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Vaginal Infections

Cause:

Trichomonas vaginitis (protozoan)

Signs & Symptoms:

1. Inflammation of vagina, producing burning and itching
2. Frothy yellow-white or yellowish-brown vaginal discharge.

Objectives of Treatment:

1. To remove exudate, relieve inflammation, restore acidity, and re-establish normal bacterial flora.
2. Vinegar douche (2 Tbsp in 1 quart of water).
3. For recurrence, repeat treatment and include sexual partner.

Cause:

Candida albicans (fungus)

Signs & Symptoms:

1. Inflammation of vagina producing itching & reddish irritation.
2. White cheeselike discharge clinging to epithelium.

Objectives of Treatment:

1. To eradicate the fungus: Local applications of gentian violet
2. To relieve other causative factors: Stop antibiotic therapy; determine if diabetes or other systemic disease is present

Infection of Bartholin's gland:

Cause:

Escherichia coli, Trichomonas vaginitis Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Gonococcus

Signs & Symptoms:

1. Redness around Bartholin's gland.
2. Swelling and edema.
3. Development of Bartholin's abscess.

Objectives of treatment:

1. To drain the abscess or cause it to dissipate.

Cervicitis - acute and chronic:

Cause:

Gonorrhea, Streptococcus, Many pathogenic bacteria

Signs & Symptoms:

1. Profuse purulent vaginal discharge.
2. Backache.
3. Urinary frequency and urgency.

Objectives of Treatment:

1. To determine the cause: Cytologic examination of cervical smear.
2. To eradicate the gonococcus: Use well done fever treatments.

Postmenopausal vaginitis (atrophic vaginitis):

Cause :

Lack of estrin effects

Signs & Symptoms:

1. Loss of redness, tissue folds, and epithelial covering of the vagina.
2. Itching and burning.

Objectives of Treatment:

1. Perineal pour 4-6 times daily.
2. Vitamin E oil capsule inserted each night high in vagina.