17/10/2025
1. Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)
Etiology: Overgrowth of anaerobic bacteria (e.g., Gardnerella vaginalis, Mobiluncus, Atopobium) replacing normal Lactobacilli.
• Risk Factors: Multiple or new s*x partners, douching, lack of vaginal Lactobacillus.
Clinical Presentation:
• Thin, homogeneous gray or white discharge
• Fishy odor, especially after in*******se
• No itching or inflammation
Diagnosis (Amsel criteria – ≥3 required):
1. Thin, homogenous discharge
2. Vaginal pH >4.5
3. Positive whiff test (fishy odor with 10% KOH)
4. Clue cells on saline wet mount
Treatment:
• Metronidazole 500 mg PO BID x 7 days
• Alternatives: Metronidazole gel, Clindamycin cream
2. Vulvovaginal Candidiasis (VVC)
Etiology: Usually Candida albicans, an overgrowth of yeast; not typically s*xually transmitted.
• Risk Factors: Antibiotic use, diabetes, pregnancy, immunosuppression, tight clothing.
Clinical Presentation:
• Thick, white, clumpy discharge (“cottage cheese”)
• Intense itching, burning, vulvar erythema, dysuria, dyspareunia
• Normal vaginal pH (≤4.5)
Diagnosis:
• KOH prep shows pseudohyphae or budding yeast
• Vaginal culture if unclear or recurrent
Treatment:
• Fluconazole 150 mg PO single dose
• Topical azoles (e.g., clotrimazole, miconazole) for 3–7 days
• Longer treatment for recurrent or complicated cases
3. Trichomoniasis
Etiology: Trichomonas vaginalis, a flagellated protozoan parasite
Transmission: Sexually transmitted (STI)
Clinical Presentation:
• Frothy, yellow-green vaginal discharge
• Strong foul odor
• Vaginal/vulvar irritation, itching, dysuria, dyspareunia
• “Strawberry cervix” (punctate hemorrhages on cervix) in ~10%
• Vaginal pH >4.5
Diagnosis:
• Motile trichomonads seen on saline wet mount (low sensitivity)
• NAAT (nucleic acid amplification test) is gold standard
Treatment:
• Metronidazole 2 g PO single dose (or 500 mg BID x 7 days)
• Treat s*xual partners to prevent reinfection
• Avoid alcohol during and 24 hrs after treatment (disulfiram-like reaction)