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Vaginitis
What is vaginal inflammation during pregnancy?
Due to the increase in body weight and the rapid rise in hormone levels during pregnancy, pregnant women are prone to vaginitis, and the risk of infection may also significantly increase. The three more common types of vaginitis include trichomoniasis, vulvovaginal candidiasis, and bacterial vaginosis. The presence of these three types of vaginitis can manifest as an increase in vaginal discharge accompanied by vulvar itching. Specific tests for vaginitis are needed based on the characteristics of the vaginal discharge and the results of the vaginitis tests, to determine the specific type of vaginitis and treat accordingly based on the type.
How long does it take for acute vaginitis to heal?
Acute vaginitis is primarily characterized by purulent discharge or cottage cheese-like discharge, with patients experiencing severe itching in the vulva. Additionally, some may feel a contracting sensation during urination; these are all manifestations of acute vaginitis. The treatment duration for acute vaginitis generally requires seven days, so most can be cured after completing one treatment course. Some individuals might still experience symptoms after one course of medication and may need two courses. Common types of acute vaginitis include yeast vaginitis, bacterial vaginitis, and trichomonal vaginitis. These types of vaginitis must be treated promptly when they acutely manifest to avoid progressing to chronic vaginitis, which is more problematic to treat.
Symptoms of yeast vaginitis
The symptoms of fungal vaginitis are quite typical, mainly including vulvar itching, cottage cheese-like vaginal discharge, and a burning sensation of the vulva. The vulvar itching can be particularly severe, sometimes causing restlessness in sitting or lying down. During gynecological examinations, a large amount of cottage cheese-like discharge can be seen in the vagina, and both the vulva and the vagina appear congested. Patients may experience a burning sensation of the vulva while urinating, which is indicative of fungal vaginitis. Common treatments for fungal vaginitis include vaginal medications and oral medications, both of which are very effective, and generally, one course of treatment can lead to recovery.
What should I do if I have vaginitis?
Vaginitis requires a hospital examination. Because the bacteria responsible for vaginitis vary, the clinical manifestations and medications used also vary. If the vaginal discharge appears like curds or cottage cheese, it suggests yeast vaginitis, and it should be treated with medication specific for yeast infections. In the case of yeast vaginitis, if the discharge becomes watery and has a fishy smell, it generally indicates a trichomonas infection, for which medications such as metronidazole or tinidazole can be used topically. If the discharge is yellow, thick, and abundant, caused by bacteria or cervical erosion, it should be treated as bacterial vaginitis accordingly. Therefore, it is essential to have a laboratory test of the secretions at a hospital to determine the type of infection and treat it accordingly.
What causes vaginitis?
The most common cause of vaginitis is due to sexual activity because sexual intercourse can cause changes in the pH level of the vagina, leading to a reduction in local resistance and the proliferation of pathogens. This can result in various types of vaginitis, such as fungal vaginitis, trichomonal vaginitis, and bacterial vaginitis, all of which are related to sexual activity. Therefore, it is essential to maintain hygiene during sexual activities, have a fixed sexual partner, maintain good lifestyle habits, avoid overwork and staying up late, as a stronger immune system can also reduce the likelihood of contracting vaginitis.
How is vaginitis treated?
If you get vaginitis, you should first go to the hospital to have a vaginal discharge test, because there are many types of vaginitis, and the treatment methods and medications vary. Therefore, it is necessary to identify the pathogen causing the vaginitis before medicating. Treatment can include both topical and oral medications. For trichomonal vaginitis, metronidazole can be used, both topically and orally. For fungal vaginitis, clotrimazole vaginal tablets can be used topically, or fluconazole can be taken orally. Bacterial vaginitis requires the use of antibiotics for treatment.
Does vaginitis affect pregnancy?
If a woman has vaginitis, it can affect her ability to become pregnant. First, during the period of preparing for pregnancy, vaginitis can interfere with the combination of sperm and egg, which can easily lead to unsuccessful fertilization. Second, if a woman has vaginitis after becoming pregnant, it is essential to treat it promptly. Otherwise, the inflammation of the vagina can easily lead to cervicitis, which can then spread upward, causing chorioamnionitis. If chorioamnionitis continues to spread to the interior of the uterine cavity, it can cause premature rupture of membranes and intrauterine infection. Therefore, if symptoms of vaginitis are present, it is necessary to promptly perform routine vaginal discharge tests to identify the type of inflammation and treat it accordingly, whether before or during pregnancy. Vaginitis is treatable with medication in both circumstances.
How is yeast vaginitis caused?
Yeast vaginitis, also known as candidal vaginitis, generally forms due to improper care. Normally, the vaginal environment is acidic. If a person is particularly hygienic and uses cleansing solutions or water to wash the vagina daily, it can disrupt the vaginal microbiota, leading to recurrent episodes of yeast vaginitis. Additionally, long-term use of large doses of anti-inflammatory drugs can also cause an imbalance in the vaginal microbiota, resulting in recurrent yeast infections. Furthermore, patients with poorly controlled diabetes may also experience recurrent yeast infections. Pregnant women, 30%-40% of whom, may also develop yeast vaginitis due to microbial imbalance. Moreover, in households where someone has athlete's foot, washing socks and shorts together can also lead to yeast infections. Therefore, in addition to treatment, the precautions mentioned earlier should also be taken seriously.
Vaginitis is caused by what?
There are many causes of vaginitis, most of which are due to sexual activity. During sexual activity, the normal environment of the vagina can be altered. The vagina contains normal bacteria and has a relatively high acidity. If there is sexual activity, the pH balance inside the vagina can change, allowing pathogenic bacteria to proliferate, thus making it easy to develop vaginitis. Additionally, poor personal hygiene can also lead to vaginitis, such as using damp sanitary products and not changing underwear promptly. Therefore, it is essential to maintain hygiene during sexual activities and to keep the external genital area clean, wearing breathable, cotton underwear.
How is fungal vaginitis caused?
Common causes of candidal vulvovaginitis include long-term use of broad-spectrum antibiotics, patients with diabetes, patients who long-term use immunosuppressive drugs, wearing tight underwear, and moisture in sanitary products. All these factors can lead to the occurrence of candidal vulvovaginitis. Changing unhealthy lifestyles, stopping the use of antibiotics, actively treating diabetes, wearing breathable cotton underwear, and keeping the vulva clean can all reduce the occurrence of candidal vulvovaginitis.