Colpitis during pregnancy: etiology, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment

Causes of colpitis during pregnancy

Colpitis, like other inflammatory diseases, is quite common in pregnant women

, which is primarily caused by a physiological decrease in immunity. Violation of the body's protective properties contributes to the unhindered proliferation of microorganisms.

Inflammation of the vagina during pregnancy can be caused by various pathogens: ureaplasma, genital herpes, chlamydia, gonococci, trichomonas, candida, etc. Bacterial vaginosis

caused by an imbalance between normal and pathogenic microflora.

Main risk factors for developing colpitis

:

1. Mechanical damage to the vagina;
2. Lack of personal hygiene;
3. Allergic reactions to topical medications;
4. Frequent douching for no reason;
5. Taking antibacterial drugs;
6. Diseases of the endocrine system.

Consequences

Young mothers are very worried about their children, especially if any pathologies arise during pregnancy. One of the common pathologies is vaginitis. It happens for various reasons, but for a child any pathogen is not so safe.

Everything that happens to the mother during pregnancy affects the condition of the baby.

Consequences of colpitis during pregnancy, forum

Any infection is dangerous for a small organism. He still does not know how to resist massive attacks of pathogenic flora. Therefore, he should feel safe inside his mother. Consequences of colpitis for a child:

• Intrauterine infection is a dangerous process, since treatment is extremely difficult and the baby’s life is at risk. But not all infections penetrate through the amniotic fluid and bladder. On the forums you can find many stories about how vaginitis had no effect on the health of the little baby. With adequate and timely treatment, infection will not occur and the baby will not suffer.
• Allergic reactions to drugs. Rarely, but sometimes allergic reactions to drugs occur in children. In reviews about how colpitis manifests itself during pregnancy, the consequences for the child, the forum provides information that some women, after suffering colpitis, gave birth to babies covered with a rash. This can be either an allergy to drugs or a consequence of an indirect infection.
• Complications on some organs. Specific colpitis also has consequences for the child. With this pathology, children were sometimes born with pathologies of the respiratory system. One forum member wrote that she gave birth to a girl with lung pathology - constant shortness of breath

Different types of vaginitis before childbirth can cause complications. It is necessary to take care of your children from the very first day you learn that a little life is developing inside you.

Colpitis during pregnancy consequences for the child (forum)

This issue is often discussed on forums. All mothers and experts agree that vaginitis affects the condition of the internal genital structures that are directly involved in the process of bearing a baby.

Research has proven that different types of vaginitis, especially yeast-like vaginitis, affect the amniotic sac. Its shell becomes thin, as the inflammatory process actively develops near it. Sometimes the membrane ruptures, which entails the threat of miscarriage and premature birth. Any infection with intense manifestations harms the child.

Some women suffered separation from their baby after childbirth due to his transfer to the intensive care unit. This happened due to intrauterine infection of the baby.

Pregnancy after colpitis does not significantly affect the development of the embryo. A woman simply needs to maintain her immunity in order to prevent relapses of the disease. It is also necessary to take into account that during pregnancy the risk of vaginitis doubles. Women become less stress-resistant; they react to any irritants with increased sensitivity, both physically and emotionally. Therefore, the expectant mother should take great care of herself throughout the entire 9 months.

Colpitis after pregnancy also appears due to decreased immunity or birth injuries to the mucous membrane. When breastfeeding, the range of medications used expands. Some oral medications may be used. The manifestations of colpitis after childbirth are the same; the symptoms appear depending on the activity of a specific active pathogen.

Clinical picture

Clinical manifestations of colpitis can differ significantly from the type of causative agent of the disease.

. Differences are also present depending on the form of the course: acute or chronic.

The main symptoms of acute colpitis

:

1. Sudden onset of the disease;
2. Possible increase in body temperature, deterioration in general health;
3. Copious discharge of various types depending on the type of microorganisms;
4. Burning, itching in the area of ​​the external genitalia and vagina;
5. Aching pain in the lower abdomen.

For chronic colpitis

The same symptoms are characteristic, but in a less pronounced form. There are periods of exacerbation of the disease with deterioration of well-being and periods of remission (virtually no complaints).

