Patient's question:
I am 34 years old, female. Recently, I feel that my body isn't doing well, and I always have a recurring pain in my abdomen. Besides, I also have the recurring issue of vulvar itching. Could you please tell me what are the causes of vaginitis?Doctor's answer:
Normal healthy women have a natural protective function against the penetration of pathogens due to the anatomical characteristics of the vaginal tissue observed in autopsies. This includes the closure of the vaginal orifice, the close proximity of the anterior and posterior vaginal walls, fibrosis of the vaginal epithelial cells under the influence of estrogen, keratinization of the epidermal cells, and the maintenance of a constant pH of 4-5, which inhibits the adaptation of pathogens that restore alkalinity, such as anaerobic bacteria. When the natural protective function of the vagina is compromised, pathogens are more easily able to penetrate, leading to vaginal inflammation. For trichomoniasis vaginitis treated with systemic medication, it is often accompanied by trichomoniasis infections in the urinary and reproductive systems as well as the intestines. Using only local medication is not effective in eliminating the trichomonads, so systemic medication should be employed.