Vaginitis is caused by what?

Written by Li Shun Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on September 05, 2024
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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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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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How is fungal vaginitis caused?

Common causes of candidal vulvovaginitis include long-term use of broad-spectrum antibiotics, patients with diabetes, patients who long-term use immunosuppressive drugs, wearing tight underwear, and moisture in sanitary products. All these factors can lead to the occurrence of candidal vulvovaginitis. Changing unhealthy lifestyles, stopping the use of antibiotics, actively treating diabetes, wearing breathable cotton underwear, and keeping the vulva clean can all reduce the occurrence of candidal vulvovaginitis.

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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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What are the symptoms of trichomonal and fungal vaginitis?

Trichomonal vaginitis primarily presents with symptoms such as vulvar itching, yellow purulent vaginal discharge, and a foul odor; severe cases can cause vaginal congestion and edema. If it is candidal vaginitis, the main symptom is severe vulvar itching, sometimes accompanied by vulvar edema. Scratching may reveal scratch marks on the vulva. The discharge in this type of vaginitis typically resembles cottage cheese and usually does not have an odor, but a foul smell may occur if there is a bacterial co-infection. In terms of treatment, these two types of vaginitis require different approaches. Trichomonal vaginitis can be treated with metronidazole or tinidazole, whereas candidal vaginitis can be treated with clotrimazole vaginal tablets. (Specific medications should be used under the guidance of a physician.)

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Written by Zhang Xiu Rong
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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What should I do if I have vaginitis?

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.