WOMEN'S HEALTH - SEXUAL HEALTH + GUM Flashcards
STI SCREENING
What asymptomatic screening would you do in females?
- Self-taken vulvo-vaginal swabs for gonorrhoea + chlamydia (NAAT)
- bloods for HIV + other STIs like syphilis
STI SCREENING
What asymptomatic screening would you do in heterosexual males?
First-void urine sample for NAAT,
?bloods
STI SCREENING
What asymptomatic screening would you do in homosexual males?
- First-void urine sample for NAAT
- pharyngeal + rectal swab,
- bloods for HIV, hep B
STI SCREENING
What symptomatic screening would you do in GUM for females?
Double/triple swabs
- NAAT endocervical swabs
- High vaginal charcoal swabs (HVS) for BV, TV, candida, GBS
- Endocervical charcoal swab for triple (gonorrhoea)
Bloods for HIV, syphilis, Hep B
Urinalysis if dysuria for pus cells
STI SCREENING
What symptomatic screening would you do in GUM for men?
- Urethral swabs + first-void urine NAAT.
- Bloods for HIV, syphilis, hep B
- Rectal + pharyngeal MC&S for MSM
GUM
What is the purpose of contact tracing?
- Prevent re-infection of index patient
- Identify + treat asymptomatic infected individuals as a public health measure
GUM
What are some risk factors for STIs?
- <25y
- Multiple sexual partners
- Lack of barrier methods
- Poor socioeconomic status
- Having other STIs
CHLAMYDIA
What is chlamydia?
- Most common STI in UK (approx 1 in 10 young women have it)
CHLAMYDIA
What is it caused by?
Chlamydia trachomatis – obligate intracellular gram -ve cocc
CHLAMYDIA
What is the incubation period?
7–21days
CHLAMYDIA
What is the clinical presentation of chlamydia most of the time?
Asymptomatic in 70% F + 50% M
CHLAMYDIA
What is the clinical presentation of chlamydia in women?
- Cervicitis (abnormal PV discharge, PCB, IMB),
- dysuria,
- dyspareunia
CHLAMYDIA
What is the clinical presentation of chlamydia in men?
Urethral discharge,
dysuria,
urethritis
CHLAMYDIA
What are some differentials of chlamydia?
- Gonorrhoea
- Prostatitis
- Trichomonas vaginalis
- UTI, BV
CHLAMYDIA
What findings may there be on clinical examination in chlamydia?
- Pelvic/abdo tenderness
- Cervical excitation
- Cervicitis
- White/purulent discharge
CHLAMYDIA
What swabs would be taken for chlamydia?
Nucleic acid amplification tests (NAAT)
- M = first-void urine sample or urethral swab
- F = endocervical, vulvo-vaginal swab (self-taken) or first-void urine
- MSM = pharyngeal/rectal swab if indicated
Charcoal swab (HVS or endocervical) for MC&S to screen for other conditions
CHLAMYDIA
Who is chlamydia screening aimed at?
- M/F 15–24, relies heavily on opportunistic testing
CHLAMYDIA
What is the chlamydia screening programme aim?
What is the process?
- Aims to screen every sexually active pt annually or on changing sexual partner
- +ve tests are retested 3m after treatment to ensure haven’t re-contracted
CHLAMYDIA
Generic GUM STI testing Tests for which conditions?
Chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis + HIV.
CHLAMYDIA
What are some generic complications of chlamydia?
- Reactive arthritis,
- epididymitis,
- PID,
- endometriosis,
- increased incidence of ectopic pregnancy,
- most common preventable cause of infertility
CHLAMYDIA
What are some pregnancy-related complications?
- Preterm delivery,
- PROM,
- low birth weight
- neonatal infection
CHLAMYDIA
How would you manage chlamydia?
- Test for other STIs, contraceptive advice, ?safeguarding if child.
- Doxycycline 100mg BD for 7d (C/I pregnancy or breastfeeding).
- 1g azithromycin stat dose in pregnancy (erythromycin or amoxicillin safe too)
- Referral to GUM for partner notification + contact tracing.
CHLAMYDIA
What is the process of contact tracing for chlamydia?
