Dysbacteriosis in gynecology: signs, treatment and reviews

The main causes of vaginal microflora disturbances

When pathogenic microflora predominates in the vagina or microbes actively multiply, we can talk about the presence of dysbacteriosis. This disease has several causes; they are conventionally divided into pathological and physiological.

In the first case, we are talking about various infections that lead to unpleasant symptoms and inflammation of the intimate organs.

In the second case, we are talking about physiological changes in the body that are not related to a bacterial, viral or fungal infection, which for some reason triggered the development of the disease.

Let's consider the pathological causes of dysbiosis:

1. Disruption of the natural microflora develops against the background of inflammation of the appendages and cervical canal.
2. May be a consequence of infection with chlamydia and mycoplasma.
3. Often bothers with cystitis and urethritis.

The disease is caused by Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, staphylococcus, streptococcus and other pathogenic microorganisms. It begins to progress with a long course of thrush and in the absence of adequate therapy.

Physiological reasons include:

• pregnancy, menopause, due to hormonal instability, due to frequent hormonal fluctuations;
• taking antibacterial drugs on a long-term basis;
• poor nutrition and decreased immune system activity;
• violation of genital hygiene rules;
• hypersensitivity reaction to used cosmetics or hygiene products.

Infection, problems with the immune system, taking antibiotics and neglecting basic hygiene rules are the causes of dysbiosis. But it can develop due to a person having blood diseases, after an abortion or childbirth.

To avoid serious complications of the disease, consult a doctor when the first signs appear.

Causes

Disruption of the normal microflora in women can be mediated by various factors. They relate to the environment and the internal state of the body. Although the biocenosis system is stable, it is subject to various kinds of changes. Vaginal dysbiosis is precisely an expression of such disorders. It may occur due to the following conditions:

• Hypothermia.
• Hormonal changes.
• Pregnancy.
• Dietary errors.
• Infectious and inflammatory pathology.
• Immunodeficiencies.
• Use of antibiotics.
• Promiscuous sexual intercourse.
• Stressful situations.
• Failure to comply with personal hygiene rules.

Thus, disruption of the vaginal environment is the result of many causes. And it is not at all necessary that a woman has only one of these factors. Although this may be enough, there is often a combined adverse effect on the microflora.

With the development of the pharmaceutical industry, vaginal dysbiosis is increasingly observed after uncontrolled use of antibiotics or the use of various intimate hygiene products. Changes in microflora during pregnancy are not uncommon, when serious hormonal changes occur in a woman’s body.

To eliminate vaginal dysbiosis, it is necessary first of all to eliminate its cause, after which they begin to normalize microbial relationships.

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How to determine dysbiosis?

When the vaginal microflora changes, the woman may not be bothered by anything. This is quite normal. But you can still determine the presence of pathological changes if you “listen” to your body.

Gynecologists recommend monitoring discharge, this makes it easier to track dysbiosis. A pregnant woman may notice their unexpected appearance, which is also a reason to consult a doctor.

Most often, the following changes occur with the discharge:

1. Their consistency and quantity changes.
2. Their quality indicator suffers.
3. You may notice the appearance of a specific odor.

Many women say that they noticed the appearance of a sharp “fishy” smell. However, such a “fragrance” may be a symptom of bacterial vaginosis.

The release of secretions from the vagina is a normal phenomenon, but if for some reason the quantitative as well as qualitative indicator changes, then such “changes” should not be ignored.

Symptoms of vaginal dysbiosis in girls

According to the accepted data of modern gynecology, symptoms of vaginal dysbiosis in girls can appear at any age.

The main reasons for the development of the disease in adolescents:

• hypothermia;
• errors in personal hygiene, most often incorrect use of tampons and gels for intimate hygiene;
• weak immunity;
• poor nutrition, lack of rest and fresh air, stress;
• hormonal imbalance during puberty.

In most cases, until adulthood, the main symptoms of the disease are itching and burning in the groin area. Discharge and a specific odor appear in older girls.

If you suspect the development of this disease in a child, you should consult a doctor to determine the causes and treatment program.

Signs of vaginal dysbiosis

Each case is considered individually; a pathogenic microorganism or bacteria can trigger the appearance of alarming symptoms. The presence of dysbiosis is indicated by the following signs:

• itching in the vaginal area, discomfort, unpleasant and even painful sensations;
• inflammation of the vaginal vestibule, the appearance of a secretion with a specific odor and a cloudy greenish or yellowish tint;
• painful, unpleasant sensations that occur during sex;
• instability of the menstrual cycle, painful menstruation;
• Less commonly, a rash on the skin is observed as a consequence of a hypersensitivity reaction.

