Vaginitis Research Articles

Vaginal symptoms in the menopause: cause, impact and treatment combination options

Vaginal changes during the menopause may cause women to present to their practice nurse. Pearl Clark Brown explains diagnosis and management. Vaginal symptoms which appear around the time of the menopause often occur as a result of declining levels of oestrogen within the epithelial tissues. Vaginal dryness, painful sex, itching, inflammation, burning and soreness are common symptoms around this time. It is thought that up to 80% of women will develop vaginal symptoms in varying degrees once menopausal. The effect that this can have on theindividual can be far reaching, impacting on normal day to day tasks such as sitting, the ability to have sex and being able to take part in exercise. Treatment options include vaginal oestrogen, non hormonal vaginal moisturisers, use of personal lubricants and emollients for washing with. Optimal relief can involve a combined treatment approach used regularly alongside a sliding scale of product use according to the severity of symptoms in response to stressors such as sex, stress or situations known to exacerbate symptoms.

Role of Oxidative Stress and DNA Damage on Preterm Birth Outcome.

Background: Preterm birth (PTB) poses a significant global health challenge and focused research is vital for improving maternal and neonatal health outcomes. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of oxidative stress (OS) and DNA damage on PTB. Methods: There were two groups: (a) cases consisting of mothers with PTB (<37weeks of gestation, n = 100) and (b) controls consisting of mothers with term birth (>37weeks of gestation, n = 100). Women with vaginal infection, non-cephalic presentation, multiple gestations, fetal anomalies, Cesarean delivery, pregnancy with Mullerian anomalies, or preeclampsia were excluded from the study. OS analysis was conducted by measuring levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), lipid peroxidation (LPO), and total protein and DNA damage were evaluated by CBMN-Cyt assay. Statistical analysis was performed using students' t-test and one-way ANOVA. Results: Low levels of antioxidants SOD and CAT (p < .0001), and total protein (p < .0001), besides high malondialdehyde (byproduct of LPO) (p < .0001) were observed in the PTB group. Moreover, high frequencies of micronuclei (p < .0001) and nucleoplasmic buds (p < .01) were detected in the PTB mothers compared to term birth mothers, while no significance was observed in the nucleoplasmic bridge frequencies. Conclusion: When the body's immune system and antioxidants fail to cope up with the generated OS, it can lead to PTB. Along with other body tests, OS markers and CBMN-Cyt tests have the potential to be used in diagnostics for early warning as well as monitoring and advising mothers for a better pregnancy outcome.

Microbial interactions among Gardnerella, Prevotella and Fannyhessea prior to incident bacterial vaginosis: protocol for a prospective, observational study

IntroductionThe aetiology of bacterial vaginosis (BV), a biofilm-associated vaginal infection, remains unknown. Epidemiologic data suggest that it is sexually transmitted. BV is characterised by loss of lactic acid-producing lactobacilli and...

Vaginal candida infection is associated with host molecular signatures of neutrophil activation in the adjacent ectocervical mucosa in Kenyan sex workers

AbstractProblemOvergrowth of candida species in the human vaginal mucosa causes inflammation, which could render the mucosal barrier more susceptible to HIV infection. Here, we investigated whether this condition also affects the ectocervical mucosa, a potential site of HIV entry, in women at high risk of HIV infection.Method of studyRetrospective medical data and ectocervical tissue samples were obtained from a cohort of Kenyan sex workers. Among 108 women, seven had signs of vaginal candida infection by wet smear microscopy and/or the presence of characteristic discharge. Women lacking these two criteria served as controls. Host transcriptomic profiling and quantitative in situ image analysis of epithelial barrier markers and CD4+ cell distribution were performed.ResultsThe candida group had 162 differentially expressed genes out of 15 435 genes as compared with the control group. Among these 162 genes, 147 were upregulated and 15 were downregulated. Gene expression pathway analysis indicated associations with an upregulated inflammatory response, defined primarily by markers of neutrophil activation. Transcription factor analysis revealed upregulation of pathways related to RELA/REL/NFKB1, JUN and STAT1 in the candida group. In situ image analysis of ectocervical tissue samples showed no differences between groups in terms of epithelial height, expression of epithelial junction proteins (E‐cadherin, claudin‐1, zonula occludens 1, and desmoglein‐1), or epithelial CD4+ cell distribution.ConclusionsVaginal candida infection was associated with inflammation and neutrophil infiltration, but not with severe epithelial disruption or CD4+ cell infiltration, in the ectocervical mucosa.

