How to treat vaginitis with medication

Written by Li Shun Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on September 29, 2024
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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.

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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 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.

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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 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.

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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.