How long does it generally take to treat bacterial vaginitis?

Written by Li Li Jie
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on November 15, 2024
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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.

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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 Ding Ying Bo
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Does bacterial vaginitis affect menstruation?

Most bacterial vaginitis has no significant effect on menstruation. Because when women have bacterial vaginitis, it does not affect the ovarian secretion of estrogen, so it does not affect menstruation. Sometimes women develop bacterial vaginitis before menstruation and choose vaginal medication. Because the endometrial lining is relatively thick and menstruation is approaching, local medication may cause irritation, leading to the shedding of the endometrium. This is caused by local medication stimulation, not by affecting women's menstruation. Most cases of bacterial vaginitis are likely to recur after menstruation is over, so it is recommended that women undergo consolidation treatment for bacterial vaginitis after their periods are clean. In some women with bacterial vaginitis, particularly those with poor immunity, it might lead to acute cervicitis, and potentially further develop into endometritis. These conditions may cause women to experience prolonged menstrual bleeding, although this is relatively rare.

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Written by Huang Shuai
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Can you have children with bacterial vaginitis?

When there is a clear case of bacterial vaginosis, it is generally recommended to cure it before planning to conceive a child. This is mainly because, if one becomes pregnant while having bacterial vaginosis, it may increase the risk of miscarriage or premature birth. This is primarily due to the fact that bacterial vaginosis can lead to an increase in inflammatory substances in the vagina or cervix. The increase in inflammatory cells can easily stimulate contractions, thus leading to the risks of miscarriage, premature birth, and an increased risk of premature rupture of membranes. Therefore, it is generally advised to first cure the vaginitis before planning a pregnancy.

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Written by He Jing
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Does bacterial vaginitis have any relation to cervical cancer?

Bacterial vaginosis is not closely related to cervical cancer. Bacterial vaginosis is caused by an imbalance of vaginal flora, leading to an increase in vaginal discharge, which can have a fishy odor and be thin and watery. This condition can be diagnosed through routine vaginal discharge tests. Subsequent treatment, under a doctor’s guidance, may include the oral administration of metronidazole. During treatment, it is advised to avoid sexual intercourse to prevent impacting the effectiveness of the treatment. The development of cervical cancer is mostly related to prolonged infection with high-risk HPV viruses, or factors such as early sexual activity, multiple sexual partners, and unhygienic sexual practices. Generally, it is not significantly related to the presence of vaginal inflammation. (Please follow medical advice when using medication.)

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Is bacterial cold serious?

Bacterial colds are generally not severe and typically manifest symptoms such as sore throat and fever. Active anti-infection treatment is necessary, along with adjunctive non-pharmacological measures like a light diet and adequate hydration, which usually help control the condition. However, it is important to note that even bacterial colds require standardized treatment, as neglecting this can increase the risk of complications such as pneumonia. Additionally, in pediatric patients, bacterial colds caused by streptococcal infections can lead to severe complications like nephritis. Therefore, more aggressive treatment is crucial for children with bacterial colds to avoid delaying treatment and preventing potential complications.