Sexual and reproductive health Flashcards
What is the treatment of candida (thrush)?
Topical imidazoles e.g. clotrimazole (Canesten) or oral fluconazole.
What are the typical symptoms of thrush?
A cottage cheese discharge with vulval irritation and itching. There may be superficial dyspareunia and dysuria. The vagina and vulva are inflamed and red.
What causes bacterial vaginosis?
When normal lactobacilli are overgrown by a mixed flora containing anaerobes, Gardnerlla or Mycoplasma hominis.
How is BV diagnosed?
Raised vaginal pH.
Positive “whiff” test - fishy odour when 10% KOH is added to the secretions
Presence of “clue cells” - epithelial cells studded with Gram-variable coccobacilli on microscopy
What are the possible complications of BV and how can it be treated?
Can cause PID or preterm labour.
Treat with metronidazole or clindamycin cream.
What are the complications of chlamydia infection?
Pelvic infection leading to tubal damage, subfertility and chronic pelvic pain.
Reiter’s syndrome - uveitis, conjunctivitis and arthritis
How does gonorrhoea normally present in women?
Commonly asymptomatic Vaginal discharge Urethritis Bartholinitis Cervicitis Pelvis commonly affected
What are systemic complications of gonorrhoea?
Bacteraemia
Acute, usually monoarticular, septic arthritis
What investigations should be done for suspected gonorrhoea?
Culture of endocervical swabs
NAAT test, followed by cultures for abx sensitivities
What is the treatment of gonorrhoea?
IM ceftriaxone (or oral cefixime) Partner notification and treatment
How are genital warts (HPV) treated?
Topical podophyllin and imiquimod cream
Cryotherapy or electrocautery
HPV vaccine may be protective
What are the complications of herpes infection?
Secondary bacterial infection
Aseptic meningitis
Acute urinary retention
How does primary or secondary syphilis present?
Primary syphilis - a solitary painless vulval ulcer (chancre).
If untreated, secondary syphilis may develop weeks later, often with a rash, influenza-like symptoms and genital/peri-oral growth. This may be followed by latent syphilis.
What investigations should be done for suspected syphilis and how is it treated?
Enzyme immunoassay and VDRL tests.
Treatment at all stages is IM penicillin.
What are the symptoms of Trichomoniasis (TV)?
Offensive grey-green discharge Vulval irritation Superficial dyspareunia Cervicitis (punctate erythematous, strawberry like appearance) Can be asymptomatic
How is TV diagnosed?
Wet film microscopy
Staining or culture of vaginal swabs