What causes vaginitis?

Written by Li Shun Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on September 07, 2024
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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 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 Li Shun Hua
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Symptoms of Candidal Vulvovaginitis

The main symptoms of candidal vulvovaginitis include itching and a burning sensation of the vulva. There is pain during urination, and in severe cases, swelling of the vulva can occur. Some people may scratch due to the itching, leading to breaks in the skin of the vulva, and sometimes even fissures in the vulval skin. These are symptoms of candidal vulvovaginitis. Another typical symptom is a cottage cheese-like vaginal discharge, which is seen at the vaginal opening as curdy, and is difficult to remove.

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Written by Li Shun Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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How to completely cure vaginitis?

There are many causes of vaginitis, and the treatments vary depending on the type. For fungal vaginitis, which is prone to recurrence, there are both simple and recurrent forms. Simple fungal vaginitis can be treated with medication over two treatment courses, whereas recurrent fungal vaginitis requires longer treatment, needing 3-6 months to heal completely. For trichomonal vaginitis, it is necessary to complete a course of medication, then stop the medication for a week before re-examination. If two consecutive re-examinations are negative, it indicates that the trichomonal vaginitis is cured. For bacterial vaginitis, after it is cured, probiotics must be placed in the vagina. As long as the probiotics proliferate normally, the bacterial vaginitis will also be cured. However, most bacterial vaginitis is caused by frequent sexual activity and relationships within the vagina, so it is essential to change these unhealthy lifestyle habits.

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Written by Shen Li Wen
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Symptoms of senile vaginitis

Senile vaginitis mainly occurs in women after natural menopause or surgical menopause. The main symptom is an increase in vaginal discharge, which can be a thin, yellow fluid, and some women may also have purulent white discharge. Due to the thinning and decreased elasticity of the vaginal mucosa, women may experience pain during sexual intercourse. Often, there can be a burning sensation or itching in the vulva, and these symptoms can be exacerbated by friction while walking. Additionally, some women, due to decreased estrogen levels, suffer from reduced elasticity of the vaginal walls, leading to the formation of ulcers. Sometimes, adhesions can occur between the anterior and posterior vaginal walls due to the ulcers, preventing the drainage of pus from the vagina or uterine cavity, causing symptoms like a heavy feeling and pain in the lower abdomen.

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Written by Li Shun Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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What are the medicines for treating vaginitis?

There are many medications for treating vaginitis, but there are also many types of vaginitis, and the medication course and treatment methods vary for different types. If one contracts vaginitis, it is necessary to go to the hospital promptly for tests on vaginal discharge to identify the pathogen before starting medication. For trichomoniasis vaginitis, oral metronidazole or tinidazole can be used for treatment. For fungal vaginitis, clotrimazole vaginal tablets can be inserted, or oral itraconazole or fluconazole can be taken. For bacterial vaginitis, oral clindamycin can be used, or metronidazole can be administered. Treatment should be based on the specific pathogen, enabling quick recovery from vaginitis. Note: Medications should be used under the guidance of a doctor.