Gynecological Inflammation in Women

Any inflammation of a woman’s reproductive organs, including the vulva, vestibular glands, vagina, cervix, uterine body, fallopian tubes, ovaries, and pelvic peritoneum, caused by various pathogens, is collectively referred to as gynecological inflammation.

Causes

The causes of gynecological inflammation are primarily twofold: physiological and pathological.

Physiological Reasons:

• The skin of the female external genitalia is very delicate, rich in sweat glands, has many folds, is concealed, and has poor air permeability, making it susceptible to bacterial attack.

• The female reproductive organs and abdominal cavity are connected to the outside world, allowing pathogens to enter the uterus through the vagina.

• The vagina contains a large number of lactobacilli, which break down glycogen to produce lactic acid, creating an acidic environment that is unfavorable for the growth of harmful bacteria. However, when local resistance is weakened, some bacteria and pathogens can take advantage.

• The vaginal opening is close to the urethral opening and the anus, making it susceptible to contamination from urine and feces, which can easily breed bacteria.

• Due to menstruation, pregnancy, and other factors, the cervix is often immersed in irritating secretions, which can lead to epithelial shedding and allow various pathogens to hide within the cervical folds and glands.

Pathological Reasons:

• Poor hygiene during menstruation, using unclean sanitary pads, or engaging in sexual intercourse during menstruation.

• Inadequate sterilization during intrauterine surgical procedures.

• Damage to the cervix and vagina from procedures such as abortion and childbirth, leading to infection.

• The external genitalia and vaginal mucosa are important organs involved in sexual activity, and sexual intercourse can cause local tissue damage or cross-infection.

Whether preventing or treating gynecological inflammation, it is essential to address both these physiological and pathological factors. Identifying the true cause of the disease is key to maintaining good health.

Harms

Although gynecological inflammation is not a life-threatening disease, it can be persistent and prone to recurrence. If not treated in a timely manner, it can have serious consequences.

• Untreated inflammation can spread and cause cross-infection between different physiological sites, leading to complications and even malignant lesions in some areas.

• Prolonged inflammation can negatively affect the immune system, metabolism, and endocrine system, posing a significant risk to overall health.

• Some gynecological inflammations can affect not only the woman but also her family. If a pregnant woman has an infection, it can lead to intrauterine infection, and the newborn can be infected during passage through the birth canal, resulting in serious consequences such as miscarriage, premature birth, congenital malformations, and intellectual disability.

• Most gynecological inflammations are related to issues with the uterus and ovaries, and the vagina is the only channel leading to these organs. Therefore, a healthy vagina is crucial for the health of the uterus and ovaries. Using a female hygiene product with a pH of 3 is more likely to ensure the cleanliness and comfort of the vagina.

• Husbands have an undeniable responsibility in this regard. Maintaining clean sexual practices is also an important factor in protecting women’s health.

• It is crucial to seek timely treatment for gynecological inflammation, as it can not only affect physical health but, in some cases, also lead to infertility, causing lifelong regret.

Treatment

Treating Gynecological Inflammation During Menstruation:

1. Avoid sitz baths and tub baths, and strictly prohibit the use of vaginal medications. During menstruation, immune function is lowered due to hormonal changes, and the vagina’s acidity is diluted by menstrual blood, which can promote the growth of pathogens. Additionally, the pelvic area is congested, and the shedding of the uterine lining creates wounds in the uterine cavity, making it easier for bacteria to invade.

2. Do not take hormone-based drugs indiscriminately. This can disrupt the body’s endocrine system, leading to abnormalities in the menstrual cycle, duration, and volume of menstrual flow.

3. Use caution with anticoagulants or drugs that inhibit platelet function, such as heparin and aspirin. These can also cause the aforementioned effects.
   However, for patients with gynecological diseases, systemic medication can be used during menstruation to enhance the therapeutic effect. The bloody environment of the vagina during menstruation is very suitable for bacterial growth, which can even worsen existing inflammation. At this time, the blood vessels in the uterus are engorged and open, so systemic medication can achieve a higher local drug concentration. Therefore, for chronic pelvic inflammatory disease and other recurrent gynecological conditions, systemic medication can be continued during menstruation to consolidate the therapeutic effect.

The Best Time for Gynecological Treatment:

1. Gynecological examinations are generally not performed during menstruation. This is because the cervix is slightly open, and there are wounds on the uterine lining, making it very easy to introduce bacteria into the uterine cavity and cause inflammation of the reproductive organs.

