Why does vulvitis keep recurring?

Written by Shen Li Wen
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on September 28, 2024
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Women frequently experience recurrent episodes of vulvitis for various reasons. A common issue is that during treatment, the medication used is not suitable for their condition as they do not get their secretions tested before starting medication. Additionally, even if the medication is appropriate, some women do not complete the full course of treatment and stop taking the medicine once symptoms improve, which can lead to recurrence. Furthermore, some women have lower resistance around their menstrual period or during menstruation, making them more susceptible to recurrent episodes. Another factor contributing to recurrent vulvitis includes untreated underlying causes such as diabetes, urinary incontinence, or fecal fistula. Some women do not frequently change their underwear or pay attention to the cleanliness of the vulvar area, which can also lead to recurrent inflammation. (Please use medication under the guidance of a professional physician and do not self-medicate.)

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Written by Wang Jing Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Does vulvitis require antibiotics?

Whether to take anti-inflammatory drugs for vulvitis depends on whether it is combined with vaginal inflammation. Simple vulvitis is generally treated with washing or sitz baths, or topical application of medicine to the vulva, and it is not advisable to take anti-inflammatory drugs recklessly. The misuse of anti-inflammatory drugs can have a significant impact on the body, potentially affecting future overall health. The use of anti-inflammatory drugs must be under the guidance of a doctor. For vulvitis, it is common to first conduct an examination of secretions to rule out vaginal inflammation, and generally, local treatment is sufficient. (Specific medication use should be conducted under the guidance of a doctor; do not self-medicate.)

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Written by Jia Rui
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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What is the best treatment for vulvitis?

Simple vulvitis requires attention to personal hygiene. Use gynecological antipyretic and dampness-clearing washes for local cleansing to achieve a cleaning and disinfection effect. Also, wear loose, breathable, cotton underwear, and avoid wearing tight outer clothing. If it is during the menstrual period, change sanitary napkins frequently. Avoid intercourse during the illness. Generally, with active treatment, it can be cured. If the vulvitis is accompanied by other conditions such as vaginitis, urethritis, perianal abscess, or perianal diseases, then active treatment of the primary disease is required while treating the vulvitis.

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Written by Li Lin
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Vulvitis is caused by what?

Vulvitis is one of the most common infectious diseases in gynecology, affecting women of all ages. Since the vulva is adjacent to the urethra, vagina, and anus and the area is moist, it is prone to contamination and thus inflammation. Women of childbearing age, due to more frequent sexual activity and the vagina being a necessary passage for childbirth procedures, are susceptible to injuries and external pathogenic infections. Postmenopausal women and infants, due to low estrogen levels and consequently lower local resistance, are also prone to vulvitis.

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Written by Wang Jing Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Treatment methods for vulvitis

Simple vulvitis is not very common, and the occurrence of vulvitis should be based on the type of infection causing it. It is advisable to routinely conduct an examination of secretions, perform bacteriological tests, and classify the inflammation. If there are no symptoms in the vagina and the secretions are normal, simple vulvitis can be alleviated by using cleansing solutions to wash the area. There are various broad-spectrum cleansing solutions to choose from. Additionally, it is important to avoid wearing tight pants that may cause friction and to keep the vulva clean and dry, frequently changing underwear.

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Written by Shen Li Wen
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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What are the symptoms of vulvitis?

When women experience inflammation of the vulva, the clinical symptoms are generally similar. Firstly, we may observe some abnormal secretions in the vulvar area, such as purulent secretions with a foul smell, accompanied by local itching. Furthermore, when the inflammation in the female vulvar area is severe, it can lead to local skin mucosa congestion, edema, and reduced elasticity. This can cause severe pain during walking due to friction, or during intercourse due to mechanical irritation, and may even lead to painful bleeding. Additionally, in some women, the inflammation may be intense enough to form small abscesses locally, meaning small lumps may appear or small white pus spots may be present on the local area.