Treatment principles for elderly patients with vaginitis

Senile vaginitis is common in postmenopausal women. Due to the decline of ovarian function, the decrease of estrogen level, the atrophy of vaginal wall, the thinning of mucosa, the decrease of glycogen content in epithelial cells, the increase of pH value in vagina, the decrease of local resistance, and the easy invasion of pathogenic bacteria, causing inflammation. The treatment principle of senile vaginitis is to increase the resistance of vagina and inhibit the growth and reproduction of bacteria.

Increase vaginal acidity and inhibit bacterial growth

When senile vaginitis occurs, the pH value in the vagina rises, and the acidity of the vagina should be increased to inhibit bacterial growth. During the treatment of senile vaginitis, patients using a weak acid formula care solution will inhibit the growth and reproduction of harmful bacteria. When going to the toilet, wipe the vulva with feminine hygiene wipes to keep the vulva dry to inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria.

Supplement a small amount of estrogen to increase vaginal resistance

Those with severe inflammation need to use estrogen preparations. Estrogen can be administered topically or systemically. 0.125-0.25 mg of diethylstilbestrol is placed in the vagina once a day for 7 days as a course of treatment, or 0.5% diethylstilbestrol ointment is applied to the vagina; for systemic medication, nialestrol can be taken orally, 4 mg for the first time, and then 2 mg every 2-4 weeks for 2-3 months.

It should be noted that supplementing a small amount of estrogen is the treatment principle for senile vaginitis, which can thicken the vaginal mucosa and enhance resistance. However, irrational use of estrogen can easily cause endometrial cancer and breast cancer, so it must be used under the guidance of a doctor.

Estrogen preparations are contraindicated in patients with breast cancer or endometrial cancer.