What should I do if I get vaginitis during pregnancy?

Written by Zhang Yin Xing
Obstetrics
Updated on December 27, 2024
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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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Is vaginal itching vaginalitis?

Vaginal itching is mostly caused by vaginitis, with trichomonal vaginitis and candidal vaginitis causing noticeable symptoms. It is best to visit a hospital to test vaginal discharge and determine the infectious pathogen before medicating. Candidal vaginitis can be treated with clotrimazole vaginal tablets, miconazole suppositories, and oral fluconazole and itraconazole, which are all very effective. For trichomonal vaginitis, oral treatment with metronidazole or tinidazole can be used, and metronidazole can also be placed inside the vagina. These medications should be used under the guidance of a doctor.

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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.)

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Written by Zhang Xiu Rong
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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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How long does it take for acute vaginitis to heal?

Acute vaginitis is primarily characterized by purulent discharge or cottage cheese-like discharge, with patients experiencing severe itching in the vulva. Additionally, some may feel a contracting sensation during urination; these are all manifestations of acute vaginitis. The treatment duration for acute vaginitis generally requires seven days, so most can be cured after completing one treatment course. Some individuals might still experience symptoms after one course of medication and may need two courses. Common types of acute vaginitis include yeast vaginitis, bacterial vaginitis, and trichomonal vaginitis. These types of vaginitis must be treated promptly when they acutely manifest to avoid progressing to chronic vaginitis, which is more problematic to treat.

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What are the symptoms of trichomonal and fungal vaginitis?

Trichomonal vaginitis primarily presents with symptoms such as vulvar itching, yellow purulent vaginal discharge, and a foul odor; severe cases can cause vaginal congestion and edema. If it is candidal vaginitis, the main symptom is severe vulvar itching, sometimes accompanied by vulvar edema. Scratching may reveal scratch marks on the vulva. The discharge in this type of vaginitis typically resembles cottage cheese and usually does not have an odor, but a foul smell may occur if there is a bacterial co-infection. In terms of treatment, these two types of vaginitis require different approaches. Trichomonal vaginitis can be treated with metronidazole or tinidazole, whereas candidal vaginitis can be treated with clotrimazole vaginal tablets. (Specific medications should be used under the guidance of a physician.)