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 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.

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Written by Ding Ying Bo
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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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.

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Written by Ding Ying Bo
Obstetrics and Gynecology
1min 26sec home-news-image

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.)

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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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Written by Luo Chun Yan
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Can mild bacterial vaginitis heal on its own?

Mild bacterial vaginitis generally does not heal by itself and needs timely treatment. Bacterial vaginosis is caused by a disruption of the vaginal flora and an increase in the pH value of the vagina, leading to a mixed infection dominated by anaerobic bacteria. This condition results in an increase in vaginal discharge, which is relatively thin but has a distinct fishy odor, and may cause itching of the vulva. The relationship between bacterial vaginosis, endometritis, and pelvic inflammatory disease is very close. Therefore, even mild bacterial vaginosis should be treated promptly. Treatment can be administered orally or locally via the vagina, mainly using anti-anaerobic agents. If not treated promptly, it may lead to ascending infections, causing endometritis and pelvic inflammatory disease, which can result in infertility. Thus, even mild bacterial vaginosis should be treated in a timely manner; it generally does not heal on its own.