Resveratrol-loaded microemulsion based thermosensitive hydrogel for potential topical treatment of the vaginal inflammation

Background Vaginal inflammation is a prevalent gynecological condition. If left untreated, it can potentially spread to the urinary and reproductive systems. Methods In this study, we propose a resveratrol-loaded microemulsion-based thermosensitive hydrogel (Res-Me-Tsgel) and compare it with a chitosan hydrogel-based Res-Me-Cogel. We characterized the different characters of Res-Me-Tsgel. The safety of Res-Me-Tsgel was also evaluated in vitro and in vivo. Finally, we measured the retention of Res in the vagina after drug administration. Results The Res-Me-Tsgel we prepared is a transparent liquid solution at room temperature that rapidly forms a gel at 37oC. Compared to Res solution and Res-Me, both Res-Me-Cogel and Res-Me-Tsgel demonstrate superior sustained release properties. Both in vitro and in vivo studies confirm the excellent biosafety profile of Res-Me-Cogel and Res-Me-Tsgel. Vaginal administration of these formulations in rats results in prolonged retention of resveratrol within the vagina. Notably, due to its improved flow into vaginal folds after administration, the retention of Resveratrol was approximately three times higher for the Res-Me-Tsgel group compared to the Res-Me-Cogel group at 24 h post-administration. Overall, these findings highlight the potential application of Res-Me-Tsgel as an effective means for vaginal inflammation. Conclusions We developed a novel micromulsion based thermosensitive hydrogel for the delivery of Res. The sustained release of Res and favorable vaginal retention from Res-Me-Tsgel make them promise as a potential candidate for local intravaginal therapy.

Human papillomavirus and cervical cancer in the microbial world: exploring the vaginal microecology.

The vaginal microbiota plays a crucial role in female reproductive health and is considered a biomarker for predicting disease outcomes and personalized testing. However, its relationship with human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and cervical cancer is not yet clear. Therefore, this article provides a review of the association between the vaginal microbiota, HPV infection, and cervical cancer. We discuss the composition of the vaginal microbiota, its dysbiosis, and its relationship with HPV infection, as well as potential mechanisms in the development of cervical cancer. In addition, we assess the feasibility of treatment strategies such as probiotics and vaginal microbiota transplantation to modulate the vaginal microbiota for the prevention and treatment of diseases related to HPV infection and cervical cancer. In the future, extensive replication studies are still needed to gain a deeper understanding of the complex relationship between the vaginal microbiota, HPV infection, and cervical cancer, and to clarify the role of the vaginal microbiota as a potential biomarker for predicting disease outcomes, thus providing a theoretical basis for personalized testing.

Preparation and evaluation of vaginal suppo-sponges loaded with benzydamine, in-vitro/in-vivo study

This study aimed to design a new Benzydamine HCl (BNZ) suppo-sponge for controlled, mucoadhesive dosage form for vaginal candidiasis treatment, offering advantages over traditional creams, ointments, or gels. BNZ-loaded suppo-sponges were fabricated by simple casting / freeze-drying technique utilizing the cross-linking of chitosan (Cs) with vanillin (V). Vaginal suppo-sponges were prepared based on different vanillin cross-linking ratios (V).n), from 0 to 2%w/w. To best of our knowledge, this is the first study that uses Schiff's base between chitosan and vanillin as a drug delivery system to treat fungal vaginal infections. Schiff's base formation was confirmed by FT-IR. In-vitro appraisal showed acceptable physical and mechanical characteristics. Formulations based on cross-linking of Cs with V showed a more pronounced in-vitro antifungal activity. In-vitro drug release revealed a prolonged release pattern, becoming more noticeable with the higher cross-linked suppo-sponges (22.34% after 8 h). In-vivo testing of CsV2 suppo-sponge indicated a more pronounced reduction in fungal count than both CsV0 and Tantum® Rosa in the first week, with a peak reduction on day 7 and the 10th and 11th days of the second week. Conclusively, Chitosan/vanillin suppo-sponges represent a promising delivery system for drugs intended for local treatment of vaginal candidiasis. than both CsV0 and Tantum® Rosa in the first week, with a peak reduction on day 7 and the 10th and 11th days of the second week. Conclusively, Chitosan/vanillin suppo-sponges represent a promising delivery system for drugs intended for local treatment of vaginal candidiasis.

