Does vaginitis affect pregnancy?

Written by Zhang Lu
Obstetrics
Updated on September 06, 2024
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If a woman has vaginitis, it can affect her ability to become pregnant.

First, during the period of preparing for pregnancy, vaginitis can interfere with the combination of sperm and egg, which can easily lead to unsuccessful fertilization.

Second, if a woman has vaginitis after becoming pregnant, it is essential to treat it promptly. Otherwise, the inflammation of the vagina can easily lead to cervicitis, which can then spread upward, causing chorioamnionitis. If chorioamnionitis continues to spread to the interior of the uterine cavity, it can cause premature rupture of membranes and intrauterine infection.

Therefore, if symptoms of vaginitis are present, it is necessary to promptly perform routine vaginal discharge tests to identify the type of inflammation and treat it accordingly, whether before or during pregnancy. Vaginitis is treatable with medication in both circumstances.

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Written by Zhang Xiu Rong
Obstetrics and Gynecology
1min 4sec home-news-image

What should I do if I have vaginitis?

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.

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Written by Li Shun Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Does vaginitis affect menstruation?

Vaginitis does not have a significant impact on menstruation. However, if vaginitis leads to an ascending infection and endometritis, it can cause an increase in menstrual flow, prolonged periods, and irregular vaginal bleeding. Therefore, if you have vaginitis, it is important to seek active treatment. During the treatment of vaginitis, it is essential to avoid sexual intercourse. Engaging in sexual intercourse can lead to cross-infection of vaginitis and make it difficult to cure. It is crucial to maintain hygiene during sexual activities and take care of the vulvar hygiene to reduce the occurrence of vaginitis.

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Written by Li Shun Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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What causes vaginitis?

The most common cause of vaginitis is due to sexual activity because sexual intercourse can cause changes in the pH level of the vagina, leading to a reduction in local resistance and the proliferation of pathogens. This can result in various types of vaginitis, such as fungal vaginitis, trichomonal vaginitis, and bacterial vaginitis, all of which are related to sexual activity. Therefore, it is essential to maintain hygiene during sexual activities, have a fixed sexual partner, maintain good lifestyle habits, avoid overwork and staying up late, as a stronger immune system can also reduce the likelihood of contracting vaginitis.

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Written by You Hui
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Symptoms of yeast vaginitis

Vaginal yeast infection, formerly known as vulvovaginal candidiasis, is a common and frequently occurring inflammatory disease of the vulva and vagina caused by Candida. Typical symptoms include itching of the vulva and vagina, with the severity of the itching varying, starting and stopping intermittently. When the itching is severe, it can cause restlessness and disrupt sleep and eating. In more severe cases of inflammation, there may also be pain during urination or intercourse. Another main symptom of this disease is an increase in vaginal discharge, which is characterized as white, thick, and either resembling curdled milk or cheese-like chunks.

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Written by Zhang Xiu Rong
Obstetrics and Gynecology
1min 9sec home-news-image

How is yeast vaginitis caused?

Yeast vaginitis, also known as candidal vaginitis, generally forms due to improper care. Normally, the vaginal environment is acidic. If a person is particularly hygienic and uses cleansing solutions or water to wash the vagina daily, it can disrupt the vaginal microbiota, leading to recurrent episodes of yeast vaginitis. Additionally, long-term use of large doses of anti-inflammatory drugs can also cause an imbalance in the vaginal microbiota, resulting in recurrent yeast infections. Furthermore, patients with poorly controlled diabetes may also experience recurrent yeast infections. Pregnant women, 30%-40% of whom, may also develop yeast vaginitis due to microbial imbalance. Moreover, in households where someone has athlete's foot, washing socks and shorts together can also lead to yeast infections. Therefore, in addition to treatment, the precautions mentioned earlier should also be taken seriously.