What is atrophic vaginitis?

Why did the woman suffer from atrophic vaginitis? Experts said that atrophic vaginitis is senile vaginitis. Senile vaginitis is common in postmenopausal women. Due to the decline of ovarian function, the decrease of estrogen level, the atrophy of vaginal wall, the thinning of mucosa, the decrease of glycogen content in epithelial cells, the increase of pH value in vagina, the decrease of local resistance, the easy invasion and reproduction of pathogenic bacteria, and the inflammation.

Atrophic vaginitis is common in women who have undergone natural or artificial menopause. It can also occur in women who have postpartum amenorrhea or who are receiving medical pseudomenopause.

Causes

Postmenopausal women have ovarian insufficiency, low estrogen levels, vaginal wall atrophy, thinning of the mucosa, reduced epithelial cell glycogen, and increased vaginal pH, mostly 5.0-7.0. Lactobacillus acidophilus is no longer the dominant bacteria, local drug resistance is reduced, and other pathogens overproliferate or are susceptible to human invasion and inflammation.

【Clinical manifestations】

The main symptoms are burning discomfort, itching and increased vaginal discharge. Vaginal discharge is light yellow, and in severe cases there is purulent leucorrhea. Due to atrophy of the vaginal mucosa, sexual pain may occur. Examination revealed vaginal atrophy, disappearance of epithelial folds, atrophy and thinning. Vaginal mucosa is congested, with small or punctate bleeding spots scattered, and sometimes ulcers on the surface. The ulcer surface may adhere to the opposite side, causing stenosis to atresia in severe cases, poor drainage of inflammatory secretions, and the formation of vaginal empyema or uterine empyema.

【 diagnosis 】

According to the clinical manifestations of menopausal history, ovarian surgery history, pelvic radiotherapy history or drug-induced amenorrhea, the diagnosis is generally not difficult, but other diseases should be excluded before diagnosis. Vaginal secretions should be examined. Under the microscope, a large number of basal cells and white blood cells without Trichomonas and Candida can be seen. Hemorrhagic leucorrhea should be differentiated from uterine malignancy, and routine cervical cytology should be performed, and segmental curettage should be performed when necessary. Granulation tissue and vaginal wall ulcers should be distinguished from vaginal cancer, and local biopsy is feasible.

【 treat 】

The principle of treatment is to supplement estrogen, increase vaginal resistance, and use antibiotics to inhibit bacterial growth.

1. Increasing vaginal resistance is the main method for treating atrophic vaginitis. Estrogen preparations can be taken topically or systemically. Estriol ointment can be applied topically, 1-2 times a day, for 14 days. It can also be used systemically to prevent the recurrence of vaginitis. For patients who also need sex hormone replacement therapy, 2.5 mg of tibolone can be given daily, or other estrogen and progesterone preparations can be used in continuous combination.

2. Topical application of 100 mg of norfloxacin or other antibiotics to inhibit vaginal bacterial growth, once a day, for 7-10 days. Traditional Chinese medicine such as Baofukang suppository can also be used. Lubricants can be used for vaginal dryness.

What are the symptoms of atrophic vaginitis?

1. Vaginal secretions increase, become thinner, and light yellow. In severe cases, they may be purulent and bloody and have a foul odor.

2. Itching or burning sensation in the vulva.

3. Atrophy of the vaginal mucosa, which may be accompanied by pain during sexual intercourse and sometimes urinary incontinence.

4. The infection can also invade the urethra and cause urinary system irritation symptoms such as frequent urination, urgency, and pain when urinating.

5. Gynecological examination shows atrophic changes in the vaginal mucosa, disappearance of wrinkles, thinning and smoothing of the epithelium, congestion of the vaginal mucosa, small bleeding spots, and sometimes superficial ulcers. The ulcer surface may adhere to the opposite side, and the adhesion may cause bleeding due to separation during examination. Severe adhesions may cause vaginal stenosis or even atresia, and poor drainage of inflammatory secretions may form vaginal pyoma or uterine pyoma.

Experts remind: If female friends have symptoms of illness, they must go to a professional and regular hospital for examination in time, confirm the cause of the disease, and actively target treatment. Do not be careless.