Patient's question:
I had an abortion, and I keep leaking some yellow liquid. It's been less than a week since I had it, and now I have something purplish-red that looks like a cord—am I inflamed? Or am I infected? Is this normal? It's been over a week now, and I haven't gone to the hospital for a check-up. Could I be infected? Will it affect my ability to get pregnant? I have a friend who had her uterus removed, and I'm really scared~Doctor's answer:
Vaginitis is a general term for various inflammatory diseases of the vaginal mucosa caused by different etiologies. Under normal physiological conditions, the anatomical and biochemical characteristics of the vaginal tissue are sufficient to defend against external microbial invasion. If these defenses are compromised, pathogens can take advantage of the situation and, due to various factors, lead to vaginal inflammation.① Non-specific vaginitis: Symptoms include a sense of heaviness and burning in the external genitalia and vagina, significant shedding of vaginal epithelium, congestion and tenderness of the vaginal mucosa. In severe cases, generalized fatigue, lower abdominal discomfort, excessive vaginal discharge (purulent or serous), and irritation of the urethral opening may occur, leading to frequent urination and dysuria.
② Candidal vaginitis (also known as vaginal candidiasis): The most prominent symptoms are increased vaginal discharge and intense itching in the external genitalia and vagina. In severe cases, individuals may experience restlessness and extreme distress, along with frequent urination, dysuria, and pain during intercourse. The vaginal discharge appears as thick, white, curd-like material. The vaginal mucosa becomes highly edematous, with white, patchy membranes adhering to it, which are easily removable. Below these membranes, there may be eroded mucosal bases or shallow ulcers, and in severe cases, ecchymosis may persist. Another subset of patients may have copious watery or purulent discharge without white curd-like material, with moderate vaginal redness and edema, minimal itching or burning, and only a sensation of dampness in the external genitalia. Candidal vaginitis has the second-highest incidence after trichomoniasis and is primarily caused by Candida albicans infection. It is generally believed that Candida albicans is mainly transmitted through the anal region and is unrelated to athlete's foot. Of course, candidal vaginitis can also be transmitted sexually. Statistics show that approximately 10% of non-pregnant women...