atrophic vaginitis


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vaginitis

 [vaj″ĭ-ni´tis] 1. inflammation of any sheathlike structure.2. inflammation of the vagina; called also colpitis.
Etiology. Inflammation of the vaginal mucosa is invariably related to a disturbance in normal vaginal physiology. A healthy vagina depends on (1) normal estrogen secretion to maintain a thick squamous epithelium containing glycogen and (2) chemical reactions beginning with the glycogen thus available. The glycogen stimulates the growth of lactobacilli, which are beneficial normal vaginal flora that metabolize glycogen to form lactic acid. The lactic acid maintains vaginal acidity at a pH of 4.0 to 4.5.

Tampons, condoms, neglected diaphragms, and irritating douches or deodorant sprays can upset the vagina's environmental balance and produce abnormal vaginal discharge. Hyperglycemia and antibiotics can also disturb this balance. However, infectious agents are the most common cause of vaginitis; these include Trichomonas and Candida. (See also vaginosis" >bacterial vaginosis.) Characteristics of these types of vaginitis and medical treatment and nursing intervention are summarized in the accompanying table.
Patient Education. Patients with infectious vaginitis need to know the purpose and importance of diagnostic testing and examination to verify a diagnosis, the specific type of infection or infections thus identified, and changes that may need to be made in their sexual activity to avoid reinfection. Sexual intercourse is avoided while active symptoms are present. Concurrent treatment of the partner is often necessary to avoid cyclic reinfection of one another. Condoms are encouraged because they can provide both the man and woman with some protection against sexually transmitted diseases.

In regard to prescribed treatment, the patient should be instructed to take all of the medication exactly as prescribed; a follow-up examination and testing may be necessary. If the woman has a cervical Pap smear done while she has vaginitis, there may be an abnormal test result.
adhesive vaginitis atrophic vaginitis with ulceration and exfoliation of the mucosa result in adhesions of the membranes; opposite surfaces may adhere to each other, causing obliteration of the vaginal canal. Called also senile vaginitis.atrophic vaginitis vaginitis occurring in postmenopausal women, associated with estrogen deficiency. The two most common types are senile vulvovaginitis and adhesive vaginitis.Candida vaginitis (candidal vaginitis) vulvovaginal candidiasis.desquamative inflammatory vaginitis a form resembling atrophic vaginitis but affecting women with normal estrogen levels.emphysematous vaginitis inflammation of the vagina and adjacent cervix, characterized by numerous asymptomatic, gas-filled cystlike lesions.senile vaginitis adhesive vaginitis.

a·troph·ic vag·i·ni·tis

thinning and atrophy of the vaginal epithelium, usually resulting from diminished estrogen stimulation; a common occurrence in postmenopausal women.

atrophic vaginitis

Noninfectious inflammation of the vaginal mucosa secondary to epithelial thinning, with loss of elasticity of the vaginal wall. It is common in postmenopausal women and caused by decreased endogenous oestrogen; it may also occur after hysterectomy and radiotherapy.
Clinical findings
Pruritus ± burning sensation, reduced vaginal secretions, dyspareunia, post-coital bleeding, ±bacterial infection.
 
Management
Topical and/or oral oestrogen (contraindicated in patients with prior breast or endometrial cancer).

atrophic vaginitis

Gynecology A condition characterized by postmenopausal inflammation of vaginal mucosa 2º to thinning, with loss of elasticity of the vaginal wall, common in postmenopausal ♀ due to ↓ endogenous estrogen Clinical Pruritus ± burning sensation, ↓ in vaginal secretions, dyspareunia, post-coital bleeding, ±bacterial infection Treatment Topical and/or oral estrogen–contraindicated in Pts with prior breast or endometrial CA. See Lichen sclerosis.

a·troph·ic vag·i·ni·tis

(ā-trō'fik vaj'i-nī'tis) Thinning and atrophy of the vaginal epithelium usually resulting from diminished estrogen stimulation; a common occurrence in postmenopausal women.