Vaginitis: a gateway to infection

---

Extract from the article: Vaginitis is an inflammation of the vagina most often caused by infection, but not always. It is characterized by irritation, itching or painful sensations in the vulva or vagina, as well as « abnormal » vaginal discharge. It's also known as vulvovag

---

Vaginitis is an inflammation of the vagina most often caused by infection, but not always. It is characterized by irritation, itching or painful sensations in the vulva or vagina, as well as « abnormal » vaginal discharge. It's also known as vulvovaginitis. Dr. Dédé Bénédicta Améwoui, Obstetrician Gynecologist, explains the risk factors for vaginitis and offers advice to women.

Vaginitis is an inflammation of the vagina, most often due to infection. According to Dr. Dédé Bénédicta Améwoui, Obstetrician Gynecologist, this vaginal infection is characterized by discharge and itching of the vulva or vagina. On examination, these discharges can be observed, and may vary in color depending on the germ.

Risk factors

Infection may be bacterial or parasitic in origin. Vaginitis can be caused by a number of germs.  Vulvovaginal infections can be caused by a number of factors. The gynecologist explains that « during sexual intercourse, a woman can contract a vaginal infection. Apart from this, excessive intimate hygiene can lead to vaginitis through destruction of the vaginal flora. Introducing a foreign body into the vagina without asepsis (dirty fingers) can lead to vaginal infection ». Dr. Améwoui points out that, apart from these factors, when a woman is pregnant, she is often at greater risk of developing a vaginal infection because the local environment of the vagina can be modified by pregnancy hormones.  « Vaginitis needs to be taken seriously by the woman. As soon as a woman notices a concern, she should consult a doctor, because she can't assume the seriousness of what she has », she says.

See a doctor early

Apart from any problems, women should normally consult a gynecologist at least twice a year, i.e. every six months, to make sure that everything is going well. When there are signs of infection, don't delay, because vaginitis is the gateway to other types of infection that can be more serious for the woman and even compromise her fertility.

Dr. Dédé Améwoui points out that « if vaginitis is not diagnosed and properly treated, the infection can ascend to the uterus, reach the fallopian tubes and leave after-effects. The woman may then have difficulty getting pregnant. Vaginitis needs to be taken more seriously by women ». When infections occur, it's time to seek medical advice. Questioning, physical examination and certain paraclinical tests can help diagnose the type of germ causing the infection. The gynecologist emphasizes that, depending on the type of germ, the treatment will follow. « We can't prescribe a treatment without first examining the woman. Because we may not know the type of germ and prescribe the wrong treatment. Depending on the infection and the type of germ involved, the treatment may concern both the wife and her husband », she asserts.

The vagina cleans itself naturally

Vaginitis can spread to more sensitive organs. « The vagina is the gateway. Above the vagina is the uterus (endometrium), where nidation will take place during pregnancy. Beyond the endometrium are the fallopian tubes. An unrecognized vaginal infection that is not properly treated can lead to an infection of the endometrium or even the fallopian tubes, which can even compromise a woman's fertility or even her life », explains Dr Améwoui.

From the endometrium, the infection can spread throughout the woman's body, leading to septicemia or sepsis. She may lose her life or suffer after-effects such as blocked fallopian tubes, says the gynecologist.

To prevent vaginitis, it's important to practise good intimate hygiene, avoiding deep cleansing with fingers inserted into the vagina. Intimate hygiene should be limited to the vulva, as the vagina cleans itself naturally. « A woman who relieves herself normally should clean herself from front to back. Because we know that next to the vagina is the anus, and if a woman cleans herself from back to front, germs from the anus can be carried to the vagina and cause vaginitis », stresses the specialist. Adopt low-risk sexual behavior. The obstetrician-gynecologist affirms that inserting the finger into the vagina is a risk factor for vaginitis. « Inserting your fingers into the vagina all the time can cause irritation of the vaginal mucosa, leading to an infection that can be vaginitis. So women must not introduce anything into the vagina other than products that have been medically prescribed », warns Dr Améwoui.

Abel OZIH