Vaginitis is characterized by inflammation of the vaginal mucosa, i.e. the lining that covers the inner surface of the vagina.

The main symptoms of vaginitis, regardless of its etiology, are the presence of pruritus (itching), irritation, burning and excessive secretions of a different texture, smell and color from the normal ones. Pain during sexual intercourse and urination can often coexist.

The most common causes of vaginitis are bacteria and fungi and can often be caused by a lack of estrogen or allergies (e.g. from the use of condoms or other intravaginal products). However, it is not uncommon for inflammation to occur but without finding a specific cause. These cases are characterized as non-specific vaginitis and are usually attributed to hormonal imbalance (common during pregnancy). 

Bacterial vaginitis is the most common vaginitis. Symptoms that usually predominate are pruritus (itching), irritation, burning and the appearance of excessive secretions of thin texture, strong odor (fishy) that may intensify after sexual intercourse or period, and has a gray color.

However, special care is required as there are sexually transmitted diseases caused by bacteria such as vaginal trichomonas infection.

In any case, the correct and safe diagnosis and treatment is performed only through the gynecologist after a series of diagnostic tests (colposcopy, vaginal discharge culture, etc.), a practice that is recommended to follow every time you notice changes in the wider area.

Depending on the symptoms that concern you there are product options that can relieve you. However, complete relief from the cause of inflammation can not be achieved without first diagnosing it and receiving appropriate treatment from your gynecologist.

In case of bacterial etiology of vaginitis you can combine (scheme for bacterial vaginitis)

In case of fungal etiology of vaginitis you can combine (scheme for fungal vaginitis)

In case of non-specific etiology of vaginitis you can combine (figure for atypical vaginitis)

The appearance of a vaginitis can be prevented if the normal flora of the area is maintained with the predominance of lactobacilli, the acidic environment of the vagina (pH 3,5-4,5) in the presence of lactic acid and the necessary moisture for the tissues. Securing these factors prevents the development of infections. In case their presence is disturbed, appropriate product options such as probiotics, vaginal pH regulators and hydrating products can help to restore and maintain them and prevent infections.

Indicatively you can combine (scheme for prevention of vaginitis and enhancement of natural balance)

Tips:

• You can adopt the daily intake of probiotics by mouth through special supplements with lactobacilli to easily and naturally strengthen the flora of the vagina
• You can use daily special cleansing fluids for the sensitive area with enhanced composition for protection against microorganisms.

The transition to reproductive age is marked by the periodic appearance of bleeding that lasts for a few days and usually occurs every 24 to 28 days. The presence of blood in the vaginal area -although normal- can lead to minor disorders in the vaginal environment affecting the vaginal pH and the presence of lactobacilli as the blood has a neutral pH. This effect, combined with the fact that blood is an excellent nutrient medium for fungi normally present in the vagina, often leads to the body's inability to control the overgrowth of fungi that eventually cause inflammation in the area.

Enhancing the normal mechanism of removal of bleeding residues and the immediate restoration of vaginal pH to its normal acidic values can reduce the occurrence of vaginitis after the end of the period.

Indicatively you can combine (scheme for prevention of vaginitis and enhancement of natural balance after period)

Tips:

• Prefer the use of a panty liner with a cotton cover which you change regularly in relation to the tampons
• You can use daily special cleansing fluids for the sensitive area with enhanced composition for protection against microorganisms.
• You can adopt the daily intake of probiotics by mouth through special supplements with lactobacilli to easily and naturally strengthen the flora of the vagina

Fungi, although natural colonists of the vagina, very often lead to infections and there are specific reasons that reduce the likelihood of successful reduction and relief from the manifestations of vaginitis. As a result, the recurrence of symptoms of fungal vaginitis is often recorded very soon from the previous episode, which is characterized as a relapse. The main reasons are the development of resistance to the usual medications, the incomplete diagnosis, the self-diagnosis, the non-observance of the treatment regimens, etc.

In any case, the correct and safe diagnosis and treatment is carried out only through the gynecologist after a series of diagnostic tests (colposcopy, vaginal fluid culture, identification of responsible strains, selection of effective active each time, etc.), a practice that is recommended to follow whenever you notice changes in the wider area.

Scrupulous adherence to treatment regimens and the adoption of tactics that directly enhance the local balance and defense of the area are the means to successfully reduce relapses.

Indicatively you can combine (scheme for prevention of vaginitis and enhancement of natural balance)

Tips:

• choose cotton underwear and limit the use of tight synthetic underwear
• avoid the daily use of panty liners
• change your swimsuit immediately and do not sit directly on the sand of the sea
• generally avoid tight clothing and anything that can significantly increase the humidity and temperature of the area
• use daily special cleansing fluids for the sensitive area with enhanced composition for protection against fungi.

Rinsing and cleansing the vaginal mucosa with special devices can be done whenever you need to get rid of annoying secretions and odors, relieve symptoms such as itching and burning sensation or want to enhance the feeling of comfort and rejuvenation of the area.

Applying vaginal douches is beneficial (when the conditions of use are met) as they enhance and accelerate the ability of the vagina to self-cleanse, freeing it from bleeding residues, normal or abnormal secretions while relieving discomfort such as itching, irritation, burning or unpleasant odors.

When their application precedes the application of other intravaginal preparations, they maximize the effectiveness of their action, contributing substantially to the successful therapeutic management of pathological conditions.

Intravaginal application of home-made solutions is best avoided mainly due to the unstable content of their composition as well as the non-specific devices commonly used, which favor injuries, the transport of pathogenic microorganisms to the cervix and uterus and the possibility of re-infection.

Respectively, when there is no specific etiology, strong antiseptic agents should be avoided, which negatively affect the normal flora and the integrity of the vaginal mucosa.

The frequency of vaginal douches depends on the reason for their use.

Under normal conditions where the application of vaginal washing is aimed at maintaining the hygiene and comfort of the area, the repetition of the application is recommended no more often than every 3 days.

When there are special reasons e.g. removal of bleeding, leukorrhea or relief of irritation, the application can be repeated once a day for 2 to 3 consecutive days or depending on the recommendation of the attending physician.

Vaginal douches should be performed under conditions of maximum hygiene so as not to increase the likelihood of vaginal imbalance, which can lead to serious infections. Especially in cases where the vaginal lavage is performed to relieve the symptoms of a vaginitis, repeated use of the same device may lead to re-infection due to contamination of the device or solution.

Vaginal douches are not recommended in cases where there is no complete sexual intercourse or during pregnancy. Exceptions are the cases where there is a recommendation of the gynecologist.

Lactic acid is the factor that shapes the acidic environment in the vagina.

During reproductive age it is released by the lactic acid bacteria of the normal vaginal flora after the metabolism of the glycogen they use as food. The acidic vaginal environment is pleasant and enhances the action of lactobacilli while at the same time limiting the growth of other pathogenic microorganisms.

However, beyond the reproductive age, such as during menopause, maintaining acidic conditions in the vagina can be a means of preventing infections. At this stage of a woman's life, vaginal pH regulators that provide ready-made lactic acid and directly form the required acidity in the vagina can help immediately.

Pruritus (itching), irritation and burning sensation are clinical manifestations that can be observed in conditions of different etiology in the vaginal area. They are usually observed in cases of infection of various etiologies that coexist there with increased vaginal secretions with or without odor. The presence of these symptoms without the presence of hypersecretion may be due to the occurrence of vaginal dryness.

In any case, the correct and safe diagnosis and treatment is performed only through the gynecologist after a series of diagnostic tests (colposcopy, vaginal discharge culture, etc.), a practice that is recommended to follow every time you notice changes in the wider area.