Patient's question:
Candidal vaginitis, monilial vaginitis, and bacterial vaginitis, what are the differences between them? How many types of vaginitis are there in total?Doctor's answer:
Common vaginal infections can primarily be categorized into the following types:1. Candidal Vaginitis
Candidal vaginitis is caused by infection with Candida albicans. This pathogen can normally exist on the skin, mucous membranes, and gastrointestinal tract of healthy individuals. When the body's resistance declines, it can lead to candidal vaginitis. Therefore, a weakened resistance in the reproductive tract is a significant contributing factor to the disease.
2. Non-Specific Vaginitis
There are multiple causes of non-specific vaginitis, such as vaginal trauma, miscarriage, pelvic inflammatory disease, and a decline in the body's resistance, which disrupts the normal vaginal ecosystem and creates conditions for bacterial growth and reproduction. Common pathogens include Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Escherichia coli, and Proteus. Patients often experience a discharge that is serous or purulent, without foam, without curd-like appearance, and with mild external genital itching.
3. Trichomoniasis
Trichomoniasis is caused by Trichomonas vaginalis. Its main transmission routes are direct infection or indirect transmission through contaminated bathing utensils (e.g., bathtubs, shared towels, swimming pools). After contracting trichomoniasis, patients often feel external genital itching, an increase in discharge, which may be yellowish or yellow-green, foamy, and have a foul odor. Women with diabetes, those receiving large doses of estrogen post-menopause, and those taking antibiotics and hormone drugs for a long time are more prone to this condition.