Can mild bacterial vaginitis heal on its own?

Written by Luo Chun Yan
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on April 26, 2025
00:00
00:00

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.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
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.)

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by He Jing
Obstetrics and Gynecology
1min 5sec home-news-image

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.)

doctor image
home-news-image
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.

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 Huang Shuai
Obstetrics and Gynecology
39sec home-news-image

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.