Vaginitis

Colpitis (vaginitis) is the medical term for an inflamed vagina. Bacteria, fungi, or other pathogens are usually the cause of colpitis, which is then referred to as infectious vaginitis. During menopause and hormonal changes, atrophic colpitis can also occur. Irritants from foreign bodies can lead to traumatic colpitis. The good news is that you will usually notice quickly if you have colpitis.
Philip Schmiedhofer, MSc

Autor

Philip Schmiedhofer, MSc

Inhaltsverzeichnis

What are the symptoms of colpitis, vaginal inflammation?

Depending on the severity and progression of vaginitis, a vaginal infection can show different symptoms. The range of symptoms in colpitis is wide.

How can I treat the cause of vaginitis?

Identifying the cause of colpitis and providing the correct treatment is the responsibility of specialists in gynecology or infectious diseases.

How can I relieve symptoms like burning and itching in the vagina?

If vaginitis occurs and the cause is identified and properly treated, symptoms usually improve quickly.

Why does colpitis occur more frequently during menopause?

During menopause, a woman's body undergoes a change in hormone levels (estrogen deficiency).

How can I prevent a vaginal infection?

To prevent vaginitis, proper intimate hygiene is extremely important.

What are the symptoms of colpitis, vaginal inflammation?

Depending on the severity and progression of vaginitis, vaginal inflammation can show different symptoms. The range of symptoms in colpitis is broad. Besides asymptomatic vaginal inflammations, there can also be easily noticeable redness and swelling of the labia and a sore vagina.

In the case of infection-related vaginitis, increased vaginal discharge is an important indicator. A watery, sometimes light grayish discharge points to bacterial vaginosis, whereas thick, crumbly yellowish discharge is a sign of a fungal infection. Bacterial vaginosis also causes an unpleasant fishy odor, making differentiation easier. Fungal infections usually cause intense itching.

Certain parasites, e.g., trichomonads, lead to a greenish, often foamy discharge that can smell very bad. Vaginitis is accompanied by burning in the vagina, sometimes also when urinating, itching, and pain in the intimate area. Pain during sexual intercourse (dyspareunia) and recurring bladder infections (cystitis) are often consequences of vaginitis (colpitis).

How can I treat the cause of vaginitis?

Identifying and properly treating the cause of colpitis is the responsibility of specialists in gynecology or infectiology. An examination by a gynecologist offers the possibility of a smear test (sample from the vagina) and a precise analysis of the cause. In the case of bacteria, fungi, or parasites, targeted treatment with antibiotics, antifungals, or special medications can be carried out. If vaginitis is caused by foreign bodies, e.g., a tampon, usually removing the cause is sufficient.

In atrophic colpitis, the vaginal epithelium is usually greatly reduced and already chronically functionally impaired. Here, local hormone therapy can help rebuild the vaginal wall. In case of hormone intolerance, maintaining the existing function of the vaginal mucosa by targeted rebuilding of the vaginal flora is important. Symptoms such as pain, burning, and itching due to vaginal dryness, pain during intercourse, or fissures and lesions can be alleviated by CANNEFF VAG SUP CBD suppositories.

If underlying conditions such as diabetes, metabolic diseases, autoimmune diseases, or side effects of cancer therapies (e.g., radiation therapy, chemotherapy) are identified as the primary cause, treatment should also focus there to prevent recurring vaginal inflammations.

How can I relieve symptoms like burning and itching of the vagina?

If vaginitis occurs and the cause is identified and properly treated, symptoms usually improve quickly. To support the rebuilding of the disturbed vaginal flora, supportive preparations such as probiotic bacteria (mostly lactic acid strains) can be used. To relieve acute pain and treat inflammation, creams and suppositories, such as the CANNEFF VAG SUP CBD suppositories with hyaluronic acid, can be used. Maintaining the vaginal flora and good vaginal fluidity (lubrication) protects against recurring infections.

Why does colpitis occur more frequently during menopause?

During menopause, a woman’s body undergoes a hormonal adjustment (estrogen deficiency). This leads to a breakdown of the vagina’s protective mechanism, namely the mucous membrane of the vaginal wall (vaginal dystrophy). This functions as a protective barrier for the body and serves vaginal lubrication and self-cleaning. When the vaginal wall is already reduced, it is called vaginal atrophy. The lack of protection allows easier penetration of pathogens and increases the risk of injury during sexual intercourse.

How can I prevent vaginal inflammation?

Proper intimate hygiene is extremely important to prevent colpitis. Read our blog post on proper intimate hygiene. Reduce primary causes as described above and treat your underlying conditions. Protect your body from transmissible diseases and use condoms, especially with changing sexual partners. Keep your vaginal flora intact by eating well and staying generally fit. If you have had colpitis (vaginal inflammation) more often, actively try to protect your vaginal flora and prevent injuries and chronic vaginal dryness. For this, try our CANNEFF Intimate Care Set.

Philip Schmiedhofer, MSc

Philip Schmiedhofer, MSc

Philip is the CEO and co-founder of cannhelp GmbH. With a degree in medical engineering and molecular biology, specializing in neuroscience and focusing on cannabinoids, he is recognized as an expert in the medical application of cannabinoids. As a medical device consultant, he also leads the sales of cannmedic and provides specialized advice to medical professionals. His expertise includes the development and sales of cannabinoid-based products. In research, he participates in significant basic research at the Center for Brain Research at the Medical University of Vienna. As co-founder and current CEO of cannmedic GmbH, a pioneer in the CBD medical products market, he has many years of entrepreneurial experience. Additionally, he maintains an extensive network in the industry and advises internationally operating companies in the field of medical cannabinoids.