Epidemiology and clinico-investigative study of organisms causing vaginal discharge

Clinicoetiological study on vaginal discharge among sexually active women attending a tertiary center in North Kerala, India

Background

Vaginal discharge is a common complaint among women attending the sexually transmissible infections (STIs) clinic and is a cause for concern and mental distress. It can be attributed to physiological or pathological causes. This study aims to understand the prevalence of various etiologies of vaginal discharge, which would help frame health policies based on local needs.

Objectives

(1) To estimate the prevalence of discharge per vaginum among sexually active women attending the STI clinic at a tertiary care center during a 1-year period, (2) To identify the organisms causing vaginal discharge, (3) To have a clinicoetiological correlation of the cases, and (4) To identify the subspecies of Candida causing vaginal candidiasis.

Materials and Methods

A total of 126 patients with vaginal discharge attending the STI clinic at a tertiary care center were included in the study. A detailed clinical history, physical examination of the external genitalia, and vaginal examination were done on each patient. Five swabs were taken from the posterior fornix and lateral vaginal wall for evaluation of the organisms.

Results

The mean age of the study population was 31.51 ± 7.9 years. Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) was found to be the most common cause of vaginal discharge, followed by bacterial vaginosis, mucopurulent cervicitis, herpes genitalis, and trichomoniasis. The most common species of Candida was found to be Candida albicans.

Conclusion

Even though VVC still remains the major cause, other viral infections like herpes significantly contribute. Vaginal discharge is an important indicator of women's reproductive health and its detailed evaluation helps identify the prevalence of various STIs in the community.

Functional Nutrition Treatment of Vulvodynia, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, and Depression: A Case Report

A 34-y-old pregnant woman previously diagnosed with vulvodynia, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and depression used an elimination diet and nutritional supplementation-from 15 wk pregnant to 22 wk postpartum-to resolve her vulvodynia and IBS, and to reduce her use of antidepressant medication. This case demonstrates the potential usefulness of incorporating a customized functional nutritional approach to evaluate potential proinflammatory foods and nutritional insufficiencies in perinatal patients and postnatal patients.