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
what should you tell patients using antifungal creams?
can degrade latex condoms and prevent spermacides from working => use other forms of birth control for at least 5 days
what is the management of oral thrush?
1 - Miconazole oral gel - 2.5ml QDS
2 - nystatin suspension - 1ml QDS for 7 days
3 - if severe/extensive - fluconazole 50mg OD for 14 days
how is trichomonas spread?
sexual activity
what pathogen causes trichomonas?
Trichomonas vaginalis
Protozoan
what does trichomonas infection increase risk of?
HIV contraction (due to vaginal mucosa damage)
BV
cevical cancer
PID
pregnancy complications
What does the discharge look like in trichomonasis?
frothy, yellow-green fishy smelling discharge
on pelvic examination what can be found in someone with trichomoniasis?
strawberry cervix (colpitis macularis) caused by inflammation causing tiny haemorrhages on cerviix surface
how is trichomoniasis diagnosed?
charcoal microscopy swab from posterior fornix of vagina
vaginal pH >4.5
Urethral or first catch urine in men
What is the treatment for trichomoniasis?
refer to GUM for contact tracing
metronidazole 2g single dose
OR
400-500mg TD 5-7days
2g single dose not safe in pregnancy
what are 5 complications of Trichomonas?
Prostatitis
Increased risk prostate/cervical cancer
Infertility
PID
Prinatal complications - IUGR, Prem
what are 4 causes of balantitis?
Eczema/dermatitis
Bacteria - s.aureus, gonorrhoea
Candida
Lichen Planus
Lichen sclerosis
Penile neoplasm
what are 4 risk factors for balantitis
poor hygiene
over washing
HPV
uncircumsised
what are 2 investigations for balantitis?
swab for microbiology and PCR
viral swab
What is the management of balanitis?
gentle saline washes including under foreskin and 1% hydrocortisone if severe
Treat cause
What bacteria causes chancroid?
Haemophilus Ducreyi - coccobacillus
What STI is an important cofactor in HIV transmision?
Chancroid
what are 2 symptoms of chancroid?
Painful erythematous genital papules that become pustular and erode
Inguinal lymphadenopathy
what are 4 risk factors for chancroid?
Geographical location - Africa and Asia more common
Lower socioeconomic stasis
Unprotected sex
Coinfection with other STIs
what STI causes genital ulcers?
chancroid
What is the treatment for chancroid?
IM azithromycin 1g one off dose
Ceftriaxone or erythromycin in allergy
What bacteria causes chlamydia?
Chlamydia trachomatis
gram negative
what is the most common STI in the UK?
Chlamydia
what percentage of men and women are asymptomatic with chlamydia?
men - 50%
women - 75%
what is nucleic acid amplification test swabbing used for?
chlamydia and gonorrhoea
what samples are used in nucleic acid amplification tests?
Vulvovaginal/cervical swab
First void urine sample
how long after possible exposure should chlamydia testing take place?
2 weeks
what are 5 chlamydia symptoms in women?
Abnormal vaginal discharge
pelvic pain
abnormal vaginal bleeding
painful sex
dysuria
what are 4 symptoms of chlamydia in men?
urethral discharge/discomfort
painful urination
epididymo-orchitis
reactive arthritis