Effect of the Pulsatilla decoction n-butanol extract on vulvovaginal candidiasis caused by Candida glabrata and on its virulence factors

Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) caused by Candida glabrata (C. glabrata) is more persistent and resistant to treatment than when caused by Candida albicans (C. albicans) and has been on the rise in recent years. The n-butanol extract of Pulsatilla Decoction (BEPD) has been shown to be effective in treating VVC caused by C. glabrata, but the underlying mechanism of action remains unclear. In this study, the experimenter conducted in vitro and in vivo experiments to explore the effects of BEPD on the virulence factors of C. glabrata, as well as its efficacy, with a focus on possible immunological mechanism in VVC caused by C. glabrata. The contents of Anemoside B4, Epiberberine, Berberine, Aesculin, Aesculetin, Phellodendrine and Jatrorrhizine in BEPD, detected by high-performance liquid chromatography, were 31,736.64, 13,529.66, 105,143.72, 19,406.20, 4952.67, 10,317.03, 2489.93 μg/g, respectively. In vitro experiments indicated that BEPD moderately inhibited the growth of C. glabrata, its adhesion, and biofilm formation, and affected the expression of efflux transporters in the biofilm state. In vivo experiments demonstrated that BEPD significantly reduced vaginal inflammatory manifestation and the release of proinflammatory cytokines and LDH in mice with VVC caused by C. glabrata. Moreover, it inhibited the Phosphorylation of EGFR, ERK, P38, P65, and C-Fos proteins. The results suggested that although BEPD moderately inhibits the growth and virulence factors of C. glabrata in vitro, it can significantly reduce vaginal inflammation by down-regulating the EGFR/MAPK signaling pathway in mice with VVC infected by C. glabrata.

Edukasi Penatalaksanaan Keputihan dengan Pemanfaatan Rebusan Air Daun Sirih

Vaginal discharge or flour albus is an excessive discharge from the vagina that is not menstrual blood. Pathological fluoride albus caused by vaginal infections (fungi, bacteria, parasites, viruses). The prevalence of causes is 25%-50 candidiasis, 20%-40% bacterial vaginosis and 5%-15% trichomoniasis. The characteristics of pathological vaginal discharge are smelly, itchy, yellowish or greenish, thick and cloudy and large in quantity. If this condition does not receive immediate treatment, it will have a negative impact on women's health. Infection will develop and affect the function of the reproductive organs. Medical treatment efforts include administering drugs in the form of capsules, tablets and ovules (vaginal tablets). Meanwhile, for non-medical or complementary therapy, betel leaf decoction can be used (Dame, 2023). The aim of this outreach is to provide education about the benefits of boiled betel leaves for vaginal discharge in women of childbearing age. The activity was carried out at PMB Masdewati Pohan in July 2023, the subject was women of childbearing age in the PMB Masdewati Pohan area. Activity results: Counseling participants learned about the benefits of boiled betel leaf water for vaginal discharge. The results of the questionnaire measuring knowledge before and after counseling showed an increase in knowledge of women of childbearing age by an average of 78%. It is hoped that women of childbearing age can maintain personal hygiene to prevent vaginal discharge and can use boiled water from betel leaves to treat vaginal discharge that occurs.

Self-medication practice among pregnant and postpartum women attending the regional hospital center of Souss Massa, Morocco: a cross-sectional study.

