Vaginitis is a common gynecological condition resulting from an imbalance in the vagina's natural microbial flora, allowing bacteria, fungi, or other pathogens to overgrow and cause inflammation. If not properly diagnosed and treated, it can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease, impacting fertility and quality of life.

Dr. Nguyen Van Cong, an obstetrician and gynecologist from the Obstetrics and Gynecology Unit at Tam Anh Cau Giay General Clinic, highlights common misconceptions about this condition.

**Misconception 1: Only affects sexually active women.**

This common misunderstanding often prevents young or unmarried women from seeking medical attention for unusual symptoms. Vaginitis can affect individuals of all ages, including young girls and post-menopausal women. Its causes are diverse, ranging from hormonal imbalances, changes in hygiene practices, prolonged antibiotic use, and moist environments, none of which are necessarily related to sexual activity.

**Misconception 2: Daily thorough hygiene is sufficient to prevent the condition.**

Dr. Cong notes that many women, upon noticing unusual discharge, self-administer vaginal douches with antiseptic solutions or strong saline, believing that "cleaner is better." However, the vagina has a self-cleaning mechanism supported by beneficial bacteria, particularly Lactobacillus. Excessive or incorrect hygiene practices disrupt the natural acidic environment, eliminate beneficial bacteria, and create conditions for harmful bacteria and fungi to thrive, thereby worsening the condition.

Dr. Cong advises a woman. Illustration: Thuy Hanh

**Misconception 3: The condition resolves on its own without treatment.**

While some mild cases may experience temporary symptom reduction, the condition rarely resolves completely without addressing the underlying cause. Each type of vaginitis—whether caused by bacteria, Candida fungi, or Trichomonas parasites—requires a distinct treatment regimen. Self-medicating or ignoring symptoms can lead to the condition becoming chronic, increasing the risk of pelvic inflammatory disease, which can affect the fallopian tubes and uterus.

**Misconception 4: Excessive discharge is the only symptom.**

Many women become concerned only when they notice unusually heavy discharge, while overlooking other symptoms. Vaginitis can also cause itching, a burning sensation during urination, pain during intercourse, an unusual odor, or changes in the color of the discharge. Some forms of bacterial vaginitis can progress silently with very few obvious symptoms, leading individuals to not realize they have the condition until it becomes severe.

Dr. Cong emphasizes that vaginitis, particularly fungal and bacterial types, has a high recurrence rate if risk factors are not eliminated. Taking medication as prescribed but failing to modify lifestyle habits—such as wearing tight, damp underwear, indiscriminate antibiotic use, or a high-sugar diet—can lead to the condition returning. Effective treatment requires a combination of prescribed medication and lifestyle adjustments to ensure long-term efficacy.

The doctor advises women to undergo gynecological check-ups every 6 months. High-risk individuals, including pregnant women, those using antibiotics or contraceptives, individuals with diabetes, those with weakened immune systems, or those who frequently wear tight, non-absorbent underwear, require more frequent monitoring.

Thu Huong