Vaginal Infections, STIs, Vulvar Conditions Flashcards
bacterial vaginosis definiton
alteration of the normal vaginal flora of the vagina with dominance of anaerobic bacteria (not enough of that good Lacto B)
etiology of BV
-loss of lactobacilli results in elevated pH and subsequent overgrowth of bacteria
-NOT an STI, however more common in women with new partners
-BV may increase risk for acquiring HIV or HSV 2
-may be asx with pp, post op infection, endometriosis, PID
symptoms of BV (4)
-odor, color
-most often asymptomatic
-pruritis occasionally
-heavy grayish/yellowish/whitish malodorous discharge
-rancid or fishy odor during menses and after sex
physical findings of BV
- homogenous, aderent, whitish-gray discharge
- normal appearing vulva and vaginal mucosa
- discharge may coat vaginal walls and vulva
- presence of foul odor
diagnostic tests/findings for BV
-wet mount of vaginal secretions
Amsel criteria diagnostic of BV include presence of three of the following:
a. vaginal pH > 4.5
b. clue cells on saline wet mount (epithelial cells with borders obscured); > 20% of epithelial cells are studded
c. homogeneous discharge, white, smoothly coating vaginal wall
d. positive “whiff” test- fishy amine odor of vaginal dc with addition of KOH
treatment of BV includes
-Metronidazole (Flagyl) 500 mg BID for 7 days
-Metronidazole gel 0.75%, one full applicator intravaginally at bedtime for 5 days
-Clindamycin cream 2%, one full applicator intravaginally at bedtime for 7 days
alternative regimens:
-Clindamycin 300 mg orally BID for 7 days
what should we counsel patients regarding metronidazole use?
can cause disulfiram effect (flushing, vomiting) when consumed with alcohol; counsel patient to avoid alcohol use during and for 24 hours after completion
SE: metallic taste, nausea, headache, dry mouth, dark-colored urine
Trichomoniasis definition
vaginal infection caused by anareobic, flagellated protozoan parasite
T/F trichomoniasis infection may be associated with preterm rupture of membranes and preterm labor
TRUE
why we test and treat in pregnancy/at amenorrhea visit
symptoms of Trich
-copious, malodorous, yellowish-green discharge; vulva irritation; pruritis, and occasionally dysuria, urgency, frequency of urination, post coital and intermenstrual bleeding
-onset of symptoms occur after menses
physical findings of patients with trich
-erythema, edema, excoriation of vulva
-red speckles “strawberry cervix” on vagina and cervix
-homogeneous, watery, yellow-green, grayish, foul smelling discharge
-ph>5
-cervix may bleed easily when touched
diagnostic tests for trich
-saline wet mouth
-definitive test: culture
-detection on pap ok too
treatment of trichomoniasis
- metronidazole 2g orally in a single dose (male)
- metronidazole 500 mg BID for 7 days (female)
- Tinidazole 2 g orally in single dose
T/F trichomoniasis is not an STI so partners don’t need to be treated
false babe!!!
all sexual partners should be treated
when should repeat testing be done? what if treatment failure has occured?
in 3 months
-exclude reinfection, consider treatment with metronidazole or tinidazole 2g orally for 7 days
treatment of trich in pregnancy (1)
- metronidazole 2g PO in single dose
*NOTE: crosses the placenta BUT no teratogenicity effect found
vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC)
-predisposing factors??
inflammatory vulvovaginal process caused by yeast organism
predisposing factors to yeast infections: pregnancy, reproductive age, uncontrolled diabetes, immunosuppressive disorders, frequent intercourse, antibiotic use, high-dose corticosteroids
symptoms and physical findings of yeast infection
-pruritis/irritation of vulva
-white, curd-like discharge
-dyspareunia
-erythema of vulva and vagina
-cervix normal on speculum exam
diagnostic tests
wet mount of vaginal secretions
-vaginal pH usually < 4.5; amine test neg
-increased number of WBC (since its an inflammatory process)
recommended regimens for yeast infections
-azole family of antifungals preferred
- Clotrimazole 1% cream, 5g intravaginally daily for 7-14 days
- Miconazole 2% cream, 5g intravaginally for 7 days
- Miconazole 4% cream, 5g intravaginally for 3 days
- oral agent: fluconazole 150 mg orally in single dose
treatment for recurrent VVC in nonpregnant patients
-how many episodes is considered recurrent
-4 or more symptomatic episodes in one year
- culture to determine if non-albicans candida species
- consider longer-duration therapy: 150 mg oral fluconazole every 72 hours for 3 rounds
- consider use of intravaginal probiotics
treatment of VVC in pregancy
- monistat OTC
- Miconazole 2% cream, in the vagina for 7 days
- Nystatin suppository for 14 nights
OVERALL: avoid oral agent for VVC in pregnancy!
