Vaginal Infections and Basal Body Temperature in Women

Q: Vaginal Infections and Basal Body Temperature in Women

Hello： Regarding your questions, here are the responses： 1. <br>For recurrent vaginitis, consider performing a bacterial culture. <br>If there is no specific sexually transmitted infection, it is still necessary to take some time to alter the vaginal pH and undergo treatment. <br

Basal Body Temperature & Vaginitis

Hello doctor, I have been experiencing recurrent vaginitis for four months and have consulted three different obstetricians.
During the examinations, they all said that everything seems fine, with only mild discharge, and suggested using suppositories and topical ointments.
I have also tried oral medications, but there has been little improvement; I keep returning for prescriptions but still feel persistent itching and discomfort without any relief.
I have been taking probiotics, wearing looser clothing, avoiding baths, and trying to sleep earlier, but nothing seems to change.
The doctor mentioned that I could only try different suppositories, indicating there are no other options.
Is it true that I might have to take medication year-round without any other solutions? This situation is already affecting my daily emotions and my sex life.

A couple of days ago (ten days before my period), I noticed a very light pink discharge for two days, and on the third day, I observed a pinkish-orange fluid.
However, during the examination, the doctor did not see anything unusual and confirmed there was no bleeding and that the color was not due to the suppositories.
My cycle is about 28 to 29 days.
According to the doctor, is it really okay for this color to appear? Thank you!
Regarding my basal body temperature, I measured it for a month and found little variation, with a maximum of 37.11°C and a minimum of 36.5°C.
Only two days in the month were below 36.5°C, while the average was around 36.8°C to 36.9°C.
For me, 36.7°C is considered low, and there was no significant drop in temperature during my period; the day before my period, it was 36.9°C, and on the first day of my period, it was 36.68°C.
After that, it continued to stay around 36.8°C or 36.9°C.
However, the Western doctor stated that there was no ovulation but did not explain why or provide any suggestions or tests, only advising to wait three days after my period to have blood drawn.
What further tests should I ask the doctor for? Because in the past two months, I did not conceive during the fertile window, and I only started measuring my temperature in the third month, discovering that it has consistently been above 36.7°C, with very little fluctuation of about 0.1°C daily.
This is really distressing.
Thank you.

Jīnyú, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/01/09

Dr. Lin Manying reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello: Regarding your questions, here are the responses: 1.
For recurrent vaginitis, consider performing a bacterial culture.
If there is no specific sexually transmitted infection, it is still necessary to take some time to alter the vaginal pH and undergo treatment.
2.
Light bleeding 10 days before menstruation, if there are no issues with the Pap smear and it is not cervical bleeding, may be due to insufficient progesterone during the luteal phase.
If it resolves on its own, it should not be a concern.
3.
Using basal body temperature to determine ovulation lacks objectivity; it is recommended to follow your physician's instructions to conduct basic tests such as hormonal levels, follicle assessment, and endometrial thickness.
Hualien Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, cares about your health.

Reply Date: 2020/01/09

More Info

Understanding vaginal infections and basal body temperature can be quite complex, especially when symptoms persist despite multiple consultations and treatments. Let's break down your concerns regarding recurrent vaginal infections and the implications of your basal body temperature readings.

Vaginal Infections
Recurrent vaginal infections can be frustrating and distressing. It’s important to understand that various factors can contribute to persistent symptoms, including:
1. Infection Type: Common causes of vaginal infections include bacterial vaginosis, yeast infections, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Each has different treatment protocols, and misdiagnosis can lead to ineffective treatment. If you have been treated for one type but have another, symptoms may persist.

2. Antibiotic Use: If you’ve been on antibiotics, they can disrupt the natural flora of the vagina, leading to yeast overgrowth. This can create a cycle of infection and treatment that is hard to break.

3. Underlying Conditions: Conditions such as diabetes, hormonal imbalances, or immune system disorders can predispose you to recurrent infections. It might be worth discussing these possibilities with your healthcare provider.

4. Lifestyle Factors: Factors such as tight clothing, irritants (like soaps or hygiene products), and sexual activity can exacerbate symptoms. You mentioned wearing loose clothing and avoiding baths, which is good. Continuing to identify and eliminate potential irritants is crucial.

5. Probiotics: While you are taking probiotics, it’s essential to ensure they are the right strains that support vaginal health, such as Lactobacillus species. Discussing this with a healthcare provider may provide additional insights.

Basal Body Temperature (BBT)
Your observations regarding your basal body temperature are also significant. BBT can provide insights into ovulation and hormonal health. Here are some points to consider:
1. Ovulation: A typical BBT chart shows a biphasic pattern, where temperatures rise slightly after ovulation due to increased progesterone. If your temperatures are consistently high without a clear biphasic pattern, it may suggest anovulation (not ovulating).

2. Temperature Variability: The small fluctuations you are observing (0.1 degrees) are normal. However, if you are not seeing a significant rise post-ovulation, it could indicate an issue with ovulation.

3. Menstrual Cycle: The slight pink discharge you noted before your period could be related to hormonal changes as your cycle approaches. It’s not uncommon for women to experience light spotting or changes in discharge color due to hormonal fluctuations.

Next Steps
Given your ongoing symptoms and concerns, here are some recommendations:
1. Further Testing: Request a comprehensive evaluation that may include:
- Culture Tests: To identify specific pathogens causing the infection.

- Hormonal Testing: To assess for any hormonal imbalances that may be affecting your cycle and BBT.

- Immunological Assessment: To evaluate your immune response, especially if recurrent infections are a concern.

2. Consult a Specialist: If your current gynecologist is unable to provide satisfactory answers, consider seeking a second opinion or consulting a reproductive endocrinologist or a specialist in infectious diseases.

3. Lifestyle Adjustments: Continue to maintain a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, and stress management techniques. These can all contribute to overall health and may help in managing symptoms.

4. Emotional Support: Persistent health issues can take a toll on your emotional well-being. Consider speaking with a counselor or joining a support group for women experiencing similar issues.

In conclusion, while it can be disheartening to deal with recurrent vaginal infections and concerns about your menstrual cycle, understanding the underlying factors and seeking appropriate testing and treatment can lead to better management of your symptoms. Always advocate for your health and seek the answers you need to feel comfortable and informed.

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