Can bacterial vaginitis lead to pelvic inflammatory disease?

Written by Zhu Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on September 16, 2024
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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 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 Zhang Hui
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Why is bacterial vaginitis so painful?

Bacterial vaginosis is a mixed infection caused by the imbalance of normal vaginal flora, and it is a relatively common gynecological disease. Bacterial vaginosis can damage the vaginal mucosa, primarily characterized by increased secretions and consequent irritation, causing pain. It is recommended to seek medical attention at a local tertiary hospital or gynecological clinic. Treatment should be conducted under the guidance of clinical physicians. During treatment, maintain cleanliness and hygiene of the vulva, wear loose, breathable underwear, consume a light diet, avoid spicy and other irritant foods, and abstain from sexual activity.

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Written by He Jing
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Does bacterial vaginitis have any relation to cervical cancer?

Bacterial vaginosis is not closely related to cervical cancer. Bacterial vaginosis is caused by an imbalance of vaginal flora, leading to an increase in vaginal discharge, which can have a fishy odor and be thin and watery. This condition can be diagnosed through routine vaginal discharge tests. Subsequent treatment, under a doctor’s guidance, may include the oral administration of metronidazole. During treatment, it is advised to avoid sexual intercourse to prevent impacting the effectiveness of the treatment. The development of cervical cancer is mostly related to prolonged infection with high-risk HPV viruses, or factors such as early sexual activity, multiple sexual partners, and unhygienic sexual practices. Generally, it is not significantly related to the presence of vaginal inflammation. (Please follow medical advice when using medication.)

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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 Ding Ying Bo
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Why does bacterial vaginitis turn into fungal vaginitis?

Women with bacterial vaginitis need to be treated with metronidazole, which can be either taken orally or applied as metronidazole vaginal effervescent tablets. Some women may experience recurrent bacterial vaginitis, which leads to a longer duration of medication use, potentially causing an imbalance in the vaginal flora. Yeast naturally exists in the vagina, but the environment is usually stable due to the predominance of lactobacillus, which inhibits the growth of yeast. However, if the treatment period for vaginitis is extended, it can disrupt the vaginal environment, reduce the amount of lactobacillus, and consequently, yeast can proliferate and lead to yeast-based vaginitis.