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Saitsu Y, Yoneda S, Fukuta K. Management of a pregnant woman with a large cervical polyp and moderate genital bleeding in the first trimester. BMJ Case Rep 2024; 17:e258163. [PMID: 38442979 PMCID: PMC10916127 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2023-258163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Polypectomy during pregnancy is known to be a risk for spontaneous late miscarriage or preterm delivery. We managed a pregnant woman in her 30s with a large cervical polyp without polypectomy, and we administered probiotics including Clostridium butyricum and 17-alpha-hydroxyprogesterone caproate. As a result, she delivered a healthy baby at 38 weeks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshiaki Saitsu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Satoshi Yoneda
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Kaori Fukuta
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
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2
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Huang YP, Shi JY, Luo SC, Xu SY, Zhang JD, Molnár I, Yang QQ, Zhang BB. Antimicrobial Substances and Mechanisms of Lactobacillus rhamnosus against Gardnerella vaginalis. Probiotics Antimicrob Proteins 2023; 15:400-410. [PMID: 36459386 DOI: 10.1007/s12602-022-10019-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common vaginal disease associated with abnormal changes in the vaginal microbiome. Our previous study found that Lactobacillus rhamnosus has a good therapeutic effect on bacterial vaginosis by inhibiting the most prominent bacterium associated with BV, Gardnerella vaginalis. In this study, we show that acetic acid and lactic acid are the main substances in the cell-free supernatant (CFS) of L. rhamnosus that inhibit the growth of G. vaginalis. Further study on the mechanism showed that acetic acid and lactic acid alter the morphology of the G. vaginalis cells, eventually causing the cells to shrink or burst, resulting in exudation of their intracellular contents. In addition, these two organic acids also dissipate the membrane potential of bacterial cells, affecting their synthesis of ATP. A reduced activity of the Na+/K+-ATPase leads to abnormal ATP metabolism, and ultimately inhibits the growth and reproduction of G. vaginalis. Our study provides valuable information for the widespread application of L. rhamnosus in the treatment of bacterial vaginosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Ping Huang
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Shantou University, Shantou 515063, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Jie-Yan Shi
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Shantou University, Shantou 515063, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Si-Chen Luo
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Shantou University, Shantou 515063, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Shao-Yan Xu
- Qiangji Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., 515638, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
- Longchuangji Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., 521021, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Jia-Dong Zhang
- Qiangji Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., 515638, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
- Longchuangji Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., 521021, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - István Molnár
- VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, FI-02044, VTT, Espoo, Finland
| | - Qiong-Qiong Yang
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Shantou University, Shantou 515063, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Bo-Bo Zhang
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Shantou University, Shantou 515063, Guangdong, People's Republic of China.
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3
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The Vaginal Microbiome in Health and Disease-What Role Do Common Intimate Hygiene Practices Play? Microorganisms 2023; 11:microorganisms11020298. [PMID: 36838262 PMCID: PMC9959050 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11020298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The vaginal microbiome is a dynamic, sensitive microenvironment. The hallmark of a 'healthy' vaginal microbiome is currently believed to be one dominated by Lactobacillus spp., which acidifies the vaginal environment and help to protect against invading pathogens. However, a 'normal' microbiome is often difficult, if not impossible, to characterise given that it varies in response to numerous variables, including pregnancy, the menstrual cycle, contraceptive use, diet, ethnicity, and stress. A Lactobacillus-depleted microbiome has been linked to a variety of adverse vaginal health outcomes, including preterm birth (PTB), bacterial vaginosis (BV), and increased risk of sexually transmitted infections. The latter two of these have also been associated with feminine intimate hygiene practices, many of which are practised without any evidence of health benefits. The most extensively studied practice is vaginal douching, which is known to cause vaginal dysbiosis, predisposing women to BV, pelvic inflammatory disease, and PTB. However, little is known of the impact that intimate hygiene practices and associated products have on the vaginal microbiome. This review aims to outline the major factors influencing the vaginal microbiome and common vaginal infections, as well as to summarise current research surrounding the impact of hygiene products and practices on the vaginal microbiome.
