[Kok! Health] 'Vaginitis Warning' in Hot and Humid Weather... Must Manage Before It Becomes Chronic

Although autumn has begun, hot and humid weather continues due to lingering heat and autumn monsoon rains. This creates an environment conducive to the growth of bacteria, mold, and various viruses, making inflammation more likely to occur. In particular, when fatigue and stress caused by heatwaves are added, the risk of exposure to vaginitis?which is known to be experienced by more than 70% of women in Korea?increases.

[Photo by GC Green Cross Medical Foundation]

Vaginitis, also called the "female cold," is a disease that can be easily treated, yet many women avoid visiting gynecologists or neglect it as insignificant. If vaginitis is not properly treated once it occurs, it can recur or become chronic, and in severe cases, it increases the risk of pelvic inflammatory disease, endometritis, cervical cancer, and complications. Recently, if you are concerned about vaginal health or experience genital discomfort, it is important to get diagnosed for vaginitis and regularly manage your vaginal health.

Vaginitis is a condition that occurs when the balance of microorganisms in the vagina is disrupted or when bacteria enter from outside. The types of vaginitis are classified according to the type of bacteria: bacterial vaginosis, Candida vaginitis, and Trichomonas vaginitis.

Bacterial vaginosis occurs when the Lactobacilli, the beneficial bacteria that normally live in the vagina and maintain its acidity, disappear and anaerobic bacteria proliferate. Once Lactobacilli are lost, it is difficult for them to recolonize, making recurrence common and requiring caution. Candida vaginitis is a common type of vaginitis that 75% of women experience at least once in their lifetime, with about 5-10% experiencing recurrent infections. Trichomonas vaginitis is caused by the protozoan Trichomonas and, unlike Candida or bacterial vaginitis, is transmitted through sexual contact, thus classified as a sexually transmitted disease. It is highly contagious; it is known that about 70% of men become infected after just one sexual encounter with a woman infected with Trichomonas, so both partners must be treated together.

Symptoms of vaginitis vary by type and individual but generally include vaginal itching and burning, increased discharge, and foul odor. Normal vaginal discharge is colorless, odorless, and viscous, but when inflammation occurs, the amount increases, the color changes to yellowish or gray, and a fishy or bloody odor may develop. Especially in cases where the labia minora sag and enlarge due to pregnancy, childbirth, tight underwear or pants, aging, and other causes, discharge can accumulate between the labial folds, causing itching, odor, and other vaginitis symptoms.

The problem with vaginitis is its high recurrence rate of about 40%, and if it becomes chronic, harmful bacteria in the vagina can spread to the uterus, causing pelvic inflammatory disease. In severe cases, it can worsen to cervical cancer, cystitis, or kidney disease. For women of childbearing age, vaginitis can cause infertility and subfertility, and for pregnant women, it can affect premature birth, so early screening and prevention are necessary even if there are no symptoms. Additionally, if symptoms such as vaginal discomfort appear, it is essential to visit a hospital for diagnosis and treatment.

Recently, STD (Sexually Transmitted Disease) tests that simultaneously check for female sexually transmitted pathogens through urine or vaginal swabs have become widely used. Based on the PCR method, this test collects vaginal secretions to identify causative pathogens, allowing diagnosis of not only sexually transmitted diseases such as gonorrhea, herpes, and syphilis but also female diseases like vaginitis and cervicitis all at once.

Dr. Song Seong-wook, a specialist at GC Green Cross Medical Foundation, said, "Although vaginitis is a common disease like a cold for women, many still hesitate to visit gynecologists. It may seem trivial, but if left untreated, it can lead to chronic or more serious diseases. If you suspect symptoms, you should visit a nearby medical institution immediately, and furthermore, it is recommended to maintain vaginal health and prevent vaginitis through regular check-ups."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.