Vaginitis


Can you get pregnant with vaginitis?
Vaginitis is a very common gynecological issue among women, occurring countless times in every woman's life. Thus, the ability to get pregnant while having vaginitis indicates that there are no major issues with your body. Vaginitis itself does not affect the development of the fetus, however, during childbirth, it may lead to infections in the fetus. For instance, fungal vaginitis may cause oral thrush in children, and bacterial vaginitis may lead to infections of the uterine lining. In other words, vaginitis could potentially trigger infections during childbirth, affecting both the mother and the fetus. Throughout the pregnancy, it does not cause developmental deformities in the fetus.


What should I do about acute vaginitis?
Acute vaginitis refers to acute inflammation caused by some kind of pathogen infection, clinically characterized by an increase in vaginal discharge and changes in the nature of the discharge. Symptoms also include itching of the vulva, a burning sensation of the vulva, pain during intercourse, and frequent urination and urgency. Acute vaginitis disrupts the female immune system and damages the reproductive system, affecting the sexual life of couples. For acute inflammation, a vaginal secretion test should be given to understand and identify the pathogen, thereby treating the pathogen specifically. If necessary, bacterial culture may be conducted, and treatment can be administered orally or applied directly to the vagina to treat the vaginitis.


What should I do if I get vaginitis during pregnancy?
Vaginitis during pregnancy should be actively treated, generally choosing vaginal medications. Vaginal medications typically do not enter the bloodstream and are not absorbed by the fetus, thus not affecting the growth and development of the fetus. Vaginitis during pregnancy can lead to chorioamnionitis, and intrauterine infection of the fetus may lead to premature rupture of membranes, subsequently causing preterm birth or miscarriage. During pregnancy, the vaginal environment undergoes changes. There is an increase in the number of vaginal epithelial cells and secretions, which appear as white, paste-like substances. The glycogen level in the vaginal epithelial cells rises, the lactic acid content increases, and the pH decreases, making it prone to fungal vaginitis. However, this environment is unfavorable for the growth of other pathogenic bacteria and is beneficial in preventing bacterial infections.


Early symptoms of fungal vaginitis
The early symptoms of candidal vaginitis primarily manifest as an increase in vaginal discharge, accompanied by itching of the vulva, and the discharge may appear curd-like or resembling cottage cheese. Since candidal vaginitis causes noticeable itching of the vulva, which can severely affect the patient's study and daily life, it is necessary to visit a hospital for a routine vaginal discharge examination when encountering these symptoms. Once diagnosed, under the guidance of a doctor, appropriate alkaline washes can be used to cleanse the vulva, followed by the placement of clotrimazole vaginal suppositories or nystatin vaginal soft capsules for symptomatic treatment. Typically, symptomatic treatment for about a week can lead to recovery. Note that during treatment, sexual intercourse should be avoided to prevent worsening of the condition.


Best treatment plan for senile vaginitis
Senile vaginitis is primarily due to the decline in estrogen levels caused by ovarian failure and the atrophy of the vaginal mucosa, making it easier for bacterial infections to occur. The main treatment methods include the use of estrogen therapy. Estriol cream can be placed inside the vagina, or estradiol can be taken orally. These methods are very effective for treating bacterial vaginitis and senile vaginitis. Additionally, anti-inflammatory medications should be used, such as placing levofloxacin in the vagina, which also produces good results. (The use of medications should be carried out under the guidance of a doctor.)


What should I do about yeast vaginitis?
Candidal vaginitis is an inflammation caused by a Candida infection in the vagina, leading to abnormal vaginal discharge and vulvar itching among other discomforting symptoms in women. Therefore, active treatment is generally necessary for candidal vaginitis. Fungi do not grow well in alkaline environments, thus washing the vulva with alkaline medicinal solutions can reduce symptoms of vulvar itching and aid in healing the disease. Additionally, local vaginal medications such as antifungal drugs like nystatin or clotrimazole vaginal tablets should be applied. In severe cases, oral treatment with drugs like fluconazole may also be necessary. Typically, symptoms of candidal vaginitis can be thoroughly alleviated after antifungal treatment. (Please follow medical advice regarding medication use.)


How to treat vaginitis with medication
Vaginitis can be treated with oral medication and vaginal medication. For trichomoniasis vaginitis and yeast vaginitis, vaginal medications are quite effective, but these types can also be treated with oral medications. If it is bacterial vaginitis, it is best to use oral medication. Vaginitis is mainly related to sexual activity, so it is essential to maintain hygiene during sexual activity. It is important to wear breathable, cotton underwear and to expose sanitary products to sunlight to reduce the occurrence of vaginitis. It is advisable to have a steady sexual partner and avoid frequent sexual activity; generally, two to three times a week is most suitable.


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.


What are the symptoms of trichomonal and fungal vaginitis?
Trichomonal vaginitis primarily presents with symptoms such as vulvar itching, yellow purulent vaginal discharge, and a foul odor; severe cases can cause vaginal congestion and edema. If it is candidal vaginitis, the main symptom is severe vulvar itching, sometimes accompanied by vulvar edema. Scratching may reveal scratch marks on the vulva. The discharge in this type of vaginitis typically resembles cottage cheese and usually does not have an odor, but a foul smell may occur if there is a bacterial co-infection. In terms of treatment, these two types of vaginitis require different approaches. Trichomonal vaginitis can be treated with metronidazole or tinidazole, whereas candidal vaginitis can be treated with clotrimazole vaginal tablets. (Specific medications should be used under the guidance of a physician.)


Symptoms of yeast vaginitis
Vaginal yeast infection, formerly known as vulvovaginal candidiasis, is a common and frequently occurring inflammatory disease of the vulva and vagina caused by Candida. Typical symptoms include itching of the vulva and vagina, with the severity of the itching varying, starting and stopping intermittently. When the itching is severe, it can cause restlessness and disrupt sleep and eating. In more severe cases of inflammation, there may also be pain during urination or intercourse. Another main symptom of this disease is an increase in vaginal discharge, which is characterized as white, thick, and either resembling curdled milk or cheese-like chunks.