Vulvitis

In the sensitive female genital area, inflammatory processes can manifest themselves despite intensive body care, within which the Vulvitis has a primary importance. Because of its agonizing and unpleasant course, vulvitis must be treated immediately.

What is vulvitis?

At a Vulvitis it is a disease that is characterized by inflammation. The external female genitals, the labia, are hidden behind the word vulva. The ending -itis indicates an inflammatory process, which is represented by the typical signs of inflammation.

Vulvitis relates exclusively to the outer areas of the sex and can spread to the internal genital organs if the course is unfavorable and if there is no therapy. In the case of vulvitis, this often happens because the inflammation-triggering and thus infectious germs are carried along. Vulvitis has a primary and a secondary course.

causes

Due to the different causes of a Vulvitis these are divided into the causes of primary and secondary vulvitis. Usually the main cause of vulvitis is an infection of the vulva area, which can be caused by bacteria such as gonococci, staphylococci or streptococci (cocci are always round), viruses or a fungus such as Candida albicans.

Another causality between the vulvitis exists to the so-called parasites in the form of trichomonads. In addition, previous illnesses such as diabetes or leukemia, pathological disorders of the liver or skin can also contribute to vulvitis.

Vulvitis can also develop due to a lack of hygiene in the female genital organs. Improper hygiene when washing also carries germs towards the vulva. These can come from the urethra or from the anus area.

Symptoms, ailments & signs

Since the external genital organs of women tend to become inflamed with vulvitis, those affected feel a burning sensation or itching in the genital area. The area of ​​the vulva reacts particularly sensitively to stimuli. This is why painful discomfort occurs when walking or sitting.

In some cases, there is also a swelling of the lymph nodes in the groin area. Fever is rare with this infection. However, a fever is not uncommon if an initial infection by herpes viruses has occurred. The inflammation can also spread if left untreated.

If the urethra and bladder are affected, there is pain and burning sensation when urinating. Infectious vulvitis can cause vaginal inflammation. This is expressed by increased discharge, which appears changed in color, smell and consistency. If the bladder is weakened, urine will accidentally leak when you run, cough, or sneeze.

The resulting moist, warm environment in the genital area makes it easy for bacteria to penetrate. People with diabetes have a high concentration of sugar in their urine. This also promotes fungal growth. Vulvitis also causes discomfort during sexual intercourse. It is not uncommon for this to result in an increased sensation of wetness and slight bleeding.

Diagnosis & course

A Vulvitis is usually noticed quickly by affected women because there are clear signs of inflammation. Sweating or mechanical injuries to the vulva can make the symptoms of vulvitis extremely worse in the further course.

Typical of vulvitis are reddening of the female genital area, painful symptoms such as burning and itching, and more or less severe swelling. In addition, urination increases the pain of vulvitis. The painful symptoms of vulvitis also intensify when wearing underwear and during sexual intercourse. In many women, vulvitis even increases the size of the lymph nodes.

When diagnosing vulvitis, both the symptoms and a visual examination as well as the laboratory examination of a smear for microorganisms are useful.

Complications

Vulvitis can have a number of complications in its course. Affected women primarily feel excruciating itching. This has a negative effect on well-being and quality of life and often causes secondary symptoms such as bleeding or redness as a result of scratching.

The typical burning sensation when urinating can lead to avoidance behavior, which often leads to kidney problems. In many women, vulvitis increases the size of the lymph nodes, which in turn can lead to fever and other symptoms. The most common complication of vulvitis, however, is infection from the partner.

This can lead to a renewed vaginal infection and spread of the disease. In the worst case, the inflammation will rise via the cervix into the uterus or the fallopian tubes and ovaries. Infection of these organs can lead to infertility. Vulvitis therapy is usually free of complications.

However, problems can arise if the patient is sensitive to the antibiotics and antiseptics prescribed. Home remedies can cause serious health problems if used without consulting your doctor. This can lead to an increase in symptoms, often associated with painful reddening and the development of pustules.

When should you go to the doctor?

