PhotoConnie Hung
TextConnie Hung/ Becky Tu
Health Leader
Connie Hung
Graduated from School of Medicine, China Medical University
▸Present
Attending Doctor of Department of Gynecology, Central Clinic & Hospital
Attending Doctor of Department of Gynecology, “Taipei Sex Medicine Center,” Central Clinic & Hospital
HYGEIAGRAND Health Clinic Superintendent
Nice Clinique Aesthetics Genital Doctor
▸Experience
Specialty Doctor of Department of Gynecology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital
Rebello Vulvovaginoplasty Clinic Training Doctor
Member of T.U.G.A (Taiwan Urogynecology Association)
Member of F.U.G.A (Formosa Urogynecology Association)
U.S. O-Shot＋ Patented Injection Certified Doctor
European Society of Aesthetic Gynecology (E.S.A.G) senior member and certified doctor
Lecturer assigned by FemiLift
▸Specialty
Cosmetic gynecology surgery
Gynecology
Urinary incontinence
Dr. Connie's Advice
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Do Not Put Up With the Sense of Itchiness
Q:
As the weather becomes warmer, sometimes a hot and humid environment not only makes one feel uncomfortable but also itchy on the genital area. Doctor Connie Hung, what are the causes of Vaginitis? Do I have to see a doctor for it?
A:
In fact, there is already some bacterial flora on the mucosal surface of the genital area, forming a layer of protective film. In particular, the bacteria consists of Lactobacillus mostly that keeps the PH value of the genital area slightly acidic, which isolates bacterial infection. If such a layer of the protective film is removed or if the content of bacteria is inadequate, the genital area will be easily attacked by bacteria and become infected repeatedly.
The cause of vaginitis, in general, can be attributed to poor hygiene habits, stuffy weather, wearing tight pants often, or the thick structure of the vulva.
For example, some girls are too lazy and do not pay attention to the cleaning of underwear or genital area, which leads to bacterial accumulation. Moreover, we do not suggest using the pads too often because bacteria will bread more easily if the users forget to replace them.
Recently, due to the hot weather and higher humidity on the genital area, wearing tight pants or inadequate ventilation with pads could easily cause inflammation. Excess friction could cause discomfort and inflammation. The thick structure of the vulva could easily lead to scale deposits and excess friction. Both could cause repeated inflammation.
Q: What kind of symptoms should I go to see a doctor immediately?
A:
If the vaginal fluid increases or has an abnormal smell, and even severely itchy, go to see a doctor soon for treatment. Do not use any suppository purchased from a pharmacy as it could become more serious. Moreover, excess cleaning could also rinse off good bacteria and damage the protective film, which could lead to attack by bacteria and inflammation.
Q: If there is inflammation with the genital area, how do we determine from the vaginal fluid?
A:
It is normal for women to have vaginal fluid. The normal vaginal fluid is transparent or light-white in color, or the light brown color before and after the period. If the following so-called abnormal color of vaginal fluid appears, or if the vaginal fluid changes with odor, repeated itching, we suggest you seek examination and treatment from a professional doctor.
Common vaginal infections in women are divided into the following three conditions:
Fungal Infection: Vaginal fluid is white and thick, sometimes with cheese or tofu scum type of vaginal fluids, which is companied by extreme vaginal or vulva itching. Or there could be vaginal swelling, bleeding, or aching during urination or sexual behaviors.
Bacterial vaginosis: The vaginal fluid may not be sticky but comes with a fishy smell. It may appear green, grey-white, and sometimes companies by some burning pain or itchiness in the vagina.
Atrophic vaginitis: This is related to aging women lacking hormones. There is little vaginal fluid and the vagina could feel dry and itchy.
The infection conditions of type 1 and type 2 mostly occur in young and fertile-aged women, which could be related to sexual behaviors. The main reason could be the lack of cleaning after sexual behavior.
Q: What kind of habit or nutrient supplements could we take to prevent vaginitis?
A:
We recommend wearing some loose clothes or underwear made of cotton to keep the genital area well ventilated. We do not recommend using daily pads often. If you must use it, make sure to change it often. Moreover, you can take special probiotics to strengthen maintenance. Studies show that the consumption of excess sugar will increase the likelihood of inflammation, and therefore we suggest cutting the consumption of sweet food.
For routine vulva cleaning, use some cleansers specifically designed for the genital area. The female genital area, in general, is weak-acidic, between PH3.5~4.5. The use of neutral or slightly alkaline cleaners will damage the genital area. Slightly acidic cleaners will effectively clean and protect the area. However, do not over-clean the genial area. Clean at most once a day or else you could rinse the good bacteria off.
If you experience discomfort with the genital area, do not feel shy about seeing a doctor. You will only recover soon with the right medical treatment.