What are the serious symptoms of vaginitis?

Severe symptoms of vaginitis mainly include severe itching of the vulva, increased abnormal discharge accompanied by foul odor, painful urination, painful sexual intercourse, and redness, swelling and ulceration of the vulva. Vaginitis may be caused by bacterial vaginosis, vulvovaginal candidiasis, trichomonas vaginitis, etc., and requires targeted treatment according to the type of pathogen.

1. Severe itching of the vulva

Patients with severe vaginitis often experience persistent and unbearable vulvar itching, which may worsen at night and affect sleep. Fungal infections such as vulvovaginal candidiasis can cause itching accompanied by a white, curdy discharge. Treatment requires the use of clotrimazole vaginal tablets or miconazole nitrate suppositories as directed by your doctor, while keeping the vulva dry and clean.

2. Abnormal secretions

A significant increase in the amount of secretions and abnormal characteristics are signs of an exacerbation of the disease. Bacterial vaginosis produces gray-white fishy-smelling discharge, while trichomonas vaginitis may produce yellow-green foamy discharge. The cause needs to be confirmed through secretion testing. Metronidazole vaginal gel can be used for bacterial infection, and tinidazole tablets should be taken orally for trichomonas infection.

3. Pain during urination

When inflammation involves the urethral opening, a burning or stinging sensation may occur during urination. In severe cases, it may be mistaken for a urinary tract infection. This situation is common in atrophic vaginitis or recurrent mixed infections. It needs to be treated with estrogen ointment or fluconazole capsules, and at the same time increase daily water intake.

4. Pain during sexual intercourse

Congestion and edema of the vaginal mucosa can cause severe pain and even bleeding during sexual intercourse. Vaginitis that has not been cured for a long time may cause vaginal wall erosion. Sexual life needs to be suspended and recombinant human interferon α2b vaginal effervescent tablets should be used to promote mucosal repair. If necessary, laser treatment should be performed.

5. Vulvar ulcers

The most serious manifestation is chapped, ulcerated or eczema-like changes in the skin of the vulva, often caused by secondary infection after scratching. You need to be alert to the possibility of herpes virus infection, and you can use topical acyclovir cream combined with red light physiotherapy. Extensive ulceration may require hospitalization and intravenous antibiotic treatment.

You should choose cotton underwear and change it every day, avoid using soap to clean the vulva, and change sanitary napkins frequently during menstruation. Bathing and swimming are prohibited during treatment, and sexual partners need to be checked simultaneously. If fever, lower abdominal pain, or blood-tinged secretions occur, it indicates that inflammation may lead to infection, and you must seek medical attention immediately. Diabetic patients need to strengthen blood sugar control, and menopausal women can consult their doctors to use topical estrogen preparations to prevent recurrence.