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One of the popular medical procedures performed by the physicians at our clinic is vaginal sanitation (cleansing). It is frequently employed as part of the treatment and prevention of diseases of the reproductive system. We explain what sanitation in gynecology is for women, why and how the procedure is performed, and what should be done afterwards to restore the microflora.
What is Sanitation of the Cervix and Vagina?
Various types of microorganisms inhabit the vagina. Some are beneficial and necessary for the normal functioning of the reproductive system, protecting the organs from infection. The healthy microflora is primarily composed of lactobacilli and certain other strains.
Due to the use of antibiotics, stress, hormonal imbalances, unbalanced nutrition, and other reasons, the composition of the microflora can change. Beneficial bacteria are displaced by pathogenic organisms, which can cause inflammation of the mucous membrane of the vagina and the cervical canal. The inflammatory process can spread to the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and the entire uterine cavity.
It is possible to destroy pathogenic bacteria and restore the natural environment of the vagina and cervix using sanitation. It involves the removal of dead cells and secretions containing pathogens. It is performed by the introduction of local-acting disinfecting preparations, the use of vacuum, and ultrasound. This is a simple and well-tolerated medical procedure for patients.
After the procedure, the mucous membranes are cleared of pathogenic microorganisms, the microflora is restored, and the acid-base balance (pH) is normalized (it is normally slightly acidic). Antiseptic treatment is carried out as part of preparation for childbirth, and surgery on female genital organs. Sanitation is used for the treatment and prevention of infectious diseases of the pelvic organs. It allows for the cessation of the inflammatory process, avoidance of infection spread, prevention of postoperative complications, and acceleration of healing.
Indications for Vaginal Sanitation
Gynecological sanitation is performed in the following cases:
• Sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
• Cervical erosion (ectropion or ectopy).
• Presence of candidiasis (thrush) or other fungal, bacterial, or viral infection.
• Vaginal dysbiosis (dysbacteriosis), especially if leukocytes are found in the smear, and mucosal edema and redness (erythema) are observed.
• Inflammatory diseases of the pelvic organs—cervicitis, salpingitis, metritis, vaginitis.
• Preparation for gynecological operations, diagnostic procedures, e.g., hysteroscopy.
• Insertion of an intrauterine device (IUD).
• Preparation for abortion.
• Late-stage pregnancy—preparation for childbirth.
• Postpartum recovery, if injuries occurred.
Sanitation can reduce the risk of contracting venereal diseases after unprotected sexual intercourse. It is best to perform the treatment within the first two hours. In any case, the procedure is carried out by the order of a gynecologist.
Contraindications for Gynecological Sanitation
Sanitation is not performed during menstruation. At this time, the cervical canal opens slightly, and there is a risk of infection spreading to the uterine cavity and other pelvic organs. For the same reason, the procedure is not prescribed if there is uterine bleeding.
Other contraindications:
• Acute exacerbation of infections.
• Elevated body temperature (fever).
• Severe general condition.
• Intolerance to the preparation used (in this case, an alternative can be selected).
Not all sanitation methods are suitable for girls (adolescents). Some manipulations can violate the hymen, which is taken into account when prescribing the procedure.
Carrying a child (pregnancy) is not a contraindication, but everything depends on the method of the procedure. Only classic medicated treatment is suitable for pregnant women; apparatus methods are not used. During pregnancy and after childbirth, gynecological sanitation is carried out strictly upon a physician's recommendation. The optimal time is the 35th week. Indications include the presence of bacterial or fungal infections and microflora imbalance. Sanitation of the birth canal helps avoid infection of the baby. It also reduces the risk of tissue trauma and tearing—after normalization of the environment, tissues become more elastic.
Preparation for the Procedure
Before sanitation, a medical examination is necessary to determine the microflora composition, identify the type of pathogen, and establish its sensitivity to the disinfecting agent. The patient must undergo a blood test, a vaginal cytology smear (Pap test). A mandatory gynecological examination is also performed. In some cases, colposcopy is additionally prescribed.