Features of the most common types of colpitis

How does vaginitis manifest?

The symptoms of colpitis during pregnancy are practically no different from those in women in a “non-pregnant” state. A pathognomic sign of the disease is discharge.

• In the acute phase of the discharge process, the discharge is very pronounced (which differs somewhat from their amount in other women), their volume is so large that they invariably end up on the labia majora and minora, causing their irritation and maceration.
• If the process is neglected and intimate hygiene is not observed, the discharge irritates the skin of the inner thighs and pubis.
• The skin becomes bright red and itchy.
• When examined in the speculum, intense hyperemia of the vaginal mucosa and swelling are observed. Clumps of off-white, yellow or greenish color are visible on the walls of the vagina.
• The discharge, depending on the nature of the causative agent of the disease, also varies in color (from white to greenish) and has a repulsive odor.

An example from practice: A primigravida came to an appointment (earlier than expected) in the last stages of about 36 - 38 weeks with huge eyes of horror and complaints that her water seemed to be leaking. When asked when this leakage started and why she didn’t immediately call an ambulance, the woman replied: “It started 3 days ago, at first I didn’t even think about water, so there was a little more discharge. And yesterday, before going to bed, I got scared and decided to come to the antenatal clinic.” After examining her on the couch, measuring her abdomen, and listening to the fetal heartbeat, she examined the woman on the chair. One glance was enough to diagnose colpitis; she took the necessary smear and checked the cervical canal for the integrity of the amniotic sac. Treatment was prescribed later, based on test results.

Also, colpitis is characterized by intense itching and burning, both in the vagina and in the area of ​​the external genitalia. A distinctive feature of the described discomfort is that it intensifies while walking, doing physical exercise and the slightest error in diet.

In some cases, or in the absence of appropriate treatment, the discharge is so “harmful” that, as a result of irritation of the cervical mucosa, the process from cervicitis quickly turns into erosion, which is manifested by bloody discharge. Blood discharge, as a rule, is of a contact nature and occurs after direct contact with the cervix (after sexual intercourse or douching). A distinctive feature of vaginitis in pregnant women is the occurrence of aching or nagging pain in the lower abdomen, which is associated with irritation of the vagina and cervix.

Example from practice: A pregnant woman came to the antenatal clinic at the appointed time at 28 weeks - the most threatened period for termination. Complaints of nagging pain in the lower abdomen and small, periodic bleeding. Upon examination, the uterus is in normal tone and does not respond to palpation (that is, it does not contract and “do not turn to stone”, as if there is a threat). When examining the cervix, erosion is visualized, and palpation of the cervix determines its sufficient density corresponding to the period of pregnancy, the cervical canal is closed. I was confused by the discharge (with an unpleasant odor and a yellowish color). I sent the woman to the department for conservation, not forgetting to indicate colpitis in the diagnosis.

Very often, which is again due to changes in the body, yeast colpitis (candidiasis) develops during pregnancy. It manifests itself as copious discharge that has a viscous milky consistency or resembles crumbs of cottage cheese (see symptoms of thrush in women). Often the smell of sour dough is mixed with the discharge. It is typical that discomfort in the form of itching and burning in the vulva and vagina is pronounced. Often the fungus also affects the urethra, which manifests itself in frequent and painful urination (see urethritis in women: symptoms, treatment). If treatment is not started in a timely manner, the infection can rise higher, involving the bladder and even the kidneys.

Diagnosis of colpitis

Diagnosing colpitis is not difficult and is based on the woman’s complaints and gynecological examination

.

After making a diagnosis, the doctor prescribes tests to determine the type of infection:

1. Smear of vaginal discharge for flora;
2. Culture of vaginal discharge to determine the type of pathogen and sensitivity to antibacterial drugs;
3. PCR analysis for sexually transmitted infections.

Features and types of the disease

Today it is considered one of the most common female genital diseases. Often the disease affects the bodies of women of reproductive age.

Normally, the vaginal flora contains only Doderlein's vaginal bacillus: they are responsible for the production of lactic acid, which prevents the emergence of pathogenic or opportunistic microorganisms.

