What does vaginitis look like?

  Inflammation of the vulva and vagina is the most common gynecologic disease and can occur in all age groups. Since the vulva and vagina are adjacent to the urethra and anus, they are locally moist and vulnerable to contamination, especially in women of childbearing age who are sexually active and susceptible to injury and infection by external pathogens, and in postmenopausal women and young girls who have low estrogen levels and reduced local resistance, infection may also occur.  A normal vagina is home to microorganisms that form a normal vaginal microbiota. More than 20 species of microorganisms can be isolated from the vagina of a normal woman, with an average of 6-8 species per woman, with bacteria being the majority. Although a variety of microorganisms are present in the normal vagina, the ecological balance between the vagina and these microorganisms is not pathogenic. When the ecological balance of the vagina is disturbed or when exogenous pathogens invade, inflammation can result. Lactobacilli, vaginal pH and estrogen play an important role in maintaining the ecological balance of the vagina. Normal vaginal flora can kill other harmful bacteria.  Common factors that lead to disruption of the vaginal microenvironment, such as long-term application of broad-spectrum antibiotics, can inhibit the growth of lactobacilli. The acidic environment of the vagina is conducive to the growth of lactobacilli, but factors that disrupt the acidic environment, such as frequent sexual intercourse and vaginal irrigation, can raise the pH level, which is not conducive to the growth of lactobacilli. The decrease in estrogen and the thinning of the vaginal mucosa can also make inflammation more likely.  The most common vaginitis in women of childbearing age are mycosis fungoides, trichomoniasis, bacterial vaginosis, and nonspecific vulvovaginitis. These diseases require vaginal discharge examination and regular treatment according to the course of treatment and follow up as prescribed by the doctor, never stop the medication at will when the symptoms improve or disappear. In particular, mycotic vaginitis is common in the south due to the humid climate, and recurrent complex mycotic vaginitis is very common and requires regular treatment for up to six months.  Vaginitis is a common gynecological “minor” problem, but its unspeakable problem is that whoever has it knows it. If the inflammation of the vagina is not properly treated in time, it may lead to endometritis, myometritis and pelvic inflammatory disease, which can affect fertility and daily work life. Therefore, it is necessary for the patient to follow the medical advice and standardize the examination and treatment to avoid the development of the disease, which may cause more adverse effects.