Patient's question:
What are the differences between bacterial vaginosis and candidal vaginitis?Vaginal discharge test results:
Cleanliness: III
Color: Light yellow
pH value: 6.5
Leukocytes: +++
Pus cells: +
Epithelial cells: +
Other bacteria: +
I'm quite frustrated now. The doctor who examined me didn't tell me what medicine to take. When I asked, she only said to take medicine, but it's not effective, and physical therapy is needed. I mainly don't have much time now, and I just want to know if taking medicine can help. If it does, what kind of medicine should I take? (I've been married for a short time)
Also, what kind of bacteria is this? If anyone knows, please help me out! I'm very grateful here for the first question!
Doctor's answer:
Hello! The symptoms of bacterial vaginosis are not prominent or typical, with slight itching of the external genitalia and occasional increased vaginal discharge. The discharge is thin and uniform, and half of the patients may have no such symptoms. Additionally, the vaginal pH can increase to 5.0-5.2 (normal range is 3.0-4.5), and inflammatory cells are rarely found in the discharge, but clue cells are present. The only prominent feature of bacterial vaginosis is that the patient's vaginal discharge often has a fishy, ammonia-like odor, which is often noticeable, especially in first-time sufferers, and can cause mental burden. During external examination, secretions can be seen leaking from the vaginal opening. With a speculum, the vaginal walls show no significant inflammation, with uniform grayish-white discharge. Using test strips on the vaginal walls, the pH is often found to be greater than 4.5.Candidal vaginitis is a vaginal inflammation caused by the overgrowth of Candida in the vagina. Cause: The vast majority of candidal vaginitis is caused by Candida albicans. Symptoms: Increased vaginal discharge is the main symptom of candidal vaginitis, appearing as cottage cheese-like or white curd-like discharge, or sometimes watery to viscous. It is often accompanied by intense itching of the external genitalia, a sensation of burning, pain at the vaginal opening or during urination, and increased pain during intercourse. Your condition is bacterial vaginosis, and it is best to use medication under the guidance of a clinical doctor.