Vulvovaginitis

| Vulvovaginitis is an inflammation of the vulva and vagina. It is very common and can appear at any age.

The symptoms of bacterial vulvovaginitis are usually itching and discharge of different characteristics than usual. In addition, different odor of the discharge and discomfort when urinating can be added. The causes may or may not be infectious.

The most common cause is fungal infections, generally Candida Albicans. This is a fungus that is usually present in the digestive tract and vagina, maintaining a balance with the rest of the flora of the vagina, but if it proliferates, it can cause discomfort. This proliferation is favored by taking antibiotics or by stressful situations. Being an infection by an agent that usually lives in the lower digestive tract, it is not considered a sexually transmitted infection, but both members of the couple are frequently treated. Symptoms appear in 50-70% of women with yeast infection and are manifested by vaginal itching and clumpy white vaginal discharge. Treatment is with local antifungal agents or orally. 90% of cases are cured with simple and short treatments, and in some cases it is necessary to treat the partner

Bacterial vaginosis is the second most common vulvovaginitis. It is produced by a proliferation of Gardnerella Vaginalis, a germ that is usually present in the vagina in small quantities. Nor is it a sexually transmitted disease. Most women have no symptoms, but some explain an increased foul-smelling discharge or others a mild irritation of the vulva and vagina. Diagnosis is made by vaginal culture or cytology. Treatment is with local antibiotics or orally.

Vaginal trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted disease. Generally, there is a significant increase in vaginal discharge, with a bad smell and intense vaginal itching. Sometimes cystitis also occurs. The treatment will be indicated by the doctor according to the age, the state of health of the woman and the medical history. Both members of the couple should be treated even if the man has no discomfort.

Chlamydia infection is not usually accompanied by symptoms of vaginal itching or increased discharge. It is a sexually transmitted infection. Sometimes the symptoms they present may be breakthrough bleeding that may be associated with sexual intercourse. Treatment is oral antibiotics.

Neisseria Gonorrhoeae infection is the well-known gonorrhea. It is sexually transmitted and the symptoms are of increased flow, painful urination, abdominal pain, the treatment is antibiotic to prevent it from producing a pelvic inflammatory disease that has sterility as a complication.

Specialist in gynecology and obstetrics