Abnormal vaginal discharge may be vaginitis

As women's social roles become more and more important, many women face the dual pressures of family and society. At this time, women's endocrine system will be disordered, which is first manifested in abnormal vaginal discharge. Normal vaginal discharge is colorless and odorless, while abnormal vaginal discharge may appear yellow-green or in a tofu-dreg state. This means that women may have vaginitis. So, what should we do about abnormal vaginal discharge? Let us introduce it in detail below.

Leucorrhea, or vaginal discharge, is a mixture of various substances originating from different parts of the female reproductive tract. It consists of two parts: liquid component and cellular component. The main liquid components are exudates from the vaginal wall, mucus secreted by the cervical canal, and a small amount of mucus secreted by the Bartholin's glands, sweat glands and sebaceous glands of the vulva; the main cellular components are vaginal squamous epithelial cells, a small amount of cervical columnar epithelial cells, and various bacteria that parasitize in the vagina. Normal leucorrhea is white, flocculent, highly viscous, does not adhere to the vaginal wall, is mostly deposited in the posterior fornix, and has no fishy odor. Abnormal leucorrhea, such as increased amount of leucorrhea, changes in its appearance and viscosity, and a fishy odor, reveal the presence of vaginitis. Common clinical vaginitis include Trichomonas vaginitis, candidal vaginitis, nonspecific vaginitis, and senile vaginitis. Their common clinical characteristics are abnormal leucorrhea and vulvar itching, burning pain, and pain during sexual intercourse.

1. Trichomonas vaginitis

Trichomonas vaginitis is the most common vaginitis, caused by infection with Trichomonas vaginalis, which is an anaerobic parasitic protozoan that often parasitizes the urogenital tract. In women, it mainly exists in the vagina, but can also exist in the urethra, paraurethral glands, bladder and other parts. In men, it often parasitizes in the urethra, prostate and other parts. Trichomonas vaginitis is transmitted indirectly, that is, through baths, tubs, bath towels, swimming pools, toilets, clothing, medical equipment, dressings, etc.

The main clinical manifestations of Trichomonas vaginitis are increased vaginal discharge, itching, burning or pain in the vulva and penis. The typical vaginal discharge is yellow-green, foamy, thin and has a fishy odor. When inflammation invades the urethra, there may be symptoms of urgency and frequency of urination.

The treatment of Trichomonas vaginitis includes local treatment and systemic treatment. Currently, systemic treatment is the main treatment. The dosage is oral metronidazole, 200-250 mg each time, 3 times a day, 7-10 days as a course of treatment, and 2-3 courses can be used in succession. For stubborn Trichomonas vaginitis, local vaginal treatment can be performed at the same time as systemic treatment, that is, one tablet of Metronidazole (or Metronidazole, Trichlorfon) is inserted into the posterior fornix of the vagina, once a day or every other day, and 10 times constitute a course of treatment. Before placing the medicine, flush the vagina with 0.5%-1% acetic acid or lactic acid or 1:5000 potassium permanganate solution. Metronidazole can cause fetal malformation and is therefore contraindicated in pregnant women.

2. Fungal vaginitis

Candidal vaginitis is one of the common vaginitis, often caused by Candida albicans infection, and is more common in pregnant women and diabetic patients. Long-term use of broad-spectrum antibiotics can cause imbalance of normal vaginal flora, which is conducive to the growth and reproduction of fungi and makes people more susceptible to this disease. Patients taking corticosteroids, immunosuppressants and autoimmune diseases are more susceptible to this disease. Patients with vitamin B6 deficiency and chronic wasting diseases are more susceptible to this disease. Young women wearing tight nylon pants can increase the humidity and temperature of the perineum, which is conducive to the growth and reproduction of fungi.

The main symptoms of candidal vaginitis are increased leucorrhea and vulvar itching, often accompanied by local burning sensation. Typical leucorrhea is curd-like (tofu-like) or slightly yellow flakes, has a slight odor, and adheres tightly to the vaginal mucosa.

The treatment of candidal vaginitis is mainly local treatment. 600 mg of boric acid powder is placed in a capsule and placed vaginally every night for 5 days as a course of treatment; or 100 mg of clotrimazole is placed vaginally every night for 7 days as a course of treatment; 200 mg of ketoconazole is taken orally twice a day for 5 days as a course of treatment.

3. Nonspecific vaginitis

Nonspecific vaginitis is a mixed bacterial infection that is common in postpartum, post-abortion, pelvic inflammatory disease, etc.

The main symptoms of nonspecific vaginitis are increased vaginal discharge, localized feeling of heaviness, and vaginal itching or burning sensation. Typical leucorrhea is grayish white, thin and uniform in texture, with very low viscosity, sometimes foamy, and accompanied by an unpleasant odor, which becomes more severe during sexual intercourse.

Treatment: Metronidazole, 500 mg each time, twice a day, for 7 days as a course of treatment; or ampicillin, 500 mg each time, 4 times a day, for 7 days as a course of treatment.

4. Senile vaginitis

It is more common in elderly women who have been postmenopausal for many years. After menopause, ovarian function declines, endogenous estrogen is deficient, genitals atrophy, vaginal epithelium becomes thinner, local resistance is weakened, pathogenic bacteria can easily multiply and cause inflammation.

The important symptom of senile vaginitis is increased leucorrhea, often accompanied by a feeling of heaviness in the lower abdomen and vagina and a burning sensation in the vagina. The typical leucorrhea is light yellow, watery or purulent, has a foul odor, and is often mixed with a small amount of blood.

Treatment: Locally flush the vagina with 0.5% acetic acid or 1:5000 potassium permanganate solution once a day, for 7 to 10 days as a course of treatment. Those who fail to recover after long-term treatment can be given estrogen treatment. The method is to take 0.25-0.5 mg of ethylphenol tablets or test agents, inserted into the vagina every night, and the course of treatment is 1-2 weeks.

The above is an explanation of the related issues about abnormal leucorrhea and vaginitis. Female friends should observe their leucorrhea in time in daily life. If abnormal leucorrhea occurs, go to the hospital for treatment in time to avoid worsening of the situation. Don’t worry if vaginal inflammation occurs. You will recover with reasonable treatment methods and healthy living habits.