 and 4.2) allows certain bacteria to thrive. Around 30 different types of microorganisms are found in the vagina.
Lactobacilli, bacteroides, and peptococci are the main microorganisms. Lactobacilli, the beneficial bacteria, play a key role in preventing the overgrowth of harmful microorganisms, thus preserving the healthy structure of the vagina.
However, lactobacilli can decrease due to various factors, making the vagina more susceptible to infections. Vaginitis is defined as the inflammation of the vaginal mucosa.
The decrease in lactobacilli, caused by factors like vaginal douching, sexually transmitted diseases, antibiotic use, and hormonal imbalances, leads to vaginitis. In other words, the disruption of the vaginal flora is the primary cause of vaginitis.
Increased discharge, bad odor, and irritation leading to itching are the main symptoms of vaginitis. This can answer the question, “What is vaginitis and what are its symptoms?”
Vaginitis, which occurs due to an imbalance in the vaginal flora, is characterized by an increase in vaginal discharge and itching.
Common symptoms of vaginitis include unpleasant odor, pain during intercourse, pain while urinating, and even vaginal bleeding or spotting.
Frequently asked questions such as “What are the symptoms of vaginitis?” can be answered this way. Another common inquiry is “What is acute vaginitis?” or “What does acute vaginitis mean?”
Acute vaginitis is inflammation caused by bacteria, viruses, and vaginal fungi.
The question “What is acute vaginitis?” can be answered as the temporary or short-term inflammation of the vagina. Also known as N76.0, acute vaginitis is characterized by itching, irritation, unpleasant odor, and grayish, watery discharge. Acute vaginitis requires treatment, and the approach varies depending on the underlying cause.
People who are diagnosed with N76.0 acute vaginitis frequently ask “What does N76.0 acute vaginitis mean?” or “What is N76.0 acute vaginitis?” and the answer can be provided accordingly.
Atrophic vaginitis, also known as senile vaginitis, is a common condition in women after menopause. During menopause, the vaginal flora changes.
Due to a decrease in estrogen hormone levels, glycogen is depleted from the vaginal epithelium, and lactic acid production stops. In other words, the lack of estrogen in the postmenopausal period alters the pH balance of the vagina.
This allows harmful bacteria to proliferate, making vaginitis more likely. As a result, symptoms of vaginitis appear. “What is senile vaginitis?” can be answered in this way. Another frequently asked question is “What is subacute and chronic vaginitis?”
Vaginitis that lasts longer than six weeks or recurs four or more times a year is referred to as chronic vaginitis. Vaginitis that falls between acute and chronic is called subacute vaginitis. In other words, subacute vaginitis is when the acute phase has passed but the condition has not yet become chronic.
Questions like “What are subacute and chronic vaginitis?” can be answered this way. The causes and symptoms of acute, subacute, and chronic vaginitis are generally the same.
Chronic vaginitis can lead to more severe health problems, such as affecting the cervix, due to its prolonged duration.
Since chronic vaginitis decreases a person’s quality of life, treatment may involve oral or vaginal medications, as well as additional therapies like ozone and aromatherapy.
The most common type of vaginitis is bacterial vaginitis, which also answers the question, “What causes vaginitis?” Bacterial vaginitis occurs due to an imbalance in the vaginal flora, leading to a reduction in lactobacilli. This condition is also known as Gardnerella vaginalis or nonspecific vaginitis.
Questions like “What is Gardnerella vaginitis?” or “What is nonspecific vaginitis?” refer to the bacterial type of vaginitis. “What is bacterial vaginitis?” can be answered in this way, while “What is monilial vaginitis?” refers to a type of vaginitis caused by a fungal infection.
Some cases of fungal vaginitis are caused by Candida fungi. In other words, “What is Candida vaginitis?” can be answered as vaginitis caused by Candida fungi. Vaginitis can also occur due to a decrease in estrogen during menopause.
This condition is the answer to “What is atrophic vaginitis?” The causes of vaginitis include multiple sexual partners, IUD use, vaginal cleaning with antiseptics, synthetic underwear, insufficiently rinsed underwear, antibiotic use, and menopause. The question “What are the causes of vaginitis?” can be answered this way.
Vaginitis can sometimes lead to a delay in menstruation. Foreign organisms like parasites, bacteria, and fungi, which cause inflammation of the vaginal mucosa, can lead to other health issues.
This can result in changes to the menstrual cycle. The question “Can vaginitis cause a delay in menstruation?” can be answered in this way. Another common question is “What is vaginitis and how is it treated?”
After a woman consults a doctor for vaginitis symptoms, the doctor will first listen to her medical history and then perform a gynecological examination.
After laboratory tests, a diagnosis will be made. Treatment depends on the underlying cause of the condition. Candida vaginitis is treated with antifungal medications.
Bacterial vaginitis is treated with antibiotics, either orally or vaginally. For parasitic vaginitis, treatment with antiprotozoal drugs is necessary.
Since the condition can be sexually transmitted, it is important for the partner to be treated as well. Sexual activity should be avoided until treatment is completed.
If vaginitis is left untreated, it can lead to unexpected health problems such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and premature birth.
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