- Men with urethral Sx – all contacts since + in 4w prior to onset
- A-Sx M/F = all partners from last 6m or most recent sexual partner
- Contacts of confirmed chlamydia offer treatment prior to results of investigations then treat test
GONORRHOEA
What is gonorrhoea?
- STI that affects any mucous membrane surface with columnar epithelium (endocervix, urethra, conjunctiva, rectum, pharynx).
GONORRHOEA
What is it caused by?
Neisseria gonorrhoea –gram -ve diplococcus
GONORRHOEA
What is the incubation period and how does it spread?
2–5d, spreads via contact with infected mucous secretions, often if co-existing STI
GONORRHOEA
What is the clinical presentation of gonorrhoea most of the time?
Asymptomatic 90% F, 50% M
GONORRHOEA
What is the clinical presentation of gonorrhoea in women?
Cervicitis (PV discharge, PCB, IMB, dyspareunia)
GONORRHOEA
What is the clinical presentation of gonorrhoea in men?
Urethral discharge,
dysuria,
testicular pain/swelling (epididymo-orchitis)
GONORRHOEA
What is the clinical presentation of gonorrhoea in rectal + pharyngeal infection?
Asymptomatic but sometimes peri-anal pain
GONORRHOEA
What is the clinical presentation of gonorrhoea discharge?
Odourless purulent, can be green/yellow
GONORRHOEA
How would you investigate for gonorrhoea?
NAAT testing
- M = first-void urine or urethral swab
- W = endocervical, vulvo-vaginal or first-void urine
- Pharyngeal/rectal swab in MSM or clinical indication
Charcoal swab (endocervical or HVS) MC&S
GONORRHOEA
What is the importance of a charcoal swab MC&S in gonorrhoea?
- To screen for other STIs.
- Reduces antibiotic resistance by matching to sensitivities
GONORRHOEA
What are the local complications of gonorrhoea?
- Urethral strictures
- Epididymo-orchitis + salpingitis (can lead to infertility)
GONORRHOEA
What are the systemic complications of gonorrhoea?
- PID
- Gonococcal arthritis (most common cause of septic arthritis in young adults)
- Disseminated gonococcal infection as triad (tenosynovitis, migratory polyarthritis, dermatitis lesions can be maculopapular or vesicular)
GONORRHOEA
What complication of gonorrhoea may present in neonates?
- Ophthalmia neonatorum (gonococcal conjunctivitis) –medical emergency associated with sepsis, eye perforation + blindness.
GONORRHOEA
What is the management of gonorrhoea?
- 1g single dose IM ceftriaxone (add PO ciprofloxacin 500mg but only if sensitive as high antibiotic resistance)
- Follow-up test of cure with NAAT testing or cultures
- Contact tracing, partner notification, contraceptive advice, ?safeguarding
BACTERIAL VAGINOSIS
What is the pathophysiology of BV?
- Loss of lactobacilli which are the main component of healthy vaginal flora
- These bacteria produce lactic acid to keep vaginal pH low (3.5–4.5)
- The acidic environment prevents other bacteria overgrowing so pH rises > alkaline environment > anaerobes overgrow
BACTERIAL VAGINOSIS
What are the causative organisms of BV?
- Gardnerella vaginalis (#1), mycoplasma hominis, prevotella spp.
BACTERIAL VAGINOSIS
Is BV an STI?
No but can increase risk of STIs, may co-exist with other infections like candidiasis, chlamydia + gonorrhoea.
BACTERIAL VAGINOSIS
What are the risk factors of bacterial vaginosis?
- Multiple sexual partners
- Excessive vaginal cleaning
- Recent Abx
- Smoking
- IUD
BACTERIAL VAGINOSIS
What causes BV to occur less frequently?
Less frequent if COCP or effective condom usage
BACTERIAL VAGINOSIS
What is the clinical presentation of BV?
What symptoms would suggest an alternative or co-existing diagnosis?
- Fishy-smelling watery grey or white PV discharge
- Commonest cause of abnormal vaginal discharge in younger women
- Itching, irritation + pain are not common.
BACTERIAL VAGINOSIS
What investigations may you do?
- Speculum (not necessary if classic Sx + low STI risk) to visualise discharge + HVS to exclude other causes.
