Vaginitis, this common gynecological disease, not only brings many discomforts to women’s lives but may also affect fertility. So, how can we stay away from vaginitis and safeguard fertility health?
Vaginitis can affect conception. Vaginitis is a common gynecological disease in women, which is clinically divided into trichomonas vaginitis, fungal vaginitis, bacterial vaginitis, and so on. Due to the presence of inflammation, bacteria or fungi in the vaginal discharge can affect the motility and penetration ability of sperm, thus impacting pregnancy. If women have trichomonas vaginitis, they may experience itching, vaginal pain, even pain during sexual intercourse, frothy or foul-smelling discharge. Trichomonas can engulf sperm, reducing the quantity and motility of sperm, making conception impossible. Therefore, women with vaginitis are advised to undergo routine vaginal discharge tests promptly and then thoroughly treat the condition. After complete treatment, attempting pregnancy can significantly increase the success rate.
To stay away from vaginitis, personal hygiene should be a top priority. Under normal circumstances, the vagina maintains its balance of acidity and alkalinity. Avoid using cleansers or disinfectants to clean the vagina, or over-scrubbing, as this may disrupt the vaginal environment balance and cause injury. Wear breathable cotton underwear, keep dry, and try not to use sanitary pads when there is little discharge. If used, ensure timely replacement to prevent bacterial growth.
Hygiene during sexual activity is also crucial. Before sexual activity, both partners should practice good hygiene to avoid introducing bacteria into the vagina, leading to vaginitis. Candida vaginitis and trichomonas vaginitis can both be transmitted through sexual intercourse.
Furthermore, proper medication use is essential. Antibiotics must be used with the approval and prescription of a physician because although they can kill bacteria, they may promote fungal growth. Prolonged use of these drugs can also lead to bacterial resistance.
In daily life, attention to detail is also necessary. For example, actively treating diabetes – diabetic patients can use baking soda to wash the external genitals to raise the vaginal pH and inhibit fungal growth. Women using contraceptive drugs who repeatedly experience fungal vaginitis should discontinue the contraceptive pills and switch to other methods. When using public toilets, try to avoid sitting on a toilet seat; advocate for showering over bathing; after bathing, avoid sitting directly on the bathroom stool; refrain from swimming in poorly disinfected pools.
Normally, our natural immune system automatically deals with these invading pathogens, so we should maintain a healthy balanced diet, consume less spicy food to allow the immune system to function normally.
Vaginitis has a significant impact on fertility, so pay attention to appropriate prevention in daily life.