Background: Self-medication among pregnant women represents a serious risk to the mother's and child's health. It is a global concern that requires careful attention from professionals in healthcare. In Morocco, there is a lack of available data on self-medication and predicting variables among pregnant and postpartum women. The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence of self-medication and the factors that contributed to it among pregnant and postpartum women in the Sous Massa Regional Hospital. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using a pretested questionnaire among 420 pregnant and postpartum women who were attending the regional hospital center of the Sous Massa region from April to December 2022. Statistical analysis was performed using Jamovi Software. The logistic regression analysis was used to determine the significance of the association between the outcome and independent variables. Results: The research enrolled 420 pregnant and postpartum women. During the current pregnancy, 24.8% of the women used self-medication. The leading common causes/symptoms that necessitate self-medication among pregnant and postpartum women were Anemia (84.8%), epigastralgia (16.8%), vomiting, pyrosis (15.2%), and urinary and vaginal infections The therapeutic families concerned with self-medication practice were Analgesics (41.4%), Antacids (20.3%), antimicrobials (13.5%), and Vitamin supplements (9%). According to the findings, the most frequent sources of information were pharmacists (45.6%), followed by physicians (44.3%). The primary reasons given by respondents for self-medication were the need for rapid release (51.7%), previous treatments with the same drugs (31.7%), and 20% reported difficulty of access to healthcare professionals. Out of 95.9% of the participants reported that they knew the dangers of self-medication and 96% of them were informed and received information about the dangers and contraindications of self-medication during pregnancy. This was significantly statistically associated with self-medication respectively with p-value = 0.031 and p-value = 0.005. Conclusion: The findings of the present study provide an initial awareness of the state of self-medication among pregnant and postpartum women attending the regional hospital centers. It is recommended that healthcare professionals increase their interventions to improve the consciousness of pregnant women; this might require implementing suitable strategies to regulate the commercialization, delivery, and use of conventional medications.

The Enhanced Activity of a Plant Mixture from the Brazilian Caatinga Biome against Venereal Trichomonads Confirms the Traditional Use

Women living in the semi-arid region of Caatinga in the northeast of Brazil report the use of plant mixtures to treat diseases in the genitourinary tract. Plant extracts were obtained from barks to simulate traditional use. The anti-trichomonads activity as well as the cytotoxic effect of plant extracts were tested. Herein, we confirmed this traditional knowledge by testing plants aqueous extracts against Trichomonas vaginalis and Tritrichomonas foetus, the etiologic agents of human and bovine trichomoniasis. All plant extracts were active individually against at least one trichomonads species except for Prosopis juliflora and Amburana cearensis. Cedrela sp. was the most active against both trichomonads species. Finally, a mixture of plants used in traditional medicine was evaluated for activity. A mixture containing extracts of the plants Ximenia americana, Anadenanthera colubrina var. cebil, Myracrodruon urundeuva, Sideroxylon obtusifolium, and Amburana cearensis was active against the two trichomonads. This finding confirms the traditional practice by women living in the Caatinga region of using a mixture of plants during sitz baths to treat vaginal infections. Altogether, these results highlight the ethnopharmacological use of Cedrela sp. and of the plant mixture for the treatment of venereal diseases by Caatinga residents.

Relationship between vaginal microecology and human papillomavirus infection as well as cervical intraepithelial neoplasia in 2,147 women from Wenzhou, the southeast of China.

The female reproductive tract is a significant microecological region, and its micro-environment can directly affect women's cervical health. This research aimed to investigate the effect of vaginal microecology on human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and cervical intraepithelial neoplasia(CIN). A retrospective cohort study enrolling 2,147 women who underwent a colposcopic examination between August 2021 and August 2022 was conducted. The relationship between vaginal microecology and HPV infection as well as cervical lesions were assessed using the chi-square test, univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses, and Cochran-Armitage trend test. HPV infection was linked to the imbalance of vaginal microecology [odds ratio (OR)=3.00, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.66-5.43; P<0.001]. Clue cell (OR=1.59, 95% CI=0.99-2.54; P=0.054) and sialidase (OR=1.54, 95% CI=1.01-2.35; P<0.046) were considered as significant risk factors for HPV infection. Further analysis showed that vaginal microecological disorder was more likely to be detected in patients infected with HPV 16/18 subtypes (OR=9.86, 95% CI=2.37-41.80; P=0.002). Although there was no significant correlation between the incidence of vaginal microecological disorder and the severity of cervical lesions (P > 0.05), the proportions of abnormal PH value (OR=2.6, 95% CI=1.63-10.42; P=0.001) and abnormal vaginal cleanliness (OR=2.6, 95% CI=1.36-4.0; P= 0.004) increased as the histological stage progressed. Vaginal microecology associates with HPV infection and the progression of cervical lesions. Detection of vaginal secretion may contribute to the development of targets for micro-environmental modulation with probiotics and the reduction of the incidence of cervical cancer.