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Rael CT, Das D, Bauermeister J, Lentz C, Carballo-Diéguez A, Giguere R, Scott RK, Hendrix CW. Understanding Women's Vaginal Douching Behaviors and Practices for Consideration in the Development of a Potential Future Vaginal Microbicide Douche for HIV Prevention: A Systematic Review of the Literature. AIDS Behav 2021; 25:2992-3010. [PMID: 33977356 PMCID: PMC8628423 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-021-03290-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Despite clinicians consistently advising against vaginal douching, 29-92% of women worldwide report douching. This review documents women's douching practices, motivations for douching, and specific associations (or absence of associations) between vaginal douche use and vaginal outcomes thought to be associated with douching. Understanding women's existing douching behaviors and vaginal health outcomes is critical for developing a safe vaginal microbicide douche that can be used as HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). A vaginal douche as PrEP could help prevent new HIV infections, since emerging evidence shows some women discontinue oral PrEP. We performed a systematic review of the literature using the guidelines for Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). Articles included in the analysis (N = 48) were published 2009-2019 in English and focused on women's experiences with douching. Two trained independent reviewers assessed these articles for content on vaginal douching, including racial/ethnic focus of studies, study design, sampling, women's reasons for douching, contents of douche solutions, and associations between vaginal douching and vaginal health outcomes. Several studies focused on Black women (N = 12 studies) or had no racial/ethnic focus (N = 12). Just over half of all studies (N = 24) were cross-sectional and involved a self-reported questionnaire and lab samples. Studies sampled women from health clinics where they were (N = 13) or were not (N = 14) presenting for vaginal health complaints. Women's primary motivation for douching was for "general cleanliness" (N = 13), and most douche solutions contained water (N = 12). There was little empirical agreement between vaginal douche use and most vaginal health outcomes. Future studies of PrEP vaginal douches should be well controlled and prioritize safety to ensure positive vaginal health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Tagliaferri Rael
- HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies at the New York State Psychiatric Institute and Columbia University, 1051 Riverside Dr., New York, NY, 10032, USA.
| | - Doyel Das
- Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, USA
| | | | - Cody Lentz
- HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies at the New York State Psychiatric Institute and Columbia University, 1051 Riverside Dr., New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Alex Carballo-Diéguez
- HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies at the New York State Psychiatric Institute and Columbia University, 1051 Riverside Dr., New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Rebecca Giguere
- HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies at the New York State Psychiatric Institute and Columbia University, 1051 Riverside Dr., New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Rachel K Scott
- MedStar Health Research Institute and MedStar Washington Hospital Center, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, D.C., USA
| | - Craig W Hendrix
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA
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Rosca AS, Castro J, Sousa LGV, Cerca N. Gardnerella and vaginal health: the truth is out there. FEMS Microbiol Rev 2020; 44:73-105. [PMID: 31697363 DOI: 10.1093/femsre/fuz027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2019] [Accepted: 11/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The human vagina is a dynamic ecosystem in which homeostasis depends on mutually beneficial interactions between the host and their microorganisms. However, the vaginal ecosystem can be thrown off balance by a wide variety of factors. Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most common vaginal infection in women of childbearing age but its etiology is not yet fully understood, with different controversial theories being raised over the years. What is generally accepted is that BV is often characterized by a shift in the composition of the normal vaginal microbiota, from a Lactobacillus species dominated microbiota to a mixture of anaerobic and facultative anaerobic bacteria. During BV, a polymicrobial biofilm develops in the vaginal microenvironment, being mainly composed of Gardnerella species. The interactions between vaginal microorganisms are thought to play a pivotal role in the shift from health to disease and might also increase the risk of sexually transmitted infections acquisition. Here, we review the current knowledge regarding the specific interactions that occur in the vaginal niche and discuss mechanisms by which these interactions might be mediated. Furthermore, we discuss the importance of novel strategies to fight chronic vaginal infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aliona S Rosca
- Centre of Biological Engineering (CEB), Laboratory of Research in Biofilms Rosário Oliveira (LIBRO), University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | - Joana Castro
- Centre of Biological Engineering (CEB), Laboratory of Research in Biofilms Rosário Oliveira (LIBRO), University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | - Lúcia G V Sousa
- Centre of Biological Engineering (CEB), Laboratory of Research in Biofilms Rosário Oliveira (LIBRO), University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | - Nuno Cerca
- Centre of Biological Engineering (CEB), Laboratory of Research in Biofilms Rosário Oliveira (LIBRO), University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
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Mauskar MM, Marathe K, Venkatesan A, Schlosser BJ, Edwards L. Vulvar diseases: Approach to the patient. J Am Acad Dermatol 2019; 82:1277-1284. [PMID: 31712174 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaad.2019.07.115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2018] [Revised: 07/10/2019] [Accepted: 07/11/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Patients with vulvar dermatoses often delay seeking medical treatment because of anxiety and embarrassment. Moreover, women frequently self-treat with various home remedies and see multiple clinicians before presenting to a dermatologist. Despite serving as the primary providers for patients with vulvovaginal symptoms, gynecologists typically receive limited training in the causes and management of these conditions. Dermatologists are experts in the evaluation and management of cutaneous disease and should be the caretakers of all skin, including the genitalia. Vulvar disorders are underrecognized by dermatologists for numerous reasons: inadequate training, lack of comfort with both interview and examination techniques, and unfamiliarity with normal anatomic variations. The first article in this continuing medical education series on vulvar dermatoses reviews the fundamentals, approach, and techniques that can be used to ensure a successful visit for both patient and provider.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa M Mauskar
- Department of Dermatology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas.
