- MEDICINE ATHENS MED4WOMAN ATHENS
- MEDICINE VOLOS MED4WOMAN VOLOS
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Obstetrician Gynaecologist
Doctor of Medicine, University of Athens Medical School
Panagiotis Polyzos, Gynaecologist Obstetrician, is active at the Institute of Life - IVF Unit of Iaso Maternity Hospital.
represent the most frequent health issue affecting women today and are one of the main reasons women visit their gynecologist. The term vaginitis, are now the most common health problem faced by women and are the most common reason a woman will visit her gynaecologist. By the term vaginitis refers to inflammation of the vagina. It usually presents with itching and increased vaginal discharge, which may sometimes have an unpleasant odor.
Although vaginitis may initially seem like a simple condition, it can often be one of the most challenging problems to manage. This is due to the complex physiology of the vagina and the delicate balance required for its proper function.
Under normal conditions, the vagina is naturally inhabited by a large number of microorganisms known as lactobacilli , which form the normal vaginal flora. These microorganisms are beneficial and necessary, as they help maintain the vaginal pH at optimal levels and prevent the growth of harmful (pathogenic) bacteria. In cases of vaginitis, however, pathogenic microorganisms overgrow, disrupting the natural vaginal flora and the pH balance. This imbalance manifests clinically as itching and abnormal vaginal discharge. Any woman experiencing these symptoms should consult her gynecologist for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Inflammations (infections) of the female reproductive organs occur more frequently during the summer and may affect various areas, including the vulva (the external area around the vaginal opening), the vagina (vaginitis), the cervix, the endometrium, and the fallopian tubes.
They are caused by microorganisms such as Yeast infections , which form the Trichomoniasis (the most common), chlamydia, mycoplasma, and other bacteria (both aerobic and anaerobic), as well as viruses — for example, the herpes simplex virus (HSV), which causes genital herpes, and the human papillomavirus (HPV), which causes genital warts. It is also important to note that certain types of HPV are responsible for dysplasia (precancerous lesions) and cancers of the cervix and vulva.
Several factors can contribute to the development of vaginitis, including:
In addition to the previously mentioned causes of vaginitis, there are several specific factors that particularly contribute to the development of yeast infections. These include:
If you experience a vaginal infection , you should contact your gynecologist promptly, especially if you notice any of the following symptoms: increased vaginal discharge, burning sensation, itching (mild or intense), redness, swelling, pain during sexual intercourse (dyspareunia), or lower abdominal pain if the inflammation affects the endometrium or fallopian tubes.
Οι Yeast infections (candidiasis) cause intense itching and burning in the vagina and vulva, increased white vaginal discharge with a thick, cottage cheese-like texture, which is odorless and viscous, as well as painful urination or pain during intercourse.
Οι Trichomoniasis is characterized by thin, yellowish-green, foul-smelling discharge, while bacterial infections, such as Haemophilus vaginalis, produce thick, malodorous secretions.
Το Mycoplasma and chlamydia infections often cause no symptoms, but they can affect fertility, as they may lead to salpingitis (inflammation of the fallopian tubes), which can potentially result in infertility..
Στον Genital herpes presents with small blisters and ulcers on the vulva, whereas genital warts (HPV infection) appear as small, wart-like growths on the vulva, vagina, or cervix.
Most types of vaginitis, regardless of the underlying cause, show similar symptoms, which makes it difficult to diagnose them accurately based solely on clinical signs. Although your gynecologist can often suspect vaginitis through a detailed medical history and clinical examination, a definitive diagnosis is usually made through a vaginal culture (vaginal and cervical fluid test). This test is essential to identify the specific microorganism responsible for the infection and to determine the appropriate treatment.
Treatment for vaginitis usually involves a combination of oral antibiotics and vaginal suppositories or creams. However, even after completing therapy, a significant number of patients experience recurrences, which may be due to drug-resistant strains or reinfection. In any case, proper prevention and an early visit to your gynecologist as soon as you notice the first symptoms that may indicate vaginitis are crucial for effective management of the condition.
Vaginal health issues and the occurrence of vaginitis can cause not only physical discomfort but also feelings of insecurity and embarrassment, often affecting a woman’s overall emotional well-being.
Several basic preventive measures can help avoid the development or recurrence of vaginitis, particularly important during summer months and holidays. These include proper hygiene (especially of the genital area), responsible sexual behavior, and self-care, which involves maintaining a strong immune system.
Below are some simple hygiene and protection tips every woman should follow to effectively protect herself:
Special care when swimming in the sea or pool:
