Patient's question:
What are the symptoms of senile vaginitis?Doctor's answer:
Hello: After developing senile vaginitis, patients may experience external genital burning, itching, pain, and discomfort, along with an increase in leukorrhea (vaginal discharge) that is yellow, thin, and foul-smelling. It is common for complications such as frequent urination, dysuria (painful urination), or urinary incontinence to occur. During gynecological examinations, the external genitalia may appear atrophic, with possible congestion on the inner sides of the labia minora. The vaginal mucosa may be thin, with loss of rugae (folds), congestion, and scattered small hemorrhagic spots, or superficial ulcers may be visible. If the vaginal inflammation does not heal with treatment, it may lead to vaginal adhesions, severe cases of vaginal obstruction, where inflammatory secretions cannot be expelled, potentially resulting in vaginal or uterine abscesses. Similarly, if ulcerated areas adhere to the opposite side, it can also cause vaginal adhesions and the aforementioned conditions.Treatment: Once senile vaginitis is diagnosed, it must be treated promptly, as delaying treatment can lead to vaginal adhesions. Treatment typically involves local use of a 1:5000 potassium permanganate solution for external washing, insertion of ethinyl estradiol tablets or suppositories into the vagina, or systemic estrogen administration, but all must be done under medical supervision.
Treatment principles aim to enhance vaginal resistance and inhibit bacterial growth.
Local medication: A 1% lactic acid or acetic acid solution or a 1:5000 potassium permanganate solution is used to rinse the vagina once daily to increase vaginal acidity. After rinsing or nightly, ethinyl estradiol tablets or suppositories (0.25–0.5 mg) are inserted into the vagina for 7–10 days. Severe cases may require additional topical application of sulfonamide powder or antibiotics (e.g., tetracycline, chloramphenicol) as powder or ointment.
Systemic medication: Ethinyl estradiol (0.25–0.5 mg) can be taken orally once daily for 7–10 days as an alternative to local ethinyl estradiol application. However, prolonged use or