However, if many factors coincide, the protective barrier will still be overcome, and the vaginal mucosa / vaginal part of the cervix is ​​affected by chronic or acute inflammation, which is called colpitis.

Sometimes the disease can be combined with other inflammatory processes, for example, in the external genitalia. Subsequently, it takes the form of vulvovaginitis, etc.

Type classification

Doctors believe that the inflammatory process can be presented in different types, because the disease is not always caused by pathogenic or pathogenic microorganisms.

For this reason (based on the type of pathogen) a distinction is made between nonspecific and specific types.

• Colpitis of a nonspecific type.

The disease can also be caused by opportunistic microorganisms. They are an integral part of the microflora of every person. The natural microflora of the vagina may be disrupted (decreased immunity, negative effects of antibacterial therapy, hormonal dysfunction).

• Colpitis of a specific type.

The disease is caused only by pathogenic bacteria. They can enter the body through unprotected sexual intercourse, as well as if you do not follow the rules of basic personal hygiene.

The most common type of nonspecific colpitis is considered to be ordinary thrush or candidal yeast colpitis.

Almost every woman faces this problem. Thrush manifests itself if the Candida fungus, which is also present in healthy people (in their microbial flora) in small quantities, suddenly begins to actively multiply.

Also during pregnancy, emphysematous type of the disease is very common.

It is characterized by the fact that the vaginal mucosa becomes inflamed and becomes covered with blisters that are filled with clear liquid. But a week or two after giving birth, this colpitis may disappear on its own.

One of the most common types of specific colpitis is Trichomonas.

Its causative agents are the pathogenic bacteria Trichomonas. They are mainly transmitted sexually, but a pregnant woman can become infected even by using someone else's dirty towels or personal underwear. In addition to Trichomonas, the causative agents of colpitis can be any other organisms:

• gonococci (gonorrheal colpitis);
• chlamydia (chlamydial colpitis);
• treponema pallidum (syphilitic colpitis);
• ureaplasma or mycoplasma (mycoplasma and ureaplasma colpitis);
• gardnerella (gardnellosis colpitis).

Nuances of classification

In addition to division into types, the disease is also distinguished by its form of expression.

• Acute form.

It is characterized by the fact that copious mucopurulent discharge constantly oozes from the vagina. An unpleasant burning or itching may also bother you, and your stomach often hurts.

• Subacute form.

The symptoms are not so pronounced and tend to have periodic outbreaks.

• Chronic form.

Signs are practically invisible, but they can be diagnosed if there is a suspicion.

Also, the classification takes into account the nature of the discharge: purulent disease, serous, diffuse.

Treatment of colpitis during pregnancy

Treatment of colpitis should be based on determining the type of pathogen and prescribing appropriate medications

. The difficulty of therapy may lie in limiting the intake of many medications during pregnancy.

Treatment tactics

:

1. Dietary food with limited intake of spicy, fatty and fried foods;
2. Lack of sexual activity during treatment;
3. Joint treatment of both partners for colpitis caused by sexually transmitted infections;
4. Antibacterial therapy. Drugs are prescribed only by a doctor, taking into account the duration of pregnancy and possible negative effects on the child. The most common and safe antibiotics for pregnant women are: rovamycin, josamycin, erythromycin;
5. Antifungal therapy (for candidal colpitis). Systemic drugs taken orally are strictly prohibited during pregnancy. Only local treatment is prescribed in the form of suppositories, ointments: pimafucin, clotrimazole (not earlier than the 2nd trimester), nystatin (not earlier than the second trimester);
6. Antiprotozoal therapy (for trichomoniasis and bacterial vaginosis). The main drug during pregnancy is metronidazole (only from the second trimester) in suppositories.

