Women's Health

Question 1

What are the diagnostics for vaginal thrush?

Answer 1

Cottage cheese-like discharge.
Itching.
No odour.
Sudden onset.
Commonly caused after having taken antibiotics (kills the healthy gut flora).

Question 2

What is the treatment for vaginal thrush?

Answer 2

Clotrimazole.

Fluconazole.

Question 3

When should vaginal thrush be referred?

Answer 3

More than 2 flare-ups within the
past 6 months.
Poor diabetes control could mean it’s due to hyperglycaemia so need pharmacological intervention from GP.
Pregnancy (no license for use of clotrimazole in pregnant patients).
Uncommon in patients under 16.

Question 4

What are the diagnostics for bacterial vaginosis?

Answer 4

Strong smell of fish.
Yellow discharge.
Slow onset.

Question 5

When should bacterial vaginosis be referred?

Answer 5

Immediately.

Question 6

What are the diagnostics for cystitis?

Answer 6

Inflammation, urge to go to the
toilet more frequently.
Urge to urinate is so bad that it wakes the sufferer up.
Inability to urinate.
Blood in the urine.

Question 7

What is the treatment for cystitis?

Answer 7

Sodium/potassium citrate.

Question 8

What non-pharmacological advice can be given for cystitis?

Answer 8

Cranberry Juice.

Urge patient to keep on top of fluids.

Question 9

When should cystitis be referred?

Answer 9

If the patient is male.
If the patient wants an OTC remedy
but they suffer from hyperkalaemia or HTN (sodium draws water into the circulation, increased load in circulation so pressure increases).

Question 10

What may cause cystitis?

Answer 10

May be caused by vigorous sexual activity, using contraceptives, being pregnant, a recent history of upper UTIs.

Question 11

What are the diagnostics for dysmenorrhoea?

Answer 11

Painful periods (severe pain).
Usually seen in younger women (teenagers and early 20s is the most common age group).
Abdominal pain.
GI symptoms.
Feeling faint.
Headaches.

Question 12

What is the treatment for dysmenorrhoea?

Answer 12

Feminax Ultra (naproxen), 
buscopan.

Question 13

What non-pharmacological advice can be given for dysmenorrhoea?

Answer 13

Advise to always take NSAIDs on a
full stomach.
Take buscopan 2 days before the expected onset of period.

Question 14

When should dysmenorrhoea be referred?

Answer 14

If the patient has a history of GI issues, particularly peptic ulcers because this could cause a flare-up.

Question 15

What are the diagnostics for menopause?

Answer 15

Hot flushes.
Night sweats.
Mood swings.

Question 16

When should menopause b referred?

Answer 16

Immediately.