Gynaecology and Urinary Tract Infections

Question 1

What is Cystitis and what causes it?

Answer 1

It is the inflammation of the bladder. The inflammation is caused by a urinary tract infection.

Question 2

How is recurrent cystitis defined?

Answer 2

3 episodes in 12 months or 2 in 6 months

Question 3

What are the main symptoms of cystitis?

Answer 3

Frequent urination or increased desire to urinate even if only a few drops are passed.

Question 4

How does a urinary tract infection occur?

Answer 4

It happens when the natural bacteria produced by the body gets into the urethra and grows.

Question 5

How long does inflammation normally occur for?

Answer 5

After 2-3 days the inflammation usually clears up.

Question 6

Which demographic would you refer to the Pharmacist for Cystitis?

Answer 6

Patients over 70
Children under 16
Men
Pregnant or breast feeding

Question 7

Which symptoms associated with cystitis would you refer to a Pharmacist for?

Answer 7

Abdominal pain
Blood in urine
Change in vaginal discharge
Patient has been sick or had a fever

Question 8

What treatments are available for Cystitis and what are the recommended counselling points?

Answer 8

Alkalysing agents are often used such as Potassium or Sodium Citrate.
Each pack is a 2 day course: 1 sachet to be taken 3 times a day

Question 9

What is some lifestyle advice for patients suffering with cystitis?

Answer 9

Increase fluids but avoid tea, coffee and alcohol
Avoid scented products in the vaginal areas
Wipe front to back
Urinate after sex
Wear cotton, breathable underwear
Go to the toilet as soon as the urge is there
Avoid spicy foods and fruit juices

Question 10

What yeast causes vaginal thrush?

Answer 10

Candida albicans

Question 11

How is vaginal thrush caused?

Answer 11

A change in the pH balance of the vaginal area can lead to a growth in this bacteria. 
The change in pH can be caused by: 
Use of antibiotics 
Hormonal change
Wearing tight, unbreathable clothing

Question 12

What are some of the alarm symptoms of vaginal thrush?

Answer 12

Recurrent thrush
Blood in the urine
Abdominal pain 
Fever, nausea or vomitting 
Spotting/bleeding after intercourse 
Discharge is frothy, yellow, green or grey
Discharge smells

Question 13

How long if symptoms are presents should you refer to a Pharmacist for Vaginal thrush?

Answer 13

5 days

Question 14

Which demographic would you refer to the Pharmacist if they presented symptoms of vaginal thrush?

Answer 14

Pregnant/ breast feeding
Under 16
Over 60
Male

Question 15

What treatment options are available for vaginal thrush?

Answer 15

1 x Fluconazole capsule

Topical anti-fungal (Clotrimazole) which can be in the form of internal or external creams, pessaries

Question 16

What is dysmenorrhoea also known as?

Answer 16

Period pain

Question 17

Why does dysmenorrhoa occur?

Answer 17

Before menstruation begins, progesterone levels drop. Prostaglandins increase in the uterus and this causes the cramping sensation and the lining of the uterus wall begins to shred.

Question 18

What are some of the alarm symptoms of period pain?

Answer 18

If there is blood in the urine
The pain does not decrease as the period continues
The pain starts more than 24 hours before bleeding occurs
Irregular cycles
Severe or intense pain
Pain lasts more than 3 days

Question 19

What medication for cramping during periods is available?

Answer 19

Hyoscine butylbromide

Alverine

Question 20

Which demographic would you refer to a Pharmacist for period pain?

Answer 20

If the patient is over 30 presenting symptoms for the first time