Understand the prevention and treatment of “vaginitis” in one article

Vaginitis may be a minor problem, but it can be very annoying. Furthermore, health issues involving the “down there” are often accompanied by a deep sense of shame , and the fear of being judged by friends, partners, and even strangers.

Whether they are middle school students, college students, newlyweds, mothers with children, ordinary employees, civil servants, teachers, police officers, doctors or big stars.

As long as you are a woman, whether you have sex or not, you are very likely to suffer from vaginitis.

Actually, as long as we have the right understanding, vaginitis is not that scary. Today, let’s talk about how to calmly and scientifically deal with the “vaginitis” that makes young fairies look pale .

What is vaginitis?

First, a healthy vagina is home to numerous microorganisms, but due to the ecological balance between the vagina and these microorganisms, it is not pathogenic. Furthermore, vaginal estrogen , lactobacilli , and the vaginal pH (3.8-4.4) inhibit the growth of other pathogens, contributing to the vagina’s self-cleaning properties .

Therefore, if the internal environment of the vagina is destroyed , it will cause bacterial imbalance, causing the number of certain bacteria in the vagina to increase, causing vaginitis.

Many fairies, perhaps because they have been brainwashed by advertisements that say “washing is healthier” or because they feel that their private parts are dirty and need to be cleaned vigorously, or because of mysophobia, particularly like to buy various vaginal washes.

The vagina has its own cleaner, but when you flush, the cleaner is washed away. Now, without the cleaner, some bacteria begin to grow wildly and cause trouble. So girls,

Washing won’t make you healthier!

In addition, if other pathogens invade the vagina, it can also cause vaginitis.

Common types of vaginitis

Bacterial vaginosis (BV)

It is a mixed infection caused by the imbalance of normal vaginal flora .

Cause: A decrease in Lactobacillus allows other microorganisms, primarily anaerobic bacteria, to proliferate. This may be related to frequent sexual intercourse, multiple sexual partners, or vaginal douching , which alters vaginal pH.

Symptoms: Increased vaginal discharge with a fishy odor (caused by the growth of anaerobic bacteria producing amines), which worsens especially after sexual intercourse and may be accompanied by mild vulvar itching or burning.

Leucorrhea examination: 1. The discharge is white, homogeneous and thin.

2. Clue cell positive

3.PH＞4.5

4. Amine odor test is positive.

If 3 of the above 4 types are present, bacterial vaginosis can be diagnosed.

Treatment: Metronidazole is the first choice , which can be taken orally or as a suppository. (The specific dosage and schedule will depend on individual circumstances and test results, as discussed with your doctor.)

Vaginal candidiasis (VVC)

Vulvovaginal candidiasis, also known as vulvovaginal candidiasis, is an endogenous infection caused by Candida species. According to statistics, approximately 75% of women experience VVC at least once in their lifetime, and 45% experience it two or more times.

Cause: Candida is an opportunistic pathogen that can inhabit the vagina in very small numbers and generally does not cause symptoms. Symptoms only occur when systemic and local vaginal cellular immunity is weakened and the bacterial flora multiplies.

Long-term use of antibiotics, pregnancy, oral contraceptives, diabetes, excessive use of immunosuppressants, wearing tight synthetic underwear, obesity, etc., which reduce the body’s immunity or increase estrogen or increase the local temperature and humidity of the perineum , are all conducive to the reproduction of Candida.

Symptoms:

• Vulvar itching, burning pain, dyspareunia, and dysuria . (Some severe cases often describe an itching sensation that is “extremely itchy, making it impossible to sit still .”)
• Cheesy or tofu-like discharge. Usually odorless or with a slight odor. (The medical community loves to use food to disgust people. You can’t eat tofu-like things anymore.)

• Vulvar erythema and edema. Vaginal mucosal congestion and edema.

Treatment: Mainly with a short course of topical antifungal drugs. Azoles are more effective than nystatin.

Treatment of complicated VVC:

Four or more episodes of symptomatic, mycologically confirmed VVC within a year.

Treatment: Topical suppositories or oral antifungal medications.

• Consolidation therapy: Oral medications are added once weekly for 6 consecutive months. Alternatively, topical medications may be used monthly before recurrences, depending on the recurrence pattern. A diagnostic examination should be performed before treatment, and follow-up examinations should be performed during treatment to monitor efficacy and side effects.
• Treatment of sexual partners: About 15% of men develop balanitis after contact with female patients, and symptomatic men should be treated at the same time.

