Vaginal Infections

Comprehensive flashcards covering vaginal infections, pelvic inflammatory disease, toxic shock syndrome, structural disorders, fibroids, endometriosis, and gynecologic cancers based on lecture notes.

Candidiasis

A yeast infection characterized by itching, thick white discharge, and irritation, often linked to risk factors like antibiotic use, diabetes, and immunosuppression.

Fluconazole (Diflucan)

An antifungal medication used for Candidiasis, often administered as a single-dose oral therapy.

Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS)

Caused by prolonged high-absorbency tampon use, postsurgical infections, infected wounds/burns, and nasal packing or diaphragm/sponge use.

Toxic Shock Syndrome Signs & Symptoms

Sudden high fever, hypotension, diffuse sunburn-like rash, and peeling skin on the palms/soles.

Toxic Shock Syndrome Diagnostics

Vaginal, blood, and urine cultures

↑ BUN/creatinine/bilirubin and ↓ platelets.

Toxic Shock Syndrome Treatment

IV fluids, broad-spectrum antibiotics and oxygen therapy,

Epinephrine and dopamine are used when fluids are insufficient

Bacterial vaginosis

An overgrowth of "bad" bacteria causing a thin gray-white discharge and a strong fishy odor; treated with antibiotics like Metronidazole ($Flagyl$).

Trichomonas

The most common non-viral STI, presenting with frothy yellow-green discharge, vaginal itching, dysuria, and dyspareunia.

Lactobacillus acidophilus

A bacterium that helps maintain the acidic vaginal environment as a natural defense mechanism against infection.

Endometritis

Infection that has spread to the endometrium, often the second step in the progression of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease ($PID$).

Salpingitis

Infection that has spread to the fallopian tubes.

Oophoritis

Infection of the ovaries resulting from the spread of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease ($PID$).

Causes of PID

Gonorrheal and chlamydial organisms

Symptoms of PID

Abnormal discharge, pain during intercourse (dyspareunia), fever

Treatment of PID

• Broad-spectrum antibiotics because PID is polymicrobial 

  • Ceftriaxone, doxycycline, and flagyl (metronidazole)

Chandelier sign

Severe pain occurring when the cervix is moved during a bimanual exam, often indicating Pelvic Inflammatory Disease ($PID$).

Ureterovaginal Fistula

An abnormal opening or communication between the ureter and the vagina.

Vesicovaginal Fistula

An abnormal opening between the bladder and the vagina.

Rectovaginal Fistula

An abnormal opening between the rectum and the vagina.

Cystocele

A type of pelvic organ prolapse where the bladder bulges into the anterior vaginal wall, causing urinary frequency.

Rectocele

A condition where the rectum bulges into the posterior vaginal wall, often leading to difficulty with bowel movements.

Enterocele

A protrusion of the small intestine into the upper vaginal wall, commonly seen after a hysterectomy.

Pessaries

Silicone devices inserted into the vagina to provide support for pelvic muscles in cases of organ prolapse.

Fibroid Tumors (Leiomyomas/Myomas)

Non-cancerous muscular tumors that grow in or on the walls of the uterus, common in reproductive-age women.

Symptoms of Fibroid Tumors

• Menorrhagia: Excessive menstrual bleeding

• Some patients asymptomatic

Menorrhagia

Excessive menstrual bleeding, which is a common symptom of uterine fibroids.

Dilation and Curettage (D&C)

A surgical procedure used to reduce heavy bleeding by scraping the uterine lining, though it does not remove fibroids.

Myomectomy

A surgical procedure specifically performed for the removal of uterine fibroids.

Endometriosis

A chronic condition where endometrial-like tissue grows outside the uterus, causing inflammation, scarring, and adhesions.

Endometriomas

Ovarian cysts formed by endometriosis, also known as "chocolate cysts."

Cervical Cancer Risk Factors

Early sexual activity, multiple sexual partners, HPV infection, chronic cervicitis.

Cervical Cancer Symptoms

Watery, bloody, or foul-smelling vaginal discharge, pelvic/lower abdominal pain, irregular vaginal bleeding.

Cervical Cancer Diagnosis

Pelvic exam, Pap test, biopsy (BX).

Endometrial Cancer Risk Factors

Estrogen therapy without progesterone, early menarche/late menopause, nulliparity, obesity.

Endometrial Cancer Diagnosis

Pelvic exam, Pap smear, hysteroscopy.

Endometrial Cancer Symptoms

Often asymptomatic early; abnormal vaginal discharge, pelvic/abdominal pain, unexplained bleeding, bowel/bladder pressure.

Ovarian Cancer Early Symptoms

Lower abdominal discomfort, urinary frequency/urgency, bloating.

Ovarian Cancer Late Symptoms

Ascites, weight loss, severe pelvic/abdominal pain, palpable pelvic mass.

CA-125 tumor marker

A blood test where levels exceeding $200\,U/mL$ may indicate advanced ovarian cancer, while the normal range is generally less than $35\,U/mL$.