What is vaginal inflammation during pregnancy?

Written by Yan Qiao
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on September 13, 2024
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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.

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Written by Li Shun Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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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.

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Written by He Jing
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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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.

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Written by Li Shun Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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How to completely cure vaginitis?

There are many causes of vaginitis, and the treatments vary depending on the type. For fungal vaginitis, which is prone to recurrence, there are both simple and recurrent forms. Simple fungal vaginitis can be treated with medication over two treatment courses, whereas recurrent fungal vaginitis requires longer treatment, needing 3-6 months to heal completely. For trichomonal vaginitis, it is necessary to complete a course of medication, then stop the medication for a week before re-examination. If two consecutive re-examinations are negative, it indicates that the trichomonal vaginitis is cured. For bacterial vaginitis, after it is cured, probiotics must be placed in the vagina. As long as the probiotics proliferate normally, the bacterial vaginitis will also be cured. However, most bacterial vaginitis is caused by frequent sexual activity and relationships within the vagina, so it is essential to change these unhealthy lifestyle habits.

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Written by Li Shun Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Does vaginitis affect menstruation?

Vaginitis does not have a significant impact on menstruation. However, if vaginitis leads to an ascending infection and endometritis, it can cause an increase in menstrual flow, prolonged periods, and irregular vaginal bleeding. Therefore, if you have vaginitis, it is important to seek active treatment. During the treatment of vaginitis, it is essential to avoid sexual intercourse. Engaging in sexual intercourse can lead to cross-infection of vaginitis and make it difficult to cure. It is crucial to maintain hygiene during sexual activities and take care of the vulvar hygiene to reduce the occurrence of vaginitis.

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Written by Zhang Lu
Obstetrics
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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.