Content
Colpitis corresponds to inflammation of the vagina and cervix caused by bacteria, fungi or protozoa and which leads to the appearance of white and milky vaginal discharge. This inflammation is more frequent in women who have frequent intimate contact and who do not use condoms during sexual intercourse, especially.
The diagnosis of colpitis is made by the gynecologist based on the analysis of the symptoms described by the woman, observation of the intimate region and carrying out some tests to confirm the disease. From the identification of the microorganism that causes the colpitis, the doctor can indicate the best treatment.
Types of colpitis
According to the cause, colpitis can be classified into:
- Bacterial colpitis: This type of colpitis is caused by bacteria, mainly Gardnerella sp. Inflammation caused by infection with this type of bacteria leads to an unpleasant-smelling vaginal discharge and pain during intimate contact. Learn how to identify infection by Gardnerella sp;
- Fungal colpitis: Fungal colpitis is mainly caused by fungi of the genus Candida, which is normally present in the woman's vagina, but in the face of favorable conditions of temperature and humidity, they can proliferate and cause infection;
- Protozoan colpitis: The main protozoan responsible for colpitis in women is the Trichomonas vaginalis, which causes a burning sensation, burning and a lot of urge to urinate. Learn to recognize the symptoms of trichomoniasis.
In order to know which microorganism is responsible for the colpitis, it is necessary that the gynecologist request the performance of a microbiological examination that must be done through the collection of vaginal secretion, which is performed in the laboratory. From the result of the exam, the doctor can establish the treatment according to the cause.
How the diagnosis is made
The diagnosis of colpitis is made by the gynecologist through some tests, such as colposcopy, the Schiller test and the pap smear, however the pap smear, also known as a preventive exam, is not very specific for the diagnosis of colpitis and does not show much the signs of vaginal inflammation well.
Therefore, if colpitis is suspected, the doctor may indicate the performance of colposcopy, which allows the evaluation of the cervix, vulva and vagina, and it is possible to identify changes that are suggestive of colpitis. Understand how colposcopy is done.
In addition, in order to identify the microorganism responsible for the inflammation and, thus, the most appropriate treatment can be initiated, the doctor may request a microbiological analysis, which is done based on vaginal secretion.
Main symptoms
The main symptoms indicative of colpitis is the presence of homogeneous whitish vaginal discharge, similar to milk, but which can also be bullous. In addition to discharge, some women may have an unpleasant odor that worsens after intimate contact, and may be directly related to the microorganism responsible for the inflammation.
From the observation of the signs during the gynecological exam, the doctor can indicate the severity of the inflammation, in addition to assessing the risk of complications, such as endometriosis and pelvic inflammatory disease, for example. Know how to recognize the symptoms of colpitis.
Treatment for colpitis
The treatment of colpitis should be done under the guidance of the gynecologist, who will recommend medications according to the infectious agent responsible for the inflammation, and medications for oral or vaginal administration may be indicated. Although it is not a serious situation, it is important that it be treated, as it is thus possible to prevent the worsening of inflammation, which facilitates the occurrence of other diseases, such as HPV, for example.
During treatment for colpitis, it is recommended that the woman does not have sex, not even with a condom, because the rubbing of the penis in the vagina can be uncomfortable. Understand how treatment for colpitis is done.