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Luo Chun Yan
Obstetrics and Gynecology
About me
Associate Chief Physician, Bachelor's Degree, graduated from university in 1999 and has been engaged in clinical work in the field of obstetrics and gynecology. Attended further training sessions in Shanghai and Guangzhou twice, proficient in various types of obstetric and gynecological surgeries including vaginal surgery, hysteroscopy, laparoscopy, and laparotomy. Currently serves as a member of the Micro-invasive and Non-invasive Branch of the Jiangxi Health Association.
Proficient in diseases
Have rich experience in managing high-risk obstetrics and pathological obstetrics, as well as gynecological endocrinology and management of perimenopausal period.
Voices
Symptoms of yeast vaginitis
The symptoms of yeast vaginitis primarily manifest as an increase in vaginal discharge, characterized by a thick, cottage cheese-like white discharge. It can cause itching and a burning pain in the external genitalia. In severe cases, it may lead to redness and persistent scratching of the external genitalia, resulting in ulceration. The itching can be more pronounced at night. It may also irritate the urinary meatus, leading to redness and symptoms of bladder irritation such as frequent urination, urgency, and painful urination. Yeast vaginitis is mainly due to an imbalance in the vaginal flora, leading to an overgrowth of yeast, which produces abnormal discharge. This condition is primarily an endogenous infection. When the body's resistance diminishes and immunity is lowered, yeast vaginitis can easily occur. Some cases may be transmitted directly through sexual intercourse, or indirectly through contact with contaminated clothing. However, it is mainly caused by endogenous infection.
Lower abdominal pain and breast swelling, what's the matter?
Lower abdominal pain and breast pain are some symptoms that appear before menstruation. Before menstruation, there are significant changes in the levels of estrogen and progesterone in the body. An imbalance in the levels of these hormones can lead to symptoms such as breast pain and lower abdominal pain. These symptoms typically disappear with the onset of menstruation, so it is a normal phenomenon and does not require special treatment. These symptoms could also be early signs of pregnancy, as early pregnancy reactions. In the early stages of pregnancy, the levels of estrogen and progesterone in the body increase significantly, which can cause breast pain, lower abdominal pain, and other early pregnancy reactions such as nausea and vomiting. When experiencing lower abdominal pain and breast pain, one should first consider the menstrual cycle and whether there is a delay in menstruation. If the menstruation is delayed, pregnancy should be considered. If it is just before an expected menstruation, these could be premenstrual symptoms.
Does bacterial vaginitis have anything to do with condoms?
Bacterial vaginosis is somewhat related to the use of condoms. Using condoms for contraception can, to some extent, prevent bacterial vaginosis because it is caused by the disruption of the vaginal microecological balance, resulting in an increased vaginal pH and a mixed infection. The entry of semen into the female body can raise the vaginal pH and disrupt the vaginal microecological balance, thus making bacterial vaginosis more likely to occur. However, when a condom is used, semen does not enter the vagina, which means that it does not alter the vaginal pH balance. Therefore, to a certain extent, it can prevent bacterial vaginosis and also protect against some sexually transmitted diseases. Bacterial vaginosis can lead to an increase in vaginal discharge, and the discharge may have a characteristic fishy odor, which can cause endometritis and pelvic inflammatory disease. Thus, using condoms for contraception can, to a certain extent, prevent bacterial vaginosis.
Does taking emergency contraceptive pills cause infertility?
If emergency contraception is only used occasionally, it generally has a minor impact on fertility. However, frequent use of emergency contraceptives may lead to infertility. Emergency contraception usually consists of a combination of estrogen and progestin, with a high hormonal content. Its primary functions are to alter cervical mucus viscosity, hinder sperm mobility, suppress ovulation, and modify the endometrial environment in the uterus, thereby providing a contraceptive effect. Some may cause menstrual irregularities or ovulation disorders, affecting the motility of the fallopian tubes, potentially leading to ectopic pregnancies, which can cause infertility. Thus, emergency contraception should not be used as a regular method of contraception.
Can mild bacterial vaginitis heal on its own?