| | - Kalyani Marathe
- Department of Dermatology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio; Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Aruna Venkatesan
- Department of Dermatology, Stanford University, Stanford, California; Division of Dermatology, Santa Clara Valley Medical Center, San Jose, California
| | - Bethanee J Schlosser
- Department of Dermatology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Libby Edwards
- Department of Dermatology, University of North Carolina, Charlotte, North Carolina; Division of Dermatology, Carolinas Medical Center and Southeast Vulvar Clinic, Charlotte, North Carolina
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Konadu DG, Owusu-Ofori A, Yidana Z, Boadu F, Iddrisu LF, Adu-Gyasi D, Dosoo D, Awuley RL, Owusu-Agyei S, Asante KP. Prevalence of vulvovaginal candidiasis, bacterial vaginosis and trichomoniasis in pregnant women attending antenatal clinic in the middle belt of Ghana. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2019; 19:341. [PMID: 31547803 PMCID: PMC6757405 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-019-2488-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2019] [Accepted: 08/30/2019] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Vaginal infections usually caused by Candida sp, organisms responsible for bacterial vaginosis and Trichomonas vaginalis are associated with considerable discomfort and adverse outcomes during pregnancy and child birth. The study determined the prevalence of vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC), bacterial vaginosis (BV) and trichomoniasis (TV) in pregnant women attending antenatal clinic at the Kintampo Municipal Hospital. Methods A study adopted a cross sectional design and recruited 589 pregnant women after seeking their informed consent from September, 2014 to March, 2015. Semi-structured questionnaire were administered to participants and vaginal swabs were collected. The samples were analysed using wet mount method and Gram stain (Nugent criteria) for vaginal infection. Univariate and multivariate analysis were used to investigate association of risk factors to vaginal infections. Results The overall prevalence of at least one vaginal infection was 56.4%. The prevalence of vulvovaginal candidiasis, bacterial vaginosis and trichomoniasis were 36.5, 30.9 and 1.4% respectively. Women with more than four previous pregnancies (OR: 0.27, 95% CI: 0.13–0.58) and those in the third trimester of pregnancy (OR: 0.54, CI: 0.30–0.96) were associated with a lower risk of bacterial vaginosis. Douching and antibiotic use were neither associated with VVC or BV. Conclusion The prevalence of vaginal infections was high among pregnant women in the Kintampo area. There is the need for interventions such as adequate investigations and early treatment of vaginal infections to reduce the disease burden to avoid associated complications.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alex Owusu-Ofori
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, School of Medical Science, College of Health Science, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana.,Microbiology Department, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Zuwera Yidana
- Kintampo Health Research Centre, P. O. Box 200, Kintampo, Bono East, Ghana
| | - Farrid Boadu
- Kintampo Health Research Centre, P. O. Box 200, Kintampo, Bono East, Ghana
| | | | - Dennis Adu-Gyasi
- Kintampo Health Research Centre, P. O. Box 200, Kintampo, Bono East, Ghana
| | - David Dosoo
- Kintampo Health Research Centre, P. O. Box 200, Kintampo, Bono East, Ghana
| | | | - Seth Owusu-Agyei
- Kintampo Health Research Centre, P. O. Box 200, Kintampo, Bono East, Ghana.,University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho, Ghana
| | - Kwaku Poku Asante
- Kintampo Health Research Centre, P. O. Box 200, Kintampo, Bono East, Ghana
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Evidence of a gene-environment interaction of NODAL variants and inflammation in preterm birth. J Perinatol 2018; 38:482-488. [PMID: 29453435 DOI: 10.1038/s41372-018-0073-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2017] [Revised: 12/12/2017] [Accepted: 01/02/2018] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE NODAL has been implicated in timing of parturition and immune regulation. We investigated the relationship between NODAL polymorphisms, infection/inflammation, and preterm birth. STUDY DESIGN For this secondary analysis, 613 women (189 preterm and 424 term) from the Montreal Prematurity Study were genotyped for NODAL polymorphisms and assessed for bacterial vaginosis and placental inflammation. RESULT NODAL polymorphisms were not associated with preterm birth. However, the rs2231947(C>T) variant allele was associated with increased risk for preterm birth among women with bacterial vaginosis (odds ratio: 2.76, 95% confidence interval: 1.12-6.85). Among women without placental inflammation, the rs1904589(A>G) variant allele was associated with increased risk of preterm birth (odds ratio: 1.31, 95% confidence interval: 1.02-1.70). Among women with placental inflammation, the rs10999338(C>T) variant allele was associated with reduced risk of preterm birth (odds ratio: 0.50, 95% confidence interval: 0.29-0.87). CONCLUSION The effect of NODAL polymorphisms on preterm birth depends on maternal infection/inflammation status.