Before the manipulation itself, it is necessary to empty the bowels and bladder, and perform standard hygienic procedures—the external genitalia must be clean. General or local anesthesia is not required. If the patient has an allergy to antiseptics and the medications used, the doctor should be warned about this to prevent complications.
How is Sanitation Performed?
The procedure can be performed by manual administration of preparations, using vacuum, or ultrasound.
Vacuum and ultrasound sanitation are used for deep cleansing of the mucous membranes. During apparatus treatment, keratinized cells are sloughed off, pathogen biofilms are removed, and the bioavailability of the administered preparation is increased.
There are several types of medicated sanitation:
• Douching: The vagina is rinsed with a medicinal solution from an irrigator (douche).
• Tamponade: The physician inserts a tampon soaked in an antiseptic solution into the vagina.
• Insertion of vaginal tablets, ointments, suppositories (pessaries).
During the procedure, broad-spectrum antiseptic agents are used—Chlorhexidine, Miramistin. Depending on the type of pathogen, antifungal, antiviral, or antibacterial preparations may be used. Anti-inflammatory agents, such as a soda solution or chamomile decoction, are often utilized.
The procedure is performed in an outpatient setting—in the gynecologist's office.
How Sanitation of the Cervix and Vagina is Done:
1. The patient is positioned in the gynecological chair.
2. The mucous membrane is cleansed of secretions, pus, or mucus using special sterile wipes.
3. Before vacuum and ultrasound treatment, the mucous membrane is cleansed with an antiseptic to prevent the spread of infection.
4. The mucous membranes are treated with a cotton swab soaked in the medicinal agent. The irrigation technique may also be used.
The procedure lasts 10–20 minutes and does not cause the woman pain or discomfort, nor does it require anesthesia. The physician's manipulations are well-tolerated by pregnant women and the most sensitive patients.
Rehabilitation
The procedure does not cause complications and does not require special measures for the recovery of the body. After the procedure, the physician may prescribe a course of probiotics to normalize the microflora. Preparations with bifidobacteria and lactobacilli are prescribed to colonize the vagina with friendly microorganisms. These can be local-acting agents or agents for oral intake.
For preventive purposes, usually one session is sufficient. However, for treatment, this is not enough, as pathogenic microorganisms partially remain in the mucosa. Complete destruction may require several procedures.
At the end of the treatment, the doctor takes a vaginal smear. If the analysis shows the absence of pathogens, the therapy can be considered successfully completed. If pathogens remain, another cleansing method should be selected.
Questions and Answers
1) What sanitation methods exist?
The following methods of antiseptic treatment of the female genital organs are used:
• Vacuum Sanitation: The physician uses a device that creates vibration and negative pressure, which helps the medicinal agent penetrate deeper into the tissues. The vibration accelerates the shedding of the outer layer of the mucosa, which contains dead cells and pathogenic microflora.
• Ultrasound Cavitation: The action of ultrasound removes dead epithelium and secretions containing pathogenic microorganisms. It also improves the penetration of medications. Indications for performance include the presence of inflammatory diseases.
• Medicated Method: Involves the introduction of a local-acting solution without the use of apparatus.
The first two methods are used only for therapeutic purposes, while medicated sanitation is used for both treatment and prevention.
2) Which physician performs sanitation?
The procedure is performed by a gynecologist in an outpatient setting. The gynecologist also selects the treatment method, considering the existing indications and contraindications. Before sanitation, the doctor conducts an examination and prescribes tests (blood test, vaginal smear, sometimes colposcopy) to identify the infectious agent and determine its sensitivity to antiseptic agents.
3) Why is sanitation needed?
Aseptic treatment of the vagina allows for the restoration of a healthy microflora and the destruction of pathogenic microorganisms. The procedure solves several tasks:
• Prevention of postoperative complications: Treatment is performed before surgical interventions and certain diagnostic procedures. This helps avoid tissue infection.
• Preservation of healthy microflora if the woman is undergoing a course of antibacterial therapy.
• Preparation for childbirth: Controlling the infection helps avoid fetal infection. It prevents trauma, as it makes the vaginal walls more elastic.
