How can women determine if they have vulvitis?

Written by Luo Chun Yan
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on April 05, 2025
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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.

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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 Wang Jing Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Does vulvitis require antibiotics?

Whether to take anti-inflammatory drugs for vulvitis depends on whether it is combined with vaginal inflammation. Simple vulvitis is generally treated with washing or sitz baths, or topical application of medicine to the vulva, and it is not advisable to take anti-inflammatory drugs recklessly. The misuse of anti-inflammatory drugs can have a significant impact on the body, potentially affecting future overall health. The use of anti-inflammatory drugs must be under the guidance of a doctor. For vulvitis, it is common to first conduct an examination of secretions to rule out vaginal inflammation, and generally, local treatment is sufficient. (Specific medication use should be conducted under the guidance of a doctor; do not self-medicate.)

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Written by Zhang Xiu Rong
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Does vulvitis cause an abnormal odor in vaginal discharge?

Vulvitis generally results in abnormal vaginal discharge, primarily characterized by abnormal secretions causing itching and odor in the vulva. Normally, vaginal discharge in women is clear, transparent, odorless, and minimal, which is considered normal. If the discharge has an odor, it most commonly suggests a bacterial infection or a trichomonas infection. In cases of trichomonas infection, the discharge typically has a fishy smell, is watery, and accompanied by itching, leading to vulvitis reactions. At this point, a secretion test at the hospital can be conducted, followed by targeted treatment based on the test results. Furthermore, bacterial vaginitis can also present with odorous discharge. This condition typically involves yellow, thick, abundant discharge, and vulval itching. Treatment can then be tailored based on examination results, selecting appropriate topical medications. (Medication should be used under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Shen Li Wen
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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What are the symptoms of vulvitis?

When women experience inflammation of the vulva, the clinical symptoms are generally similar. Firstly, we may observe some abnormal secretions in the vulvar area, such as purulent secretions with a foul smell, accompanied by local itching. Furthermore, when the inflammation in the female vulvar area is severe, it can lead to local skin mucosa congestion, edema, and reduced elasticity. This can cause severe pain during walking due to friction, or during intercourse due to mechanical irritation, and may even lead to painful bleeding. Additionally, in some women, the inflammation may be intense enough to form small abscesses locally, meaning small lumps may appear or small white pus spots may be present on the local area.

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What are the symptoms of vulvitis?

Vulvitis primarily manifests as itching, pain, and a burning sensation in the vulvar skin. After activities, sexual intercourse, urination, and defecation, symptoms can worsen. During the acute inflammatory phase, one might observe that the vulva is congested, swollen, and eroded, often showing scratch marks, and in severe cases, ulcers or eczema may form. In chronic inflammation, examination may reveal thickened, rough, and cracked vulvar skin, which might even undergo lichen-like changes. Vulvitis may be caused by pathogens or by non-infectious factors such as physical or chemical agents leading to inflammation of the vulvar skin or mucous membrane. If the condition is caused by pathogens, active anti-inflammatory treatment is necessary. However, if it is triggered by non-infectious factors, one should actively identify and eliminate the underlying cause and improve local hygiene. For instance, in the case of diabetic patients, it is crucial to treat the condition promptly and control blood sugar levels. If there is fistula formation, such as urinary or fecal fistulas, timely repair should be done to eliminate the cause of the disease, allowing it to naturally heal on its own.