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Sierra LJ, Brown AG, Barilá GO, Anton L, Barnum CE, Shetye SS, Soslowsky LJ, Elovitz MA. Colonization of the cervicovaginal space with Gardnerella vaginalis leads to local inflammation and cervical remodeling in pregnant mice. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0191524. [PMID: 29346438 PMCID: PMC5773211 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0191524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2017] [Accepted: 01/05/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The role of the cervicovaginal (CV) microbiome in regulating cervical function during pregnancy is poorly understood. Gardnerella vaginalis (G. vaginalis) is the most common bacteria associated with the diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis (BV). While BV has been associated with preterm birth (PTB), clinical trials targeting BV do not decrease PTB rates. It remains unknown if G. vaginalis is capable of triggering molecular, biomechanical and cellular events that could lead to PTB. The objective of this study was to determine if cervicovaginal colonization with G. vaginalis, in pregnant mice, induced cervical remodeling and modified cervical function. CD-1 timed-pregnant mice received a 5X108 CFU/mL intravaginal inoculation of G. vaginalis or control on embryonic day 12 (E12) and E13. On E15, the mice were sacrificed and cervicovaginal fluid (CVF), amniotic fluid (AF), cervix, uterus, placentas and fetal membranes (FM) were collected. Genomic DNA was isolated from the CVF, placenta, uterus and FM and QPCR was performed to confirm colonization. IL-6 was measured in the CVF and AF and soluble e-cadherin (seCAD) was assessed in the CVF by ELISA. RNA was extracted from the cervices to evaluate IL-10, IL-8, IL-1β, TNF-α, Tff-1, SPINK-5, HAS-1 and LOX expression via QPCR. Mucicarmine and trichrome staining was used to assess cervical mucin and collagen. Biomechanical properties of the cervix were studied using quasi-static tensile load-to-failure biomechanical tests. G. vaginalis successfully colonized the CV space. This colonization induced immune responses (increased IL-6 levels in CVF and AF, increased mRNA expression of cervical cytokines), altered the epithelial barrier (increased seCAD in the CVF), induced cervical remodeling (increased mucin production, altered collagen) and altered cervical biomechanical properties (a decrease in biomechanical modulus and an increase in maximum strain). The ability of G. vaginalis to induce these molecular, immune, cellular and biomechanical changes suggests that this bacterium may play a pathogenic role in premature cervical remodeling leading to PTB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luz-Jeannette Sierra
- Maternal Child Health Research Center, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Amy G. Brown
- Maternal Child Health Research Center, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Guillermo O. Barilá
- Maternal Child Health Research Center, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Lauren Anton
- Maternal Child Health Research Center, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Carrie E. Barnum
- McKay Orthopedic Research Laboratory, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Snehal S. Shetye
- McKay Orthopedic Research Laboratory, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Louis J. Soslowsky
- McKay Orthopedic Research Laboratory, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Michal A. Elovitz
- Maternal Child Health Research Center, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
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Amabebe E, Anumba DOC. Psychosocial Stress, Cortisol Levels, and Maintenance of Vaginal Health. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2018; 9:568. [PMID: 30319548 PMCID: PMC6165882 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2018.00568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2018] [Accepted: 09/05/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Stress stimuli are ubiquitous and women do not enjoy any exemptions. The physiologic "fight-or-flight" response may be deleterious to the female lower genital tract microbiome if the stress stimuli persist for longer than necessary. Persistent exposure to psychosocial stress and stimulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) and sympathetic-adrenal-medullary (SAM) axes, and associated hormones are risk factors for several infections including genitourinary tract infections. Though this could be due to a dysregulated immune response, a cortisol-induced inhibition of vaginal glycogen deposition may be involved especially in the instance of vaginal infection. The estrogen-related increased vaginal glycogen and epithelial maturation are required for the maintenance of a healthy vaginal ecosystem (eubiosis). The ability of cortisol to disrupt this process as indicated in animal models is important in the pathogenesis of vaginal dysbiosis and the subsequent development of infection and inflammation. This phenomenon may be more crucial in pregnancy where a healthy Lactobacillus-dominated vaginal microbiota is sacrosanct, and there is local production of more corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) from the decidua, fetal membranes and placenta. To highlight the relationship between the stress hormone cortisol and the vaginal microbiomial architecture and function, the potential role of cortisol in the maintenance of vaginal health is examined.
