Colpitis symptoms and how to identify
The presence of white milk-like discharge and which may have an unpleasant odor, in some cases, corresponds to the main symptom of colpitis, which is inflammation of the vagina and cervix that can be caused by fungi, bacteria and protozoa, such asCandida sp.,Gardnerella vaginalis andTrichomonas sp.
To find out if it is colpitis, the gynecologist must evaluate the symptoms presented by the woman, in addition to carrying out tests that allow the identification of signs of inflammation and the infectious agent responsible for the colpitis, and the Schiller test and colposcopy, for example, can be performed. Learn more about colpitis.
Colpitis symptoms
The main symptom of colpitis is whitish or grayish vaginal discharge, similar to milk, which can sometimes be bullous, although this is not very common. In addition, some women report the stench in the intimate area, similar to the smell of fish, which tends to become even more evident after intimate contact.
In addition to discharge, the doctor can identify signs of cervical or vaginal mucosa during the examination, differentiating the types of colpitis in:
- Diffuse colpitis, which is characterized by the presence of small red spots on the vaginal mucosa and on the cervix;
- Focal colpitis, in which round red spots can be seen on the vaginal mucosa;
- Acute colpitis, which is characterized by swelling of the vaginal mucosa in addition to the presence of red dots;
- Chronic colpitis, where white and red spots are observed in the vagina.
Thus, if the woman has white discharge and the doctor identifies changes indicative of inflammation during the evaluation of the vagina and cervix, it is important that tests be done to identify the cause of the colpitis and start treatment.
Main causes
Colpitis is usually caused by microorganisms that are part of the normal vaginal microbiota, with the exception ofTrichomonas sp., and that due to inadequate hygiene habits, such as using a vaginal shower frequently or not wearing cotton underwear, for example, can proliferate and cause infection and inflammation of the genital region.
In addition, colpitis can also happen when you stay more than 4 hours with the tampon inside the vagina, as a result of hormonal changes, use of antibiotics or due to having sex during menstruation or having sex without a condom.
It is important that the cause of the colpitis is identified so that the doctor can indicate the most appropriate treatment, which is usually done with the use of antimicrobials that aim to eliminate the excess microorganism responsible for the colpitis in addition to favoring the recovery of vaginal tissue and of the cervix. Understand how the treatment for colpitis is done.
How to know if it is colpitis
In addition to assessing the symptoms presented by the woman, the gynecologist should perform some tests to check for signs of colpitis. Thus, the doctor assesses the intimate region, identifying signs of inflammation, as well as carrying out tests and examinations that help to conclude the diagnosis of the colpitis and identify the microorganism responsible for the inflammation, being the most indicated:
- PH test: greater than 4.7;
- 10% KOH test: Positive;
- Fresh examination: which is made from the analysis of a sample of vaginal secretions and which, in the case of colpitis, indicates a decrease in lactobacilli, also known as Doderlein bacilli and rare or absent leukocytes;
- Gram test: which is made from the analysis of a sample of vaginal secretion and which aims to identify the microorganism responsible for the inflammation;
- Type 1 urine test: which can indicate the presence of signs indicating infection, in addition to the presence ofTrichomonas sp., which is one of those responsible for colpitis;
- Schiller test: in which the doctor passes a substance with iodine on the inside of the vagina and cervix, identifying possible changes in the cells that are indicative of infection and inflammation;
- Colposcopy: which is the most suitable exam for diagnosing colpitis, as it allows the doctor to assess in detail the vulva, vagina and cervix, and it is possible to identify signs indicating inflammation. Understand how colposcopy is done.
In addition to these tests, the doctor can also perform the Pap test, which is also known as a preventive test, however this test is not suitable for the diagnosis of colpitis, as it is not specific and does not show signs of inflammation or infection very well. .
Some of the tests indicated to know if it is colpitis can be performed during the consultation with the gynecologist and the person has the result during the consultation, however others need the sample collected during the consultation to be sent to the laboratory so that they can be analyzed and can have the diagnosis.