- ?NAAT to screen for STIs
BACTERIAL VAGINOSIS
What diagnostic criteria is used in BV?
Amsel’s (3/4)
- Thin, white discharge (can present asymptomatically)
- Vaginal pH using swab + pH paper >4.5
- Clue cells on cervical swab MC&S (endocervical or self-taken vaginal)
- Positive whiff test (add potassium hydroxide to get very strong fishy odour)
BACTERIAL VAGINOSIS
What are clue cells?
- Cervical epithelial cells that have bacteria stuck inside them.
BACTERIAL VAGINOSIS
What are the complications of BV?
- Pregnancy related – miscarriage, preterm delivery, PROM, chorioamnionitis, LBW
BACTERIAL VAGINOSIS
What is the management of BV?
- Asymptomatic usually resolves without Tx
- PO metronidazole 5–7d to target anaerobic bacteria (avoid alcohol as can cause N+V + flushing)
- Topical metronidazole or clindamycin are alternatives
- Advice about avoiding excessive vaginal cleaning
TRICHOMONAS VAGINALIS
What is TV?
- STI spread through sexual activity + lives in uretha of men + women as well as vagina in women
TRICHOMONAS VAGINALIS
What can it increase the risk of?
Contracting HIV by damaging vaginal mucosa
BV,
cervical cancer,
PID
pregnancy-related complications.
TRICHOMONAS VAGINALIS
What causes TV?
What is the structure of this organism?
- Protozoan parasite, single-celled organism with flagella – trichomonas vaginalis
- 4 flagella at front, 1 on back making it highly motile, attach to tissues + cause damage
TRICHOMONAS VAGINALIS
What is the clinical presentation of TV?
- PV discharge classically offensive, frothy + yellow/green.
- Vulvovaginitis, itching, dysuria + dyspareunia.
- May cause urethritis + balanitis in men
TRICHOMONAS VAGINALIS
What might clinical examination of TV show?
- Speculum = strawberry cervix (colpitis macularis) due to cervicitis + tiny haemorrhages on surface of cervix due to infection
TRICHOMONAS VAGINALIS
What investigations would you do for TV?
- Vaginal pH >4.5
- Charcoal swab for MC&S (HVS, urethral swab or first-catch urine).
- Microscopy shows motile trophozoites + wet microscopy shows polymorphonuclear leukocytes
TRICHOMONAS VAGINALIS
What is the management of TV?
- Referral to GUM for Dx, Tx + contact tracing
- PO metronidazole 5–7d (or stat 2g dose)
SYPHILIS
How does syphilis infect?
- Gets in through skin or mucous membranes, replicates + then disseminates
SYPHILIS
What is the incubation period?
About 3 weeks
SYPHILIS
What is the causative organism?
Treponema pallidum – spirochete (spiral-shaped) bacteria
SYPHILIS
What are the modes of transmission of syphilis?
- Oral, vaginal + anal sex with direct contact with infected area
- Vertical transmission
- IVDU, blood transfusions + other transplants (rare due to screening)
- Biggest RF = MSM
SYPHILIS
What are the 3 stages of syphilis infection?
- Primary
- Secondary
- Tertiary
SYPHILIS
Explain what primary syphilis is.
- Involves painless ulcer (chancre) at the original site of infection.
- Often genitals but may not be visible (cervix)
SYPHILIS
Explain what secondary syphilis is.
How is it further subdivided?
- Systemic Sx once chancre healed, particularly of mucous membranes, Sx often resolve after 6–12w + then becomes latent (asymptomatic but still infected)
- Early latent is <2y since initial infection, late latent is >2y
SYPHILIS
Explain what tertiary syphilis is.
- Occurs many years after the initial infection + can affect many organs, particularly with development of gummas + CV/neuro complications
SYPHILIS
What is the clinical presentation of primary syphilis?
- Painless genital chancre, resolves over 3–8w with clear base + serum, rounded edges
- Local lymphadenopathy
SYPHILIS
What is the clinical presentation of secondary syphilis?
- Systemic (low grade fever, lymphadenopathy).
- Maculopapular rash (trunk, soles + palms).
- Condylomata lata (grey wart-like lesions around genitals + anus).
