Cytolytic vaginosis: what it is, symptoms and treatment

Cytolytic vaginosis is the excessive growth of Lactobacillus in the vagina, causing irritation of the cells of the vaginal lining, resulting in their rupture and symptoms such as abundant whitish vaginal discharge, itching or a burning sensation in the vulva, especially when urinating.

Os Lactobacillus are bacteria that normally live in the vagina, producing lactic acid and hydrogen peroxide, helping to maintain normal pH and healthy vaginal microbiota, preventing infections. However, when its quantity is greatly increased, it can result in cytolytic vaginosis. Understand what the Lactobacillus and what they are for.

The treatment of cytolytic vaginosis is performed by the gynecologist with the aim of reducing the amount of Lactobacillus and correct the vaginal pH, which may include vaginal suppositories or sitz baths with sodium bicarbonate, for example.

Cytolytic vaginosis symptoms

The main symptoms of cytolytic vaginosis are:

• Abundant whitish vaginal discharge that may be watery or sticky and homogeneous in consistency;
• Itching in the vagina or vulva;
• Burning sensation in the vulva, especially when urinating;
• Pain or discomfort during or after intimate contact.

Generally, the symptoms of cytolytic vaginosis become more intense in the days before menstruation begins.

It is important to consult a gynecologist in the presence of symptoms of cytolytic vaginosis, as they are very similar to the symptoms of candidiasis, but the treatment is different. This way, the doctor with the correct diagnosis can indicate the most appropriate treatment. Know how to identify the symptoms of candidiasis.

How to confirm the diagnosis

The diagnosis of cytolytic vaginosis is made by the gynecologist through the evaluation of symptoms, such as color, consistency and quantity of vaginal discharge, health history and gynecological examination.

Make an appointment with a gynecologist in the nearest region:

Furthermore, to help with the diagnosis, the doctor can perform a test to measure the vaginal pH, which in cytolytic vaginosis is normally between 3.5 and 4.1.

If there is doubt about the diagnosis, the doctor can perform a pap smear and collect a sample of vaginal secretions to be analyzed in the laboratory, in order to rule out other conditions with similar symptoms, such as candidiasis, bacterial vaginosis or sexually transmitted infections, such as trichomoniasis, for example. .

Possible causes

Cytolytic vaginosis is caused by excessive growth of Lactobacillus in the vagina, which results in a decrease in pH, irritation of the vaginal mucosa or vulva, and disruption of the cells of the vaginal lining, which are eliminated through vaginal secretions.

Factors that can lead to excessive growth of Lactobacillus in the vagina are not yet known.

How the treatment is carried out

The treatment of cytolytic vaginosis must be carried out under the guidance of a gynecologist, with the aim of reducing the amount of Lactobacillus by increasing vaginal pH.

Therefore, the doctor may recommend douching, vaginal suppositories or sitz baths with sodium bicarbonate, twice a week, every 2 weeks. See how to take a sitz bath with baking soda.

If symptoms do not improve, you should consult your doctor again to reevaluate the treatment.