Answer: Trichomoniaisis is an STD caused by a unicellular organism, Trichomonas vaginalis. Women present with pruritus and increased discharge. On exam, the discharge can be copious. The pH is elevated. Examination of the vaginal fluid in a saline preparation under high power (400x) shows the organism. Trichomonads are tear-shaped or ovoid, mobile, and flagellated. They [...]

Answer: Treatment is with metronidazole or clindamycin orally or vaginally (Flagyl, Metrogel, Cleocin). There is debate as to whether or not BV is sexually transmitted. Treatment of sexual partners is usually reserved for recurrent infections. Bacterial vaginosis has been linked with some poor pregnancy outcomes, including preterm birth. Both metronidazole and clindamycin can be used [...]

Answer: Bacterial vaginosis, also sometimes called vaginal bacteriosis or nonspecific vaginitis, is thought to be due to a pathologic alteration in the normal vaginal flora. That is, the causative organisms are normally present in the vagina, but in BV there is overgrowth of anaerobic bacteria. Symptoms include pruritus and odor. Many women report increased odor [...]

Answer: There is no precise definition of what constitutes recurrent yeast infections. Most clinicians initiate a work-up for a woman who has multiple infections over the course of a year. It is important to definitively establish the cause of the symptoms. Because different forms of vaginitis can have similar symptoms, patient history and a pattern [...]

Answer: Candida vaginitis is caused by an overgrowth of one of many Candida species. Bacterial vaginosis is caused by an imbalance in the normal flora. Trichomoniasis is due to infection with a parasite, Trichomonas vaginalis. It is a sexually transmitted disease (STD). Atrophic vaginitis is irritation and inflammation secondary to atrophy of the vaginal tissue. [...]

Answer: Vaginal fluid can be described in terms of its microscopic and chemical features and its normal microbial flora. Normal vaginal fluid is white and generally not malodorous. The normal pH is around 4.0. Microscopically it contains squamous epithelial cells and bacteria, but no white blood cells or red blood cells. The principal organisms are [...]