Introduction
- During the pregnancy, elevated estrogen level facilitates Lactobacillus to occupy a dominant position in vaginal flora, however, at the same time, the incidence of Vulvovaginal candidiasis also turns higher [8–10]. The secretions from the vaginal vestibular glands increases and the vulva remain in a wet state. This scenario is highly conducive for the growth of Lactobacillus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Candida, Enterococcus faecalis, Propionibacillus, Corynebacter, and Mycoplasma hominis. In addition, increased vaginal mucosa congestion, edema, and permeability also make vaginal mucosa more vulnerable to injury than that of a pre-pregnancy period. Therefore, pregnant women become more prone to various vaginal infections.
Methods