INFLAMMATION OF THE VAGINA, (Vaginitis).—Vaginitis is an inflammation of the mucous membrane of the vagina.
Varieties.—l. Catarrhal or simple 2. granular; 3. gonorrheal; 4. diphtheritic, and 5. senile.
1. Catarrhal or simple form.—This is the most usual form. There is a general redness of the membrane with swelling and increased secretion.
2. Granular.—This is an advanced stage of the simple type, and is due to long continued or repeated attacks.
3. Gonorrheal form.—Is due to infection by the gonococcus of Neisser (due to gonorrhea). This form is hardest to cure and may continue for years or life, The infection may extend to the womb, fallopian tubes and peritoneal cavity and produce inflammation of the womb (endometritis) pus in the tubes, (pyosalpinx) and peritoneal cavity. This is more common than even some physicians realize.
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4. Diphtheritic—Due to diphtheria, not frequent.
5. Senile type.—This comes only after the change of life.
Symptoms.—There is pain in the lower abdomen. Passing of urine is frequent and is attended with smarting and burning pain. There is a feeling of heat and burning in the vagina, and a copious discharge of mucus and pus. In the gonorrheal variety the urinary disturbances are most marked.
In gonorrheal variety the symptoms date from a distinct onset, last longer, do not yield so rapidly to treatment, and complications, such as enlarged glands in the groin and in the vulva and vagina, inflammation of the lining of the womb and fallopian tubes, inflammation of the bladder, often make their appearance early.