Vaginitis is one of the most common conditions in women, especially during reproductive age, causing discomfort and affecting the quality of life. However, with proper understanding and treatment, vaginitis can be completely treated. This article by Thu Cuc TCI aims to assist women in identifying warning signs of vaginitis, empowering them to proactively seek early medical examinations and comprehensive treatment, thus avoiding potential impacts on their health and lifestyle.
1. What is Vaginitis?
Vaginitis is a condition where harmful bacteria thrive in a woman’s vagina, leading to increased discharge and other health issues for women. It is one of the most common gynecological diseases.
Vaginitis can affect females. Even prepubescent girls who have menstruation and vaginal discharge but haven’t engaged in sexual activity can be susceptible to gynecological diseases. Particularly, in women of reproductive age who engage in sexual activity regularly, the risk of infection is higher compared to others.
Vaginitis can cause various symptoms, from mild to severe. If not treated promptly and correctly, vaginal infections can lead to serious complications and affect a woman’s overall reproductive health.
2. Warning Signs You Might Have Vaginitis
Vaginitis can manifest various symptoms depending on the underlying cause and the degree of infection. However, there are some common warning signs that can help you recognize if you have vaginitis:
2.1. Vaginal Pain and Itching
Vaginal pain and itching are two common symptoms of vaginitis. These are caused by bacteria or fungi that stimulate and damage the vaginal mucosa, causing discomfort and itching.
If you have vaginal inflammation, you may feel itching in the genital area without an obvious cause. This itching can occur during daily activities, causing discomfort.
2.2. Discharge and Odor
One of the characteristic signs of vaginal infections is the presence of discharge and odor from the vagina. This is due to the overgrowth of bacteria or fungi in the vagina, resulting in an unpleasant odor.
Excessive discharge and a foul odor will be more noticeable after sexual intercourse. Therefore, women should pay attention if they notice an increase in vaginal discharge after intercourse, as it could be a sign of vaginitis.
One of the characteristic signs of vaginal infections is the presence of discharge and odor from the vagina
2.3. Pain During Sexual Intercourse
In addition to increased discharge, vaginitis can cause pain and discomfort during sexual intercourse. When the vagina is inflamed, the vaginal mucosa becomes more sensitive than usual, causing pain and irritation upon contact with pressure and friction.
The rate of women experiencing pain during sexual intercourse is also quite high, and most often, it originates from vaginal infections.
2.4. Increased Bleeding During Menstruation
If you have vaginitis, you may experience heavier bleeding during menstruation. This is due to inflammation stimulating and damaging the vaginal mucosa, leading to increased bleeding during menstruation.
Moreover, if you have vaginitis due to sexually transmitted infections, you may experience abnormal bleeding. If the timing of vaginal bleeding coincides with menstruation, you may notice more bleeding during menstruation. Don’t overlook these abnormal factors; early gynecological examinations are crucial.
2.5. Abnormal Discharge Color and Odor
If you have vaginitis, you may notice the presence of discharge with abnormal colors such as yellow, green, or cloudy white from the vagina. Imbalance between beneficial bacteria and harmful bacteria in the vagina can change the color of the discharge, accompanied by an unpleasant odor.
3. Main Causes of Vaginal Infections
3.1. Bacterial Vaginosis
Bacterial vaginosis is the main cause of this disease. It results from the excessive growth of bacteria in the vagina, causing irritation and damage to the vaginal mucosa.
Foreign bacteria can invade the genital area of women at any time. It could be due to wearing tight, stuffy, and damp clothing in the genital area regularly or women having the habit of douching.
Actions that seem harmless may make it easier for bacteria to invade and cause vaginal infections.
Bacterial vaginosis is a comon type of vaginal infection in females
3.2. Candida Vaginitis
Candida albicans is one of the common causes of vaginal inflammation in women. Candida albicans is a naturally occurring fungus in the vaginal area of women. However, with changes in the environment and weakened immune systems, this fungus can grow excessively and cause symptoms of infection.
Candida can cause symptoms such as pain, itching, bleeding during menstruation, and vaginal discharge.
3.3. Viral Vaginitis Due to Unsafe Sexual Practices
Sexually transmitted infections can also cause vaginal infections. Infections and the discharge of vaginal gas from the genital area are one of the initial signs of diseases such as gonorrhea and syphilis.
However, they are often confused with other gynecological diseases and are not taken seriously, requiring thorough gynecological examinations.
4. Vaginal Infections – Do Not Be Negligent
It can be said that vaginal infections are gynecological diseases that most women will encounter at least once in their lifetime. Although not dangerous to health, in the long run, untreated infections can be the source of reproductive health problems for women.
The treatment of vaginitis is targeted to the cause of the inflammation for the most effective results.
Firstly, vaginal infections cause frequent vaginal discharge throughout the day. This moisture creates inconveniences for women.
Furthermore, leaving vaginal infections untreated for a long time can lead to fallopian tube obstruction, pelvic inflammation, etc. This directly affects your ability to conceive. Fallopian tube obstruction also increases the risk of ectopic pregnancy, which is very dangerous for women.
Vaginal infections cannot be taken lightly and should be detected and treated promptly to avoid affecting your reproductive health. If you have any questions or want to schedule a gynecological examination at Thu Cúc TCI, please leave your questions or contact us for early assistance.
