Module 9 Part 2 Vaginitis

Question 1

Question

Answer 1

Answer

Question 2

What is vaginitis?

Answer 2

Vaginitis is the irritation or inflammation of the vagina, often caused by infections. It can be characterized by increased white blood cells.

Question 3

What’s the difference between vaginitis and vaginosis?

Answer 3

Vaginitis is characterized by increased white blood cells, while vaginosis involves vaginal irritation without white blood cells.

Question 4

What are the main causes of vaginitis?

Answer 4

Vaginitis can be caused by an overgrowth of normal vaginal flora, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and vaginal irritation due to low estrogen levels, especially during menopause.

Question 5

Who is most at risk for sexually transmitted vaginitis?

Answer 5

Sexually transmitted vaginitis is most common in women aged 15 to 24.

Question 6

How is vaginitis related to changes in the vaginal environment?

Answer 6

Vaginitis is linked to alterations in the vaginal environment, affecting local defense mechanisms, including changes in vaginal pH. Maintaining a slightly acidic pH (usually 4.0 to 4.5) is crucial in preventing infections.

Question 7

What factors can alter vaginal pH and predispose a woman to infection?

Answer 7

Douching, using soaps, spermicides, feminine hygiene sprays, and scented menstrual products can change vaginal pH and increase susceptibility to infection.

Question 8

What are some conditions that might increase glycogen content in vaginal secretions and contribute to vaginitis?

Answer 8

Conditions such as pregnancy and diabetes can be associated with higher glycogen levels in vaginal secretions and may play a role in vaginitis.

Question 9

A specific probiotic strain, Lactobacillus plantarum P17630, can attach to vaginal epithelium, reducing the adhesion of C. albicans and potentially lowering the risk of recurrent Candida infections.

Answer 9

A specific probiotic strain, Lactobacillus plantarum P17630, can attach to vaginal epithelium, reducing the adhesion of C. albicans and potentially lowering the risk of recurrent Candida infections.

Question 10

How can antibiotics contribute to yeast infections (Candida albicans) in the vagina?

Answer 10

Antibiotics can disrupt the normal vaginal flora, allowing Candida albicans to overgrow and cause a yeast infection.

Question 11

What is the effect of increased vaginal alkalinity on susceptibility to infections like trichomoniasis and bacterial vaginosis (BV)?

Answer 11

Increased vaginal alkalinity can make a person more susceptible to infections such as trichomoniasis and BV.

Question 12

How is vaginitis diagnosed?

Answer 12

Diagnosis involves considering the patient’s medical history, conducting a physical examination, and examining vaginal discharge under a microscope using a wet mount technique.

Question 13

What signs suggest an infection in the case of vaginitis?

Answer 13

A marked change in discharge color or if the discharge becomes copious, foul-smelling, or irritating suggests an infection.

Question 14

What is the goal of vaginitis treatment?

Answer 14

Treatment aims to restore an acidic vaginal environment, relieve symptoms like itching and irritation, and use antimicrobial or antifungal medications to eliminate the infectious microorganism.

Question 15

In cases of sexually transmitted vaginitis, does the woman’s partner require treatment?

Answer 15

Yes, the woman’s partner also needs treatment if the infection can be sexually transmitted.

Question 16

How can probiotics, especially Lactobacillus crispatus, help with vaginitis?

Answer 16

Probiotics can promote the growth of normal vaginal flora and reduce the risk of vaginitis, particularly in women at risk for this condition.

Question 17

What’s the potential role of Lactobacillus plantarum P17630 in vaginitis management?

Answer 17

Lactobacillus plantarum P17630 can attach to vaginal epithelium, reducing the adhesion of Candida albicans and potentially decreasing the recurrence of Candida infections.