Vaginal Infections Home Tests Flashcards
65% of women experiencing symptoms have 1 of 3 common infections:
- bacterial vaginosis (BV)
- vulvovaginal candidasis (VV)
- trichomonasis
Normal vaginal discharge:
- clear
- white
- odorless
- viscous
- sticky
Normal vaginal pH:
< 4.5
Symptoms of VVC or yeast infections:
- itching
- redness
- edema
Pathogen for VVC/yeast infections:
fungal
Vaginal pH during VVC/yeast infections:
< 4.5
Vaginal discharge during VVC/yeast infections:
- thick
- white
- cottage cheese like
- odorless
Vaginal discharge during BV:
- thin
- watery
- off white/gray
- fishy odor
Symptoms of BV:
none
Pathogen of BV:
bacterial
Vaginal pH during BV:
> 4.5
Vaginal discharge during trichomoniasis:
- yellow/green
- frothy
- malodorous
Symptoms of trichomoniasis:
- vaginal irritation
- redness
- edema
Pathogen of trichomoniasis:
parasite
Vaginal pH of trichomoniasis:
5 - 6
VVC is also known as:
yeast infection
- most common out of the three
What is the most common pathogen of VVC?
candida albicans
Factors that can cause VVC:
- pregnancy
- high dose combined oral contraceptives
- estrogen therapy
- sexually active
- tight fitting clothing
Treatment goals of VVC:
- relieve symptoms
- eradicate infection
- reestablish normal flora
Exclusions to self treatment of VVC:
- first yeast infection
- recurrent infections (3+ in a year)
- fever/pain in pelvic area
- pregnant
- younger than 12 years old
- reinfection w/in 2 months
- diabetes
- HIV/AIDS or immunosuppressed
Natural ways to treat VVC:
- nonabsorbent clothing
- yogurt
- limiting sucrose and refined carbs
- discontinue offending agent after consulting PCP
Medications to treat VVC:
- imidazoles (first line)
- part of antifungal pharmacologic class
- come as tabs, creams, and suppositories
- miconazole
- clotrimazole
- tioconazole
T/F: duration of therapy for VVC does correspond to time of resolution of symptoms
F, it doesn’t correspond to time of resolution of symptoms
Adverse reactions of medications for VVC:
- uncommon
- usually only occurs in first dose
- itching
- irritation
- vulvovaginal burning
Drug interactions with medications for VVC:
unlikely b/c limited absorption
Counseling points of medications for VVC:
- should apply therapy at bedtime
- symptoms should improve w/in 2-3 days
- infection should be revolved in 1 one week
- can use during menstration
Benzocaine products:
- alternative therapy
- relieves itching, but doesn’t address underlying cause
- add on therapy for itching
UTI symptoms:
- pain/burning when urinating
- cloudy urine
- need to urinate but have issues passing urine
- frequent trips to bathroom
Nonpharmacologic treatment of UTIs:
- hydration w/ water
- urinate after intercourse
- breatheable underwear
- avoid irritants
- cranberry (prevention)
Pharmacologic treatment of UTIs:
- refer to PCP for antibacterials
- symptom management only w/ OTC product
Phenazopyridine as treatment for UTIs:
- dose: 95mg / 97.5 mg
- directions: 2 tabs PO TID w/ meals for max of 2 days
- counseling: drink lots of water and may cause discoloration of urine/mucous membranes orange color
T/F: 45% of women may experience but only 25% reach out for treatment of atrophic vaginitis
T
Atrophic vaginitis:
- inflammation of vagina related to atrophy secondary to decreased estrogen levels
- vaginal epithelium becomes thin and lubrication declines during menopause, postpartum peroid, and breastfeeding
Symptoms of atrophic vaginitis:
- decrease in vaginal lubrication
- dyspareunia leads to painful intercourse
- vaginal irritation, dryness, burning, and itchy
- thin, watery vaginal discharge or spotting may be present
Self treatment of atrophic vaginitis:
- for mild/moderate symptoms
- confined to vaginal area
- no bleeding
Goals of treatment of atrophic vaginitis are…
- reduce symptoms of vaginal dryness
- eliminate dyspareunia
Exclusions for self treatment of atrophic vaginitis:
- symptoms of severe vaginal dryness, bleeding, and dyspareunia
- vaginal dryness/dyspareunia not fixed by lubricants
- any new post-menopausal bleeding
Lubricants as treatment for atrophic vaginitis:
- K-Y jelly, astroglide, replens
- temporarily relieves symptoms
- apply as frequently as needed
T/F: petroleum jelly can be used as treatment
F b/c petroleum jelly is difficult to remove from the vagina
T/F: estrogen therapy needs to be prescribed by PCP
T
Counseling points for treatment of atrophic vaginitis:
symptoms typically improve in 1 week
