Increased and yellowed vaginal discharge, itching and discomfort in the private parts... As the weather gets hotter, more and more women are being plagued by these "embarrassing issues." Recently, a nationwide survey on women's reproductive health, sponsored by the Chinese Medical Doctor Association and covering 32 provinces, municipalities, and autonomous regions with nearly 12,400 female participants, revealed that nearly 70% of female netizens have suffered or are suffering from reproductive system diseases. Among these, vaginitis accounts for more than half, and only 11% of respondents claimed to have a basic understanding of the causes and symptoms of reproductive system infections. A staggering 61.2% of people do not seek medical attention when experiencing discomfort in their reproductive system.
"Gynecological diseases are indeed common, especially vaginitis, which accounts for more than half of gynecological outpatient visits," said Wang Sumei, Deputy Chief Physician of the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department at Beijing Chaoyang Hospital. Foreign data shows that about 75% of women will suffer from vaginitis at least once in their lifetime, with about half experiencing recurrence. Summer is the peak season for this disease because the hot weather causes excessive sweating, making it difficult to keep the perineal area dry and promoting bacterial growth. Additionally, summer is the peak season for swimming and traveling. Swimming in poorly disinfected pools, wild swimming in rivers, not bathing and cleaning in time, and staying in small hotels with poor sanitary conditions can also lead to vaginitis through pool water, toilets, bedding, and towels. Furthermore, women who often sit for long periods, sweat from walking, frequently use intimate area washes, wear non-cotton underwear like nylon, or have unclean sexual intercourse are more susceptible to vaginitis.
Experts remind that vaginitis is mainly divided into three categories: trichomonal vaginitis, vulvovaginal candidiasis (also known as fungal vaginitis), and bacterial vaginitis. If left untreated for a long time, the pathogens may ascend the reproductive system, "invading" the pelvis, uterus, fallopian tubes, etc., leading to chronic pelvic inflammatory disease, cervicitis, and even infertility in severe cases.
Therefore, women should be alert to vaginitis if they experience symptoms such as increased and abnormal vaginal discharge, itching, and odor in the private parts. It is best not to self-medicate with over-the-counter drugs but to see a doctor. Through secretion tests and other methods, the type of infection can be determined for targeted treatment. Otherwise, treatment may be ineffective and recurrent. In daily life, personal hygiene should be paid attention to at all times.
How to Prevent Vaginitis
Preventing gynecological diseases requires attention to daily life details. Just like a cold, enhancing our own resistance is essential to resist bacterial invasion.
Under normal circumstances, the vagina maintains its own pH balance. Avoid using cleansers or disinfectants to clean the vagina, or excessive scrubbing, as this may not only disrupt the balance of the vaginal environment but also cause harm. Therefore, warm water rinsing is usually sufficient.
Additionally, if you suspect you might have vaginitis, do not clean the vagina before seeing a doctor, as this may wash away the protozoa or secretions, making it difficult for the doctor to correctly identify the type of infection.