Gynecological sanitation is performed to restore and maintain a healthy microflora and a natural pH. It is used for both therapeutic and prophylactic purposes.
What is Sanitation of the Cervix and Vagina?
Various types of microorganisms inhabit the vagina. Some are beneficial and necessary for the normal functioning of the reproductive system, protecting the organs from infection. The healthy microflora is primarily composed of lactobacilli and certain other strains.
Due to the use of antibiotics, stress, hormonal imbalances, unbalanced nutrition, and other reasons, the composition of the microflora can change. Beneficial bacteria are displaced by pathogenic organisms, which can cause inflammation of the mucous membrane of the vagina and the cervical canal. The inflammatory process can spread to the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and the entire uterine cavity.
It is possible to destroy pathogenic bacteria and restore the natural environment of the vagina and cervix using sanitation. It involves the removal of dead cells and secretions containing pathogens. It is performed by the introduction of local-acting disinfecting preparations, the use of vacuum, and ultrasound. This is a simple and well-tolerated medical procedure for patients.
After the procedure, the mucous membranes are cleared of pathogenic microorganisms, the microflora is restored, and the acid-base balance (pH) is normalized (it is normally slightly acidic). Antiseptic treatment is carried out as part of preparation for childbirth, and surgery on female genital organs. Sanitation is used for the treatment and prevention of infectious diseases of the pelvic organs. It allows for the cessation of the inflammatory process, avoidance of infection spread, prevention of postoperative complications, and acceleration of healing.
Indications for Vaginal Sanitation
Gynecological sanitation is performed in the following cases:
• Sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
• Cervical erosion (ectropion or ectopy).
• Presence of candidiasis (thrush) or other fungal, bacterial, or viral infection.
• Vaginal dysbiosis (dysbacteriosis), especially if leukocytes are found in the smear, and mucosal edema and redness (erythema) are observed.
• Inflammatory diseases of the pelvic organs—cervicitis, salpingitis, metritis, vaginitis.
• Preparation for gynecological operations, diagnostic procedures, e.g., hysteroscopy.
• Insertion of an intrauterine device (IUD).
• Preparation for abortion.
• Late-stage pregnancy—preparation for childbirth.
• Postpartum recovery, if injuries occurred.
Sanitation can reduce the risk of contracting venereal diseases after unprotected sexual intercourse. It is best to perform the treatment within the first two hours. In any case, the procedure is carried out by the order of a gynecologist.
Contraindications for Gynecological Sanitation
Sanitation is not performed during menstruation. At this time, the cervical canal opens slightly, and there is a risk of infection spreading to the uterine cavity and other pelvic organs. For the same reason, the procedure is not prescribed if there is uterine bleeding.
Other contraindications:
• Acute exacerbation of infections.
• Elevated body temperature (fever).
• Severe general condition.
• Intolerance to the preparation used (in this case, an alternative can be selected).
Not all sanitation methods are suitable for girls (adolescents). Some manipulations can violate the hymen, which is taken into account when prescribing the procedure.
Carrying a child (pregnancy) is not a contraindication, but everything depends on the method of the procedure. Only classic medicated treatment is suitable for pregnant women; apparatus methods are not used. During pregnancy and after childbirth, gynecological sanitation is carried out strictly upon a physician's recommendation. The optimal time is the 35th week. Indications include the presence of bacterial or fungal infections and microflora imbalance. Sanitation of the birth canal helps avoid infection of the baby. It also reduces the risk of tissue trauma and tearing—after normalization of the environment, tissues become more elastic.
Preparation for the Procedure
Before sanitation, a medical examination is necessary to determine the microflora composition, identify the type of pathogen, and establish its sensitivity to the disinfecting agent. The patient must undergo a blood test, a vaginal cytology smear (Pap test). A mandatory gynecological examination is also performed. In some cases, colposcopy is additionally prescribed.
Before the manipulation itself, it is necessary to empty the bowels and bladder, and perform standard hygienic procedures—the external genitalia must be clean. General or local anesthesia is not required. If the patient has an allergy to antiseptics and the medications used, the doctor should be warned about this to prevent complications.
