Self-cleansing function of the vagina and the development of vaginitis

  Inflammatory diseases of the female reproductive system are common in obstetrics and gynecology. Infections can occur in the lower genital tract, such as vulvodynia, vaginitis, and cervicitis; they can also attack the upper genital tract, the internal genitalia (including the uterus and adnexa, surrounding connective tissue, and pelvic peritoneum). Inflammation may be limited to one area or may involve several areas at the same time, and inflammation of the upper genital tract is also known as pelvic inflammatory disease. Among them, vaginitis is one of the most prevalent infectious diseases of the female reproductive system.   The epithelium is rich in glycogen, which is broken down into lactic acid by Lactobacillus and maintains a normal acidic vaginal environment (pH ≤ 4.5, mostly 3.8-4.4), so that pathogens that are adapted to reproduce in a weak alkaline environment are inhibited. The cyclic shedding of the endometrium is a favorable condition for eliminating infection in the uterine cavity; 3. The oscillation of the cilia of the mucous membrane epithelium of the fallopian tubes in the direction of the uterine cavity and the peristalsis of the fallopian tubes are conducive to stopping the invasion of pathogens.  The susceptibility factors of female reproductive system infection: 1. the pelvic cavity is connected to the outside world through the reproductive tract; 2. immunity decreases during menstruation and menstrual blood is conducive to pathogen breeding; 3. sexual contact increases the chance of pathogen transmission.  The normal vaginal flora: Normally, aerobic and anaerobic bacteria reside in the vagina, forming a normal vaginal flora More than 20 kinds of microorganisms can be isolated from the vagina of normal women, and on average, 6-8 kinds of microorganisms can be isolated from each woman, with bacteria being the main ones. The vagina forms a balanced ecology with these flora, the vaginal environment influences the flora and the flora influences the vaginal environment. Lactobacilli are predominant in the normal vagina and play a key role in maintaining the normal vaginal flora.  Although the vaginal flora is normal, the ecological balance between the vagina and the flora can be disturbed by the application of large amounts of antibiotics, hormonal changes in the body, or by a decrease in the body’s immune system for various reasons, which can lead to the development of vaginitis by forming conditionally pathogenic bacteria. Some over-treatment can also lead to vaginal dysbiosis, which is a problem that many women must pay attention to.