Naturally, vulvitis can only occur in people of the female sex. Therefore, girls or women belong to the risk group of the disease. If there are abnormalities and peculiarities of the external female gender, a doctor should be consulted to clarify the cause and make a diagnosis. If you experience pain, a burning sensation in the vaginal area or itching, it is advisable to consult a doctor. If there are changes in libido, disorders of the sexual act or problems in the relationship due to the symptoms that have arisen, a doctor's visit is necessary.

Swelling, changes in the appearance of the skin and discomfort when wearing underwear indicate a disease. Consult a doctor to avoid further complications. If existing complaints or their intensity increase, the person concerned needs medical care. The formation of lumps and pustules, a slightly increased body temperature, disturbances in urination and discharge from the vaginal area all indicate health problems.

Medical tests are necessary to find the trigger for the symptoms. Irregular menstrual bleeding and pain in the kidney area should be discussed with a doctor as soon as possible. To avoid infection, sexual intercourse should not be performed until a diagnosis has been made. Sudden bleeding and inner restlessness are further warning signals of the organism that should be heeded.

Treatment & Therapy

For the treatment of the Vulvitis Various concepts are available, but these must be carried out regularly in practice until the symptoms subside.

If the anamnesis reveals that the vulvitis was caused by another underlying disease, treatment of this health impairment is sought first. Depending on whether it is vulvitis, which already affects the entire vagina and the cervix and is possibly characterized by a yellowish discharge, different drugs are used.

Whether it is an infectious pathogen that responds to antibiotics is only decided after the microbiological assessment of the smear. In addition to antibiotics, antiparasitic or fungicidal drugs can also be administered, depending on the pathogen causing vulvitis.

In certain cases of vulvitis, the use of antiseptics or creams with female hormones (estrogens) is also relevant. Cortisone-containing ointments and hip baths with herbal additives such as chamomile help against the itching of vulvitis.

prevention

Although some basic diseases are also one Vulvitis favor, maintaining proper hygiene is an essential factor in avoiding vulvitis. Not only young women, but especially older people with dementia or physical limitations should receive support in this regard in order to avoid vulvitis.

As a prophylaxis against vulvitis, it is also important to point out the relevant connections to young girls during informative discussions.Wearing clean underwear and avoiding the spread of germs by avoiding shared towels and washing utensils also help to prevent vulvitis.

Aftercare

If vulvitis has occurred and it has been diagnosed by a gynecologist, after successful treatment there is a lot that can be done in the follow-up care. Above all, there are certain hygiene measures, especially among women who suffer from vulvitis or vulvovaginitis more often. In aftercare as well as in prevention, it is very important to maintain gentle, consistent and regular intimate hygiene and cleansing.

In general, it is sufficient to use clear water or special intimate washing lotions for intimate hygiene, which are available in pharmacies or in the various drugstores. However, intimate hygiene should not be overdone, otherwise the vaginal environment can be disturbed. The underwear should also be changed regularly, i.e. daily, and ideally washed at 90 degrees in the washing machine.

Cotton underwear is recommended, as this material is very skin-friendly and well tolerated, especially for sensitive skin. Since bacteria and germs prefer to be warm and humid, you should make sure that the genital area is not only cared for, but also kept as dry as possible. Panty liners and tampons should be used correctly and changed regularly.

Diet also plays an important role, as a healthy diet with enough vitamins and fiber, as well as an active lifestyle strengthens the immune system and helps to stay healthy.

You can do that yourself

In the case of vulvitis, good intimate hygiene should first be observed. Regular and careful care of the inflamed area is important. The gynecologist can prescribe suitable preparations with which the inflammation can be contained. In consultation with the doctor, various naturopathic remedies can be tested.

Treatment with an adapted diet is also important. Plenty of water should be drunk during acute inflammation. It is important to avoid irritating foods that could pollute the mucous membrane environment. Instead, we recommend foods and drinks rich in vitamins and minerals. Proven remedies are, for example, marigold ointment or a special ointment for the intimate area from the pharmacy. In addition, the cause of the vulvitis must be determined. The genital area can be gently cooled or warmed. Because sitting during vulvitis can be painful, it is best to use a special seat cushion. The doctor can recommend suitable aids from specialist shops.

If the symptoms do not go away with these measures, the gynecologist must be consulted again. If you have a fever or other signs of severe inflammation, it is best to consult your doctor immediately.