Cracks in the vagina

Among the many vaginal diseases, discomfort and discomfort are caused by cracks in the vagina. Many women tend to self-diagnose, most often attributing the symptoms to a fungal infection. In fact, you need to see a doctor, undergo an examination to develop the correct treatment regimen aimed at restoring the integrity of the tissues of the external genital organs.

Causes of the cracks in the vagina

Cracks in the vagina can form for a number of reasons, namely:

• hormonal disruptions - a lack of estrogen leads to a loss of moisture in the mucous membranes of the female genital organs, a deficiency of vitamin E;
• infectious diseases - redness, swelling thin the skin;
• poor hygiene - urine residue, vaginal discharge contribute to the reproduction of pathogenic bacteria;
• helminthic invasion - parasites secrete metabolic products that negatively affect the skin;
• allergic reaction - provokes the use of intimate cosmetics containing parabens, wearing synthetic underwear, poor-quality sanitary pads;
• diabetes;
• candidiasis;
• sex - the friction that accompanies sexual intercourse, with insufficient secretion, injures;
• after childbirth - attempts, a large fetus often entail tissue ruptures.

Risk factors

The circumstances conducive to the formation of vaginal cracks include age (loss of skin moisture, its elasticity and firmness - manifestations of menopause), decreased immunity, intestinal dysbacteriosis, and the presence of other systemic diseases of the body.

Other risk factors include the use of certain drugs that affect the microflora of the vagina, as well as contraceptives.

Symptoms of the cracks in the vagina

The first signs indicating the presence of a problem in the intimate area are expressed by burning, itching, hyperemia, and soreness during sex.

Cracks at the entrance to the vagina may be delayed, but reappear during sexual contact. Itching and cracks in the vagina are frequent companions of dryness in it. Discomfort is manifested during hygiene procedures, in the process of urination. Intimacy may be accompanied by sanious secretions. The injured mucous membrane of the organ is susceptible to the reproduction of pathogenic organisms, the presence of an inflammatory focus is evidenced by characteristic discharge.

Complications and consequences

Unhealed violations of the integrity of the tissues of the vagina are dangerous for the development of more complex pathologies: inflammation, neoplasms, involvement of the uterus in the inflammatory process, which can lead to infertility.

Diagnostics of the cracks in the vagina

A doctor can diagnose cracks by examining him on a gynecological chair. He will take a smear for bacterioscopic examination, apply colposcopy - examination of the walls of the vagina using a special device. General blood and urine tests will determine the presence of concomitant diseases. Also, if necessary, a check of the level of hormones, ultrasound and tomography of the pelvic organs is carried out.

Differential diagnosis

Cracks in the vagina are differentiated with the defeat of fungal infections, vaginitis, trauma.

Treatment of the cracks in the vagina

Treatment of vaginal fissures is primarily aimed at the root cause that caused their formation. Infectious and viral diseases are treated with antibiotics, antiseptic vaginal tablets and suppositories, fungal diseases are treated with antihistamines.

With vaginal dysbacteriosis, therapy consists in stopping the inflammatory process by influencing the causative agent of the disease, using local antiseptics and restoring the microflora with the help of medications containing live cultures of bifidus and lactobacilli.

Vaginal dryness is eliminated by the use of non-hormonal lubricants and moisturizers, drugs that restore hormonal balance.

Medications

If the causative agent of the infection is detected, a test is carried out for its sensitivity to the antibiotic, otherwise the treatment will be ineffective. Antibacterial drugs are both oral and topical, made in the form of suppositories. The latter are very convenient, because the streamlined shape makes it easy to place them in a natural cavity. They consist of an active substance and a fatty base, as an example - chlorhexidine.

• Chlorhexidine - the active component of chlorhexidine gluconate has a wide spectrum of action. It is introduced into the vagina 2 times a day, the course of treatment is 7-10 days. Not contraindicated in pregnant and lactating women. Can cause allergic reactions at the site of application.
• Terzhinan - vaginal tablets. Used to treat vaginitis of various origins. Frequency - 1 piece 1-2 times a day for 10 days. Therapy is combined with strict personal hygiene. Not prescribed for hypersensitivity to its components.

Ointments for cracks in the vagina are also effective:

• montavit - gel, restores the natural vaginal secretion. The mucous well tolerates the application of the agent to the walls of the vagina, does not cause side effects;
• Cicatridine is a homeopathic remedy based on hyaluronic acid, which improves the process of epithelization and healing. You can use it 2-3 times a day. During pregnancy and feeding a child can be used only with the permission of a doctor;
  • muvagel is a non-hormonal gel. Restores natural hydration, accelerates the regeneration of the mucosa, wound healing, stimulates the production of hyaluronic acid. Packed in disposable tubes, which is very convenient to use. The tip of the capsule is inserted into the vagina and squeezed out. Of the side effects, an allergic reaction is possible.

Vitamins

Since the deficiency of vitamins in the body is expressed by various disorders of the skin and mucous membranes, they periodically need to replenish their reserves. Responsible for this is vitamin A, E, C, group B. In addition to the selection of products with their high content, it is necessary to periodically resort to vitamin-mineral complexes.

Physiotherapy treatment

An integrated approach to treatment will help accelerate the healing of cracks, including, along with medication, physiotherapy. This can be hydrotherapy with mineral water (baths), irrigation, mud tampons and soaked in herbal decoctions, as well as vaginal magnetotherapy.

Alternative Treatment

Alternative recipes offer mostly herbal treatments. Decoctions for douching, baths are prepared from plants that have anti-inflammatory, antipruritic, antioxidant properties. These include: chamomile, calendula, string, nettle. Healing infusions taken orally will also help strengthen the immune system (ginseng, rose radiola, echinacea) and restore hormonal balance.

The upland uterus grass copes well with the last task. A decoction is prepared based on the proportions: a tablespoon of raw materials per half liter of water. Drink a third of a glass 3 times a day.

Homeopathy

Homeopathy offers many varieties of suppositories for the treatment of female diseases, in the production of which various vegetable oils, extracts, minerals in dilutions are used:

• female (anti-inflammatory) - with propolis, calendula, cocoa butter. The suppository is placed twice a day in the morning and evening. The drug can cause allergies, which is a signal to stop using them;
• gemovita - a combined antimicrobial, antifungal, healing wounds and cracks drug. It is introduced at night after a hygiene procedure;
• Thai metronidazole - suppositories, used for fungal, infectious vaginitis. Contraindicated in pregnant women, with allergies to components;
• anti-k - in the composition of tea tree oil, sea buckthorn, fir, cocoa; essences of St. John's wort, arborvitae, wormwood, yarrow, etc. An effective remedy for inflammation, cracks. Improves tissue metabolism, accelerates cell regeneration, relieves itching and other unpleasant sensations.

Prevention

Preventive measures to prevent the formation of vaginal cracks include sufficient hygiene, a healthy lifestyle, good nutrition and sexual life with one partner, timely treatment of inflammation, infections.

Forecast

Cracks tend to heal (sometimes this is a rather long period), but ignoring the problem can lead to scarring, complicating sexual intercourse and causing further injury to the vagina.