2. The best time for a gynecological examination is three days after the end of menstruation. Before the visit, the patient should wash the external genitalia with clean water and avoid intercourse and vaginal medication the day before to not affect the examination results.

3. Special examinations and treatments should also be performed 3-7 days after the end of menstruation. This includes procedures such as tubal patency tests, IUD insertion or removal, cervical treatments, and hysteroscopy or hysterosalpingography. Intercourse should be avoided during this period to prevent infection.

4. Diagnostic curettage should be performed 12 hours before the expected start of menstruation or in the early stages of menstruation. For infertility patients undergoing diagnostic curettage to check for ovulation, the uterine lining should be scraped 12 hours before the expected start of menstruation or in the early stages of menstruation, not after.

5. Pregnancy tests should be performed after 50 days of missed menstruation. At this time, the test results are more accurate, and a gynecological examination can detect an enlarged uterus.

Prevention

Preventing common gynecological inflammations can reduce their harm in daily life and help maintain good health. Here are some preventive measures:

1. Avoid excessive scratching, rubbing, or washing the itchy area with hot water to relieve itching. Do not use strong alkaline soaps or repeatedly wash the external genitalia or douche the vagina with cleansing agents, as this can alter the vaginal pH, disrupt the normal vaginal flora, and destroy the acidic antibacterial barrier. Do not misuse strong, irritating topical hormonal medications.

2. Underwear should be soft and loose, preferably made of cotton. Avoid wearing clothing made of down, nylon, or wool directly against the skin. Do not wash underwear and socks together. Keep the external genitalia clean and dry, especially during menstruation. Do not wear synthetic underwear.

3. Avoid the extensive use of broad-spectrum antibiotics, which can disrupt the normal vaginal flora. Be cautious with antibiotics. Do you take them for a cough, fever, or headache? Unbeknownst to many, antibiotics can suppress some beneficial bacteria, allowing fungi like Candida to multiply. Therefore, use antibiotics with extreme caution.

4. Fungi can multiply on the skin, in the gastrointestinal tract, and under the nails. If you or a family member has athlete’s foot, onychomycosis, etc., it is easy for fungal cross-infection to occur.

5. Be wary of washing machines. Almost every washing machine drum harbors hidden fungi, and the more frequently the machine is used, the more fungi there are.

6. Pay attention to care during pregnancy. During pregnancy, hormone levels, vaginal glycogen, and acidity all increase, making one susceptible to fungal infections. Pregnant women should not use oral medications but should choose local preventive and adjunctive treatment options.

By following these preventive measures in daily life, the cloud of gynecological inflammation can be broken.

Dietary Considerations

Diet is very important for gynecological inflammation, as it is a part of daily life. A proper diet can help cure gynecological inflammation, and for those who are not ill, it can prevent it. A well-managed diet can lead to rapid improvement and complete recovery. If not managed well or ignored, the consequences can be dire. Here are some dietary considerations for gynecological inflammation:

Ensure adequate protein supply: Provide 1.5 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight daily, but limit animal protein.

Pay attention to vitamin supply: Vitamins such as E, D, A, C, B6, folic acid, B12, etc., can often prevent urinary stones and alkaline urine, reducing the triggers for this disease.

Foods to Avoid for Patients with Gynecological Inflammation:

• Meats: Cured meat, lamb.

• Aquatic Products: Loach, dried shrimp, shrimp skin, abalone, sea cucumber, river shrimp, laver, snail, river clam, fat choy, portunid crab.

• Vegetables: Chives, crown daisy, cilantro, shepherd’s purse, fennel, black fungus, cirsium, alfalfa.

• Bean Products: Dried tofu.

• Medicinal Foods: Houttuynia, cinnamon, glehnia root, cassia bark, Panax notoginseng, safflower, plantain seed, schisandra berry, dried ginger.

• Spices: Curry, Sichuan pepper, fennel seeds.

• Fruits: Durian, sour jujube.

• Nuts: Sesame, almonds.

• Others: Green tea, scented tea, black tea.

Furthermore, it is important to eat a light diet and avoid “heating” foods such as lamb, shrimp, crab, eel, salted fish, and black fish. Avoid irritating foods and drinks like chili peppers, Sichuan pepper, raw onions, raw garlic, and white wine. Forbid hot, coagulating, and hormone-containing foods such as longan, red dates, ejiao, and royal jelly.