19-year-old Xiao Mei recently found it particularly uncomfortable and itchy down there, and had to go to the hospital to see a doctor. After examination, she was found to have gynecological inflammation.
However, Xiao Mei told the doctor that she had never had that kind of relationship, so how could she have gynecological inflammation?
Many women also think that gynecological inflammation is exclusive to married women. In fact, gynecological problems are no longer just a concern for married women. Even women who have never had marital relations may develop gynecological inflammation due to some unhealthy habits such as staying up late, using public restrooms, public swimming pools, etc.
Types of vaginal inflammation?
Common types of vaginal inflammation include trichomonal vaginitis, bacterial vaginosis, fungal vaginitis, atrophic vaginitis, and infantile vulvovaginitis. Different types of vaginal inflammation require different treatments.
Therefore, when women experience symptoms such as itching in the external genital area, increased vaginal discharge, or unusual odor, they need to promptly visit a hospital for detailed examination and proper treatment based on a confirmed diagnosis.
Vaginal inflammation symptoms are very similar, how to differentiate? Listen to the method from a gynecologist
1. Bacterial Vaginosis
This type of vaginitis generally occurs in women who have frequent marital relations, but about 10%-40% of women infected may not show any symptoms.
In symptomatic women, the discharge generally has a fishy odor and is usually grayish-yellow. It may also cause itching and burning sensation.
The characteristic of this gynecological inflammation is an obvious increase in vaginal discharge, which is grayish-white or grayish-yellow in color, with a fishy odor. The discharge is usually watery.
2. Trichomonal Vaginitis
This gynecological inflammation is caused by the pathogen Trichomonas and can be transmitted through marital relations or indirect contact.
After contracting this inflammation, women usually experience itching in the genital area, increased vaginal discharge, which is grayish-yellow or yellow-green with frothy texture, accompanied by an unusual odor. Some patients may also feel burning and pain in the genital area.
If the symptoms are severe, there may also be increased frequency of urination, hematuria, etc. Therefore, after confirming this inflammation, it is recommended for both partners to receive treatment simultaneously to prevent cross-infection.
3. Fungal Vaginitis
Also known as candidal vaginitis, it is mainly caused by infection with fungi, and many women suffer from this inflammation for a long time. The characteristic discharge of this inflammation is usually curd-like or thick like milk curd.
Patients may also experience unbearable itching in the genital area, even difficulties in sitting or standing comfortably, and in severe cases, they may feel a burning sensation during urination.
Because this gynecological inflammation is prone to recurrence and has a long duration, treatment must be followed as per the doctor’s instructions, regular follow-ups are essential.
4. Atrophic Vaginitis
This inflammation generally occurs in postmenopausal women and is also known as senile vaginitis. When postmenopausal women experience discomfort and itching in the genital area, increased vaginal discharge, usually yellowish, or in severe cases, purulent discharge with blood, they should be aware that they may have developed gynecological inflammation and seek timely medical treatment.
5. Infantile Vulvovaginitis
This usually occurs in children under 5 years old. Parents may notice purulent discharge on their child’s clothing, in which case they should promptly take the child to see a doctor.
Many infants and young children may cry incessantly due to local itching and pain or scratch themselves, in which case parents should be vigilant.
Reference:
1. “Obstetrics and Gynecology” 9th Edition, Zhang Xuejun, Zheng Jie
2. “Laboratory Diagnostics of Obstetrics and Gynecology Diseases”, People’s Medical Publishing House, Zhou Tieli, Zheng Feiyun
3. “Gynecological Diseases”, China Medical Science and Technology Press, Zhang Shengjie