- Alopecia
- Buccal ‘snail track ulcers’
SYPHILIS
What is the clinical presentation of tertiary syphilis?
- Gummas (granulomatous lesions that can affect skin, organs + bones)
- Aortic aneurysms
- Neurosyphilis – tabes dorsalis (locomotor ataxia), paralysis, dementia, Argyll-Robertson (prositutes) pupil
SYPHILIS
What is an Argyll-Robertson pupil?
“Accommodates but does not react”
- Constricted pupil that accommodates when focusing on near object but does not react to light, often irregularly (small) shaped
SYPHILIS
What investigations would you do for syphilis?
- Treponemal tests (enzyme immunoassay or haemagglutination assay)
- Samples from site of infection tested with dark field microscopy or PCR
SYPHILIS
How would you manage syphilis?
- Specialist GUM (full STI screening, contact tracing, contraceptive information).
- Single dose IM benzathine benzylpenicillin or PO doxycycline if allergic
SYPHILIS
What is a potential adverse effect of treating syphilis?
- Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction within a few hours of treatment
- Fever, rash + tachycardia thought to be due to release of endotoxins following bacterial death
GENITAL HERPES
What causes genital herpes?
- Herpes simplex virus (HSV) causes both cold sores + genital herpes
GENITAL HERPES
What happens after initial infection?
Virus becomes latent in associated sensory nerve ganglia, commonly trigeminal nerve ganglion in cold sores (initial contraction in childhood, reactivates in stress) or sacral nerve ganglia in genital herpes
GENITAL HERPES
How does herpes spread?
- Direct contact with affected mucous membranes or viral shedding in mucous secretions, can be shed even when no Sx (more common in first 12m).
GENITAL HERPES
What causes herpes?
HSV-1 mostly cold sores
- If genital, due to oro-genital sex (oral > genital)
HSV-2 mostly genital herpes
- STI but can cause lesions in mouth
GENITAL HERPES
What is the clinical course of genital herpes?
- Can be asymptomatic or develop Sx when latent virus reactivated
- Initial infection usually appears within 2w + lasts for 3w being more severe than recurrent episodes which resolve quicker.
GENITAL HERPES
What is the clinical presentation of genital herpes?
- Multiple painful ulcers or blistering lesions affecting genital area
- Neuropathic type pain (tingling, burning, shooting)
- Flu Sx (fatigue, headaches, fever, myalgia)
- Dysuria
- Inguinal lymphadenopathy
GENITAL HERPES
What other specific symptoms may be seen in genital herpes?
- Aphthous ulcers (small painful oral sores)
- Herpes keratitis (inflammation of the cornea = blue)
- Herpetic whitlow (painful skin lesion on finger/thumb)
GENITAL HERPES
What is the investigation for genital herpes?
- Viral PCR swab from a lesion
GENITAL HERPES
What is the main complication of genital herpes in pregnancy?
Does the foetus have any immunity?
- Neonatal HSV infection as high morbidity + mortality.
- After initial infection woman will produce IgG that cross placenta to give foetus passive immunity + protect during labour + delivery
GENITAL HERPES
What is the management or primary genital herpes contracted before 28w gestation?
- Aciclovir during infection
- Prophylactic aciclovir from 36w gestation onwards to reduce risk of genital lesions during labour + delivery
- Asymptomatic at delivery can have vaginal if >6w from initial infection, if Sx then c-section
GENITAL HERPES
What is the management of primary genital herpes after 28w gestation?
- Aciclovir during infection + immediate prophylactic aciclovir
- C-section in all cases
GENITAL HERPES
What is the management of recurrent genital herpes in pregnancy?
- Occurs if woman known to have genital herpes before pregnancy
- Low risk of neonatal infection even if lesions at delivery
- Prophylactic aciclovir from 36w to reduce risk of Sx at delivery
GENITAL HERPES
What is the management of genital herpes?
- Specialist GUM Mx
- Conservative (paracetamol, topical lidocaine 2% instillagel, clean with warm saltwater, topical vaseline, PO fluids, loose clothing, avoid sex).
- Aciclovir may be used
GENITAL WARTS
How is genital warts spread?
- Sex, sharing sex toys or potentially oral.