key point regarding use of azole creams an suppositories since they are oil-based…
may weaken latex condoms and diaphragms
severe VVC (extensive erythema, edema, fissure formation) usually requires…
7-14 days of topical azole regimen or repeat dose of fluconazole 72 hours after initial dose
why do we worry about chlamydia infections in pregnant patients?
may cause pneumonia or conjunctivitis in neonates
also can cause PROM or preterm labor
sequelae of chlamydia (lots)
cervicitis, endometritis, PID, ectopic, infertility, acute urethral syndrome, pp infections, premature labor and delivery, premature rupture of membranes, and perinatal morbidity
risk factors
-who is at highest risk?
- sexually active women < 25 years old (should be tested annually in women <25 who are sexually active)
- multiple partners
- nonuse of barrier methods
symptoms of chlamydia
-mostly asymptomatic
-postcoital bleeding; intermenstrual bleeding or spotting
-symptoms of UTI (dysuria, frequency)
-vaginal discharge
-abdominal pain
-males: usually asymptomatic; may have dysuria, urethral discharge, pruritis
physical findings of chlamydia
-mucopurulent endocervical discharge; edematous, tender cervix with easily induced bleeding
-suprapubic pain or slight tenderness upon palpation
gold standard for diagnosis of chlamydia
-what else should you rule out?
- NAAT aka nonculture method/urine test
- culture- expensive
- specimen source for women: vaginal is preferred (patient or provider collected)
- specimen source for men: first catch urine
-gonococcal culture to rule out gonorrhea
-serologic testing for syphilis: wet-mount testing for vaginal infections; consider HIV screen
chlamydia treatment recommendations
-preferred treatment
-backup
-alternatives
- Doxycycline 100 mg PO BID for 7 days
- Azithromycin 1 g PO, single dose
Alternatives:
-amoxicillin 500 mg PO TID for 7 days
chlamydia in pregnancy treatment-
DO NOT USE DOXY
recommended treatment: azithromycin 1g PO single dose
those unable to use azithromycin: amoxicillin 500 mg TID for 7 days as alternative
how do we manage sex partners of patients with chlamydia?
-anybody they had sex with 60 days preceding onset of symptoms or diagnosis
-most recent sex partner should be treated if its been > 60 days
-expedited partner treatment should be considered
patient counseling for chlamydia infection/treatment
-intercourse should be avoided for 7 days after single-dose treatment of until 7-day regimen is completed
when should we retest for infection?
3 months post treatment is recommended; earliest is 3 weeks for TOC but may get false + if any sooner
Condylome Acuminata, anogenital warts
-etiology?
-caused by HPV
-sexually transmitted by skin to skin contact through viral shedding
-highly contagious!!!
incubation period of genital warts
4-6 weeks
symptoms and physical findings of anogenital warts
-wartlike lesions: pedunculated conical or cauliflower appearance; anywhere on the perineum
-may appear granular, macular, or cobblestone
-perineal area may bleed easily, be painful, or pruritic
-color varies from pink to gray, if dark highly suspicious of malignancy
diagnostic tests/findings for genital warts
-diagnosis made by visual inspection
-bx if diagnosis is uncertain
-serologic testing for syphilis; testing for other STIs; wet-mount for vaginal infections; consider HIV testing
management of genital warts
-patient counseling/education
GOAL: to eliminate visible disease and improve symptoms
-treatment depends on patient preference
-keep area dry and clean
-use condoms
medication/treatment of genital warts
- cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen; repeat every 1-2 weeks for 6 weeks OR
- surgical removal
- Imiquidmod 3.75% or 5% cream; applied sparingly at bedtime three times a week for up to 16 weeks
HPV vaccination recommendations
-all young girls and women recommended starting at age 11-26 years
-boys and young men (9-26)
-adults aged 27-45: public health benefit is minimal
Gonorrhea etiology, sites of infection, transmission, resistance concerns
-sites: urethra, endocervix, Skene’s glands, Bartholin’s glands, pharynx, and or anus
-STI
-incubation period: 3-5 days
-sine 1976, some penicillinase-producing strains have been present; some are now resistant to tertracycline and quinolones