The danger of colpitis during pregnancy

During the period of gestation, the treatment of colpitis must be approached with particular care. This pathology can be dangerous for both the mother and the unborn child:

• Further infection. Both bacteria and fungi have a tendency to cause ascending damage to tissues and anatomical structures. Microorganisms can easily enter the bladder, uterus, kidneys, causing much more serious diseases;
• Tissue ruptures. The presence of “old” untreated colpitis can be dangerous for the mother’s body, since the inflamed and swollen birth canal becomes susceptible to rupture. Even during the normal course of the birth process, significant damage can occur with the development of massive bleeding;
• Risk of miscarriage. In the presence of colpitis, the risk of miscarriage increases by 20-40%;
• Purulent and necrotic processes after childbirth. Colpitis can cause the development of purulent-septic complications in the postpartum period: suppuration of sutures, development of secondary infections, etc.;
• Formation of an inflammatory focus. If there is insufficient attention to the problem or illiterate, untimely treatment, colpitis can become chronic. A chronic disease can cause a lot of problems, is difficult to treat and gives frequent relapses with the risk of ascending infection and the development of severe complications;
• Endometritis. If the body’s resistance is insufficient, infectious agents penetrate the uterus and, “settled” in the organ, contribute to the development of inflammation of its mucous membrane and erosion of the cervix;
• Inflammation of the appendages: ovaries and fallopian tubes. Some of the pathogenic microorganisms (mainly causative agents of sexually transmitted diseases: Trichomonas, gonococcus, etc.) are able to penetrate the internal genital organs and cause severe purulent inflammation;
• Infertility. Occurs relatively rarely with “advanced” colpitis. Adhesions in the area of ​​the uterus and fallopian tubes disrupt the process of normal physiological fertilization and lead to egg rejection. As a result, the patient is unable to become pregnant for a long time (there is a risk of complete infertility).

On topic: 2 effective folk remedies for colpitis

Traditional methods of treatment

It should be noted that herbal decoctions can be used for treatment only as prescribed by a doctor.

: uncontrolled use can do more harm than good.
Thus, the common method of treatment by douching during pregnancy is not recommended
, because contributes to the spread of infection to the upper genital organs, including the uterus.

To treat colpitis, pregnant women can use sitz baths

using the following herbs that have anti-inflammatory and healing effects:

1. Pharmaceutical camomile
   . Add 2 tablespoons to a liter of water, bring to a boil and boil for 10-15 minutes. The decoction must be used warm;
2. Calendula
   (prepared in a similar way);
3. Coltsfoot
   . 50 grams of leaves are poured into a liter of boiling water and left for an hour;
4. Oak bark
   . 2 tablespoons are poured into 2 liters of water and boiled for 120 minutes.

Causes

Colpitis occurs quite often during pregnancy; the causes of this pathology lie in the internal processes of the woman’s body and the addition of viruses and bacteria from the outside.

What are the causes of colpitis during pregnancy?

When pregnancy begins, the female body begins to work for two. Hormones help him with this, but the immune system becomes most vulnerable, especially in the spring-autumn season. By providing the fetus with everything necessary for development, formation and growth, a woman spends her protective powers to resist pathological microorganisms.

The decrease in general and local immunity of women is affected by:

• stress;
• poor nutrition;
• hypothermia;
• improper genital hygiene;
• hormonal changes in a pregnant woman.

Under the influence of these factors, colpitis develops in pregnant women; the causes of the pathology lead to the activation of pathogenic flora. It is normally located in small quantities on the mucous membranes of organs, including the vagina. Bacteria such as staphylococci, streptococci, enterococci and some other opportunistic microorganisms are activated.

Hormonal levels can also cause the development of pathology. If the amount of female hormones changes, a change follows in the acidity of the vagina, providing it with nutrients, and this reduces local immunity, which affects the woman’s health.

Causes of colpitis in pregnant women

Due to improper genital hygiene, decreased immunity, and infection during sexual intercourse, vaginitis occurs. The disease appears as a result of exposure to external factors.

An infection that comes from outside is more difficult to treat in pregnant women, so you need to make sure that there is no infected person nearby. There are several causes of colpitis, but they all arise from decreased immunity.

When yeast colpitis appears during pregnancy, the causes and consequences of the disease for the fetus can be sad. You can become infected with this infection from the outside, but the fungi are also activated when a pregnant woman’s defenses sharply decrease. Mechanical damage to the mucous membrane also often leads to the development of candidal colpitis. If the disease is not treated, consequences arise that force the mother and the doctor to make more efforts to ensure that the fetus and the pregnant woman become healthy.

