Author: Ying Liu (Beijing Tsinghua Chang Gung Memorial Hospital)
Bacterial vaginosis is due to changes in the normal micro-ecological flora of the female vagina. The dominant bacteria that maintain the normal acidic environment of the vagina, Lactobacillus, are reduced, while other bacteria dominated by anaerobic bacteria are reduced. An increase in microorganisms, resulting in a mixed infection.
Occurs mostly in women with active married life (regardless of age), and is also a common vaginal infection in women of childbearing age.
I. The main culprit – vaginal microecological balance disorder
The female vagina is a complex micro-ecological system. There are many microorganisms in the vaginal micro-environment, including bacteria, mycoplasma, viruses, protozoa, Candida albicans, etc., which are closely related to the host, the environment It constitutes a vaginal micro-ecosystem of mutual restriction, mutual coordination and dynamic balance.
Once this balance is upset, it can lead to the development of inflammatory diseases of the vagina, including the common bacterial vaginosis.
Second, is a healthy vagina really a sterile environment?
Image source: Zhanku Hailuo
Excessive and frequent married life can change the normal vaginal acid environment of women, and the vaginal mucosa may also be damaged in the process of married life, so that inflammation occurs quietly.
In addition, some women or partners do not pay attention to hygiene before and after marriage, allowing bacteria to enter the vagina, which can lead to the disease.
Abusing vaginal douches! Many female friends have had this experience. Often because of advertisements or recommendations from family and friends, they buy vaginal lotions promoted on the market to wash their vaginas, and even purchase vaginal washes with unreliable quality and sources through online shopping, purchasing agents, etc. It can easily lead to the imbalance of the vaginal flora and even the breeding of harmful bacteria.
Remind female friends that it is best to use water instead of various fancy lotions for daily cleaning of the genitals.
Pants and pants are tight and airtight! This will cause the vulva to be wet, which is conducive to the growth of bacteria, especially if you do not pay attention to changing underwear or sanitary pads frequently, in addition to bacterial vaginosis, you may also suffer from vulvitis and vaginitis.
Unsanitary public facilities like swimming pools or spas! Unsanitary water sources may breed bacteria. When swimming or soaking in hot springs, bacteria can enter the vagina with water, causing inflammation.
Image source: Zhanku Hailuo
Improper menstrual care! Because blood is a good growth environment for anaerobic bacteria, if the vulva is not cleaned in time during the menstrual period, the vulva blood will continue to exist, which provides conditions for the growth of anaerobic bacteria and increases the risk of bacterial vaginosis.
Bad Living and Hygiene Habits! For example, the direction of wiping after defecation should be from front to back to avoid bringing the bacteria from the anus to the vulva and vagina;
For example, daily toiletries and sanitary ware should be clean and separated from dirt; try not to sit casually on public bathrooms and toilets to avoid bacterial infection.
These personal hygiene practices are closely related to the development of bacterial vaginosis.
Avoid unclean married life! Men should turn the foreskin over and wash the smegma in the foreskin when taking a bath. This is the easiest and most effective way to prevent gynecological inflammation.
Men are more advised to thoroughly wash their organs before marriage to reduce the local bacterial concentration, thereby reducing the chance of bacterial vaginosis.
Remember the above points, avoid bad living and hygiene habits, and stay away from bacterial vaginosis!
Image source: Zhanku Hailuo
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