How is Sanitation Performed?
The procedure can be performed by manual administration of preparations, using vacuum, or ultrasound.
Vacuum and ultrasound sanitation are used for deep cleansing of the mucous membranes. During apparatus treatment, keratinized cells are sloughed off, pathogen biofilms are removed, and the bioavailability of the administered preparation is increased.
There are several types of medicated sanitation:
• Douching: The vagina is rinsed with a medicinal solution from an irrigator (douche).
• Tamponade: The physician inserts a tampon soaked in an antiseptic solution into the vagina.
• Insertion of vaginal tablets, ointments, suppositories (pessaries).
During the procedure, broad-spectrum antiseptic agents are used—Chlorhexidine, Miramistin. Depending on the type of pathogen, antifungal, antiviral, or antibacterial preparations may be used. Anti-inflammatory agents, such as a soda solution or chamomile decoction, are often utilized.
The procedure is performed in an outpatient setting—in the gynecologist's office.
How Sanitation of the Cervix and Vagina is Done:
1. The patient is positioned in the gynecological chair.
2. The mucous membrane is cleansed of secretions, pus, or mucus using special sterile wipes.
3. Before vacuum and ultrasound treatment, the mucous membrane is cleansed with an antiseptic to prevent the spread of infection.
4. The mucous membranes are treated with a cotton swab soaked in the medicinal agent. The irrigation technique may also be used.
The procedure lasts 10–20 minutes and does not cause the woman pain or discomfort, nor does it require anesthesia. The physician's manipulations are well-tolerated by pregnant women and the most sensitive patients.
Rehabilitation
The procedure does not cause complications and does not require special measures for the recovery of the body. After the procedure, the physician may prescribe a course of probiotics to normalize the microflora. Preparations with bifidobacteria and lactobacilli are prescribed to colonize the vagina with friendly microorganisms. These can be local-acting agents or agents for oral intake.
For preventive purposes, usually one session is sufficient. However, for treatment, this is not enough, as pathogenic microorganisms partially remain in the mucosa. Complete destruction may require several procedures.
At the end of the treatment, the doctor takes a vaginal smear. If the analysis shows the absence of pathogens, the therapy can be considered successfully completed. If pathogens remain, another cleansing method should be selected.
Questions and Answers
1) What sanitation methods exist?
The following methods of antiseptic treatment of the female genital organs are used:
• Vacuum Sanitation: The physician uses a device that creates vibration and negative pressure, which helps the medicinal agent penetrate deeper into the tissues. The vibration accelerates the shedding of the outer layer of the mucosa, which contains dead cells and pathogenic microflora.
• Ultrasound Cavitation: The action of ultrasound removes dead epithelium and secretions containing pathogenic microorganisms. It also improves the penetration of medications. Indications for performance include the presence of inflammatory diseases.
• Medicated Method: Involves the introduction of a local-acting solution without the use of apparatus.
The first two methods are used only for therapeutic purposes, while medicated sanitation is used for both treatment and prevention.
2) Which physician performs sanitation?
The procedure is performed by a gynecologist in an outpatient setting. The gynecologist also selects the treatment method, considering the existing indications and contraindications. Before sanitation, the doctor conducts an examination and prescribes tests (blood test, vaginal smear, sometimes colposcopy) to identify the infectious agent and determine its sensitivity to antiseptic agents.
3) Why is sanitation needed?
Aseptic treatment of the vagina allows for the restoration of a healthy microflora and the destruction of pathogenic microorganisms. The procedure solves several tasks:
• Prevention of postoperative complications: Treatment is performed before surgical interventions and certain diagnostic procedures. This helps avoid tissue infection.
• Preservation of healthy microflora if the woman is undergoing a course of antibacterial therapy.
• Preparation for childbirth: Controlling the infection helps avoid fetal infection. It prevents trauma, as it makes the vaginal walls more elastic.
Gynecological sanitation is performed to restore and maintain a healthy microflora and a natural pH. It is used for both therapeutic and prophylactic purposes.
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