Vaginitis is an inflammatory disease of the vaginal mucosa and submucosal connective tissue and is a common disease in gynecological clinics. In normal healthy women, due to anatomical and biochemical characteristics, the vagina has a natural defense function against pathogens. They are more susceptible to infection than adolescent and childbearing women.
Common vaginitis include bacterial vaginitis, trichomoniasis, candida vaginitis and senile vaginitis.
1. Trichomoniasis
Symptoms: Increased leucorrhea, milky white or yellow, sometimes purulent leucorrhea, often frothy, smelly, bloody leucorrhea in severe cases, painful urination, frequent urination, hematuria.
Hazards: It can be complicated by trichomonas urethritis, cystitis, pyelitis, and because trichomonas can swallow sperm, it can cause infertility and affect sex life, etc.
2.Mycotic vaginitis
Symptoms: itching of vulva, burning pain in vulva and vagina, increased leucorrhea in the form of bean curd, sometimes accompanied by frequent urination, frequent urination, painful urination, painful intercourse, white membranous material attached to the inner labia minora and vaginal mucosa can be seen during gynecological examination, and after erasing it, the red and swollen mucosal surface is revealed, and damaged erosion surface or superficial ulcers can be seen in the acute stage.
Hazards: not easy to cure, easy to repeat, cause premature birth, fetal infection malformation, etc.
3. Cervical erosion
Symptoms: caused by chronic cervicitis, leucorrhea, yellow pus-like or yellow, waist and abdomen swelling or itchy, less food and fatigue, the face is less flashy, according to the size of the erosion area, can be divided into mild, moderate and severe three.
Hazards: Causes vaginal adhesions, pus accumulation in the vagina or pus accumulation in the uterine cavity.
4.Non-specific vaginitis
Symptoms: Vaginal cramping and burning, accompanied by pelvic discomfort and general weakness. The vaginal discharge is increased, purulent, plasma, and smelly. As the discharge irritates the urethra, it can cause frequent, urgent and painful urination.
Hazards: It may cause vaginal adhesions, pus accumulation in the vagina or pus accumulation in the uterine cavity, pelvic inflammatory disease, premature rupture of fetal membranes and chorioamnionitis, etc.
5.Age-related vaginitis
Symptoms: Increased leucorrhea, yellow, watery, purulent in severe cases, smelly, sometimes bloody or with dripping bleeding, itching or burning sensation in vulva, dry pain, lower abdominal swelling, frequent, urgent and painful urination when the urethra is affected.
Hazards: Causes vaginal adhesions, pus accumulation in the vagina or pus accumulation in the uterine cavity.
6.Bacterial vaginitis
Symptoms: Increased leucorrhea, grayish white, thin and foamy. The vaginal mucosa is congested and bleeding spots are seen scattered. The vulva is itchy and has a burning sensation, and the pubic area is foul-smelling.
Hazards: Induced genital infection, pelvic inflammatory disease, perinephritis, painful intercourse, etc.
Vaginitis should be detected and treated early
Generally speaking, if vaginal discharge causes itching or odor, it means that the vagina is infected with bacteria and inflamed. If the patient is sexually active, vaginitis may be a symptom of an STD. Although vaginitis is quite common in women, it can take longer to treat and recover if it is diagnosed and treated too late. Early diagnosis and treatment will help the condition to be controlled in time and speed up recovery.
However, despite prompt treatment, vaginal inflammation caused by an STI may affect the patient’s fertility or the fetus she is carrying. For example, vaginitis caused by gonorrhea may eventually lead to infection of the patient’s fallopian tubes and may cause the patient to become infertile. Therefore, if your vagina is itchy and your vaginal discharge is different from normal or smells bad, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible to prevent the condition from worsening and other serious consequences.