Possible complications of vaginal dysbiosis

If the disease is not treated for a long time, complications are possible, which include:

• endometritis – inflammation of the uterine cavity;
• vaginitis – inflammation of the vaginal walls;
• cervicitis - development of the inflammatory process of the uterus;

• development of cystitis as a result of bladder infection;
• adnexitis - inflammation of the appendages.

Most often, the first signs of the onset of the development of such diseases are caused by the appearance of burning and itching, as well as an increase in the amount of discharge.

Diagnosis of the disease

To diagnose dysbiosis, you will have to contact a gynecologist, he will prescribe a number of procedures, including:

1. Vaginal flora smear.
2. Analysis of the secretion by PCR.
3. Ultrasound of internal organs.

In order to prescribe adequate treatment for the patient and select a medication, an experienced doctor only needs to collect an anamnesis, conduct an examination with mirrors and obtain the results of a microflora analysis.

Less often, it is necessary to carry out other diagnostic procedures that can identify the causative agent of infection and ensure the absence of an inflammatory process in the organs of the reproductive system.

Prevention

Knowing how to treat dysbiosis in gynecology, it is worth highlighting some rules that allow you to avoid an imbalance of vaginal flora.

Of course, any woman or girl can have a similar problem, but preventive measures can significantly reduce the risks.

Among the mandatory rules that must be followed are:

1. Carry out hygiene procedures every day, during which special products are used for the intimate area. It is recommended not to use regular washing, using shower gels or soap. Such products cannot maintain normal pH balances.
2. You should wear underwear only made from natural materials, and it should not be very narrow. This allows you to achieve sufficient ventilation, the skin will “breathe”.
3. During treatment with antibiotics, you must strictly follow the treatment regimen prescribed by the doctor. For prevention, vitamin complexes can be immediately used, as well as drugs that improve intestinal and vaginal flora.
4. Maintain a diet that contains enough plant and dairy products.
5. Get rid of all bad habits.
6. Try to harden yourself to strengthen your immune system.
7. During menstruation, you should use products made from natural materials, and the pads or tampons themselves should be soft and pleasant to the touch.
8. Do not constantly use panty liners.
9. Avoid promiscuity and use contraception.

If vaginal dysbiosis appears, then there is no need to panic right away. It is important to correctly identify the characteristic symptoms and quickly consult a doctor.

After diagnostics and a series of studies, the doctor will be able to select an effective course of treatment to quickly restore the flora.

By following all the rules, nutrition and treatment, you can achieve a quick and easy recovery.

Preparations for restoring vaginal microflora

Preference is given to combination therapy, which involves the use of several medications simultaneously. Antiseptics and drugs whose action is aimed at restoring microflora can be prescribed.

Suppositories

Let's consider several types of funds of this form:

Tablets for restoring vaginal microflora

We are talking about medications that have an antimicrobial effect, that is, drugs with antibacterial activity.

The doctor selects the antibiotic based on the cause of the disease. In gynecology, the following medications are used to treat dysbiosis:

Gels, creams and sprays

Preference is given to the following means:

What causes imbalance?

Dysbacteriosis in women occurs due to certain reasons. This violation provokes any negative impact on the fragile organism of the fair sex.

Helicobacter pylori, a bacterium that influences the development of dysbiosis

Main causes of vaginal imbalance:

• poor nutrition. Eating foods containing easily digestible carbohydrates, fried, and fatty foods increases blood glucose levels. The resulting environment is favorable for the development of pathogenic microorganisms (especially for fungi of the genus Candida);
• intestinal dysbiosis. Disruption of the digestive system directly affects women's health. The walls of the vagina are in contact with the intestines. When disorders of the digestive system occur, pathogenic microflora penetrates the mucous membranes of the genital organs;
• failure to comply with generally accepted rules of personal hygiene. Diligent cleansing of intimate areas or lack of appropriate procedures leads to an imbalance of microorganisms on the mucous membranes;
• untimely change of pads and tampons during menstruation;
• wearing the wrong underwear. Passion for tight panties and thongs leads to changes in the microflora of intimate places. Wearing underwear made from synthetic fabrics also has a negative effect;
• long-term use of antibiotics. The use of antibacterial agents leads to the destruction of beneficial bacteria in the female body;
• hormonal imbalances. Affect changes in the condition of the mucous membranes, which entails dysbacteriosis;
• infections. This problem can be caused by sexually transmitted diseases and inflammatory processes of the pelvic organs.

