Bacterial vaginosis

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Written by Gan Hai Ying
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Can bacterial vaginitis heal itself without medication?

Bacterial vaginosis may heal without medication in some women. This is because bacterial vaginosis is a mixed infection caused by the imbalance of the normal vaginal flora. It is generally considered an endogenous infection. When a woman's immune system is strengthened, the vaginal flora can return to its normal environment, maintaining the balance and potentially healing without medication. However, treatment is generally necessary if bacterial vaginosis presents with clear symptoms, such as a significant increase in vaginal discharge, accompanied by itching or a burning sensation in the vulva.

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Written by Ding Ying Bo
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Does bacterial vaginitis affect menstruation?

Most bacterial vaginitis has no significant effect on menstruation. Because when women have bacterial vaginitis, it does not affect the ovarian secretion of estrogen, so it does not affect menstruation. Sometimes women develop bacterial vaginitis before menstruation and choose vaginal medication. Because the endometrial lining is relatively thick and menstruation is approaching, local medication may cause irritation, leading to the shedding of the endometrium. This is caused by local medication stimulation, not by affecting women's menstruation. Most cases of bacterial vaginitis are likely to recur after menstruation is over, so it is recommended that women undergo consolidation treatment for bacterial vaginitis after their periods are clean. In some women with bacterial vaginitis, particularly those with poor immunity, it might lead to acute cervicitis, and potentially further develop into endometritis. These conditions may cause women to experience prolonged menstrual bleeding, although this is relatively rare.

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Written by Luo Chun Yan
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Is bacterial vaginitis related to self-immunity?

Bacterial vaginitis is somewhat related to one's immune strength. It occurs when the microecological balance of the vagina is disrupted and the pH value of the vagina changes, leading to a mixed infection in the vagina. This can lead to an increase in vaginal discharge, producing a fishy-smelling leukorrhea and causing itching of the vulva. When the body's resistance decreases and the immune system is weakened, the microecological balance of the vagina can be easily disrupted. This can change the pH value of the vagina and lead to a lack of Lactobacillus, thereby causing bacterial vaginitis. Therefore, it is essential to regularly strengthen physical exercise to enhance the immune system. This can reduce gynecological inflammations, including bacterial vaginitis. Additionally, it is important to protect the barrier of the vagina and avoid frequent vaginal douching, which can cause an imbalance in the vaginal pH, triggering bacterial vaginitis.

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Written by Luo Chun Yan
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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The main treatment methods for vaginitis

The primary treatment for vaginitis involves the use of local vaginal medications to improve the vaginal environment. Some cases also require oral medication for systemic treatment, but the crucial factor is identifying the type of vaginitis. For example, bacterial vaginitis can be treated primarily through oral medications, but local vaginal treatment is also an option. Yeast infections primarily involve local treatment with vaginal medications to alleviate symptoms. If there is no sexual activity and vaginal medication is unsuitable, oral medication can be used for systemic treatment. Trichomoniasis is mainly treated with oral medication for systemic treatment and should not be treated with local vaginal medications. Some types of vaginitis in elderly women can also be treated with local applications of estrogen cream or oral medication to supplement systemic estrogen therapy. Therefore, the main treatment methods for vaginitis depend on the specific type of infection.

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Written by Gan Hai Ying
Obstetrics and Gynecology
1min 9sec home-news-image

Is bacterial vaginitis sexually transmitted?

Bacterial vaginosis is not sexually transmitted. The occurrence of bacterial vaginosis is mainly due to changes in the vaginal environment, which leads to an imbalance of bacteria normally present in the vagina. Some bacteria become dominant, leading to the development of bacterial vaginosis. Most cases of bacterial vaginosis are due to low immunity in women, reduced body resistance, or long-term use of vaginal medications which disturb the vaginal environment, resulting in bacterial vaginosis. It is not classified as a sexually transmitted disease. For bacterial vaginosis, if there are obvious symptoms such as abnormal vaginal discharge or external genital itching, treatment with metronidazole or clindamycin can significantly relieve discomfort. In addition to medication, attention should be paid to the hygiene of the external genitalia and improving one’s immunity, as many cases of bacterial vaginosis can heal on their own. (Please follow medical advice when using medication.)