Trichomonas vaginitis

Caused by Trichomonas vaginalis, it is a common sexually transmitted disease . Approximately 60% of cases are complicated by bacterial vaginosis.

Causes:

• It is primarily transmitted directly through sexual intercourse. Trichomonas thrives in a pH range of 5.2-6.6. It not only parasitizes the vagina but can also invade the urethra, bladder, foreskin folds, or prostate.
• Indirect transmission: public baths, bathtubs, bath towels, swimming pools, toilets, clothing, contaminated equipment, etc.

Symptoms:

• The discharge is thin, purulent, yellow-green, foamy and has a foul odor .
• There may be itching of the vulva and vaginal opening.
• When combined with urinary tract infection, there may be frequent urination, painful urination and hematuria.
• Trichomonas vaginalis can eat sperm and cause infertility .

Treatment: The main treatment drugs are metronidazole and tinidazole . Generally, systemic medication is required .

• Do not drink alcohol during medication and within 72 hours of stopping the medication.
• Sex partners should also be treated at the same time. Avoid sexual intercourse during treatment.

When to see a doctor

If you experience any discomfort in the vulva or vagina, or any abnormal discharge, you should seek medical attention promptly and receive appropriate treatment based on the examination results. This is especially true for the first treatment, which must be standardized.

Some women, feeling embarrassed to go to the hospital, buy medication based on what they find online. This is highly unrecommended. Without a diagnosis based on physical examinations, treatment can easily lead to medication errors, worsening or recurring the condition.

All medications should be used under the guidance of a doctor.

I hope girls will not delay seeking medical treatment due to shame!

Anyway, vaginitis is something that you have, I have, and everyone has it. We will all have it sooner or later!

How to prevent vaginitis

Many patients often complain that they take medication as directed, but their symptoms don’t seem to improve. Doctors are often busy with their clinics, so they often miss some advice about lifestyle habits.

From the causes of vaginitis we know above (elevated estrogen, decreased immunity, sexual activity, diabetes, vaginal douching, etc.), it can be seen that lifestyle habits actually play a crucial role in the occurrence of vaginitis!

• All underwear, towels, and bathtubs used during the illness should be washed in boiling water. It’s best to replace them! Especially in humid weather, avoid using paper towels that have been left outside for a long time.
• During treatment, stop having sex, taking antibiotics, and taking birth control pills.
• Lactobacillus microecological preparations can be used as supplementary treatment to enhance the therapeutic effect.
• Dietary control: Eat less spicy and irritating foods, quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption, and eat less sweets!
• Avoid irritants. This includes scented tampons, sanitary napkins, and harsh soaps, body washes, and lotions.
• After using the toilet, wipe from front to back. This will prevent fecal bacteria from spreading to your vagina.
• Strengthen your immune system by exercising more! Adjust your mindset!
• Use latex condoms to avoid spreading infections through sexual contact.
• Wear loose, breathable cotton underwear.
• If the foreskin of a penis is too long, it can easily harbor dirt and germs, which can spread to girls! So guys, you have to take responsibility for the health of girls too! Wash your hands and penis before sex! Scrub them thoroughly!

Q&A

Q: Can I get vaginitis even if I don’t have sex?

A: Yes. Vaginitis isn’t exclusive to adult women. Conditions like decreased immunity and changes in hormone levels can lead to an imbalance in vaginal flora and cause vaginitis. Children often visit obstetrics and gynecology clinics with vaginitis.

Q: I heard that Chinese medicine is very useful. Can I use it?

A: Traditional Chinese medicine may be helpful. However, for the initial diagnosis, it is recommended to go to the hospital for standard treatment.

When seeing a Chinese medicine practitioner, choose a reputable hospital. Avoid those scams that claim to tell you at a glance that you have uterine coldness, qi and blood deficiency, and infertility.

Of course, some people have recovered from their illnesses through some rather mysterious methods, but I won’t go into details about that.

Q: My vaginal lactobacilli are low, so can I eat more yogurt?

A: Yes! Although I personally don’t think it’s very effective. There’s no evidence that it works for vaginitis. But eating more yogurt is always good! What do you think?

Q: What should I do if my boyfriend can’t help but want to have sex during treatment?

A: Beat him to death!

Finally, I would like to remind all the fairies:

If you’re sick, see a doctor! Go to a reputable hospital. Don’t just search around and figure things out on your own.

It would be one thing to waste time and money, but if we encounter unscrupulous businessmen or medical fraudsters, and a minor illness turns into a major one and we have to deal with it, we will feel very desperate.