Patient's question:
I have been experiencing a lot of itching inside my vagina recently, especially after urinating, and the sensation becomes even more pronounced. I've started thinking it might be something like an infection, so I used a gynecological wash twice, but it hasn't improved at all—instead, the itching has gotten worse. Yesterday, I went to the hospital for a thorough examination, and the doctor said it was bacterial vaginosis and that it can be contagious.Doctor's answer:
When the estrogen level in the human body rises, it causes the vaginal epithelium to swell and increases glycogen in the cells, which is beneficial for the growth of lactobacilli. Overuse of antibiotics or excessive washing of the vagina with alkaline solutions can inhibit the growth of lactobacilli. Promiscuity, frequent sexual intercourse, and other factors lead to the overgrowth of pathogenic anaerobic bacteria and Gardnerella, disrupting the vaginal microbial ecological balance and endocrine disorders. Facultative lactobacilli increase. Ultimately, this leads to bacterial vaginosis. Cough, fever, headache—just take antibiotics. Unaware, antibiotics may inhibit some beneficial bacteria, allowing harmful bacteria to multiply unchecked.