Does vaginitis affect pregnancy?

Written by Zhang Lu
Obstetrics
Updated on September 06, 2024
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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.

Other Voices

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Written by Liu Wei Jie
Obstetrics
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Can you get pregnant with vaginitis?

Vaginitis is a very common gynecological issue among women, occurring countless times in every woman's life. Thus, the ability to get pregnant while having vaginitis indicates that there are no major issues with your body. Vaginitis itself does not affect the development of the fetus, however, during childbirth, it may lead to infections in the fetus. For instance, fungal vaginitis may cause oral thrush in children, and bacterial vaginitis may lead to infections of the uterine lining. In other words, vaginitis could potentially trigger infections during childbirth, affecting both the mother and the fetus. Throughout the pregnancy, it does not cause developmental deformities in the fetus.

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Written by Li Shun Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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What are the medicines for treating vaginitis?

There are many medications for treating vaginitis, but there are also many types of vaginitis, and the medication course and treatment methods vary for different types. If one contracts vaginitis, it is necessary to go to the hospital promptly for tests on vaginal discharge to identify the pathogen before starting medication. For trichomoniasis vaginitis, oral metronidazole or tinidazole can be used for treatment. For fungal vaginitis, clotrimazole vaginal tablets can be inserted, or oral itraconazole or fluconazole can be taken. For bacterial vaginitis, oral clindamycin can be used, or metronidazole can be administered. Treatment should be based on the specific pathogen, enabling quick recovery from vaginitis. Note: Medications should be used under the guidance of a doctor.

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Written by Li Shun Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Symptoms of Candidal Vulvovaginitis

The main symptoms of candidal vulvovaginitis include itching and a burning sensation of the vulva. There is pain during urination, and in severe cases, swelling of the vulva can occur. Some people may scratch due to the itching, leading to breaks in the skin of the vulva, and sometimes even fissures in the vulval skin. These are symptoms of candidal vulvovaginitis. Another typical symptom is a cottage cheese-like vaginal discharge, which is seen at the vaginal opening as curdy, and is difficult to remove.

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Written by Zhang Yin Xing
Obstetrics
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What should I do if I get vaginitis during pregnancy?

Vaginitis during pregnancy should be actively treated, generally choosing vaginal medications. Vaginal medications typically do not enter the bloodstream and are not absorbed by the fetus, thus not affecting the growth and development of the fetus. Vaginitis during pregnancy can lead to chorioamnionitis, and intrauterine infection of the fetus may lead to premature rupture of membranes, subsequently causing preterm birth or miscarriage. During pregnancy, the vaginal environment undergoes changes. There is an increase in the number of vaginal epithelial cells and secretions, which appear as white, paste-like substances. The glycogen level in the vaginal epithelial cells rises, the lactic acid content increases, and the pH decreases, making it prone to fungal vaginitis. However, this environment is unfavorable for the growth of other pathogenic bacteria and is beneficial in preventing bacterial infections.

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Written by Li Shun Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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How to treat vaginitis with medication

Vaginitis can be treated with oral medication and vaginal medication. For trichomoniasis vaginitis and yeast vaginitis, vaginal medications are quite effective, but these types can also be treated with oral medications. If it is bacterial vaginitis, it is best to use oral medication. Vaginitis is mainly related to sexual activity, so it is essential to maintain hygiene during sexual activity. It is important to wear breathable, cotton underwear and to expose sanitary products to sunlight to reduce the occurrence of vaginitis. It is advisable to have a steady sexual partner and avoid frequent sexual activity; generally, two to three times a week is most suitable.