Screening of Group B Streptococcal and Candida Infections in Antenatal Women Visiting a Tertiary Care Hospital and the Neonatal Outcome

Reproductive tract infections in antenatal women are frequently occurring public health concern affecting the quality of life in the infected women and further affects the neonatal outcome negatively. Vaginal infections are predominantly caused due to the disturbance in the normal vaginal microflora. Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a major peritoneal pathogen leading to morbidity and mortality in both mother and neonates leading to complications like preterm labour, chorioamnionitis and Preterm rupture of membrane (PROM). Further, Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is a frequently encountered gynaecological disease causing morbidity in 3/4th of women at least once in their life span. It leads to infertility in non-pregnant women. It results in adverse pregnancy outcomes such as chorioamnionitis and congenital abnormalities in the neonates. The aim of this study is to screen for potential bacterial and yeast infections with focus on GBS and Candida infections and its neonatal outcome. Candida species and GBS were identified by routine culture-based tests. HiChrome agar was used for speciation of Candida species. CAMP test was performed for GBS; further identification was done using Streptococcal grouping kit. GBS was found in 15% of the antenatal women and Candida Species was found to be most common with an infection rate of 50%. Lower segment Cesarean section (LSCS) rate in GBS positive women was 60% and in Candida Non albicans positive women was found to be 65.38%. 33% of the neonates born to GBS positive mothers had respiratory distress. Infection in antenatal women negatively influenced the mode of delivery and the mean body weight of the neonates born to infected mothers were comparatively less.

Association between serum carotenoids and bacterial vaginosis infection among American women.

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a widely occurring vaginal inflammation in women of childbearing age caused by dysbiosis of the vaginal flora. Few studies have investigated the effect of serum carotenoids on the development and pathogenesis of BV. This study thus aimed to explore the correlation between serum carotenoids and BV in American women. The analysis included 1252 participants with BV from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) between 2001 and 2004. Multiple logistic regression was conducted to explore the correlation between BV and serum carotenoids, while smooth curve fitting was utilized to examine potential nonlinear correlations. Furthermore, stratified subgroup analyses and sensitivity analyses were conducted. ORs reflected the correlation between BV and serum carotenoids. Results of multiple logistic regression indicated that total serum carotenoids and BV had an inverse correlation. In the fully adjusted model II, the quartile with the highest levels of α-carotene and β-cryptoxanthin had a substantially lower incidence of BV. Smooth curve fitting revealed a significant negative linear correlation between serum carotenoids and the incidence of BV. The negative correlation between serum carotenoids and BV was relatively stable in stratified analyses. Moreover, in sensitivity analyses, the association between serum carotenoids and BV persisted, and β-carotene became significantly negatively correlated with BV. This study found an inverse correlation between serum carotenoids and the prevalence of BV.

Diagnostic study of fungal and bacterial pathogens that cause vaginal infection in women

Abstract Background: Vaginal infection is an inflammation of the vagina that can result in discharge, itching, and pain. A specific kind of vaginal inflammation known as bacterial vaginosis is roughing on by an overabundance of naturally occurring bacteria in the vagina, which throws the body’s delicate equilibrium out of whack. Vaginal candidiasis is a fungal infection that affects the vagina and the vulva, the tissues at the vaginal opening, causing irritation, discharge, and severe itching. Objectives: Isolation, identification, and partial purification of bacteria and fungi that cause vaginal infection. Materials and Methods: In this study, 150 vaginal samples were collected from women aged 15–55 who did not have any chronic diseases in the city of Hilla, Iraq. Cultivation of samples of bacteria on MacConkey, mannitol salt, and Eosin-methylene blue culture media and fungi on potato dextrose agar medium and chromo agar for Candida and conducting diagnostic tests for them. Results: The samples were culture on different medium. Bacteria have a percentage (55.3%) and fungi percentage (54.7%). Types of bacteria that appeared are Escherichia coli 24.3%, Klebsiella 20%, and Staphylococcus aureus 55.7%. Fungi are Candida albicans 52.6%, Candida glabrata 23.7%, and Candida krusie 23.7% have all been identified as fungi in clinical cases. Biochemical tests were performed for each sample, whether bacteria or fungi and included an examination (indol, citrate, urease, catalase, oxidase, coagulase, and H2S). Conclusion: Through results appeared S. aureus papered was found to be more common than bacteria species and fungi in clinical cases. C. albicans was found to be more common than other Candida species.

