Women’s Disease Clinic

“I have increased vaginal discharge, and the area feels itchy and irritated.”
“I have lower abdominal pain, and I still feel like my bladder hasn’t emptied completely after urinating.”

Leaving symptoms untreated for a long time, thinking they will improve on their own, can allow the condition to worsen.

If recurrent vaginitis is left untreated for a prolonged period, it may progress to chronic pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) that can be difficult to treat depending on the causative pathogen, potentially leading to infertility. It is advisable to seek prompt treatment from a gynecological specialist.

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Vaginitis

Vaginitis is a common condition that can cause pain, burning, or itching inside the vagina, much like a common cold. If left untreated, it may lead to complications.

Bacterial Vaginosis Has Been Reported to Cause Complications

Excessive growth of bacteria or fungi inside the vagina can cause symptoms such as increased vaginal discharge, unpleasant odor, and itching. It is considered a very common condition, affecting as many as 8 out of 10 women in Korea.

Causes of Vaginitis

Bacterial Infection

Infection caused by external factors, such as sexual intercourse

Weakened Immune System

Reduced immunity caused by stress, alcohol consumption, and other factors

Tight Clothing or Underwear

Tight-fitting clothing, such as jeans, can restrict sweat evaporation and create a moist environment around the genital area

Types and Symptoms of Vaginitis

Vaginitis is broadly classified into infectious vaginitis and non-infectious vaginitis.

Bacterial Vaginosis

Candidal Vaginitis

Trichomoniasis

Atrophic Vaginitis

Cause
  • Excessive growth of anaerobic bacteria (harmful bacteria) due to overwork, stress, excessive vaginal cleansing, and other factors
  • Vaginal fungal overgrowth due to hot and humid environments, tight clothing, weakened immunity, diabetes, and other factors
  • Infection with Trichomonas vaginalis through sexual intercourse or, in some cases, through shared bath towels, toilet seats, etc.
  • Estrogen deficiency

Symptoms
  • Increased vaginal discharge with a fishy odor
  • Yellowish or grayish discharge
  • Symptoms may worsen before or after menstruation or around sexual intercourse
  • White, cheese-like vaginal discharge
  • Itching of the vulva and vaginal opening
  • Burning or stinging sensation of the vulva
  • Irritation and pain during intercourse
  • Whitish or yellowish, frothy discharge with an unpleasant odor
  • Strawberry-like appearance of the vaginal or cervical surface
  • Swelling or itching of the vulva
  • Vulvar atrophy and loss of vaginal folds
  • Thinning and deterioration of the vaginal mucosa
  • Vaginal dryness

Prevention of vaginitis

01

Get enough sleep to help maintain a healthy immune system.

02

Maintain your health through regular exercise.

03

Whenever possible, wear cotton underwear.

04

Avoid wearing tight-fitting clothing, such as skinny jeans and leggings.

05

Avoid washing inside the vagina and learn the proper way to clean the genital area.

06

Avoid excessive alcohol consumption and smoking.

07

After using the toilet, wipe from front to back.

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease

If treatment for pelvic inflammatory disease is delayed, the risk of infertility may increase.

In many cases, pelvic inflammatory disease is caused by sexually transmitted pathogens such as Chlamydia and Neisseria gonorrhoeae.

When pelvic inflammatory disease is severe or left untreated, it can cause structural changes such as fallopian tube blockage and adhesions involving the peritoneum and pelvic organs, which may ultimately lead to infertility.

Symptoms of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease

  • Pelvic pain and lower abdominal pain
  • Pelvic pain and lower abdominal pain
  • Pelvic pain and lower abdominal pain
  • Pelvic pain and lower abdominal pain
  • Pelvic pain and lower abdominal pain
  • Pelvic pain and lower abdominal pain

Prevention of pelvic inflammatory disease

Healthy Sexual Activity with One Partner

Condom Use

Healthy Urination Habits

Regular Gynecological Checkups

  • Pelvic Inflammatory Disease!
    Incomplete Treatment May Lead to Antibiotic-Resistant Strains and Increase the Risk of Recurrence.

Even if symptoms improve, you should not arbitrarily skip doses or stop taking your medication. Acute pelvic inflammatory disease can leave complications such as fallopian tube adhesions. If the fallopian tubes or ovaries are damaged, it can lead to infertility and, even if pregnancy occurs, increase the risk of ectopic pregnancy to 5–20%.

Cystitis

Cystitis occurs when bacteria enter the bladder through the urethra, causing frequent urination and pain each time you urinate.

The causes of cystitis include infection and hormonal deficiency, while acute cystitis is most commonly caused by bacteria.

The urine and bladder should normally be free of bacteria. However, when bacteria enter the urine or bladder for various reasons, inflammation can develop in the bladder, resulting in cystitis.

Symptoms of Cystitis

  • Frequent Urination & Feeling of Incomplete Emptying: You feel that your bladder has not emptied completely after urinating and need to urinate frequently.
  • Cloudy Urine: The urine appears cloudy and may have an unpleasant odor.
  • Urinary Urgency: A sudden, strong urge to urinate.
  • Hematuria: The urine appears reddish due to the presence of blood.
  • Painful Urination (Dysuria): A stinging or burning sensation and pain when urinating.
  • Suprapubic Pain: Pain in the lower abdomen.

Cystitis Prevention

01

Make sure to drink plenty of fluids.

02

Taking a shower is recommended instead of a sitz bath.

03

Develop a habit of not holding in your urine.

04

Avoid irritating beverages such as coffee and cola.

05

After using the toilet, wipe from front to back to help prevent the spread of bacteria.

  • Cystitis Has a Higher Incidence in Women Than in Men

Cystitis is a condition that occurs more frequently in women than in men. In cases of uncomplicated cystitis, symptoms can improve quickly within 3–7 days with an accurate diagnosis by a specialist and appropriate treatment

Women’s Disease Clinic

The Women’s Disease Clinic at SEOUL MIZ PROMISE IVF is different.

Experienced Medical Care Backed by 20 Years of Clinical Experience

With extensive expertise accumulated through years of clinical experience, you can receive safe and professional care from our highly experienced medical team.

Dr. Park Yeon-i, Representative Director & OB-GYN Specialist

A Systematic Care System from Consultation to Surgery and Postoperative Care

From the initial consultation through surgery and follow-up care, we have established an effective and systematic care system that allows patients to feel reassured and supported throughout the entire treatment process.

Protecting Each Patient’s Privacy

All of our staff are committed to doing their utmost to protect the privacy of every patient who visits SEOUL MIZ PROMISE IVF.