Vulvovaginitis

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Vulvovaginitis Overview - Itchy Business Basics

  • Inflammation/infection of vulva and/or vagina; a common gynecological complaint causing discomfort.
  • Cardinal Symptoms:
    • Pruritus (itching): Often the most prominent symptom.
    • Vaginal discharge: Altered color, consistency, volume, or odor.
    • Vulvar soreness, irritation, or burning.
    • Dyspareunia; external dysuria (pain with urination).
  • Initial Diagnostic Workup:
    • Focused history and pelvic examination.
    • Vaginal pH assessment: Crucial first step.
    • Office microscopy: Saline wet mount (clue cells, trichomonads), 10% KOH prep (hyphae, whiff test).
  • Core Pathophysiology: Disruption of normal vaginal flora (Lactobacilli maintain acidic pH) allows pathogen overgrowth.

⭐ Normal vaginal pH is 3.8-4.5; disruption is key to many vulvovaginitis types.

Bacterial Vaginosis: Symptoms, Risk Factors, Diagnosis

Bacterial Vaginosis - Fishy Clues Uncovered

  • Etiology: Polymicrobial; shift from Lactobacillus to ↑ Gardnerella vaginalis, anaerobes.
  • Clinical Features: Thin, homogenous, grey-white discharge; characteristic fishy odor. Pruritus/inflammation often mild or absent.
  • Diagnosis: 📌 Amsel's Criteria (need 3 of 4):
    • Thin, white, homogenous discharge.
    • Vaginal pH > 4.5.
    • Positive Whiff-amine test (fishy odor with 10% KOH).
    • Clue cells (>20% of epithelial cells) on wet mount microscopy.

    ⭐ Clue cells on microscopy are virtually pathognomonic for Bacterial Vaginosis.

  • Microscopy Findings:
    • Clue cells: Squamous epithelial cells studded with coccobacilli, obscuring cell borders. Clue cells in bacterial vaginosis microscopy
  • Treatment (Non-pregnant):
    • Metronidazole 500mg PO BID for 7 days.
    • Metronidazole gel 0.75% intravaginally OD for 5 days.
    • Clindamycin cream 2% intravaginally HS for 7 days.
  • Complications: ↑ Risk of PID, preterm labor, postoperative infections, HIV acquisition/transmission.

Candidiasis & Trichomoniasis - Yeast & Protozoa Party

FeatureVulvovaginal Candidiasis (VVC)Trichomoniasis
EtiologyCandida albicans (yeast); Risk: Diabetes, Antibiotics, ↑EstrogenTrichomonas vaginalis (flagellated protozoan, STI)
DischargeThick, white, curdy ("cottage cheese"); non-odorousProfuse, thin, frothy, yellow-green; malodorous (fishy)
SymptomsIntense vulvar pruritus, burning, soreness, dyspareunia; vulvar erythema, edemaVulvovaginal irritation, pruritus, dysuria, dyspareunia; postcoital bleeding
Vaginal pHNormal ($pH \le \mathbf{4.5}$)Elevated ($pH > \mathbf{4.5}$, often $\mathbf{5.0-6.0}$)
Microscopy10% KOH: Pseudohyphae, budding yeast (spaghetti & meatballs)Saline wet mount: Motile, pear-shaped flagellated organisms
TreatmentTopical azoles. Oral: Fluconazole 150mg single dose.Metronidazole 2g single dose (treat partner). Alt: Tinidazole 2g.
Mnemonic📌 Candida: Cottage cheese, $pH < \mathbf{5}$.📌 Trich: Think Treats (Strawberry), $pH > \mathbf{5}$.

⭐ 'Strawberry cervix' (colpitis macularis) is a classic, though not always present, sign of Trichomoniasis.

Atrophic & Other Causes - Different Vaginal Vibes

  • Atrophic Vaginitis:

    • Cause: ↓ Estrogen (e.g., menopause, lactation).
    • Sx: Vaginal dryness, dyspareunia, itching.
    • Signs: Pale, thin, friable mucosa; loss of rugae; petechiae. Vaginal pH > 5.0.
    • Dx: Clinical; wet mount: ↑parabasal cells.
    • Rx: Lubricants, moisturizers, topical estrogen.

    ⭐ Atrophic vaginitis is primarily due to estrogen deficiency and responds well to topical estrogen therapy.

  • Other Non-Infectious Causes:

    • Irritant/Allergic Contact Dermatitis:
      • Cause: Soaps, detergents, spermicides.
      • Sx: Vulvar erythema, edema, intense itching/burning; often spares vagina.
      • Rx: Avoid irritant, topical low-potency corticosteroids.
    • Lichen Sclerosus:
      • Sx: Intense pruritus; thin, white, crinkled ("cigarette paper") vulvar plaques; figure-of-eight pattern.
      • Rx: High-potency topical corticosteroids. ⚠️ ↑ SCC risk.

High‑Yield Points - ⚡ Biggest Takeaways

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Practice Questions: Vulvovaginitis

Test your understanding with these related questions

Which of the following conditions is associated with the detection of clue cells on microscopy?

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Flashcards: Vulvovaginitis

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_____ does change the vaginal pH

Hint: Candida albicans or Gardnerella vaginalis

TAP TO REVEAL ANSWER

_____ does change the vaginal pH

Gardnerella vaginalis

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