Vulvovaginal infections are one of the most common gynecological diseases. The causative agents are aerobic and anaerobic bacteria, fungi, parasitic microorganisms and viruses. Symptoms almost always include redness, itching, pain during intercourse – dyspareunia, vulvovaginal discharge. 1. Furunculosis of the vulva Furunculosis is a purulent inflammatory process of the hair follicles of the vulva. The causes of the disease are diverse. Staphylococcus aureus is common. Favorable factors are microtraumas, rubbing and contamination of the skin, diabetes, total hair removal from the area. The main symptom is localized throbbing pain that increases with touch. Depending on the phase of the disease, single or multiple swollen, reddened papules with a pus-like tip can be observed. Treatment of furunculosis includes regular aseptic dressings and rubbing the surrounding skin with alcohol. If this proves ineffective, antibiotic treatment is prescribed, and in case of failure, surgical intervention is resorted to. 2. Acute bartholinitis Bartholinitis is an acute purulent inflammatory process of the large pre-bartholin’s glands. The causative agents of the disease are very diverse, mostly anaerobes. The clinical picture includes pain that is aggravated by touch, movement and sitting. There is swelling in the lower third of the labia minora, which is most often unilateral. The skin is red, warm and swollen. When palpating the formation, a dense consistency is established. At a later stage, abscessation is possible. Fever is present. The diagnosis of acute bartholinitis should include a microbiological examination of secretion from the gland. Treatment consists of antibiotics, antipyretics and painkillers. The appearance of an abscess necessitates surgical treatment – ​​the creation of an artificial outlet connecting the gland and the surface of the body in order to evacuate the pus-like contents or the complete removal of the gland. 3. Bacterial vaginosis Bacterial vaginosis is a polymicrobial disease caused mainly by anaerobes. Other names for it are non-specific vaginitis and “Gardnerella vaginitis”. Bacterial vaginosis is the most common vulvovaginitis. It is due to a disturbed ecological balance in the vagina. NEWS_MORE_BOX The main causative agent is the anaerobic microorganism Gardnerella vaginalis. It leads to a decrease in the amount of lactobacilli and alkalinization of the vaginal environment, which in turn leads to the growth of other anaerobic bacteria. Predisposing factors are the use of antibiotics, hormonal preparations, spermicidal gels, douches. Symptoms of the disease include weak to moderate fluorine with a specific smell of rotten fish, especially after sexual contact. The patient also complains of redness of the vulva, pain during intercourse and urination. The diagnosis is made when 3 of the 4 clinical criteria for bacterial vaginosis are present: On examination, the vaginal walls are covered with grayish,homogeneous fluorine; Alkaline reaction of the vaginal contents – pH above 4.5; Positive amine test: 10% potassium base is dripped onto vaginal discharge. The test is positive when releasing volatile substances with the smell of rotten fish. A large amount of the so-called “key cells” are observed on a microscopic preparation. These are exfoliated epithelial cells from the vaginal mucosa, covered with the bacterium Gardnerella vaginalis and other microorganisms. Treatment of bacterial vaginosis is mandatory due to the risk of the infection passing to the upper departments of the reproductive system Antibiotics that are administered orally or vaginally are recommended if the woman has a clinically evident and/or recurrent infection.Continuation of the material