vaginal disorders Flashcards
Common causes of vaginitis
-bacterial vaginosis
-vulvovaginal candidiasis
-trichomoniasis
vulvovaginal candidiasis symptoms
pruritis, discomfort, dysuria, thick discharge(thick, clumpy), no change in pH
vulvovaginal candidiasis(VVC) microbiology
-disruption of host vaginal enviorment
-excessive yeast growth
vulvovaginal candidiasis(VVC) predisposing factors
-pregnancy
-high dose oral contraceptives
-estrogen therapy
-history of diabetes
-antibiotics
-immunosuppressed
Self screening kits
-used to identify elevations in pH
-NOT a diagnostic tool
-elevated pH>4.5 needs referral
-pretty accurate
Limitations of self screening kits
-must wait72 hours after using any vaginal preparation(spermacide, antifungal)
-must wait 48 hours after sexual intercourse
-must wait 5 days after menstrual period
uncomplicated VVC
-sporadic/infrequent
-mild to moderate symptoms
-likely to be C. albicans
-non-immunocomprimised
-Responds to short course treatment
Complicated VVC
-recurrent(>3 episodes/year)
-severe symptoms
-non-albicans candidiasis
-VVC in pregnant women, uncontrolled diabetes, immunosuppressed
-Should be evaluated by PCP. May need longer course of treatment/systemic treatment
Exclusions for self care of VVC
-pregnancy
-<12
-concurrent fever or pain in pelvis
-medications such as corticosteroids and antineoplastics
medical disorders(diabetes, HIV)
-recurrent VVC
-first episode
-bacterial vaginosis or trichomoniasis
OTC treatments of VVC
-vaginal antifungals(clotrimazole, miconazole, tioconazole): comes as cream, suppositories, tablets
Vaginal antifungal MOA
Alter fungi membrane permeability through decreased synthesis of
the fungal sterol ergosterol
duration of treatment for VVC
1, 3, or 7 days depending on treatment
Adverse effects of antifungals
-uncommon and generally mild
-burning, itching, irritation
-penile irritation and allergic reactions
-abdominal cramps
-headache
True or false: Cream and suppository antifungals strengthen latex condoms and diaphragms.
False. These medications are oil based and will weaken the material. Do not use for up to 3 days after therapy
Antifungal drug interactions
-limited systemic absorption
-possible interactions between miconazole suppositories and warfarin