Why is there tofu-like discharge in bacterial vaginitis?

Written by He Jing
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on September 02, 2024
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Bacterial vaginitis may have cottage cheese-like discharge, which requires consideration of bacterial and fungal co-infection. It is advisable to visit a hospital for routine vaginal discharge tests. If these tests indicate the presence of fungi, the diagnosis can be confirmed as fungal vaginitis with a concurrent bacterial infection. Therefore, the appearance of the discharge may change to resemble cottage cheese, but at this point, treatment becomes complicated as it requires addressing both bacterial vaginitis and fungal vaginitis simultaneously. The treatment methods for these two conditions are actually opposite. Under a doctor's guidance, considering vaginal insertions of nifuratel-nystatin capsules for symptomatic treatment may be advisable. Observing the treatment response or, if the effect is not apparent, considering treating the fungal infection first, followed by the bacterial infection.

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Written by He Jing
Obstetrics and Gynecology
1min 5sec home-news-image

What should I do if bacterial vaginitis has a fishy odor?

The normal vaginal flora is dominated by lactobacillus. If the pH in the vagina increases, this can disrupt the vaginal microecology, and the excessive growth of other microorganisms can lead to bacterial vaginosis, accompanied by an increase in vaginal discharge and a foul odor. Initially, a routine vaginal discharge test can be conducted. If the test indicates the presence of clue cells, a definitive diagnosis can be made. In the treatment process, oral metronidazole is primarily used as it is effective for symptomatic treatment. Alternatively, metronidazole suppositories can be used locally for symptom relief, typically curing the condition in about a week. During treatment, avoid sexual intercourse, wearing tight clothing or long-term use of panty liners, as these can interfere with treatment effectiveness. (Please use medications under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Huang Shuai
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Can bacterial vaginitis affect conception?

Bacterial vaginosis generally does not have a particularly large or obvious impact on conception, but it can indeed potentially affect the process of conception. This is primarily because when bacterial vaginosis occurs, there are usually a significant number of inflammatory cells in the vagina or the cervix. These inflammatory cells may affect sperm, thereby potentially impacting the process of conception. Of course, when bacterial vaginosis is present, it is generally recommended to treat it before pregnancy. This is mainly because if bacterial vaginosis exists during pregnancy, there may be an increased risk of bleeding, miscarriage, or premature birth. Therefore, it is usually advised to treat bacterial vaginosis before planning to conceive.

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Written by Zhu Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Can bacterial vaginitis lead to pelvic inflammatory disease?

Bacterial vaginitis can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease. Bacterial vaginosis is a mixed infection caused by the imbalance of normal vaginal flora. When bacterial vaginosis occurs, the predominance of lactobacilli in the vagina decreases, leading to the overgrowth of other microorganisms such as Gardnerella, anaerobes, and some staphylococci. The proliferation of these pathogens can compromise the host's defense mechanisms. These pathogens can travel from the vagina to the uterine cavity and then to the pelvic cavity, leading to disturbances in the microecological environment of the pelvis and resulting in pelvic inflammatory disease.

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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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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.