- Can be transmitted even if asymptomatic
GENITAL WARTS
What causes genital warts?
- Human papilloma virus 6 + 11
- Can stay in skin + warts can develop again
GENITAL WARTS
What is the clinical presentation of genital warts?
- 2-5mm fleshy, slightly pigmented warts around vagina, penis or anus
- Itching or bleeding from genitals or anus
- Abnormal urine stream
GENITAL WARTS
What are the investigations for genital warts?
- Clinical diagnosis (may use magnifying glass or colposcope)
- Application of acetic acid/vinegar produces acetowhite changes of surface
- Biopsy if atypical
GENITAL WARTS
What are the potential complications of genital warts?
How are these managed?
- May increase in number, size or recur during pregnancy
- Cryotherapy offered, usually can give birth vaginally
GENITAL WARTS
How is genital warts managed?
- Prophylaxis with HPV vaccine for 12–13y (may be given to MSM, trans men/women + sex workers)
- Topical podophyllotoxin cream/lotion or cryotherapy.
- GUM contact tracing, contraceptive advice
CANDIDIASIS
What is candidiasis?
How does it cause an infection?
- Thrush – vaginal infection with a yeast of the Candida family
- May colonise without causing Sx then progresses to infection with the right environment (during pregnancy/after Tx with Abx that alter vaginal flora)
CANDIDIASIS
What causes candidiasis?
- Candida albicans (#1)
CANDIDIASIS
What are some risk factors?
Increased oestrogen (pregnancy, during menstrual years)
poorly controlled DM,
immunosuppression,
broad spectrum Abx
CANDIDIASIS
What is the clinical presentation of candidiasis?
- Thick, white discharge that does not smell (cottage cheese)
- Vaginal + vulval itching, irritation or discomfort
- Severe infection > erythema, fissures, oedema, dysuria, dyspareunia
CANDIDIASIS
What are the investigations for candidiasis?
- Tx often started empirically on clinical presentation
- Vaginal pH <4.5
- Charcoal swab MC&S to confirm
CANDIDIASIS
What is the management of candidiasis?
- Anti-fungal cream/pessary (clotrimazole) or PO anti-fungal tablets (fluconazole)
- Canesten duo is standard OTC Tx with single fluconazole tablet + cream
- Recurrent infections with induction + maintenance regime of PO/PV anti-fungals
CANDIDIASIS
What treatment should be used in pregnancy?
Clotrimazole in pregnancy as fluconazole can cause congenital abnormalities
CANDIDIASIS
What advice should be given to patients using anti-fungal creams + pessaries?
- Can damage latex condoms + prevent spermicides from working so alternative contraception needed for 5d after
LICHEN SCLEROSUS
What is lichen sclerosus?
- Chronic inflammation dermatosis where elastic tissue becomes collagen
LICHEN SCLEROSUS
What is meant by lichen?
Lichen refers to a flat eruption that spreads.
LICHEN SCLEROSUS
Where does it affect in women?
Labia, perineum + perianal skin
LICHEN SCLEROSUS
Where does it affect in men?
Glans penis + foreskin
LICHEN SCLEROSUS
What causes lichen sclerosus?
- Thought to be autoimmune as associated with other autoimmune conditions (T1DM, alopecia, hypothyroidism, vitiligo)
LICHEN SCLEROSUS
What is the clinical presentation of lichen sclerosus in women?
- 45–60y with vulval itching + skin changes
- Soreness/pain (worse at night), skin tightness + superficial dyspareunia
LICHEN SCLEROSUS
What is the clinical presentation of lichen sclerosus in men?
- Painful erections
- Dyspareunia
- Urinary Sx
- Soreness
LICHEN SCLEROSUS
What phenomenon can occur in lichen sclerosus?
- Koebner phenomenon where signs + Sx worse with friction to skin
- Can be worse with tight, rubbing underwear, scratching + incontinence
LICHEN SCLEROSUS
What are the investigations for lichen sclerosus?
- Porcelain-white in colour, shiny, tight, thin, slightly raised, ± papules or plaques
- Hyperkeratosis if chronic scratching
- Affects vulva + perianal areas but not perineum giving hourglass/8 shape
- Biopsy if ?malignancy