Can vaginitis be detected through a vaginal discharge test?

Written by Zhang Xiu Rong
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on September 30, 2024
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Vulvitis can generally be detected by examining the vaginal discharge. Normally, vaginal discharge is clear, transparent, odorless, and minimal which is considered normal. The majority of cases of vulvitis and vaginitis are due to abnormal secretions. At this time, a definitive diagnosis can be made through the analysis of these secretions. Usually, a routine secretion test at a hospital is sufficient. If the secretion is abnormal, treatment can be based on the type of infection indicated by the routine test results. Thus, most cases of vulvitis can be diagnosed through routine vaginal discharge tests. Patients with vulvitis generally improve after a week of treatment and should pay attention to vulvar hygiene after recovery to prevent infection.

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Written by Shen Li Wen
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Why does vulvitis keep recurring?

Women frequently experience recurrent episodes of vulvitis for various reasons. A common issue is that during treatment, the medication used is not suitable for their condition as they do not get their secretions tested before starting medication. Additionally, even if the medication is appropriate, some women do not complete the full course of treatment and stop taking the medicine once symptoms improve, which can lead to recurrence. Furthermore, some women have lower resistance around their menstrual period or during menstruation, making them more susceptible to recurrent episodes. Another factor contributing to recurrent vulvitis includes untreated underlying causes such as diabetes, urinary incontinence, or fecal fistula. Some women do not frequently change their underwear or pay attention to the cleanliness of the vulvar area, which can also lead to recurrent inflammation. (Please use medication under the guidance of a professional physician and do not self-medicate.)

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Written by Yan Qiao
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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What causes vulvitis?

There are many reasons for the occurrence of vulvitis, mainly including recent sexual intercourse, the use of unclean sanitary pads, wearing tight, non-breathable pants, as well as not paying attention to vulvar hygiene, not cleaning the vulva for a long time, etc. It could also be due to direct contact transmission, such as through sexual activity, or contact with contaminated towels, underwear, swimwear, as well as sharing wash basins, bathtubs, toilet seats, or swimming in public pools, among others.

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Written by Wang Jing Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Can erythromycin be applied to vulvitis?

Only a minority of vulvitis cases are effectively treated with erythromycin ointment. Most cases of vulvitis are not treated with erythromycin ointment. This is because it is essential to first identify which type of infection is causing the vulvitis. Most cases of vulvitis also involve vaginitis and require initial bacteriological examination to classify the inflammation. Treatment should be selected based on this classification and target the specific type of infection. For instance, if the inflammation is due to trichomoniasis, both partners need to take oral metronidazole. If it is a fungal vaginitis, drugs like clotrimazole should be chosen. (Specific drug use should be under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Shen Li Wen
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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How to Treat Nonspecific Vulvitis

When women suffer from nonspecific vulvitis, the first step is to identify the causes of the nonspecific vulvitis and provide symptomatic treatment. For example, some women have diabetes, where an increase in local blood sugar levels can lead to this condition, and diabetes should be actively treated. Afterwards, diluted iodine solutions can be used for sitz bath treatments, which not only have a local antibacterial effect but also a local thermotherapy effect, which can promote the absorption of inflammation. Women can also take broad-spectrum antibiotics orally, or apply ointments containing antibiotics locally for treatment. Additionally, women should pay close attention to their clothing; for example, it is best to wear loose, all-cotton underwear to prevent friction and local skin lesions.

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Written by Luo Chun Yan
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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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.