What should I do if bacterial vaginitis has a fishy odor?

Written by He Jing
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on September 07, 2024
00:00
00:00

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.)

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhu Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
50sec home-news-image

Can bacterial vaginitis lead to pelvic inflammatory disease?

Bacterial vaginitis can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease. Bacterial vaginosis is a mixed infection caused by the imbalance of normal vaginal flora. When bacterial vaginosis occurs, the predominance of lactobacilli in the vagina decreases, leading to the overgrowth of other microorganisms such as Gardnerella, anaerobes, and some staphylococci. The proliferation of these pathogens can compromise the host's defense mechanisms. These pathogens can travel from the vagina to the uterine cavity and then to the pelvic cavity, leading to disturbances in the microecological environment of the pelvis and resulting in pelvic inflammatory disease.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Li Jie
Obstetrics and Gynecology
50sec home-news-image

How long does it generally take to treat bacterial vaginitis?

Bacterial vaginitis generally results in increased vaginal discharge, which appears grayish-white and thin, accompanied by mild vulvar itching and burning sensations. The treatment for bacterial vaginitis usually lasts about half a month, but it can vary depending on individual differences in body constitution and the severity of the condition, so the duration of treatment can also vary from person to person. For bacterial vaginitis, antibiotics or similar medications are typically used for anti-inflammatory treatment. It is important to maintain good hygiene, regularly change and sun-dry underwear, and wash them in hot water. Engaging in activities like running every evening can help improve physical fitness and boost the body's resistance.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Luo Chun Yan
Obstetrics and Gynecology
1min 11sec home-news-image

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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by He Jing
Obstetrics and Gynecology
1min 2sec home-news-image

Why is there tofu-like discharge in bacterial vaginitis?

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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Ding Ying Bo
Obstetrics and Gynecology
49sec home-news-image

Why does bacterial vaginitis turn into fungal vaginitis?

Women with bacterial vaginitis need to be treated with metronidazole, which can be either taken orally or applied as metronidazole vaginal effervescent tablets. Some women may experience recurrent bacterial vaginitis, which leads to a longer duration of medication use, potentially causing an imbalance in the vaginal flora. Yeast naturally exists in the vagina, but the environment is usually stable due to the predominance of lactobacillus, which inhibits the growth of yeast. However, if the treatment period for vaginitis is extended, it can disrupt the vaginal environment, reduce the amount of lactobacillus, and consequently, yeast can proliferate and lead to yeast-based vaginitis.