Mild bacterial vaginitis generally does not heal by itself and needs timely treatment. Bacterial vaginosis is caused by a disruption of the vaginal flora and an increase in the pH value of the vagina, leading to a mixed infection dominated by anaerobic bacteria. This condition results in an increase in vaginal discharge, which is relatively thin but has a distinct fishy odor, and may cause itching of the vulva. The relationship between bacterial vaginosis, endometritis, and pelvic inflammatory disease is very close. Therefore, even mild bacterial vaginosis should be treated promptly. Treatment can be administered orally or locally via the vagina, mainly using anti-anaerobic agents. If not treated promptly, it may lead to ascending infections, causing endometritis and pelvic inflammatory disease, which can result in infertility. Thus, even mild bacterial vaginosis should be treated in a timely manner; it generally does not heal on its own.
How can women determine if they have vulvitis?
To determine if they have vulvitis, women mainly rely on their own symptoms. Common symptoms of vulvitis include itching around the vulva, stinging pain, significant discomfort when urinating that irritates the skin of the vulva, increased vaginal discharge often accompanied by an unusual odor, and possible swelling and pain of the vulvar skin. If one suspects they have vulvitis, they can generally feel the discomfort themselves. To prevent vulvitis, it is important to maintain cleanliness and dryness of the vulvar area. Regularly changing underwear, wearing loose cotton underwear, and avoiding non-breathable synthetic fabrics are advisable. If there is noticeable itching or pain in the vulva, or if the skin in the area feels damp, it is important to seek medical advice promptly for appropriate treatment.
Will taking too much emergency contraception lead to infertility?
Taking emergency contraceptive pills excessively may lead to infertility. Emergency contraceptives contain highly effective hormonal ingredients, mainly working by altering the viscosity of cervical mucus and affecting the implantation of fertilized eggs. Emergency contraceptive pills can cause menstrual irregularities and disorders, leading to irregular vaginal bleeding. Some may also affect ovulation and the motility of the fallopian tubes, while also causing symptoms such as breast tenderness, nausea, and vomiting. Excessive use of emergency contraceptive pills can significantly affect the endocrine system, potentially leading to infertility and, in some cases, ectopic pregnancy. Therefore, emergency contraceptives should not be used as a regular method of contraception.
Is bacterial vaginitis related to self-immunity?
Bacterial vaginitis is somewhat related to one's immune strength. It occurs when the microecological balance of the vagina is disrupted and the pH value of the vagina changes, leading to a mixed infection in the vagina. This can lead to an increase in vaginal discharge, producing a fishy-smelling leukorrhea and causing itching of the vulva. When the body's resistance decreases and the immune system is weakened, the microecological balance of the vagina can be easily disrupted. This can change the pH value of the vagina and lead to a lack of Lactobacillus, thereby causing bacterial vaginitis. Therefore, it is essential to regularly strengthen physical exercise to enhance the immune system. This can reduce gynecological inflammations, including bacterial vaginitis. Additionally, it is important to protect the barrier of the vagina and avoid frequent vaginal douching, which can cause an imbalance in the vaginal pH, triggering bacterial vaginitis.
The main treatment methods for vaginitis
The primary treatment for vaginitis involves the use of local vaginal medications to improve the vaginal environment. Some cases also require oral medication for systemic treatment, but the crucial factor is identifying the type of vaginitis. For example, bacterial vaginitis can be treated primarily through oral medications, but local vaginal treatment is also an option. Yeast infections primarily involve local treatment with vaginal medications to alleviate symptoms. If there is no sexual activity and vaginal medication is unsuitable, oral medication can be used for systemic treatment. Trichomoniasis is mainly treated with oral medication for systemic treatment and should not be treated with local vaginal medications. Some types of vaginitis in elderly women can also be treated with local applications of estrogen cream or oral medication to supplement systemic estrogen therapy. Therefore, the main treatment methods for vaginitis depend on the specific type of infection.
Has bacterial vaginitis that doesn't smell gone away?
Bacterial vaginosis often does not have an abnormal smell when it is likely improving. Bacterial vaginosis occurs due to a change in the pH level of the vagina, which disrupts the microecological balance, leading to mixed infections. These infections can result in an increase in vaginal discharge and itching in the vulva, although these symptoms are often not very obvious. However, a fishy odor of the discharge is a typical characteristic of this condition. After treatment for bacterial vaginosis, the disappearance of the unpleasant fishy smell indicates a significant improvement in symptoms. The primary treatment for bacterial vaginosis involves local medication in the vagina or oral medication, mainly using metronidazole. It is crucial to treat bacterial vaginosis promptly to prevent complications such as endometritis and pelvic inflammatory disease, which can affect women's reproductive and overall health.