THE IMPACT OF IRON DEFICIENCY ON THE RISK OF RECURRENCE OF VULVOVAGINAL INFECTIONS

Osipova Lyudmila Kirillovna, Kolesnikova Ekaterina Viktorovna, Zharov Aleksandr Vladimirovich

Vulvovaginal infections are among the most common and difficult-to-treat problems in modern gynecology. Their high prevalence, frequent recurrences, and negative consequences for reproductive health make this topic particularly relevant for researchers and practicing physicians. This study examines the impact of iron deficiency on the risk of developing and recurring vulvovaginal infections, including bacterial vaginosis, aerobic vaginitis, candidal vulvovaginitis, and mixed vaginitis. A review of the literature and the data obtained demonstrate that iron deficiency significantly impairs the body's defenses against infections, promoting the growth of pathogenic microorganisms and reducing the activity of beneficial lactobacilli. Iron deficiency disrupts the synthesis of vital proteins such as hemoglobin and myoglobin, leads to tissue hypoxia, and suppresses local immunity, creating favorable conditions for the development of bacterial and fungal infections. By studying the relationship between iron deficiency and infection severity, the authors concluded that a comprehensive approach to prevention and treatment is needed, including monitoring and correcting iron levels. The proposed measures will reduce the recurrence rate, improve patients' quality of life, and prevent serious complications such as preterm labor, pelvic inflammatory disease, and infertility.

Keywords:recurrent vulvovaginitis, ferritin, serum iron, risk factors.