Does Drinking Milk Pose Any Risks for Vaginal Infections?

Vaginitis is a common gynecological condition that many women experience. Typically, most women experience some degree of inflammation in their vagina, but if they have strong immunity, they may not exhibit any significant symptoms. However, the presence of symptoms such as vaginal itching, abnormal vaginal discharge, and increased secretions may indicate the presence of vaginitis.

Generally speaking, drinking milk does not pose any harm to vaginitis, but it also does not serve as a treatment. Vaginitis, or vaginal inflammation, refers to a group of symptoms that affect the external vagina, causing itching, burning, irritation, and abnormal discharge. Healthy women naturally have a defense mechanism against pathogens due to the anatomical characteristics of their vagina.

The vagina's natural defenses include the closure of the vaginal opening, the closeness of the anterior and posterior vaginal walls, the proliferation of vaginal epithelial cells under the influence of estrogen, and the maintenance of a balanced vaginal pH, which inhibits the growth of alkaline-tolerant pathogens. The cervical mucus is alkaline, and when the vagina's natural defense mechanisms are compromised, pathogens are more likely to invade, leading to vaginal inflammation.

Medication for vaginitis typically involves topical applications. In cases of pelvic inflammatory disease or recurrent vaginitis, oral medication may be combined with topical treatment. In some cases, both partners may require treatment. It is important to note that long-term oral antibiotic use can suppress normal flora and lead to secondary fungal infections.

Treatment Principles for Specific Types of Vaginitis

1. Bacterial Vaginosis

The treatment principle for bacterial vaginosis involves the use of anti-anaerobic drugs, primarily metronidazole, tinidazole, and clindamycin. It is important to note that both oral and topical administration of metronidazole can cause disulfiram-like reactions.

(1) Oral medication: Metronidazole is the preferred choice.

(2) Topical medication.

(3) Routine treatment is not necessary for sexual partners.

2. Candidal Vaginitis

(1) Elimination of predisposing factors: If diabetes is present, it should be actively managed. Broad-spectrum antibiotics, estrogens, and corticosteroids should be discontinued promptly. Underwear should be changed frequently, and used underwear, basins, and towels should be washed in boiling water.

(2) Topical medication: Miconazole suppositories, clotrimazole suppositories, and nystatin suppositories.

(3) Systemic medication (for patients with recurrent infections or who cannot receive vaginal medication): Fluconazole and itraconazole. Fluconazole has a lower risk of hepatotoxicity and can be used as an alternative to ketoconazole.

(4) Sexual partners should undergo candida testing and treatment.

(5) In cases of pregnancy complicated by Candida vaginitis, topical treatment is the mainstay, and oral azole drugs are contraindicated.