Gynecological problems are today one of the most common diseases in women, some of them in neglected form lead to sad consequences. That is why it is so important to recognize the disease as early as possible and treat it. Unfortunately, many of the fair sex did not take it as a rule to visit the gynecologist at least annually. They go to the hospital when the symptoms of the disease are already quite vividly manifested and cause discomfort. Among the gynecological pathological processes, vulvitis, that is, the inflammation of the vulva, or the mucous membrane of the external genitalia, is quite common. These include large and small labia, pubis, clitoris, as well as the vestibule of the vagina.
Causes of vulvitis
In general, the main causes of vulvitis are:
- viruses, fungi, pathogenic bacteria (streptococci, staphylococcus, Trichomonas, chlamydia, E. coli, etc.);
- close clothing;
- general diseases (diabetes, vitamin deficiency, allergy);
- non-observance of personal hygiene rules;
- trauma in the external genital area (abrasions, cracks, scratching).
Inflammation of the vulva is most common in girls up to 10-12 years old, which is explained by the peculiarities of their physiology. Due to aggressive detergents, tight underwear, obesity on children's external genital organs, an atopic vulvitis develops. To it lead frequent ARVI because of the lowered protective forces of an organism of the girl. This disease is also common in women after 50 years. Because of the thinning of the mucosa, the alkaline environment of the vagina, they are affected by the so-called atrophic vulvitis. Quite often women suffer from such vulvitis during pregnancy. This is due to the fact that the organism of the future mother is weakened due to hormonal and physiological reorganization, which leads to activation of the activity of fungi and bacteria.
Symptoms of vulvitis
Vulvit in women is divided into two main forms - chronic and acute. With acute vulvitis, women immediately notice severe itching and burning in the perineum, which gives them the greatest discomfort. In addition, when urinating or taking a shower, pain can occur in the area of the external genitalia. They become worse when walking due to friction.
Also, there is hyperemia, that is, redness, and swelling of the vulvar mucosa. In sizes, the clitoris is enlarged, and the surface of the labia minora has a granular appearance. Here and there on the perineum can be even small sores, which are the result of scratching due to severe itching. In severe cases and neglected inflammation, vulvitis manifests a general malaise and weakness. In addition, the disease is accompanied by an increase in inguinal lymph nodes, as well as an increase in body temperature to 37-37.5 ° C.
In addition, with the disease may appear discharge from the vagina and raids on the labia. So, for example, with candidal vulvitis, abundant, curdled white-milk extracts with an acidic odor are found, which strongly irritate the mucus. To its peculiarities can be attributed and the appearance of a white film between the small labia. With bacterial vulvitis caused by pathogens, the labia is covered with gray-purulent or yellow-green discharge with an unpleasant odor. what
In the event that the inflammation of the vulva is not treated properly, the disease usually goes into a chronic form. With chronic vulvitis, women periodically get itching and burning, especially when having sex.
At the slightest appearance of suspicious symptoms, a woman should consult a gynecologist. On the basis of examination, as well as smears for bacteriological and bacterioscopic tests, treatment will be prescribed.