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11
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Vandenburg T, Braun V. 'Basically, it's sorcery for your vagina': unpacking Western representations of vaginal steaming. CULTURE, HEALTH & SEXUALITY 2017; 19:470-485. [PMID: 27719108 DOI: 10.1080/13691058.2016.1237674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Vaginal steaming made global headlines in 2015 after its promotion by celebrity Gwyneth Paltrow. One of many female genital modification practices currently on offer in Anglo-Western nations - practices both heavily promoted and critiqued - vaginal steaming is claimed to offer benefits for fertility and overall reproductive, sexual or even general health and wellbeing. We analysed a selection of online accounts of vaginal steaming to determine the sociocultural assumptions and logics within such discourse, including ideas about women, women's bodies and women's engagement with such 'modificatory' practices. Ninety items were carefully selected from the main types of website discussing vaginal steaming: news/magazines; health/lifestyle; spa/service providers; and personal blogs. Data were analysed using thematic analysis, within a constructionist framework that saw us focus on the constructions and rationalities that underpin the explicit content of the texts. Within an overarching theme of 'the self-improving woman' we identified four themes: (1) the naturally deteriorating, dirty female body; (2) contemporary life as harmful; (3) physical optimisation and the enhancement of health; and (4) vaginal steaming for life optimisation. Online accounts of vaginal steaming appear both to fit within historico-contemporary constructions of women's bodies as deficient and disgusting, and contemporary neoliberal and healthist discourse around the constantly improving subject.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tycho Vandenburg
- a School of Psychology , The University of Auckland , Auckland , New Zealand
| | - Virginia Braun
- a School of Psychology , The University of Auckland , Auckland , New Zealand
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12
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Otsuki K, Imai N. Effects of lactoferrin in 6 patients with refractory bacterial vaginosis. Biochem Cell Biol 2016; 95:31-33. [PMID: 28140620 DOI: 10.1139/bcb-2016-0051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
We previously reported that lactoferrin (LF) could be effective for preventing preterm delivery and intrauterine infections, based on data derived from mice and rabbits. Here we describe 6 women with a history of multiple pregnancy losses or preterm delivery and refractory bacterial vaginosis, who received prebiotic LF therapy and delivered an infant normally. Five of the women were pregnant and one was not at the time of this study. The Ethics Committee at Showa University Hospital and Showa University Koto Toyosu Hospital approved the therapeutic protocol. Vaginal suppositories and oral prebiotic LF were administered to patients who were refractory to conventional treatment for vaginosis and had a history of late miscarriages and very early preterm delivery due to refractory vaginitis and chorioamnionitis. LF significantly improved the vaginal bacterial flora. Lactobacillus, which was detectable in the vaginas of all patients after one month of LF therapy, gradually became dominant. The findings from these 6 patients suggest that administering LF to humans could help prevent refractory vaginitis, cervical inflammation, and preterm delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katsufumi Otsuki
- a Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Showa University Koto Toyosu Hospital, Koto-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Noriaki Imai
- b Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hachinohe City Hospital, Hachinohe, Aomori, Japan
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Risk factors for bacterial vaginosis: results from a cross-sectional study having a sample of 53,652 women. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis 2014; 33:1525-32. [PMID: 24756211 DOI: 10.1007/s10096-014-2103-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2013] [Accepted: 03/31/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to estimate the risk factors of bacterial vaginosis (BV) among rural married women of childbearing age in Anhui Province of China. A cross-sectional study was conducted and the method of stratified cluster sampling was used to identify a sample of 53,652 married women aged 18-49 years. All women were asked to complete an interviewer-administered standardized questionnaire, covering sociodemographic characteristics, history of menstruation, marriage and procreation, sexual life, personal hygienic behaviors, and reproductive tract infections (RTIs) knowledge, followed by the gynecological examination and laboratory inspection. A total of 53,286 married women aged 18-49 years were included in this analysis. The prevalence of BV was 11.99 % (6,391/53,286). Risk factors for BV included the minority nationality, women's lower education levels, husband's elder age, over 35 days of menstrual cycle, less than 3 days of menstruation, dysmenorrhea, usage of an intrauterine device (IUD), lack of RTIs knowledge, higher frequency of washing genitals before having sex with husband and changing underwear, lower frequency of sexual intercourse per month, and suffering from other RTIs. The results suggest that BV can be affected by many factors among rural married women of reproductive age, so comprehensive, scheduled programs at healthcare educations should be provided for women in order to prevent BV.