HPV Positive Women and Risk Factors in Development Cervical Intraepithelial Lesions

Background: Human papillomavirus is a risk factor in the development of cervical cancer. Other risk factors are frequent vaginal infections, cigarette smoking, use of oral contraceptives, but also lack of lacrobacillus in women with HPV infection. Objective: The objective of our study was to determine the risk factors for the development of cervical intraepithelial lesions in women with normal and pathological Pap test results. Methods: The research is a prospective study conducted in the Gynecology Center "Dr. Mahira Jahić" Tuzla and Dom Zdravlja Tešanj since February. 2023 to March 2024. The research included 200 respondents aged 25 to 50. Tested group: 100 subjects with pathological Pap smear findings (ASCUS, LSIL and HSIL) and a control group of 100 subjects with normal Pap smear findings. Sociodemographic data were obtained from the subjects during interviews and examinations: age, cigarette consumption and frequency of previous vaginal infections and the presence of lactobacilli. The obtained results were processed using the methods of descriptive statistics, student's t test and X2 test. A difference for a value of p&lt;0.5 was considered statistically significant. Results: The mean age of the dpbo examined group was 38.1±1.7, while in the control group it was 39.6±1.9 years. Cigarettes were consumed by 62 (31%), 38 (19%) of the examined group, and 24 (12%) of the control group with a statistically significant difference of p&lt;0.05. Out of a total of 100 in the examined group, 60 subjects had LSIL, 9 subjects had HSIL (CIN 2 two subjects and CIN 3 had 7), and ASCUS 29 and ASC-H 2 subjects. Subjects with pathological findings had significantly more vaginal infections during one year (p&lt;0.05). HPV was positive in 65 (65%) subjects with a pathological Pap smear test, and negative HPV in 35 (35%). HPV 16,18 was present in 19 (19%) test subjects in combined form, and mono-isolate HPV 16 in 14 (14%) and HPV 18 in one case. In the combined form of several HPVs, HPV 16 and HPV 31, 33, 35, 45, 56 were found in 5 (5%), and HPV 18 in 4 (4%) with HPV 36, 59, 68. The most frequently isolated HPV 16 in 38 (38%) as monoisolate and in combined form. Lactobacilli were present in 26 (13%) subjects in the test group and in 60 (30%) subjects in the control group, with a statistically significant difference (p&lt;0.05). The presence of Lactobacillus in subjects with a regular Pap test is significantly more frequent compared to women with cervical intraepithelial lesions (ASCUS, LSIL, ASC-H and HSIL) ) in the finding of the Pap test. Conclusion: Altered microflora of the vagina, lack of lactobacilli, frequent vaginal infections and smoking are risk factors for the development of CIN lesions in women positive for high-risk HPV.

Extracellular Traps in Patients Diagnosed With Bacterial Vaginosis, Trichomoniasis, Candidiasis, Noninfectious Vaginitis and Cytolytic Vaginosis.

Vaginal infections are a public health problem associated with serious health complications due to the exacerbated inflammation they generate. Vaginal inflammation may also occur in some noninfectious processes, such as noninfectious vaginitis and cytolytic vaginosis. Immune system cells respond to infections through various mechanisms, such as the formation of extracellular traps (ETs), which are DNA networks associated with effector proteins. Many pathogens induce ETs formation in vitro, as occurs in some natural infections. A recent report indicates that human vaginal infections in vivo generate ETs. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to identify ETs in samples from 40 donors who were diagnosed with infectious (i.e., bacterial vaginosis, candidiasis and trichomoniasis) and noninfectious (i.e., noninfectious vaginitis and cytolytic vaginosis) vaginal inflammation. We were able to observe ETs by identifying the LL-37 peptide, which is associated with DNA networks. In seven vaginal swabs from the control group (formed by 19 donors without vaginal infection symptoms), we detected at least one pathogen per sample and observed ETs; thus, these donors were considered asymptomatic. The remaining 12 donors were confirmed to be healthy, as their exudates did not present any tested pathogens, sign of inflammation or ETs. ETs in vaginal inflammatory processes can worsen inflammation but may also help control infection.

