What should I do if I have vaginitis?

Written by Zhang Xiu Rong
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on September 09, 2024
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Vaginitis requires a hospital examination. Because the bacteria responsible for vaginitis vary, the clinical manifestations and medications used also vary. If the vaginal discharge appears like curds or cottage cheese, it suggests yeast vaginitis, and it should be treated with medication specific for yeast infections. In the case of yeast vaginitis, if the discharge becomes watery and has a fishy smell, it generally indicates a trichomonas infection, for which medications such as metronidazole or tinidazole can be used topically. If the discharge is yellow, thick, and abundant, caused by bacteria or cervical erosion, it should be treated as bacterial vaginitis accordingly. Therefore, it is essential to have a laboratory test of the secretions at a hospital to determine the type of infection and treat it accordingly.

Other Voices

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Written by Li Shun Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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How is fungal vaginitis caused?

Common causes of candidal vulvovaginitis include long-term use of broad-spectrum antibiotics, patients with diabetes, patients who long-term use immunosuppressive drugs, wearing tight underwear, and moisture in sanitary products. All these factors can lead to the occurrence of candidal vulvovaginitis. Changing unhealthy lifestyles, stopping the use of antibiotics, actively treating diabetes, wearing breathable cotton underwear, and keeping the vulva clean can all reduce the occurrence of candidal vulvovaginitis.

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Written by Xu Xiao Ming
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Symptoms of postmenopausal bacterial vaginitis

If a patient in menopause has bacterial vaginosis, the typical symptoms are itching in the vagina, local discomfort, and there may be a foul odor and increased discharge, with the secretions becoming more abundant. It is recommended that patients with these symptoms promptly visit a hospital to check their vaginal discharge to determine if they have bacterial vaginosis and identify the pathogen causing it. This way, targeted treatment measures can be adopted, and appropriate medication can be administered. Therefore, it is advised that such patients should seek medical consultation and examination at a hospital. (The use of medication should be under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Niu Hai Jing
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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What are the treatments for vaginitis?

If you are confirmed to have vaginitis, you should go to the hospital for a gynecological examination, and have a vaginal discharge test. The treatment for vaginitis should be based on the results of this routine vaginal discharge test to determine the type of vaginitis and the appropriate medication. While treating vaginitis, it is important to maintain cleanliness of the vulva by keeping it clean, tidy, and dry, washing the vulva, and wearing pure cotton, loose, and well-ventilated underwear. Underwear should be frequently aired out to keep the vulva clean.

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Written by Zhang Yin Xing
Obstetrics
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What should I do if I get vaginitis during pregnancy?

Vaginitis during pregnancy should be actively treated, generally choosing vaginal medications. Vaginal medications typically do not enter the bloodstream and are not absorbed by the fetus, thus not affecting the growth and development of the fetus. Vaginitis during pregnancy can lead to chorioamnionitis, and intrauterine infection of the fetus may lead to premature rupture of membranes, subsequently causing preterm birth or miscarriage. During pregnancy, the vaginal environment undergoes changes. There is an increase in the number of vaginal epithelial cells and secretions, which appear as white, paste-like substances. The glycogen level in the vaginal epithelial cells rises, the lactic acid content increases, and the pH decreases, making it prone to fungal vaginitis. However, this environment is unfavorable for the growth of other pathogenic bacteria and is beneficial in preventing bacterial infections.

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Written by Zhang Xiu Rong
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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What is the best medicine for vaginitis?

What kind of medicine is best for vaginal inflammation depends primarily on the type of bacteria causing the infection and the nature of the vaginal inflammation. Since different bacteria cause different clinical symptoms, the treatment and medications vary accordingly. Generally, if the treatment is symptomatic, whether using common medications or specific ones, it will certainly be effective as long as it matches the symptoms. If treatment is not based on the correct diagnosis, and medication is used blindly without a clear diagnosis of vaginal inflammation, this will definitely not be appropriate. Generally, in cases of trichomonas infection, the vaginal discharge appears watery and has a foul smell, and treatment must be specifically targeted against trichomonas infection. If the discharge is curdy or cheese-like, these are typical symptoms of fungal vaginitis, and treatment must be conducted with effective medications specifically for fungal infections. Therefore, the type of medication for vaginal inflammation must be determined after an examination and based on the results, appropriate treatment should be administered.