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Written by Luo Chun Yan
Obstetrics and Gynecology
1min 4sec home-news-image

Has bacterial vaginitis that doesn't smell gone away?

Bacterial vaginosis often does not have an abnormal smell when it is likely improving. Bacterial vaginosis occurs due to a change in the pH level of the vagina, which disrupts the microecological balance, leading to mixed infections. These infections can result in an increase in vaginal discharge and itching in the vulva, although these symptoms are often not very obvious. However, a fishy odor of the discharge is a typical characteristic of this condition. After treatment for bacterial vaginosis, the disappearance of the unpleasant fishy smell indicates a significant improvement in symptoms. The primary treatment for bacterial vaginosis involves local medication in the vagina or oral medication, mainly using metronidazole. It is crucial to treat bacterial vaginosis promptly to prevent complications such as endometritis and pelvic inflammatory disease, which can affect women's reproductive and overall health.

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Written by Li Li Jie
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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How long does it generally take to treat bacterial vaginitis?

Bacterial vaginitis generally results in increased vaginal discharge, which appears grayish-white and thin, accompanied by mild vulvar itching and burning sensations. The treatment for bacterial vaginitis usually lasts about half a month, but it can vary depending on individual differences in body constitution and the severity of the condition, so the duration of treatment can also vary from person to person. For bacterial vaginitis, antibiotics or similar medications are typically used for anti-inflammatory treatment. It is important to maintain good hygiene, regularly change and sun-dry underwear, and wash them in hot water. Engaging in activities like running every evening can help improve physical fitness and boost the body's resistance.

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Written by Li Li Jie
Obstetrics and Gynecology
1min 5sec home-news-image

Can chronic bacterial vaginitis lead to infertility?

Long-term bacterial vaginitis can lead to infertility. If bacterial vaginitis occurs, a large number of bacteria proliferate in the vagina. When sperm enter, they may quickly die off. Even if they do not die, their quality is greatly reduced. Vaginitis results in a significant increase in vaginal discharge. The secretions contain a large number of white blood cells, which can hinder the survival of sperm, thus potentially causing infertility. Therefore, women must pay attention to personal hygiene. Once the inflammation of bacterial vaginitis becomes severe, it can spread to the uterine cavity and cause more serious diseases such as adnexitis and pelvic inflammatory disease. If not treated promptly, these can lead to infertility. It is important to develop good hygiene habits regularly.

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Written by Zhang Xiu Rong
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Is bacterial vaginosis serious?

Bacterial vaginosis is not serious; it is a common disease among women. In most clinical cases, when women have vaginal inflammation, bacterial infection may occur. It is generally diagnosed through the analysis of secretions, and after confirming it is bacterial vaginosis, appropriate medication will be selected based on the test results for symptomatic treatment. It's a common condition among women, and after treatment, it is important to maintain good vulvar hygiene. If any discomfort occurs, it is crucial to visit the hospital promptly for further diagnosis and treatment. Bacterial vaginosis is easily treatable, typically showing improvement within a week of medication. If a recurrence occurs around the time of the next menstrual period, another course of treatment may be used. This disease is not serious and is commonly seen in women.

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Written by He Jing
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Can a minor bacterial vaginitis undergo an abortion?

It is advised not to undergo an abortion when suffering from vaginitis, as the procedure involves manipulation of the uterine cavity. If there is vaginitis, the bacteria in the vagina can ascend, leading to inflammation of the uterine lining, and potentially causing pelvic inflammatory disease, fallopian tube adhesion, obstruction, and secondary infertility. Moreover, the body is generally weaker after an abortion, making it prone to inflammatory infections. Therefore, when experiencing vaginitis, it is recommended to first carry out a routine vaginal discharge test. Based on the results of this test, appropriate treatment is generally administered for about three days. A follow-up examination of the vaginal discharge can then be conducted. If the vaginal discharge test results are normal, the abortion procedure can proceed.