Women's Health: urogenital conditions Flashcards
What is cystitis
Umbrella term encompassing lower urinary tract inflammation (abacterial cystitis) and infection (bacterial cystitis) affecting the bladder and sometimes the urethra.
Cystitis will often resolve spontaneously. Bacterial cystitis is considered an uncomplicated UTI; however it may progress to an upper UTI or pyelonephritis (kidney infection)
Cystitis Symptoms
- Frequency
- Urgency
- Dysuria
- Strangury
- Haematuria
- Suprapubic pain or discomfort
Change in the appearance and/or smell of urine
Acute pyelonephritis symptoms
- Fever
- Rigors
- Loin pain
- Dysuria
Nausea and vomiting
Cystitis triggering factors
- Dehydration
- Perfumed toiletries
- Spicy foods
- Sexual intercourse
- Synthetic underwear
- Smoking
Stress
cystitis risk factors
- Recent/frequent sexual activity
- History of cystitis
- Maternal history of cystitis
- Diabetes
- Postmenopausal
Pregnancy
cystitis referral
- Under 16 yrs
- Males
- Frequent episodes either due to relapse or recurrence or women with known functional or anatomical abnormalities
- Flank pain
- Fever
- Nausea and vomiting
- Pregnant women
- Diabetes
- 70 +
- Immunocompromised
- Haematuria
- Associated vaginal discharge
- Medicine induced
- Symptoms of STI
Duration longer than 5-7 days
cystitis treatment
Alkalizing agents e.g. sodium citrate or potassium citrate
Infection makes the urine more acidic and these products try and counteract the effect.
Little evidence for these products
Cautioned in renal impairment, diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, low salt diet, pregnancy and lactation
Cranberry
Lack of evidence
Interaction with warfarin
Probiotics
lack of evidence
Acute uncomplicated lower UTIs can be self limiting and delay of antibiotic treatment with provision of a back up prescription may lead to symptom resolution without antibiotic treatment. This can be used if symptoms do not improve within 48 hrs or if they worsen at any time. In practice, if patient has 3 symptoms GP will prescribe empiric therapy
Treatment of lower UTI in non pregnant women under 65 yrs
Often resolves after a couple of days
1st choice
Nitro 100mg m/r bd for 3 days
Or if resistant trimethoprim 200mg bd for 3 days
If both unsuitable
Pivmecilllinam 400mg stat then 200mg tds for 3 days
(contraindicated in penicillin allergy)
UTI practical advice
- Drinking increased quantities of water
- Use of OTC preparations and analgesics, such as paracetamol and aspirin
- Avoiding feminine hygiene sprays and deodrants, which may irritate the urethra
- Avoiding delaying micturition
- Treating constipation promptly as can increase the risk of UTIs
- Avoiding tea, coffee and other drinks that appear to precipitate an attack
- Avoiding tight fitting clothes and synthetic hoisery or underwear
- Avoiding the use of perfumed soaps, shower gels and bubble baths
- Washing after sexual intercourse
- Emptying the bladder after sexual intercourse
- Cessation of using a diaphragm for contraception as this can press on the bladder, thus preventing it from emptying completely on urination and increasing the risk of UTI s
Using condoms without spermicidal lubricant thus reducing the risk of irritation and UTI
UTI cautions
- Pregnancy
- Common in pregnancy
- Nitrofurantoin should be avoided close to term
- Trimethoprim should be avoided in first trimester
- Diabetes
- More common as sugar in the urine provides an ideal environment for bacterial growth
- At risk of renal complications- refer
- Post menopause
- Particularly prone to cystitis
If frequent may benefit from vaginal oestrogen- refer to GP
Physiological discharge
Normally white in appearance but oxidises in contact with air to become more yellow. Consists of epithelial cells from the vagina and cervix and the mucus arises mainly from the cervical glands, bacteria and fluid. The amount of discharge varies with the individual woman and changes throughout the menstrual period. It is also altered when using an IUD or hormonal contraception. Pregnant women show an increase in mucus production due to an increased vascularity of tissues. Normal discharge is non irritant and does not have strong odour
Bacterial vaginosis symptoms
- Fishy odour, which may be worse following sexual intercourse
- Thin, white discharge
- Not associated with soreness, itching or irritation
pH >4.5
BV risk factors
- Multiple sexual partners
- Early age of first sexual intercourse
- Presence of an STI
- Vaginal douching
- Use of an IUD
- Smoking
“sexually associated” not transmitted
BV treatment
Oral metronidazole 400mg bd for 5-7 days
Maybe relapsing and remitting
Balance activ Rx (lactic acid and glycogen) may be used prophylactically
chlamydia symptoms
- Purulent vaginal discharge
- Mucopurulent cervical discharge
- Intermenstrual bleeding
- Postcoital bleeding
- Dysuria
- Lower abdominal pain and tenderness in the pelvic region
Deep dyspareunia