Lessons learned from comparing self-collected vs. physician-collected vaginal swabs for diagnosing infections in resource-limited settings: a 24-year review

Introduction: Reproductive health is essential for women’s overall well-being, yet vaginal infections like Bacterial Vaginosis (BV), Candidiasis, and Trichomoniasis are prevalent and can lead to severe complications if left untreated. In high-income countries, healthcare systems are generally equipped to handle these infections; however, in resource-limited settings, barriers such as geographic isolation, financial constraints, and social stigmas hinder access to effective care. Self-collected vaginal swabs present a promising alternative to traditional physician-collected samples, offering potential benefits in these underserved regions. Objective: This study aims to evaluate the feasibility, diagnostic accuracy, and community acceptance of self-collected vaginal swabs compared to physician-collected samples for diagnosing bacterial vaginosis, candidiasis, and trichomoniasis in resource-limited settings, and to explore strategies for the broader implementation of this approach to improve women’s reproductive health. Methods: This narrative review synthesizes literature on the effectiveness, feasibility, and community acceptance of self-collected vaginal swabs compared to physician-collected samples for diagnosing BV, Candidiasis, and Trichomoniasis. A systematic search was conducted across PubMed, Google Scholar, and institutional repositories for studies from January 2000 to May 2024. The review encompasses various sections, including background on the significance of timely diagnosis, initiatives empowering women through self-collection, challenges and successes of these initiatives, and strategies for quality assurance and policy advocacy. Results: Self-collected vaginal swabs were found to be as accurate as physician-collected samples in diagnosing BV, Candidiasis, and Trichomoniasis. The method enhances accessibility and reduces stigma, showing potential for broader application in community health settings. Conclusion: Self-collected vaginal swabs represent a viable solution to reproductive health challenges in resource-limited settings. They offer comparable diagnostic accuracy, enhance accessibility, and can reduce cultural barriers to seeking care. Future efforts should focus on community education, technological innovations, and policy reforms to maximize the effectiveness and sustainability of this approach in improving global women’s health.

The Effect of Family Planning Methods Used and Vaginal Infection by Women Applying to Gynecology Polyclinic on Genital Hygiene Behaviors: Descriptive Study

The Effect of Family Planning Methods Used and Vaginal Infection by Women Applying to Gynecology Polyclinic on Genital Hygiene Behaviors: Descriptive Study

Pelvic floor dysfunction in postpartum women: A cross-sectional study.

Pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) is a disease of weakened pelvic floor support tissues, leading to changes in the pelvic organ position and function of pelvic organs, with long-term effects on women. This study aimed to assess pelvic floor function using electrophysiology and clinical symptoms, exploring the risk factors for PFD one month postpartum. This cross-sectional study included 845 women from postpartum outpatient clinic of Nantong Affiliated Hospital from August 2019 to October 2021. Pelvic floor muscle strength was evaluated via pelvic floor surface electromyography. Clinical symptoms (urinary incontinence (UI) and pelvic organ prolapse) were diagnosed by gynecologists. Sociodemographic, pregnancy, and obstetrical data were obtained from self-reported questionnaires and electronic records. The study identified maternal age, parity, immigrant status, and economic income as factors were related to PFD. Gestational constipation increased the risk of abnormal resting muscle strength (OR:1.553, 95%CI: 1.022-2.359). Cesarean delivery was associated with higher rates of abnormal resting muscle strength than vaginal delivery (post-resting stage: OR, 2.712; 95% CI, 1.189-6.185), but a decreased incidence of UI (OR: 0.302; 95% CI, 0.117-0.782). Increased gestational weight gain was correlated with a greater risk of developing UI (OR:1.030, 95%CI: 1.002-1.058). Women with vaginal inflammation faced a higher risk of abnormal fast-twitch muscle (OR: 2.311, 95%CI: 1.125-4.748). In addition to uncontrollable factors like mode of delivery, age, and parity, interventions targeting weight gain and constipation during pregnancy and vaginal flora could mitigate the risks of PFD. Educational programs for pregnant women should emphasize a proper diet and lifestyle. For women with vaginal inflammation, clinical treatment should be carried out as soon as possible to avoid further aggravating the damage to the pelvic floor muscles.