Vaginal Infections Home Tests

Question 1

65% of women experiencing symptoms have 1 of 3 common infections:

Answer 1

• bacterial vaginosis (BV)
• vulvovaginal candidasis (VV)
• trichomonasis

Question 2

Normal vaginal discharge:

Answer 2

• clear
• white
• odorless
• viscous
• sticky

Question 3

Normal vaginal pH:

Answer 3

< 4.5

Question 4

Symptoms of VVC or yeast infections:

Answer 4

• itching
• redness
• edema

Question 5

Pathogen for VVC/yeast infections:

Answer 5

fungal

Question 6

Vaginal pH during VVC/yeast infections:

Answer 6

< 4.5

Question 7

Vaginal discharge during VVC/yeast infections:

Answer 7

• thick
• white
• cottage cheese like
• odorless

Question 8

Vaginal discharge during BV:

Answer 8

• thin
• watery
• off white/gray
• fishy odor

Question 9

Symptoms of BV:

Answer 9

none

Question 10

Pathogen of BV:

Answer 10

bacterial

Question 11

Vaginal pH during BV:

Answer 11

> 4.5

Question 12

Vaginal discharge during trichomoniasis:

Answer 12

• yellow/green
• frothy
• malodorous

Question 13

Symptoms of trichomoniasis:

Answer 13

• vaginal irritation
• redness
• edema

Question 14

Pathogen of trichomoniasis:

Answer 14

parasite

Question 15

Vaginal pH of trichomoniasis:

Answer 15

5 - 6

Question 16

VVC is also known as:

Answer 16

yeast infection

- most common out of the three

Question 17

What is the most common pathogen of VVC?

Answer 17

candida albicans

Question 18

Factors that can cause VVC:

Answer 18

• pregnancy
• high dose combined oral contraceptives
• estrogen therapy
• sexually active
• tight fitting clothing

Question 19

Treatment goals of VVC:

Answer 19

• relieve symptoms
• eradicate infection
• reestablish normal flora

Question 20

Exclusions to self treatment of VVC:

Answer 20

• first yeast infection
• recurrent infections (3+ in a year)
• fever/pain in pelvic area
• pregnant
• younger than 12 years old
• reinfection w/in 2 months
• diabetes
• HIV/AIDS or immunosuppressed

Question 21

Natural ways to treat VVC:

Answer 21

• nonabsorbent clothing
• yogurt
• limiting sucrose and refined carbs
• discontinue offending agent after consulting PCP

Question 22

Medications to treat VVC:

Answer 22

• imidazoles (first line)
• part of antifungal pharmacologic class
• come as tabs, creams, and suppositories
• miconazole
• clotrimazole
• tioconazole

Question 23

T/F: duration of therapy for VVC does correspond to time of resolution of symptoms

Answer 23

F, it doesn’t correspond to time of resolution of symptoms

Question 24

Adverse reactions of medications for VVC:

Answer 24

• uncommon
• usually only occurs in first dose
• itching
• irritation
• vulvovaginal burning

Question 25

Drug interactions with medications for VVC:

Answer 25

unlikely b/c limited absorption

Question 26

Counseling points of medications for VVC:

Answer 26

- should apply therapy at bedtime - symptoms should improve w/in 2-3 days - infection should be revolved in 1 one week - can use during menstration

Question 27

Benzocaine products:

Answer 27

- alternative therapy - relieves itching, but doesn't address underlying cause - add on therapy for itching

Question 28

UTI symptoms:

Answer 28

- pain/burning when urinating - cloudy urine - need to urinate but have issues passing urine - frequent trips to bathroom

Question 29

Nonpharmacologic treatment of UTIs:

Answer 29

- hydration w/ water - urinate after intercourse - breatheable underwear - avoid irritants - cranberry (prevention)

Question 30

Pharmacologic treatment of UTIs:

Answer 30

- refer to PCP for antibacterials | - symptom management only w/ OTC product

Question 31

Phenazopyridine as treatment for UTIs:

Answer 31

- dose: 95mg / 97.5 mg - directions: 2 tabs PO TID w/ meals for max of 2 days - counseling: drink lots of water and may cause discoloration of urine/mucous membranes orange color

Question 32

T/F: 45% of women may experience but only 25% reach out for treatment of atrophic vaginitis

Answer 32

T

Question 33

Atrophic vaginitis:

Answer 33

- inflammation of vagina related to atrophy secondary to decreased estrogen levels - vaginal epithelium becomes thin and lubrication declines during menopause, postpartum peroid, and breastfeeding

Question 34

Symptoms of atrophic vaginitis:

Answer 34

- decrease in vaginal lubrication - dyspareunia leads to painful intercourse - vaginal irritation, dryness, burning, and itchy - thin, watery vaginal discharge or spotting may be present

Question 35

Self treatment of atrophic vaginitis:

Answer 35

- for mild/moderate symptoms - confined to vaginal area - no bleeding

Question 36

Goals of treatment of atrophic vaginitis are...

Answer 36

- reduce symptoms of vaginal dryness | - eliminate dyspareunia

Question 37

Exclusions for self treatment of atrophic vaginitis:

Answer 37

- symptoms of severe vaginal dryness, bleeding, and dyspareunia - vaginal dryness/dyspareunia not fixed by lubricants - any new post-menopausal bleeding

Question 38

Lubricants as treatment for atrophic vaginitis:

Answer 38

- K-Y jelly, astroglide, replens - temporarily relieves symptoms - apply as frequently as needed

Question 39

T/F: petroleum jelly can be used as treatment

Answer 39

F b/c petroleum jelly is difficult to remove from the vagina

Question 40

T/F: estrogen therapy needs to be prescribed by PCP

Answer 40

T

Question 41

Counseling points for treatment of atrophic vaginitis:

Answer 41

symptoms typically improve in 1 week