Senile colpitis - symptoms, treatment and prevention

Development mechanism

Stratified squamous epithelium lines the surface of the vagina. It performs a protective function and prevents the penetration of pathogenic microflora into the uterus. Its upper cells die over time and new ones form under them. In this way, the epithelium is constantly renewed.

Thanks to the presence of epithelium, the vagina maintains a moist environment with a normal pH level. In such conditions, the natural balance of microflora is maintained. Lactobacilli play the main role in ensuring the protective functions of the reproductive system. They feed on the epithelium, or more precisely on glycogen, which is produced by its cells.

During the menopausal period, the process of epithelial renewal stops. The amount of glycogen produced sharply decreases. Lactobacilli experience nutritional deficiency and die. The acidity of the environment in the vagina decreases. This creates a favorable atmosphere for the proliferation of pathogens. In this case, an inflammatory process develops, which is called senile colpitis.

Women whose age has crossed the 45-year mark more often have to think about what atrophic colpitis is. Five years after the onset of menopause, vaginal tissue gradually atrophies. To avoid serious health consequences, it is necessary to identify the problem in a timely manner and begin treatment.

Main causes of the problem

The causes of atrophic colpitis in women are associated with the physiological characteristics of the body. In rare cases, the disease develops against the background of injury to the vaginal mucosa. This happens after childbirth or surgery.

There are several factors that cause atrophy of the vaginal mucosa in women of childbearing age:

• Hormonal imbalances in the body that occur during pregnancy. At the same time, the concentration of progesterone increases and the amount of estrogen decreases. Changing hormones also leads to another problem - deciduosis. This is the growth of tissue in the area of ​​the uterus and vagina. This disease can be expressed in the growth of polyps. If a woman is healthy and has good immunity, then after childbirth the tissue condition returns to normal.
• Ovarian dysfunction. Complications of this problem include diabetes mellitus, pathologies of the adrenal glands, and the like. Atrophy of vaginal tissue is also observed in patients who have undergone surgery to remove the ovaries.
• Radiation therapy. When the pelvic area is irradiated, the gonads are affected. As a result, hormones are produced more slowly and hydrocyanic vaginitis develops.
• The cause of atrophic colpitis is often HIV infection or AIDS. These diseases gradually kill the body's immune system.

In old age, the cause of colpitis is often caused by non-compliance with the rules of personal hygiene, the use of aggressive cleaning products, wearing underwear made of synthetic material, and excessive sexual activity. Improper nutrition can also stimulate the development of the disease. Atrophy of vaginal tissue occurs when there is a lack of fermented milk products, fresh vegetables and fruits in the diet.

Bad habits also have a detrimental effect. Therefore, during menopausal age it is necessary to limit alcohol consumption and smoking as much as possible.

Etiology

Atrophic vaginitis occurs against the background of natural aging of the female body. Its progression is associated with a decrease in the hormone estrogen and the onset of menopause. The unnatural causes of the formation of such a disorder include the following predisposing factors:

• diabetes;
• endocrine system disorders - may be associated with complete or partial removal of the thyroid gland;
• treatment of cancer tumors with chemotherapy;
• decreased immunity due to an acute infectious or inflammatory process;
• non-compliance or improper implementation of personal hygiene rules;
• frequent cases of douching, i.e. washing the vagina with medicinal solutions, or using vaginal suppositories, for no apparent reason or doctor’s prescription;
• unreasonable frequent water procedures for hygienic purposes, using various cosmetics;
• exhaustion of the body due to stressful situations;
• smoking abuse.

In addition to natural and unnatural causes of vaginitis, there are several types of it. Postmenopausal atrophic vaginitis - arose during menopause, and a similar process formed during the artificial cessation of the menstrual cycle.

Pathogenesis of atrophic vaginitis

Symptoms of the problem

With atrophic colpitis, symptoms appear that bring women severe discomfort. Among them are:

• Separation of unnatural secretions from the vagina. It becomes liquid. If infection with pathogenic microflora joins the problem, the discharge may be foamy, curdled or foul-smelling. In severe cases, they contain an admixture of blood.
• The mucous surface of the genital organs dries out. A feeling of tightness appears. This is accompanied by burning and itching.
• Hair loss in the pubic area also becomes a symptom of the disease.
• Pain is felt during sexual intercourse. This is due to thinning of the epithelium and a decrease in the amount of lubricant released during stimulation.
• Age-related colpitis is accompanied by problems with urination. A woman wants to go to the toilet more often. The volume of urine excreted is sharply reduced.
• During examination, pinpoint hemorrhages are detected on the mucosal surface.

Atrophic changes in the tissues of the female reproductive system are accompanied by a sharp decrease in immunity. This increases the likelihood of contracting sexually transmitted infections

Therapeutic techniques

Colpitis in older patients is difficult to treat. Therapy should be carried out under the supervision of a specialist. Unauthorized use of any medications can lead to the development of complications.

