Vulvovaginitis: what is it, symptoms and treatment

Vulvovaginitis is a simultaneous inflammation of the vulva and vagina that can be caused by an infection by a virus, fungi or bacteria. However, due to hormonal alterations and even allergy to chemical substances present in some bath foams and creams, for example, it may occur.

Although vulvovaginitis can appear in all women of any age, it is more frequent in those who have started their sexual life, since intimate contact facilitates contact with bacteria and, in some cases, the imbalance of the vaginal flora, it is important to consult the gynecologist when signs and symptoms suggestive of vulvovaginitis arise, such as irritation and reddening of the intimate area, flujo with strong odor and burning when urinating.

main symptoms

Some of the symptoms that help to identify this inflammation include:

• Irritation and reddening of the intimate region;
• Constant peak;
• Hinchazón of the intimate region;
• Vaginal flow with intense odor;
• Bleeded light in intimate clothing;
• It bothers me the burning when I urinate.

Faced with the presence of signs and symptoms suggestive of vulvovaginitis, it is important to consult a gynecologist so that he can carry out the diagnosis and start the appropriate treatment.

Normally, the diagnosis of vulvovaginitis is carried out through the evaluation of signs and symptoms presented, without embargo, the doctor can request an analysis of the vaginal secretion so that he can evaluate if it is caused by some infectious agent.

How is the diagnosis performed?

In the majority of cases, the diagnosis is performed by the gynecologist through the report of the symptoms of the woman, however, it may be necessary to collect sample of the vaginal secretion for its analysis in the laboratory and identify the correct cause and start the proper treatment.

causes of vulvovaginitis

Vulvovaginitis can occur as a result of several situations, including the main ones:

• Excess of mushroomssuch as candidiasis;
• infections by viruses or bacteria;
• Lack of hygiene the use of very tight underwear;
• parasite infectionlike scabies or maggots;
• hormonal changeswhich can cause an imbalance in the vaginal flora and favor inflammation.

In addition, some women can develop vulvovaginitis, due to the hypersensitivity to some chemical substances such as parabens and sodium sulfate, which are present in soaps, laundry detergents or creams. In these cases, the symptoms appear shortly after using the product and improving when the region is washed with tibial water and a suitable intimate toilet.

How is the treatment performed?

The treatment varies according to the cause of the vulvovaginitis, in the case of bacterial infection, antibiotics should be used, whereas in the case of an excess of fungi, antifungals should be used. In this way, it is always important to consult a gynecologist to indicate the appropriate treatment.

However, it is possible to carry out the treatment at home to alleviate the symptoms and accelerate the treatment recommended by the doctor. A good advice consists of making toilets with 3 tablespoons of vinegar or heavy salt, which helps to eliminate the microorganisms present and calms irritation.

In addition, you should wear cotton underwear, skirts and dresses that help to ventilate the genital region, preventing the infection from getting worse. Learn more about treatment for vulvovaginitis.