Patient's question:
These days, when I urinate, I always feel pain down there, and it's so itchy that I feel like scratching. Later, the area became red and swollen from scratching. Additionally, my discharge has increased in amount, turned yellow, and has a bad odor. My lower abdomen also hurts. After a check-up, they said it's gynecological inflammation. I want to know what factors or causes can lead to gynecological inflammation.Doctor's answer:
1. Intrauterine Device (IUD) – Poor personal hygiene provides an easy entry for bacteria. It is important to note that the insertion of an IUD itself does not directly cause acute adnexitis; inflammation only occurs if strict aseptic procedures are not followed during insertion or if poor personal hygiene persists afterward.2. "Breaking the Red Lights" – Sexual intercourse during menstruation introduces bacteria. Menstrual intercourse is not only a trigger for acute adnexitis but also a common cause of other gynecological infections.
3. Childbirth or Abortion – Weakened immunity allows pathogens to travel upward through the reproductive tract, spreading to the fallopian tubes and ovaries, and eventually affecting the entire pelvic cavity.
4. Sexually Transmitted Infections – Pathogenic bacteria spread upward along the mucous membranes, causing infection and inflammation of the fallopian tubes and ovaries.
5. Prolonged Sitting – Lack of movement disrupts blood circulation, particularly in the lower limbs, leading to venous reflux obstruction. Due to the unique anatomical structure of the pelvic cavity, blood circulation is even more impaired, affecting the normal detoxification function of the uterine appendages. If other factors are present, inflammation is easily triggered.
6. Wearing Tight Pants Frequently – Poor ventilation in the perineal area allows vaginal secretions to accumulate, triggering inflammation and potentially leading to adnexitis.
7. Unscientific Vulvar Cleansing – For example, washing the anus before the vulva can introduce bacteria into the vagina. During menstruation, using a bathtub can also allow pathogens to ascend and invade the internal reproductive organs. Some people mistakenly believe that rinsing the vulva with plain water is safest, even using hot water to soothe itching afterward. In reality, the vulva, like the mouth, is susceptible to bacterial invasion. Saliva and vaginal secretions have self-cleaning functions, and the mouth is no dirtier than the vagina—we still brush our teeth twice a day. Similarly, the private area requires daily care. Using a female care solution with a pH 4 weak acid formula is more suitable, as it maintains the vulva's natural self-cleaning function.
8. Other Causes – Untreated latent infections in other parts of the body can allow pathogens to spread through the bloodstream to the fallopian tubes and ovaries, with tuberculous infections being the most common. Inflammation of the pelvic or fallopian tube organs, such as appendicitis, can also affect the abdominal and pelvic cavities, impacting the appendages. Infections caused by this reason are usually limited to one side of the fallopian tube and ovary. Sexually transmitted pathogens can also enter the reproductive tract through non-sexual means, such as using a bathtub or towel that has been used by an infected person without knowledge during a business trip.