Colpitis is an inflammation of the vagina or cervix that generates symptoms such as a small discharge and vaginal odor, and is only identified in a gynecological examination, such as a pap smear, or a schiller test, in the doctor's office.
This vaginal inflammation is not considered a sexually transmitted disease and can be caused by different fungi, bacteria and protozoa like Trichomonas or Gardnerella, for example. Get to know other microorganisms that cause colpitis here.
Main symptoms
The main symptom of colpitis is whitish or grayish vaginal discharge, similar to milk, which can sometimes be bullous, although this is not very common. Many women report the stench in the intimate area, similar to the smell of fish, which tends to become even more evident after intimate contact.
There are usually no signs of local inflammation such as redness or swelling of the affected tissues and when they are present, one must identify which bacterium or fungus is causing the disease in order to adapt the treatment.
Click here to find out How the doctor confirms it is Colpitis
The gynecologist or urologist will be able to reach the diagnosis of the colpitis through the observation of the intimate region, observed signs and through exams that can confirm the microorganisms that cause the inflammation.
The most suitable exams are:
- PH test: > 4.7 10% KOH test: Positive Fresh test: Increase of indicator cells, rare leukocytes Gram test: Decrease in lactobacillus, absence of leukocytes and presence of gram negative and coconuts.
Pap smear is not the most suitable for the diagnosis of colpitis because it is not specific and may not indicate the presence of infection.
What Can Cause Colpitis
Inflammation of the vagina and cervix is more frequent in women living in tropical and developing countries like Brazil, with the warmest regions being the most affected. In addition, hygiene habits such as using a vaginal shower frequently or not using cotton underwear favor the installation of fungi and bacteria that cause disease.
Another possible cause is to stay more than 4 hours with the tampon inside the vagina. In addition to hormonal changes, use of antibiotics, having intimate contact during menstruation, having a new partner or maintaining close contact with several different partners also contribute to the onset and permanence of the colpitis.
The treatment is medication and if, in addition to inflammation, there is a harmful microorganism in the vagina, it should also be eliminated through the use of antibiotics in the form of pills or cream to be applied directly to the private parts. Know which remedies are indicated here.
For the treatment to be effective it is also important to adopt some strategies such as wearing only cotton underwear, not wearing pants every day, just washing the outer region of the vagina and always using a condom in all sexual relations, even if you choose another method contraceptive, since the best protective barrier against gynecological diseases is the condom.
