How to determine what kind of vaginitis is

Vaginitis can be comprehensively judged by the characteristics of leucorrhea, accompanying symptoms and laboratory tests. Common types include bacterial vaginosis, vulvovaginal candidiasis, trichomonas vaginitis, atrophic vaginitis, non-specific vaginitis, etc.

1. Bacterial vaginosis

The leucorrhea is gray-white and thin with a fishy smell, the pH value exceeds 4.5, and the amine test is positive. It may be related to frequent vaginal douching or too many sexual partners, and is usually accompanied by mild itching of the vulva. The diagnosis requires the discovery of clue cells under a microscope. For treatment, metronidazole vaginal effervescent tablets and clindamycin phosphate vaginal cream can be used. At the same time, alkaline lotions must be avoided.

2. Vulvovaginal candidiasis

The leucorrhea is like tofu or curdled milk, the vulva is severely itchy with burning pain, and white pseudomembrane can be seen in the vaginal mucosa. Commonly seen in patients with long-term antibiotic use, pregnancy, or diabetes. Antifungal drugs such as clotrimazole vaginal tablets and miconazole nitrate suppositories are effective. During treatment, the vulva should be kept dry and sugar intake should be reduced.

3. Trichomonal vaginitis

Yellow-green foamy leucorrhea with a foul odor may be accompanied by urethral irritation symptoms such as frequent urination and painful urination. It is mainly transmitted through sexual contact, and active trichomonas can be seen on microscopic examination of vaginal secretions. Oral metronidazole tablets need to be treated with a sexual partner, and tinidazole vaginal suppositories can be used locally. Sexual intercourse is prohibited during treatment.

4. Atrophic vaginitis

It is more common in postmenopausal women, with thin and light yellow leucorrhea, congestion of the vaginal wall and pain during sexual intercourse. It is related to the mucosal atrophy caused by the decrease in estrogen levels. Estriol cream can be applied topically to improve symptoms, and the daily intake of soy products can be increased.

5. Non-specific vaginitis

Increased leucorrhea but no characteristic changes may be caused by allergy to sanitary napkins or chemical irritation. Diagnosis needs to be made after ruling out other types of vaginitis. Treatment should focus on keeping the vulva clean and flushing with povidone-iodine solution if necessary.

It is recommended to wash the vulva with warm water every day, choose pure cotton breathable underwear and change it every day. Avoid wearing tight pants or sitting for long periods of time, and clean yourself before and after sex. If symptoms last for more than 3 days or fever or pelvic pain occurs, you need to seek medical treatment promptly. All vaginal medication must be completed under the guidance of a doctor. Unauthorized medication may destroy the balance of flora and aggravate the condition. The treatment options for vaginitis caused by different pathogens vary greatly, and laboratory examination is the gold standard for diagnosis.