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 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 Xu Xiao Ming
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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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 Zhang Xiu Rong
Obstetrics and Gynecology
1min 16sec home-news-image

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.

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Written by Qu Chun Yao
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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What should I do about acute vaginitis?

Acute vaginitis refers to acute inflammation caused by some kind of pathogen infection, clinically characterized by an increase in vaginal discharge and changes in the nature of the discharge. Symptoms also include itching of the vulva, a burning sensation of the vulva, pain during intercourse, and frequent urination and urgency. Acute vaginitis disrupts the female immune system and damages the reproductive system, affecting the sexual life of couples. For acute inflammation, a vaginal secretion test should be given to understand and identify the pathogen, thereby treating the pathogen specifically. If necessary, bacterial culture may be conducted, and treatment can be administered orally or applied directly to the vagina to treat the vaginitis.

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Written by Gan Hai Ying
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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What should I do about yeast vaginitis?

Candidal vaginitis is an inflammation caused by a Candida infection in the vagina, leading to abnormal vaginal discharge and vulvar itching among other discomforting symptoms in women. Therefore, active treatment is generally necessary for candidal vaginitis. Fungi do not grow well in alkaline environments, thus washing the vulva with alkaline medicinal solutions can reduce symptoms of vulvar itching and aid in healing the disease. Additionally, local vaginal medications such as antifungal drugs like nystatin or clotrimazole vaginal tablets should be applied. In severe cases, oral treatment with drugs like fluconazole may also be necessary. Typically, symptoms of candidal vaginitis can be thoroughly alleviated after antifungal treatment. (Please follow medical advice regarding medication use.)