Vaginal Infections

  • Home
  • Vaginal Infections

Vaginal Infections

Bacterial and fungal infections of the vagina are common in women of reproductive age.  Most infections are correlated with (1) a reduction in Lactobacilli, the beneficial flora of the vaginal mucosa, (2) insult to the vaginal mucosal barrier, or (3) inflammation of the vaginal tissues.

YEAST INFECTIONS (CANDIDAL VULVOVAGINITIS)

Candidal vulvovaginitis is a common infection responsible for 33% of all cases of vulvovaginitis in women of reproductive age.  Approximately 70% of women report having had Candidal vulvovaginitis at some point in their lifetimes.

Candidal vulvovaginitis occurs when a normal component of the vaginal flora, the Candida species, consisting of predominantly C. albicans or C. glabrata, increases and superficially penetrates the vaginal mucosa, resulting in an inflammatory response.  Candidal vulvovaginitis symptoms include, vaginal discharge, dysuria, vaginal itching, vaginal burning, dyspareunia, or swelling.

References:

BACTERIAL VAGINOSIS

Bacterial vaginosis is the leading vaginal disorder in women of reproductive age, contributing to more than 60% of all vulvovaginal infections.

Bacterial vaginosis is characterized by a dramatic shift in the vaginal microflora that involves the loss of the beneficial flora, Lactobacilli, and simultaneous proliferation of anaerobic bacteria, including G. vaginalis, ultimately resulting in infection.  Bacterial vaginosis symptoms are similar to those of yeast infections, including, vaginal discharge, vaginal itching, and vaginal odor.

References: