Vaginitis

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Questions and Answers

What are common symptoms associated with an overgrowth of yeast?

Thick yellow discharge and a fishy odor

Heavy bleeding and foul-smelling odor

Thin grayish discharge and severe pain

Intense itching and a cottage cheese-like discharge (correct)

What happens to the vaginal flora when Lactobacillus is destroyed?

Yeast remains dominant and increases without competition

The pH rises, allowing other bacteria like Gardnerella vaginalis to proliferate (correct)

Only Lactobacillus can survive and flourish

The vaginal flora remains stable and unaffected

Which symptoms are typically associated with Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)?

Heavy vaginal discharge and chronic abdominal pain

Thin grayish discharge with a fishy odor and little to no itching (correct)

Thick curd-like discharge and significant itching

Bright red discharge accompanied by burning sensation

How can Bacterial Vaginosis be diagnosed?

A wet mount of a vaginal swab that looks for clue cells Signup and view all the answers

What is a distinguishing characteristic of Trichomonas vaginalis?

It is a flagellated protozoan that cannot form a cyst Signup and view all the answers

What type of discharge is typically associated with trichomoniasis?

Foul-smelling and greenish frothy Signup and view all the answers

How is trichomoniasis diagnosed in patients?

Finding protozoans in a wet mount of the discharge Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary route of transmission for Trichomonas vaginalis?

Direct sexual contact Signup and view all the answers

How do antifungal treatments affect Candida overgrowth?

They help by reintroducing Lactobacillus which aids in restoring balance Signup and view all the answers

What condition is caused by an overgrowth of Gardnerella vaginalis?

Bacterial Vaginosis Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of Lactobacillus in the vagina?

To ferment glycogen into lactic acid Signup and view all the answers

What condition is commonly associated with the overgrowth of Candida albicans?

Vaginitis Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following can disrupt the Lactobacillus population in the vagina?

Antibiotics and douching Signup and view all the answers

What can result from an imbalance of vaginal flora?

Increased risk of infections Signup and view all the answers

What typically happens to the pH of the vagina when Lactobacillus is disrupted?

It rises towards neutral Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about vaginitis is true?

Hormonal changes can increase susceptibility to vaginitis. Signup and view all the answers

What role do hormonal changes play in the composition of vaginal flora?

They encourage the growth of Lactobacillus. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the acidic environment maintained by Lactobacillus?

It inhibits the growth of many other microbes. Signup and view all the answers

Prepubescent girls primarily host which types of bacteria in their vaginal flora?

Staphylococci and Streptococci Signup and view all the answers

How does the presence of glycogen in the vagina affect microbial balance?

It provides food for Lactobacillus. Signup and view all the answers

Match the following terms related to vaginitis with their definitions:

Vaginitis = Inflammation of the vagina and vulva Candidiasis = Overgrowth of Candida albicans Lactobacillus = Major microbe in a healthy vagina Antibiotics = Common disruptors of Lactobacillus population Signup and view all the answers

Match the following conditions with their associated causes:

Candidiasis = Loss of Lactobacillus Bacterial Vaginosis = Flora imbalance Hormonal changes = Impact on Lactobacillus levels Yeast Infection = Overgrowth of Candida albicans Signup and view all the answers

Match the following types of vaginal flora with their characteristics:

Staphylococci species = Predominant in prepubescent girls Lactobacillus = Ferments glycogen to lactic acid Candida albicans = Yeast normally found in low levels Gardnerella vaginalis = Can be present in trace amounts Signup and view all the answers

Match the following statements with their relevance to vaginal health:

Lactic acid production = Defends against overgrowth of microbes pH of 4.5 = Inhibits growth of harmful microbes Glycogen secretion = Stimulated by estrogen Antibiotics use = Can disrupt Lactobacillus population Signup and view all the answers

Match the following factors with their effects on vaginitis:

Menstrual cycle = Can increase susceptibility to yeast infections Oral contraceptives = May affect Lactobacillus balance Pregnancy = Can change vaginal flora composition Menopause = Influences hormone levels affecting flora Signup and view all the answers

Match each symptom with its associated condition:

Itching = Vaginitis Discharge = Candidiasis Pain = Vaginitis Flora imbalance = Bacterial Vaginosis Signup and view all the answers

Match the following types of flora with their typical environmental conditions:

Healthy Lactobacillus = Acidic pH around 4.5 Candida albicans = Overgrowth when Lactobacillus is depleted Streptococci species = Found in prepubescent girls Mycoplasma = Present in trace amounts in adults Signup and view all the answers

Match the following impacts with their causes in the vagina:

Rise in pH = Death of Lactobacillus Overgrowth of yeast = Disruption of Lactobacillus Limited microbe growth = Acidic environment Shift in flora = Hormonal changes Signup and view all the answers

Match the following changes with the related physiological aspect:

Increased estrogen = Stimulates glycogen production Usage of douches = Can kill Lactobacillus Trace bacteria = Low levels in healthy vagina Flora changes = Associated with hormonal shifts Signup and view all the answers

Match the vaginal conditions with their primary characteristics:

Candidiasis = Thick cottage cheese-like discharge Bacterial Vaginosis = Thin grayish discharge with a fishy odor Trichomoniasis = Greenish frothy discharge with itching Lactobacillus disruption = Rise in vaginal pH allowing other bacteria to grow Signup and view all the answers

Match the symptoms to their corresponding vaginal condition:

Candidiasis = Intense itching and yeast-like odor Bacterial Vaginosis = Clue cells detected in a wet mount Trichomoniasis = Foul-smelling discharge and pain Lactobacillus restoration = Self-resolution of infection Signup and view all the answers

Match the following bacteria or pathogens with their associated conditions:

Gardnerella vaginalis = Bacterial Vaginosis Trichomonas vaginalis = Trichomoniasis Candida albicans = Candidiasis Lactobacillus = Healthy vaginal flora maintenance Signup and view all the answers

Match the characteristic features with the correct vaginal condition:

Candidiasis = Cottage cheese-like discharge Bacterial Vaginosis = Fishy odor Trichomoniasis = Protozoan presence in discharge Healthy flora = Presence of Lactobacillus Signup and view all the answers

Match the treatment method with the condition it is associated with:

Antifungal treatment = Candidiasis Rebalancing flora = Bacterial Vaginosis Wet mount diagnosis = Trichomoniasis Probiotics = Lactobacillus restoration Signup and view all the answers

Match the transmission methods to their respective infections:

Candidiasis = Not sexually transmitted Bacterial Vaginosis = Not sexually transmitted Trichomoniasis = Direct sexual contact Lactobacillus loss = Can be due to antibiotics or pH changes Signup and view all the answers

Match the following characteristics with the vaginal conditions:

Candidiasis = Yeasty odor Bacterial Vaginosis = Lack of itching Trichomoniasis = Itching and pain Lactobacillus = Maintains acidic pH Signup and view all the answers

Match the findings with the correct diagnosis method:

Candidiasis = Treatment typically resolves symptoms Bacterial Vaginosis = Clue cells identification Trichomoniasis = Protozoan detection Healthy vaginal flora = Presence of Lactobacillus in swab Signup and view all the answers

Match the following treatments or conditions with their outcomes:

Candidiasis treatment = Resolution of symptoms Bacterial Vaginosis treatment = Flora rebalancing Trichomoniasis treatment = Elimination of infection Probiotic use = Restoration of Lactobacillus Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary cause of Bacterial Vaginosis?

Bacteria Signup and view all the answers

Which type of vaginal infection is associated with a thick, curdy discharge?

Yeast Infection Signup and view all the answers

What type of odor is commonly associated with Trichomoniasis?

Fishy Signup and view all the answers

Which symptom is most likely to be present in a Yeast Infection?

Vaginal itching Signup and view all the answers

What type of treatment is typically required for Bacterial Vaginosis?

Specific treatment available only by prescription Signup and view all the answers

Match the vaginal infection with its cause:

Bacterial Vaginosis = Bacteria Yeast Infection = Yeast/fungus Trichomoniasis = Parasite Viral Infection = Virus Signup and view all the answers

Match the type of discharge with the corresponding infection:

Bacterial Vaginosis = Thin, gray, usually increased in volume Yeast Infection = Thick, curdy, and white, like cottage cheese Trichomoniasis = Yellowish/greenish or gray foamy Chlamydia = Clear, watery discharge Signup and view all the answers

Match the infection with its typical odor:

Bacterial Vaginosis = Fishy, unpleasant, or foul Yeast Infection = None Trichomoniasis = Fishy Gonorrhea = Metallic Signup and view all the answers

Match the infection with its typical discomfort symptoms:

Bacterial Vaginosis = Itching sometimes present Yeast Infection = Vaginal itching/burning usually present, painful urination sometimes present Trichomoniasis = Itching, burning, painful urination sometimes present Herpes = Painful sores and blisters Signup and view all the answers

Match the treatment type with the corresponding infection:

Bacterial Vaginosis = Requires specific treatment available only by prescription Yeast Infection = Can be treated with prescription or non-prescription products Trichomoniasis = Requires specific treatment available only by prescription Candidiasis = No treatment necessary Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Vaginitis

Inflammation of the vagina and vulva, often causing itching, pain, and discharge.
Most commonly caused by an imbalance of vaginal flora, infection, or hormonal changes.

Healthy Vaginal Flora

The female reproductive tract harbors diverse microflora from the vulva to the cervix.
The composition shifts based on hormonal changes.
Prepubescent girls: Primarily Staphylococci and Streptococci species present.
Puberty: Estrogen stimulates glycogen secretion by the vagina.
Lactobacillus: Ferments glycogen into lactic acid, lowering the pH to around 4.5.
Adult women: Predominantly Lactobacillus, along with low levels of Candida albicans and trace amounts of Gardnerella vaginalis, Mycoplasma, and Ureaplasma.
Lactobacillus: The primary component, its lactic acid production maintains an acidic environment, preventing the overgrowth of other microbes.

Vaginitis from Flora Imbalance

Antibiotics and douching can kill Lactobacillus, leading to a pH rise and allowing opportunistic microbes to proliferate.
The two main types caused by flora imbalance are candidiasis and bacterial vaginosis.

Candidiasis (Yeast Infection)

Caused by the overgrowth of Candida albicans, normally present in low levels.
Hormonal changes can increase yeast infection susceptibility by impacting Lactobacillus populations.
Symptoms: Intense itching, thick white "cottage cheese-like" discharge, yeasty odor.
Treatment with antifungals resolves the infection, and rebalancing of the flora with Lactobacillus restores balance.

Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)

Occurs when other bacteria overgrow instead of yeast.
The decline of Lactobacillus raises the vaginal pH.
Gardnerella vaginalis is the most common bacterium responsible for BV.
Symptoms: Thin, grayish discharge with a fishy odor; itching is minimal.
Diagnosis: Wet mount of a vaginal swab revealing "clue cells" - vaginal epithelial cells coated with small bacteria.
Treatment is available, and rebalancing of the flora with Lactobacillus resolves the infection.

Vaginitis from Sexually Transmitted Parasite: Trichomoniasis

Caused by the protozoan Trichomonas vaginalis, the only sexually transmitted eukaryotic pathogen.
Cannot form cysts, survives only in the human reproductive tract, and transmission occurs through direct sexual contact.
Symptoms: Foul-smelling, greenish frothy discharge, itching, and pain.
Diagnosis: Finding the protozoans in a wet mount of the discharge.
Treatment is available to resolve the infection.

Vaginitis

Inflammation of the vagina and vulva
Often results in itching, pain, and discharge
Common causes include imbalance of vaginal flora, infection, and hormonal changes

Healthy Vaginal Flora

Healthy female reproductive tract harbors microflora from the vulva to the cervix
Uterus and other higher reproductive structures do not support flora
Flora composition changes with hormone shifts
Prepubescent girls have mostly Staphylococci and Streptococci species
During puberty, estrogen production increases, and Lactobacillus ferments glycogen to maintain a low pH
Adult women have a large amount of Lactobacillus and trace amounts of other bacteria like Candida albicans, Gardnerella vaginalis, Mycoplasma, and Ureaplasma

Vaginitis from Flora Imbalance

Lactobacillus is the major microbe in the healthy vagina
Lactic acid production by Lactobacillus protects against overgrowth of other microbes
Antibiotic use and douching can kill Lactobacillus
Increased pH provides an environment for bacterial growth

Candidiasis

Overgrowth of Candida albicans, a yeast normally found in low levels
Often caused by a decline in Lactobacillus population due to hormonal changes or antibiotic use
Symptoms include intense itching, a thick "cottage cheese" discharge, and a yeasty odor
Treatment with anti-fungal medications

Bacterial Vaginosis

Proliferations of bacteria instead of yeast when Lactobacillus is depleted
Common bacteria is Gardnerella vaginalis
Symptoms can include a thin, grayish discharge with a fishy odor
Diagnosed with a wet mount of a vaginal swab looking for "clue cells"

Trichomoniasis

Caused by a flagellated protozoan, Trichomonas vaginalis
Only sexually transmitted eukaryotic pathogen
Symptoms are a foul-smelling, greenish frothy discharge with itching and pain
Diagnosed by finding the protozoan in a wet mount of the discharge
Cannot survive for long outside of the human reproductive tract
Commonly seen in sexually active women

Bacterial Vaginosis

Caused by an imbalance of bacteria in the vagina.
Discharge is often thin, gray, and increased in volume.
A fishy odor is common.
Itching may be present.
Requires prescription medication for treatment.

