The term “vaginitis” refers to inflammation of the vagina.
Symptoms include itching, irritation, and abnormal vaginal discharge.
The presence of abnormal discharge, vulvovaginal discomfort, or both is required for the diagnosis of vaginitis.
It accounts for an estimated 3 million office visits.
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Increasing age
Sexual activity
Hormonal status
Poor hygiene
Immunologic status
Anatomy of the genital area
Underlying skin diseases
Other factors including damp or tight-fitting clothing, scented detergents and soaps, feminine sprays.
This is usually a result of disruption of normal vaginal flora leading to changes in the concentrations of various microorganisms including a depletion of lactobacilli and a proliferation of other anaerobic bacteria like Gardnerella vaginalis, Prevotella, Mobiluncus spp., Mycoplasma hominis, and Atopobium vaginae (Atopobium species are anaerobic bacteria, gram-positive, rod-shaped, or elliptical found as single elements or in pairs or short chains.) Nevertheless, a positive culture for G. vaginalis should not be considered diagnostic of BV unless other evidence of BV (abnormal pH, odor with 10% KOH, clue cells) are found.
There is an increase in vaginal pH caused by decrease in hydrogen peroxide-producing lactobacilli.
Anaerobes produce amines, which cause the characteristic fishy odor.
50% of women are asymptomatic.
BV is less likely to occur in virgins but still does. Can occur in lesbian couples as well.
Prevalence is higher at earlier stages of menstrual cycle.
There is an associated increased risk of adverse obstetrical and gynecologic clinical outcomes such as preterm delivery, low birth weight, upper genital tract infections, and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).
Treat symptomatic pregnant women.
Consider screening and treating those who have a high risk of prematurity.
Decreases risk of prematurity in those who have BV and a history of prematurity in some studies but not others.
Treatment for BV before abortion or hysterectomy significantly decreases the risk of postoperative infectious complications.
It also increases the risk of acquiring HIV, HSV2, gonorrhea, and chlamydial infection.
It is most common in women of childbearing age. Second most common cause of vaginitis. Often precipitated by antibiotic use, pregnancy, diabetes, oral contraceptives, or menses but can occur without any of these factors.
75% of women will have at least one episode.
Intractable disease in 5%.
Candida albicans is commonly isolated; however, in immunocompromised individuals with complicated (recurrent) candidiasis, C. glabrata have been isolated.Related posts:
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