Patient's question:
Please ask if there is vaginitis, will it cause dyspareunia during sexual intercourse?I hope the doctor can give me an answer, thank you!
Doctor's answer:
HelloMostly.
Vaginitis
Vaginitis refers to a group of inflammatory diseases of the vaginal mucosa caused by various etiologies. Under normal physiological conditions, the anatomical and biochemical characteristics of the vaginal tissue are sufficient to defend against external microbial invasion. If this defense is compromised, pathogens can take advantage of the situation and, due to various factors, lead to vaginal inflammation.
① Non-specific vaginitis: The external genitalia and vagina may experience a sense of heaviness and burning. There is significant shedding of vaginal epithelium, congestion of the vaginal mucosa, and pronounced tenderness. In severe cases, systemic fatigue, lower abdominal discomfort, excessive vaginal discharge (purulent or serous), and external discharge irritating the urethral opening may occur, leading to frequent urination and dysuria.
② Candidal vaginitis: The most prominent symptoms of this condition are increased vaginal discharge and intense itching of the external genitalia and vagina. Severe symptoms may cause restlessness and extreme discomfort, accompanied by frequent urination, dysuria, and pain during intercourse. The vaginal discharge is thick and creamy, resembling cottage cheese. The vaginal mucosa is highly edematous, with white, patchy membranes attached that are easily removable, revealing eroded mucosal bases or shallow ulcers underneath. Severe cases may leave behind bruises, which are typical symptoms. Another subset of patients may have copious watery or purulent discharge without white patches, with moderate vaginal redness and edema, minimal itching or burning, and only a sensation of dampness in the external genitalia.
③ Trichomoniasis: The vaginal discharge is increased and yellowish-white, occasionally tinged with yellow-green pus, often foamy, and malodorous. In severe cases, it may contain blood. Other symptoms include lower back pain, frequent urination, dysuria, external genital itching, and lower abdominal discomfort. The vaginal mucosa is red and swollen, with scattered bleeding points or strawberry-like elevations, and may occasionally cause pain during intercourse.
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