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Questions and Answers
What is a common complaint associated with pruritus vulvae?
What is a common complaint associated with pruritus vulvae?
Which of the following is NOT a listed cause of pruritus vulvae?
Which of the following is NOT a listed cause of pruritus vulvae?
What symptom is associated with vulvitis?
What symptom is associated with vulvitis?
Which of the following factors can contribute to pruritus vulvae?
Which of the following factors can contribute to pruritus vulvae?
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Which is the first step in diagnosing vulvitis?
Which is the first step in diagnosing vulvitis?
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What is one of the ways HIV can be transmitted?
What is one of the ways HIV can be transmitted?
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What percentage of people with HIV may not know they have it?
What percentage of people with HIV may not know they have it?
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Which of the following is NOT a common early symptom of HIV?
Which of the following is NOT a common early symptom of HIV?
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Which statement about HIV treatment is true?
Which statement about HIV treatment is true?
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What is vaginitis primarily defined as?
What is vaginitis primarily defined as?
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What is a common symptom of cervicitis?
What is a common symptom of cervicitis?
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Which of the following symptoms should prompt a woman to contact a medical professional?
Which of the following symptoms should prompt a woman to contact a medical professional?
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Which practice should be avoided to prevent vaginal itching?
Which practice should be avoided to prevent vaginal itching?
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Chronic cervicitis is often characterized by which of the following?
Chronic cervicitis is often characterized by which of the following?
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What can untreated cervicitis potentially lead to?
What can untreated cervicitis potentially lead to?
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When should women treated for cervicitis avoid sexual intercourse?
When should women treated for cervicitis avoid sexual intercourse?
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Which of the following is not a recommended diagnostic test for women with cervicitis?
Which of the following is not a recommended diagnostic test for women with cervicitis?
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What is the primary cause of infectious vaginitis in reproductive age women?
What is the primary cause of infectious vaginitis in reproductive age women?
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What is a notable consequence of chronic inflammation of the cervix?
What is a notable consequence of chronic inflammation of the cervix?
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Which symptom is NOT commonly associated with vaginitis infections?
Which symptom is NOT commonly associated with vaginitis infections?
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What is a recommended preventive measure against vaginitis?
What is a recommended preventive measure against vaginitis?
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Which type of vaginitis is typically found in postmenopausal women?
Which type of vaginitis is typically found in postmenopausal women?
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What diagnostic method is primarily used for determining the presence of vaginitis?
What diagnostic method is primarily used for determining the presence of vaginitis?
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What is the primary purpose of a follow-up visit for women who are untreated for cervicitis?
What is the primary purpose of a follow-up visit for women who are untreated for cervicitis?
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Which of the following is true about untreated HIV progression?
Which of the following is true about untreated HIV progression?
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What is the most advanced stage of HIV known as?
What is the most advanced stage of HIV known as?
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Which stage of HIV is characterized by the body producing antibodies to combat the virus?
Which stage of HIV is characterized by the body producing antibodies to combat the virus?
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What bodily fluids can transmit HIV?
What bodily fluids can transmit HIV?
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Which factor can affect an individual's chance of HIV progression to stage 3?
Which factor can affect an individual's chance of HIV progression to stage 3?
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What is the survival rate for untreated individuals who progress to stage 3 HIV?
What is the survival rate for untreated individuals who progress to stage 3 HIV?
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What should women diagnosed with specific sexually transmitted infections be encouraged to do?
What should women diagnosed with specific sexually transmitted infections be encouraged to do?
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Study Notes
Infection of Female Genital Tract
- Pruritus Vulvae: Itching of the external female genitalia, a common complaint. Difficult to diagnose and manage.
Causes
- Allergies/Sensitivities: Colored or perfumed toilet paper, vaginal sprays, douches, shampoos, creams, medications.
- Reactions to Products: Bubble bath, soaps, spermicides, sanitary napkins.
- Irritations: Yeast infections, chlorinated water (pools/hot tubs), synthetic underwear (nylon pantyhose), wet bathing suits, prolonged bike/horseback riding, poor hygiene.
- Infections: Vaginitis, genital herpes, viral and fungal infections.
- Other Factors: Diabetes, scabies, pubic lice, eczema, dermatitis.
Symptoms & Signs
- Extreme itching
- Burning sensation in vulva
- Vaginal discharge
- Redness and swelling on vulva/labia
- Blisters (clear fluid-filled) on vulva
- Soreness
- Pain with sex
- Increased sensitivity when wiping with toilet paper
Diagnosis
- Difficult Diagnosis: Several causes.
- Medical History and Pelvic Exam: Crucial first steps.
- Diagnostic Tools: Pap smears, urine tests, blood tests, sexually transmitted disease tests.
-
Persistent Itching: Seek medical attention, especially with symptoms listed below:
- Foul-smelling vaginal discharge
- Thick, yellow, green, or white discharge
- Burning and swelling of vulva
- Pain during urination
- Pain during sex
Prevention of Itching
- Avoid douching
- Avoid tight clothing (like jeans)
- Avoid scented products (bubble baths, tampons, vaginal sprays)
- Avoid washing clothes with scented detergent
Cervicitis
- Inflammation of the cervix: Often caused by infectious agents (usually sexually transmitted).
- Often asymptomatic.
-
Symptoms:
- Increased vaginal discharge
- Intermenstrual bleeding (usually related to sexual intercourse)
- Mucopurulent cervicitis
- Friability (common)
- Chronic cervicitis: Typically asymptomatic.
- Potential complications: Can spread to upper genital tract, leading to conditions like endometritis and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). Increased risk of PID complications (chronic abdominal pelvic pain, infertility), ectopic pregnancy, and cervical cancer.
HIV
- Human Immunodeficiency Virus: Targets and destroys CD4 T cells.
- Stages: Acute, chronic, and AIDS.
- Transmission: Shared bodily fluids (blood, semen, vaginal fluids, rectal fluids, pre-seminal fluid, breast milk).
- Symptoms (early): Flu-like (fever, nausea, diarrhea, headaches, chills, fatigue, pain, muscle aches, sore throat).
Management Considerations
- Minimizing Transmission: Avoid sexual intercourse until treatment is complete (for both partners). Test for syphilis and HIV.
- Follow-up: Testing and evaluation by a medical provider is crucial. Testing for chlamydia, gonorrhea, or trichomonas.
- Recommended follow-up: To check if the infection has resolved, and to assess test results.
Vaginitis
- Vaginitis: Infection, inflammation, or flora imbalance of the vagina.
-
Causes:
- Infectious (bacterial vaginosis, candidiasis, aerobic vaginitis) accounts for 90% of cases in reproductive age women
- Hormonal (atrophic vaginitis) is common in postmenopausal women
- Irritant (allergies to sprays, douches, spermicides, soaps, etc)
Prevention
- Loose cotton underwear
- Water-based cleaning of the vaginal area
- Avoid perfumed soaps, shower gels, and vaginal deodorants
- No douching
- Healthy diet, stress management, and safe-sex practices to maintain optimal vaginal health
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Description
This quiz covers various infections of the female genital tract, focusing on pruritus vulvae and its causes, symptoms, and management. It explores irritations, allergies, and infections that contribute to the discomfort and challenges in diagnosis. Test your knowledge on this important health topic.