You may also be interested in: How to treat intestinal dysbiosis in a child

In order to prevent dysbacteriosis, it is necessary to monitor the hygiene of your body

Folk remedies

They can only act as an addition to the main treatment. As part of alternative therapy, it is not prohibited to use:

1. Decoctions of herbs and plants. Chamomile, oak bark and calendula will help. With decoctions of these herbs they douche and take sitz baths.
2. You can insert tampons soaked in herbal infusions; you can often resort to using Vishnevsky ointment. A tampon is soaked in it and inserted into the vagina, left overnight and removed in the morning.
3. Douche with milk and add a few drops of garlic juice. But such procedures are best carried out after consultation with a doctor.

The mechanism of development of vaginal dysbiosis

Normally, a woman’s vagina contains normal microflora, approximately 90% consisting of lactobacilli (the so-called Dederlein rods), only 9% bifidobacteria and less than 1% other opportunistic microorganisms that do not cause diseases.

In addition, the smear reveals “key cells of the vagina” - epithelial cells of its walls, covered with a layer of those same opportunistic microorganisms.

These include, in particular, fungi of the genus Candida, gardnerella, and some other bacteria.

Changes in the percentage of microorganisms that live in the vagina and the appearance of other microflora are unacceptable for normal female microflora.

The woman’s immune system does not react in any way to the “normal” inhabitants of the vagina, but protects against other bacteria and infections. In addition, immunity helps restore the vaginal microflora in case of minor disturbances.

If the vaginal microflora is disturbed for one reason or another, the number of lactobacilli and bifidobacteria decreases, and the number of opportunistic microorganisms increases or pathogenic microorganisms that are not characteristic of a healthy state appear.

Bacteria that cause vaginal dysbiosis cause inflammation of the vagina - vaginitis. The development of such inflammation depends on the pathogenicity and quantity of the pathogen and, of course, the strength of the woman’s immunity.

For some time, the immune system copes with the infection, but in the absence of appropriate treatment, it is impossible to avoid the development of inflammation.

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Nutrition to normalize vaginal flora

Lactobacillus enters the human body in various ways. For this reason, nutrition plays an important role in restoring microflora.

In combination with drug therapy, the diet allows you to achieve the desired results faster. As part of treatment you should:

• Avoid junk food that irritates the stomach and contains large amounts of fat.
• Alcohol and its derivatives are prohibited.
• Preference is given to vegetables and fruits, and the diet also includes fermented milk products: kefir, cottage cheese and natural yogurt.

In this way, the body’s functioning is optimized; a person receives the necessary vitamins, microelements and beneficial bacteria from food.

Why is dysbiosis dangerous during pregnancy?

If the intestinal microflora is disturbed during pregnancy, this can adversely affect both the health of the expectant mother and the fetus. It is especially important to get treatment before giving birth.

In pregnant women, dysbiosis occurs both in the vagina and in the intestines, and is accompanied by chronic diarrhea, alternating with diarrhea. This leads to impaired motor skills, heaviness in the lower abdomen, and discomfort. Abnormal bowel movements can not only cause intoxication of the body. This can affect the tone of the uterus and cause premature birth. The altered vaginal microflora, along with inflammatory processes, reduces the resistance of the birth canal to injury, causing ruptures during childbirth.

If labor begins in a woman who has not been treated, then the newborn develops pathogenic dysbiosis. The child ingests pathogenic bacteria while passing through the birth canal. In the future, dysbiosis in infants causes many problems for both the baby and his parents.

How does dysbacteriosis manifest itself?

Signs of dysbiosis are quite specific. The most commonly observed symptoms are:

• white or gray discharge with a characteristic pungent odor;
• discomfort during sexual intercourse;
• impaired urine output;
• itching

Most often, sick women or girls complain of discharge from the genital tract.

They are abundant and have an unpleasant odor reminiscent of fish. The discharge may become heavier before menstruation or after sexual intercourse. In severe cases, the discharge becomes yellow-green and stretchy. Dysbacteriosis can be asymptomatic. With an asymptomatic form of dysbacteriosis, women do not feel sick. Changes may be discovered accidentally during routine examinations.

Dysbacteriosis is often combined with endometriosis and pseudo-erosions. More rare manifestations of dysbacteriosis include menstrual irregularities. In this case, there is a large interval between menstruation. When purulent contents are released, the labia may stick together. Dysbacteriosis can be a trigger for inflammation of the urethra. In this case, pain or burning occurs during urination.