To prevent illness, you need to boost your immunity. This can be done only after studying the symptoms, analyzing the results and correctly prescribing therapy. It is very important to choose the right drugs for the treatment of candidiasis, nonspecific and specific vaginitis. Otherwise, a woman puts herself and her baby at risk of complications after inflammation of the vaginal mucosa, which becomes infected in utero and during the passage of the birth canal during childbirth.

Complications

Colpitis during pregnancy is dangerous, first of all, due to the possibility of spreading infection and, in the absence of timely and adequate treatment, can lead to a number of complications

:

1. Premature termination of pregnancy;
2. Non-developing pregnancy;
3. Polyhydramnios;
4. Infection of the placenta, which leads to the development of fetoplacental insufficiency, chronic hypoxia and delayed fetal development;
5. Infection of a child when passing through the birth canal during childbirth.

Symptoms

Vaginitis occurs in pregnant women in 75% of cases on average. This is due to hormonal changes occurring in the body of the expectant mother, as well as a decrease in the functions of the immune system. Inflammation of the vaginal mucosa during pregnancy can occur secretly, but can also manifest itself in an acute form. Therefore, it is important to identify colpitis during pregnancy, symptoms and treatment in time, so that the pathological process does not harm the child.

Colpitis in pregnant women: symptoms, types

The types of vaginitis do not change during pregnancy. A woman carrying a baby can get the same types of disease as an ordinary patient, except for atrophic vaginitis.

1. Nonspecific - named by the definition of pathogenic flora in the vagina, this is mainly the activation of opportunistic bacteria, this infection is not sexually transmitted.
2. Candida - so named because of the damage to the mucous membrane by fungi of the genus Candida. This is a common colpitis, known to women as thrush. A child can become infected with it in utero and in the birth canal. The infection can be transmitted to a sexual partner.
3. Specific – infection with sexually transmitted infections. The main pathogens are gonococci, chlamydia and others. Transmitted sexually.
4. Trichomonas is also considered a sexually transmitted disease, but differs in that Trichomonas are not bacteria, but single-celled microorganisms.

Symptoms of colpitis during pregnancy: nonspecific infection

Standard signs for inflammation of the mucous membrane:

• Itching in the genital area;
• Swelling of intimate areas;
• Pain during urination;
• Irritation and insomnia;
• Hyperemia of the surface of the genital organs, swelling of the external organs of the reproductive system;
• Copious discharge.

Diagnosing the condition will also help you find out what type of colpitis occurs in pregnant women, the symptoms. You should not delay going to the doctor, as this pathology can cause prematurity, problems with amniotic fluid, fetal hypoxia, and toxicosis.

Symptoms of colpitis in pregnant women: Candida mushrooms

When affected by fungi, the disease can be distinguished from other species.

1. Copious discharge with a sour odor.
2. Symptoms of colpitis in women during pregnancy are characterized by cheesy discharge - it is thick in consistency, has a fine-grained structure, and is released in flakes or layers.

The remaining symptoms are similar to the previous disease. This is not a sexually transmitted infection, since fungi of this genus live on the mucous membrane of every woman, only when they multiply uncontrollably does candidal colpitis occur; symptoms and treatment of pathology in pregnant women require properly selected medications so as not to harm the child and cure the disease in the woman.

If this is not done in time, there is a high probability that the infection will be transmitted to the baby when he passes through the birth canal. Because of this, undesirable phenomena may occur, for example, ulcers in the child’s mouth or refusal to eat.

Specific vaginitis: pregnancy + colpitis, symptoms and treatment in women

In case of specific colpitis, the woman’s condition must be seriously assessed; treatment sometimes poses difficulties for gynecologists. This is due to the fact that the pathogens are sexually transmitted infections that can infect the amniotic fluid and the child itself.

Such diseases manifest themselves through the following phenomena:

• Excessive discharge;
• Severe itching in the vagina and external genitalia;
• Burning sensation when wearing underwear, urinating, or just being at rest;
• The discharge is mostly transparent;
• Pain in the lower abdomen.

It is difficult to treat specific colpitis during pregnancy; the symptoms make themselves felt when the disease has already progressed. Difficulties are also associated with the fact that not all necessary drugs can be used at different stages of pregnancy. For this reason, it is important to be constantly monitored by a doctor so that the treatment does not harm the baby.

