Patient's question:
Detailed medical condition and consultation purpose: My baby is five months old and currently breastfeeding. I had an internal examination and a discharge test, which were both normal except for a cleanliness level of 3. The doctor diagnosed me with bacterial vaginosis and prescribed a hospital-made preparation called "Baidu Wash," which contains baidu, snakeroot, camphor, and Sophora flavescens. I would like to know if I can use it, if it is safe, what precautions I should take during treatment, and what other medications I can use.Doctor's answer:
Dietary taboos for bacterial vaginosis patients include:(1) Avoid spicy foods
Spicy foods (such as chili peppers, ginger, scallions, and garlic) should be consumed in moderation, as excessive intake can lead to dry heat, causing internal organ toxicity to accumulate. This may result in symptoms such as swollen gums, mouth sores, dark yellow urine, burning rectum, and itching in the front and back private parts, worsening the condition.
(2) Avoid seafood that promotes inflammation
Foul-smelling and pungent seafood, such as guilin fish, yellow croaker, hairtail, black fish, shrimp, and crabs, can exacerbate damp-heat conditions. Consuming them may intensify external genital itching and hinder inflammation resolution, so they should be avoided.
(3) Avoid greasy and sweet foods
Greasy foods (such as lard, fatty pork, butter, beef tallow, and mutton tallow) and high-sugar foods (such as chocolate, candies, sweet pastries, and cream cakes) can increase dampness and heat, leading to increased vaginal discharge and affecting treatment efficacy.
(4) Avoid smoking and alcohol
Smoking can worsen urethritis because nicotine weakens the binding of oxygen to arterial blood. Alcohol promotes damp-heat, so it should be strictly avoided. Similarly, alcoholic beverages like fermented rice wine and medicinal wine are not suitable for consumption.
(5) Pay attention to dietary nutrition
Eat more fresh vegetables and fruits to maintain smooth bowel movements; drink plenty of water; and avoid concurrent urinary tract infections.