What should I do if I have vaginitis?

Written by Zhang Xiu Rong
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on September 09, 2024
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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.

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Written by Li Shun Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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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.

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Written by Li Shun Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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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.

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Written by Li Shun Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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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.

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Written by Zhang Xiu Rong
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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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.

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Written by Xu Xiao Ming
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Symptoms of postmenopausal bacterial vaginitis

If a patient in menopause has bacterial vaginosis, the typical symptoms are itching in the vagina, local discomfort, and there may be a foul odor and increased discharge, with the secretions becoming more abundant. It is recommended that patients with these symptoms promptly visit a hospital to check their vaginal discharge to determine if they have bacterial vaginosis and identify the pathogen causing it. This way, targeted treatment measures can be adopted, and appropriate medication can be administered. Therefore, it is advised that such patients should seek medical consultation and examination at a hospital. (The use of medication should be under the guidance of a doctor.)