Healthy vaginal mucosa contains numerous microorganisms on its surface, the so-called “good bacteria” that maintain the humidity and optimal pH value of the vagina, while protecting the vaginal mucosa from the development of new infections. The community of different microorganisms located on the surface of the vaginal mucosa is a complex and dynamic ecosystem, mostly composed of bacteria of the genus Lactobacillus, which produce lactic acid, and further protect the vaginal mucosa from harmful microorganisms and infection. Healthy vaginal secretion has a hygienic role and is a normal phenomenon in sexually mature women and is usually transparent or whitish. The appearance of vaginal secretions changes during the phases of the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, emotional stress, changes in diet or while taking various medications.

Vaginal infections are an inflammation of the vaginal mucosa that can also affect the external female genitalia, and which are manifested by unpleasant symptoms such as itching, irritation, pain and other symptoms. The frequency of vaginal infections varies depending on numerous risk factors, lifestyle and hygienic-dietary regime.

Risk factors for vaginal infections are numerous and include hormonal changes (pregnancy, birth control pills or menopause), use of various medications (antibiotics, corticosteroids), inadequately treated diabetes and numerous health conditions with a weakened immune system. Also, risk factors include the use of inadequate intimate hygiene products, as well as wearing uncomfortable underwear or clothes.

The most common causes of vaginal infections are different types of bacteria, the most dominant of which is the bacterium Gardnerella, then fungi, the most common of which is Candida albicans, various parasites such as Trichomonas vaginalis, and some viruses that can also cause inflammation of the vaginal mucosa.

Symptoms of vaginal infections vary depending on the type of causative agent, and include changes in the appearance of vaginal discharge, itching, pain, discomfort in the lower abdomen, tingling when urinating, pain during sexual intercourse. A number of patients have no symptoms and inflammation is diagnosed by routine preventive examinations.

The diagnosis is made exclusively by gynaecological examination and determination of the degree of vaginal cleanliness, which is assessed on the basis of microscopic examination of vaginal secretions and bacteriological findings.

The treatment of vaginal infections results from a detailed evaluation of the patient’s symptoms, examinations and laboratory findings, after which the doctor decides on a specific medicine or medical device.

Challenges in the treatment of vaginal mucosal infections are frequent and recurrent infections, which impair the patient’s quality of life, lead to increased risk of pelvic inflammatory disease, sexually transmitted diseases, as well as unfavourable obstetric and gynaecological outcomes (premature birth, placental inflammation, etc.). For this reason, it is important to emphasize the importance of regular gynaecological examinations and timely diagnosis of vaginal infections.