Sexual Health Flashcards
what is bacterial vaginosis?
overgrowth of anaerobic bacteria in vagina that causes unusual fishy smelling, grey-ish white thin discharge
Caused by the loss of normal lactobacilli in vagina. Increases risk of STI transmission
what percentage of women with BV have no symptoms?
50%
What symtoms are not related to BV?
Soreness or itching
What are 4 risk factors for BV?
multiple sexual partners
recent Abx
IUD - copper coil
excessive vaginal cleaning
what is the diagnostic criteria for BV?
Ansel criteria
thin, white, homogenous discharge
Clue cells
pH >4.5
Whiff test +ve on alkali added
what are 2 complications of BV?
small chance of premature birth/miscarriage
Inceased risk of STI
what is discharge like in BV?
Thin, grey/white, fishy smelling
pH >4.5
What is the first line antibiotic for BV?
1 - Metronidazole 400mg BD 5-7days
OR
2g STAT one off
OR
intravaginal gel 0.75% OD 5 days
SAFE IN PREGNANCY - 2g STAT not safe in pregnancy
2 - Clindamycin gel 2% OD 7 days
What is the healthy bacteria in the vagina?
lactobilli - produce lactic acid and reduce pH of vagina (<4.5)
What is the most common pathogenic cause of BV?
Gardnerella vaginalis
what are 3 common pathogenic causes of BV?
gardnerella vaginalis (most common)
Mycoplasma hominis
prevotella species
ALL ANAEROBIC
What is normal vaginal pH?
3.5-4.5
What is the is the gold standard investigation for BV?
high or low vaginal swab
should also swab for STIs
What cells are found under a microscope in BV?
clue cells
what are 6 complications of BV in pregnancy?
Miscarriage
Preterm delivery
PROM
Chorioamnionitis
Low birth weight
post partum endometritis
Which antibiotic should you avoid alcohol whilst on?
Metronidazole - causes nausea, vomiting, flushing and sometimes shock
what is the most common cause of vaginal thrush?
Candida albicans
What are 4 risk factors for thrush?
increased oestrogen (pregnancy)
poorly controlled diabetes
immunosuppresion
Broad spectrum ABx
what are the symptoms of vaginal thrush?
thick white discharge
vulva and vaginal itching and irritation
What are 6 complications of vaginal thrush?
erythema
fissures
oedema
pain during sex (dyspareunia)
dysuria
excoriation
what is one test that can be used to distiguish between trush and BV/trichomonas?
vaginal pH swab
>4.5 in BV and Trichomonas
<4.5 in candidiasis
what swab is used for vaginal MCS?
charcoal swab - for BV, candidiasis, gonorrhoea, trichomonas, other bacteria
What is the management for thrush?
antifungal cream - clotrimazole 5g 10% single dose
antifungal pessary - clotrimazole 500mg single dose
Oral antifungal - fluconazole 150mg single dose
what is a contraindication to oral antifungals in thrush treatment?
pregnancy