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Wen A, Srinivasan U, Goldberg D, Owen J, Marrs CF, Misra D, Wing DA, Ponnaluri S, Miles-Jay A, Bucholz B, Abbas K, Foxman B. Selected vaginal bacteria and risk of preterm birth: an ecological perspective. J Infect Dis 2013; 209:1087-94. [PMID: 24273044 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jit632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
We examined the community ecology of vaginal microbial samples taken from pregnant women with previous preterm birth experience to investigate whether targeted pathogenic and commensal bacteria are related to risk of preterm birth in the current pregnancy. We found a significant correlation between the community structure of selected bacteria and birth outcome, but the correlation differed among self-reported racial/ethnic groups. Using a community ordination analysis, we observed infrequent co-occurrence of Mycoplasma and bacteria vaginosis associated bacteria 3 (BVAB3) among black and Hispanic participants. In addition, we found that the vaginal bacteria responded differently in different racial/ethnic groups to modifications of maternal behavioral (ie, douching and smoking) and biological traits (ie, body mass index [BMI]). Even after accounting for these maternal behaviors and traits, the selected vaginal bacteria was significantly associated with preterm birth among black and Hispanic participants. By contrast, white participants did not exhibit significant correlation between microbial community and birth outcome. Findings from this study affirm the necessity of considering women's race/ethnicity when evaluating the correlation between vaginal bacteria and preterm birth. The study also illustrates the importance of studying the vaginal microbiota from an ecological perspective, and demonstrates the power of ecological community analysis to improve understanding of infectious disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ai Wen
- Department of Epidemiology
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15
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Otsuki K, Tokunaka M, Oba T, Nakamura M, Shirato N, Okai T. Administration of oral and vaginal prebiotic lactoferrin for a woman with a refractory vaginitis recurring preterm delivery: Appearance of lactobacillus in vaginal flora followed by term delivery. J Obstet Gynaecol Res 2013; 40:583-5. [DOI: 10.1111/jog.12171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2012] [Accepted: 04/30/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Katsufumi Otsuki
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; Showa University School of Medicine; Tokyo Japan
| | - Mayumi Tokunaka
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; Showa University School of Medicine; Tokyo Japan
| | - Tomohiro Oba
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; Showa University School of Medicine; Tokyo Japan
| | - Masamitsu Nakamura
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; Showa University School of Medicine; Tokyo Japan
| | - Nahoko Shirato
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; Showa University School of Medicine; Tokyo Japan
| | - Takashi Okai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; Showa University School of Medicine; Tokyo Japan
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16
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Vaginal douching by women with vulvovaginitis and relation to reproductive health hazards. BMC WOMENS HEALTH 2013; 13:23. [PMID: 23672530 PMCID: PMC3663773 DOI: 10.1186/1472-6874-13-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2012] [Accepted: 05/05/2013] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Background Vaginal douching (VD) is a common practice among married women all over the world specially those in the Middle East. It is used for personal hygiene or for other aesthetic reasons in many countries. The current study investigates the prevalence of VD among patients with vulvovaginitis in Egypt. It also compares the reproductive health hazards among women performing routine VD with those using external hygiene. It also investigates why, and how women practice this douching. Methods A cross sectional observational study was conducted in a tertiary university affiliated hospital in Assiut, Egypt. An interview administered questionnaire was administered to 620 women by two trained clinic nurses. Women presented to the outpatient clinic and diagnosed to have any type of vaginal infections were approached for