Why is there tofu-like discharge in bacterial vaginitis?

Written by He Jing
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on September 02, 2024
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Bacterial vaginitis may have cottage cheese-like discharge, which requires consideration of bacterial and fungal co-infection. It is advisable to visit a hospital for routine vaginal discharge tests. If these tests indicate the presence of fungi, the diagnosis can be confirmed as fungal vaginitis with a concurrent bacterial infection. Therefore, the appearance of the discharge may change to resemble cottage cheese, but at this point, treatment becomes complicated as it requires addressing both bacterial vaginitis and fungal vaginitis simultaneously. The treatment methods for these two conditions are actually opposite. Under a doctor's guidance, considering vaginal insertions of nifuratel-nystatin capsules for symptomatic treatment may be advisable. Observing the treatment response or, if the effect is not apparent, considering treating the fungal infection first, followed by the bacterial infection.

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Written by He Jing
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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What should I do if bacterial vaginitis has a fishy odor?

The normal vaginal flora is dominated by lactobacillus. If the pH in the vagina increases, this can disrupt the vaginal microecology, and the excessive growth of other microorganisms can lead to bacterial vaginosis, accompanied by an increase in vaginal discharge and a foul odor. Initially, a routine vaginal discharge test can be conducted. If the test indicates the presence of clue cells, a definitive diagnosis can be made. In the treatment process, oral metronidazole is primarily used as it is effective for symptomatic treatment. Alternatively, metronidazole suppositories can be used locally for symptom relief, typically curing the condition in about a week. During treatment, avoid sexual intercourse, wearing tight clothing or long-term use of panty liners, as these can interfere with treatment effectiveness. (Please use medications under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Luo Chun Yan
Obstetrics and Gynecology
1min 4sec home-news-image

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.

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Written by Shen Li Wen
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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What is bacterial vaginosis?

Women can suffer from bacterial vaginosis, which is more commonly seen in women who have frequent sexual intercourse, or in postmenopausal women. It is not caused by an infection of a specific pathogen in the vagina, but rather by an imbalance of the normal flora that naturally resides in the vagina. Normally, the female vagina has a self-cleaning capability. What this means is that there are large quantities of lactobacilli in the vagina, which can create an acidic environment that inhibits the growth of other bacteria. However, under certain pathological conditions, such as too frequent sexual activity, this balance can be disrupted, leading to a reduction in the number of lactobacilli. Consequently, the numbers of other pathogenic bacteria may increase, causing bacterial vaginosis. During this condition, there is no inflammatory alteration in the vaginal walls or cervix.

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Written by Huang Shuai
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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How long does it take to recover from bacterial vaginitis?

When bacterial vaginosis occurs, we use different medications to treat it, and the duration of treatment varies. However, most current treatment plans typically span a seven-day course. Generally, after one course of treatment, most cases of bacterial vaginosis can return to normal. However, there are some more persistent cases of bacterial vaginosis. It's possible that the initial treatment plan chosen may be ineffective, and it might be necessary to change treatment plans to address the condition. Therefore, overall, for most cases of bacterial vaginosis, a typical treatment course of seven days usually leads to recovery.

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Written by Ding Ying Bo
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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How to treat pain during urination caused by bacterial vaginitis?

Bacterial vaginitis refers to when the pathogen in the vagina is Gardnerella and is associated with a disruption of the vaginal flora. This can result in an increased amount of discharge, with a foul odor. An increased amount of vaginal discharge can irritate the vulva, leading to severe vulvitis, and possibly cause pain during urination. If pain during urination is accompanied by urinary urgency and frequency, it should be considered that there might be a urinary tract infection, and a urinalysis could be conducted. If a urinary tract infection is confirmed, it is necessary to drink more water, urinate more frequently, and take oral levofloxacin. If tests confirm that there is no urinary tract infection and the symptoms are only due to local irritation, using a 1:5000 potassium permanganate sitz bath daily for 15 minutes can significantly alleviate the pain during urination. Additionally, systemic medication should be administered to treat bacterial vaginitis. Only after the vaginitis is cured, which would significantly reduce the discharge, can the vulvitis and pain during urination be relieved. (Medication should be administered under the guidance of a physician.)