Trichomonas colpitis during pregnancy, symptoms

Often this disease is described on a par with sexually transmitted infections. Indeed, Trichomonas are transmitted sexually, but the manifestations of the infection and its causative agent differ from sexually transmitted infections. Symptoms of pathology:

1. Severe itching, burning sensation in the genital area;
2. Swelling, redness of the affected areas;
3. Pain in the lower abdomen;
4. Copious discharge, thick in consistency, sometimes foamy, opaque, and has a sharply unpleasant fishy odor.

Symptoms of various diseases indirectly indicate the presence of a particular infection. Based on the signs and diagnostics performed, we can conclude what kind of infection is present in the body of a pregnant woman. Treatment should begin immediately, since the pathology is dangerous for the child to become infected, which can lead to very sad consequences.

Types of colpitis

In medicine, there are several types of colpitis, which can affect during pregnancy. So they distinguish: nonspecific colpitis, specific, candidal or yeast colpitis, emphysematous, atrophic, trichomonas, acute or chronic colpitis.

Depending on the pathogen that causes inflammation in the vagina, several types of colpitis are distinguished.

Non-specific

In this case, it is not possible to detect a specific microbe through careful examination using PCR and culture. And the results reveal an excess of opportunistic flora, one that may normally be present, but not in large quantities. Its uncontrolled growth under favorable conditions leads to nonspecific inflammation.

When studying flora

The following microbes are detected in the vagina in values ​​greater than permissible:

• coli,
• streptococci and staphylococci,
• enterobacteria and others.

Nonspecific colpitis is a consequence of immunodeficiency, poor hygiene, and injuries. Women note an increase in vaginal discharge of a yellowish or greenish tint, and the appearance of an unpleasant odor.

Candida

One of the most common types of inflammation in the vagina during pregnancy. Normally, candidal fungi can be found on the vaginal mucosa, but in small or even single quantities. Their level is maintained due to a sufficient amount of lactobacilli. As soon as the number of the latter drops, the level of fungi begins to grow progressively.

Candidal colpitis during pregnancy is favored by hormonal levels and immunodeficiency. Even with good treatment, it can recur throughout the entire gestation period.

The clinical picture of colpitis is characterized by the appearance of white cheesy or yellowish discharge against the background of itching and burning in the vulva area.

Chlamydial

It is stated if chlamydia is detected in the examined vaginal flora. These are obligate pathogens, infection occurs through sexual contact. Chlamydia poses a danger not only to the woman, but also to the developing fetus. Intrauterine infection can lead to termination of pregnancy at different stages.

Mycoplasma

PCR or culture of the vaginal flora reveals mycoplasmas. In this case, a woman may not have any particular complaints, since the course of mycoplasma colpitis is often hidden.

Gonorrheal

Trichomonas

Moreover, even in ordinary smears, mobile forms of pathogenic microbes, Trichomonas, are detected. This is a common sexually transmitted infection; less often, infection occurs through contact and household contact. In the latter case, the clinical picture is erased. Trichomonas colpitis is characterized by copious foamy discharge with an unpleasant odor.

What is colpitis

Colpitis (vaginitis) is an inflammation of the vaginal mucosa, one of the most common reasons for women to visit a gynecologist, including during pregnancy.
It can be of a nonspecific nature if it occurs when one’s own opportunistic flora is activated, and specific if it occurs against the background of some sexually transmitted infections. Colpitis can also be primary if the inflammation initially occurs in the vagina, and secondary if the infection spreads to the vaginal mucosa from the external genitalia or the uterine cavity. Based on the nature of the course, the following forms of colpitis are distinguished:

• Spicy. In this case, a vivid clinical picture arises, often with damage to the external genitalia and cervix.
• Subacute. Occurs if acute colpitis is not treated. The woman has been bothered by symptoms of vaginal inflammation for several weeks.
• Chronic. It is characterized by periodic episodes of exacerbation, with symptoms similar to acute colpitis. During the remission phase, the woman may not be bothered by anything, but the tests will show noticeable inflammation.