Colpitis in women who have reached postmenopausal age is treated with the use of specialized medications. They are designed to restore the functionality of the vaginal epithelium. Specialists prescribe hormonal therapy. The following drugs are prescribed:

• Angelique. It contains estradiol and drospirenone. The duration of taking this drug is 21 days. After this, a week break is required. If necessary, the course is repeated. This drug is prohibited for use in the presence of cancer, serious liver and kidney diseases.
• Estradiol is a hormonal drug that contains estradiol. The duration of one therapeutic course is 21 days. It is prohibited to use for uterine bleeding, tumors and thrombophlebitis.
• Climodien. Combines dienogest and estradiol. It is prescribed for the treatment of senile colpitis only if it began to develop a year after the onset of menopause. You can purchase it by presenting a prescription.
• Cliogest. Used upon the onset of the postmenopausal phase. One tablet contains propionate, norethisterone and estradiol. Dispensed exclusively by prescription.
• Femoston. Gynecology involves the use of such a drug to combat senile vaginitis in the elderly at the initial stage. It contains a minimal dosage of hormones. If a pill was missed, it is prohibited to make up for it with a double dosage.

Treatment of colpitis with hormones should be carried out under the supervision of a specialist. It is prohibited to independently change medications, shorten or extend the duration of their use. This will lead to complications of the disease.

Depending on what symptoms appear, treatment may be supplemented. For example, if there are clear signs of dysfunction of the urinary system, antibacterial drugs are prescribed: Ceftriaxone, Ampicillin or Amoxicillin.

Application of local remedies

Along with hormonal therapy, experts recommend the use of suppositories and creams. They will help quickly restore the vaginal epithelium and relieve unpleasant symptoms of the disease. Among the most effective drugs are:

• Ovestin. This cream is great for combating colpitis. It prevents atrophic changes in tissue. It is applied once a day. It is best to do this in the evening before going to bed. The drug is also available in the form of suppositories for vaginal administration. It is prohibited to use for thrombosis, cancer and porphyria.
• Methyluracil suppositories. Activate the processes of formation of new epithelial cells, improve the protective properties of the body, and stop the inflammatory process. According to the instructions, methyluracil suppositories are used for insertion into the rectum. When fighting colpitis, doctors recommend inserting them into the vagina. The duration of use is selected individually for each patient. The course varies from one to four weeks. Treatment with methyluracil is carried out twice a day: in the morning and immediately before going to bed.
• Estrocard. Available in the form of suppositories, which contain estriol. Therapy with such suppositories is contraindicated for diseases of the gallbladder, liver and kidney failure.
• Miramistin. Gynecology involves the use of this drug for douching. The procedure is carried out no more than twice a day and no longer than one week.

Treatment of atrophic (age-related) colpitis

Treatment for senile (senile) colpitis in postmenopause is aimed at restoring full trophism of vaginal tissue. For this purpose, hormone replacement therapy is carried out. It prescribes medications for oral use or in the form of patches, as well as ointments and suppositories for topical use.

When atrophic vaginitis is mild, phytoestrogens are used, which, due to their plant origin, have a milder effect on the body. Hormone replacement therapy is designed for continuous use for up to 5 years.

Non-hormonal treatment of senile colpitis if it is impossible to use estrogens includes douching or baths with solutions of medicinal herbs that have local antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and reparative properties. If inflammation with a specific pathogen is detected, etiotropic local therapy is carried out.

To monitor the effectiveness of therapy, dynamic colposcopy, cytology, and vaginal pH-metry are performed.

With proper treatment of senile colpitis, all unpleasant manifestations are completely eliminated, and the woman does not experience discomfort. Delay in treatment becomes the reason for its greater complexity and not always complete elimination of the symptoms of the pathology.

Possible complications

Timely diagnosis and competent treatment will help prevent senile colpitis from progressing. Otherwise, the likelihood of complications increases. These include:

• The inflammatory process spreads to the area of ​​the uterus, ovaries and organs of the urinary system.
• The likelihood of injury during sexual intercourse increases, and pockets of bleeding are formed that are difficult to stop.
• Urinary incontinence.

In the post-climactic period, it is necessary to undergo regular examinations by a gynecologist. If senile vaginitis is detected, you should strictly follow all the specialist’s instructions. This is the only way to avoid negative health consequences.

Prevention

To avoid treating colpitis, follow the basic rules of prevention:

• Lead a healthy lifestyle and give up harmful addictions.
• Perform douching only as prescribed by your doctor.
• Observe all personal hygiene standards.
• Do not wear underwear made from synthetic fabrics.
• Don't gain excess weight.
• When menopause occurs, monitor hormone levels and, if necessary, undergo replacement therapy.
• Avoid promiscuous sex.
• Strengthen the body's immune system.

An elderly woman is often not concerned about the state of her reproductive system. This is fundamentally wrong. The development of serious diseases is fraught with problems with the urinary system, kidneys, and so on. Therefore, it is necessary to undergo regular examinations and treat all identified diseases at any age.

Diagnostics

If the manifestations of the disease described above occur, you should definitely contact a gynecologist and undergo a detailed examination, since a similar clinical picture is typical for a number of other diseases, including sexually transmitted diseases.

The list of necessary studies includes:

• Gynecological examination using speculum.
• Taking smears for cytological analysis, bacterioscopy and bacteriological culture.
• Extended colposcopy (this method allows the doctor to examine the vaginal mucosa in more detail).
• Determination of vaginal pH.

In addition, it may be necessary to study hormonal levels, as well as analyze cervical and vaginal secretions using PCR for hidden infectious diseases (chlamydia, etc.).