Yeast Infection

Caused by an overgrowth of yeast (fungus) in the vagina.
Discharge is typically thick, white, and curdy, similar to cottage cheese.
Usually no odor is present.
Vaginal itching or burning is common, and painful urination may occur.
Can be treated with prescription or over-the-counter medications, but always consult with your healthcare provider for recommendations.

Trichomoniasis

Caused by a parasitic infection.
Discharge appears yellowish-greenish or gray and foamy.
A fishy odor often accompanies the discharge.
Itching, burning, and sometimes painful urination may occur.
Requires prescription medication for treatment.

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Description

This quiz explores the causes and effects of vaginitis, including inflammation of the vagina and vulva. Learn about the importance of healthy vaginal flora and how hormonal changes influence microflora composition throughout different life stages of women.

Vaginitis

Podcast Beta

Questions and Answers

What are common symptoms associated with an overgrowth of yeast?

What happens to the vaginal flora when Lactobacillus is destroyed?

Which symptoms are typically associated with Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)?

How can Bacterial Vaginosis be diagnosed?

What is a distinguishing characteristic of Trichomonas vaginalis?

What type of discharge is typically associated with trichomoniasis?

How is trichomoniasis diagnosed in patients?

What is the primary route of transmission for Trichomonas vaginalis?

How do antifungal treatments affect Candida overgrowth?

What condition is caused by an overgrowth of Gardnerella vaginalis?

What is the primary function of Lactobacillus in the vagina?

What condition is commonly associated with the overgrowth of Candida albicans?

Which of the following can disrupt the Lactobacillus population in the vagina?

What can result from an imbalance of vaginal flora?

What typically happens to the pH of the vagina when Lactobacillus is disrupted?

Which of the following statements about vaginitis is true?

What role do hormonal changes play in the composition of vaginal flora?

What is the significance of the acidic environment maintained by Lactobacillus?

Prepubescent girls primarily host which types of bacteria in their vaginal flora?

How does the presence of glycogen in the vagina affect microbial balance?

Match the following terms related to vaginitis with their definitions:

Match the following conditions with their associated causes:

Match the following types of vaginal flora with their characteristics:

Match the following statements with their relevance to vaginal health:

Match the following factors with their effects on vaginitis:

Match each symptom with its associated condition:

Match the following types of flora with their typical environmental conditions:

Match the following impacts with their causes in the vagina:

Match the following changes with the related physiological aspect:

Match the vaginal conditions with their primary characteristics:

Match the symptoms to their corresponding vaginal condition:

Match the following bacteria or pathogens with their associated conditions:

Match the characteristic features with the correct vaginal condition:

Match the treatment method with the condition it is associated with:

Match the transmission methods to their respective infections:

Match the following characteristics with the vaginal conditions:

Match the findings with the correct diagnosis method:

Match the following treatments or conditions with their outcomes:

What is the primary cause of Bacterial Vaginosis?

Which type of vaginal infection is associated with a thick, curdy discharge?

What type of odor is commonly associated with Trichomoniasis?

Which symptom is most likely to be present in a Yeast Infection?

What type of treatment is typically required for Bacterial Vaginosis?

Match the vaginal infection with its cause:

Match the type of discharge with the corresponding infection:

Match the infection with its typical odor:

Match the infection with its typical discomfort symptoms:

Match the treatment type with the corresponding infection:

Study Notes

Vaginitis

Healthy Vaginal Flora

Vaginitis from Flora Imbalance

Candidiasis (Yeast Infection)

Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)

Vaginitis from Sexually Transmitted Parasite: Trichomoniasis

Vaginitis

Healthy Vaginal Flora

Vaginitis from Flora Imbalance

Candidiasis

Bacterial Vaginosis

Trichomoniasis

Bacterial Vaginosis

Yeast Infection

Trichomoniasis

Studying That Suits You

Description

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