participation. The principle outcome was the history of preterm labor in women who routinely performed VD versus those who did not (upon which sample size was estimated). Other outcome measures were the types of vaginal infections, and reproductive implications comprising, ectopic pregnancy, abortion and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). Results The participants were predominantly multiparas from semi-urban background and middle socioeconomic level. Considering VD as a religious duty and a kind of personal cleanliness were the most common reasons for performing VD in 88.9% and 80.6% of the studied population, respectively. History of preterm labor was reported in 19.2% versus 11.9% (p=0.048), while history of PID in 13.2% versus 6.0% (p=0.008) in women performing VD compared to those not performing this habit, respectively. There were no significant differences between the two groups as regard the history of ectopic pregnancy or the number of previous abortions. Conclusion Vaginal douching is a prevalent practice in Egypt and has traditional and religious roots within the community. There are many misbeliefs around this habit in Egypt. Vaginal douching increases certain reproductive health hazards especially preterm labor and PID. Much effort and awareness campaigns are needed to increase women awareness about health hazards of this incorrect practice and to limit its use.
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Diclemente RJ, Young AM, Painter JL, Wingood GM, Rose E, Sales JM. Prevalence and correlates of recent vaginal douching among African American adolescent females. J Pediatr Adolesc Gynecol 2012; 25:48-53. [PMID: 22051790 PMCID: PMC3252400 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpag.2011.07.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2011] [Revised: 07/28/2011] [Accepted: 07/28/2011] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVE To describe the prevalence and correlates of vaginal douching among urban African American adolescents and to examine the association between douching and sexually transmitted infection (STI) status. DESIGN Demographic, psychosocial, and behavioral data were collected through cross-sectional, self-administered surveys. Self-collected vaginal swabs were assayed using nucleic acid amplification tests for trichomoniasis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea. SETTING Sexual health clinic in a large metropolitan area of the southeastern United States. PARTICIPANTS African American females (N = 701), ages 14-20, participating in a human immunodeficiency virus prevention intervention. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE The outcome of interest was the association between vaginal douching (lifetime, past 90 days, and past 7 days) with demographic characteristics (eg, age, education, and socioeconomic status), physical and mental health status, STI status, sexual behavior (eg, number of vaginal sexual partners, age of sex partners, consistent condom use in the past 90 days, sex while self/partner was high on drugs or alcohol), and psychosocial characteristics (eg, sexual adventurism, social support, peer norms, sexual satisfaction, self-efficacy for sex refusal, self-esteem, relationship power, risk avoidance). RESULTS Forty-three percent reported ever douching, and 29% reported douching in the past 90 days. In bivariate analyses, recent douching was associated with demographic, behavioral, and psychosocial variables, but not current STI status. In multivariate analyses, recent douching was associated with age (odds ratio [AOR] = 1.13, confidence interval [CI] = 1.02-1.25), lower socioeconomic status (AOR = 1.25, CI = 1.05-1.47), and having sex with much older partners (AOR = 1.87, CI = 1.22-2.86). CONCLUSION Increased age, lower socioeconomic status, and older partners may be salient risk factors for douching behavior among African American young women.
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Affiliation(s)
- R J Diclemente
- Department of Behavioral Sciences and Health Education, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
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Abstract
Although it has been clear for more than 2 decades that bacterial vaginosis increases the risk for preterm birth in some women, it is not yet fully understood why this association exists or how best to modify the risk. Incomplete understanding of this polymicrobial condition and difficulties in classification contribute to the challenge. The relationship between altered vaginal microflora and preterm birth is likely mediated by host immune responses. Because treatment of bacterial vaginosis during pregnancy does not improve preterm birth rates, and may in fact increase them, screening and treatment of asymptomatic pregnant women is discouraged. Symptomatic women should be treated for symptom relief. This article reviews the pathophysiology of bacterial vaginosis and controversy surrounding management during pregnancy. Agents currently recommended for treatment of this condition are reviewed.
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