The impact of contraceptive methods on the onset of symptomatic vulvovaginal candidiasis within the menstrual cycle

OBJECTIVE: Vulvovaginal candidiasis is the second most common cause of vaginal discharge. Low-dose oral contraceptives are no longer thought to increase the absolute risk of episodic vulvovaginal candidiasis. This study investigates the possible impact that hormonal contraception may have on the timing of onset of symptoms within the menstrual cycle.STUDY DESIGN: In a retrospective chart review of reproductive-aged women seen at the Women's Health Care Clinic at Harbor-University of California, Los Angeles, Medical Center, data from the records of 448 symptomatic women who had 507 episodes of vulvovaginal candidiasis were extracted and analyzed for timing of onset of symptoms within the menstrual cycle. Diagnosis was based on symptoms, physical findings, and microscopy. Onset was divided into five physiologic ranges within an idealized 28-day menstrual cycle. Comparisons among groups were made with use of χ² and p < 0.05 thresholds for statistical significance.RESULTS: No differences were found in the onset of symptoms within the idealized menstrual cycle ranges between women using hormonal birth control methods and those using nonhormonal ones. The distribution was remarkably uniform throughout the cycle with the exception of the first few days (during menses).CONCLUSION: The timing of onset of symptoms of vulvovaginal candidiasis within a woman's menstrual cycle is not affected by her method of birth control. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 1997;176:1376-80.)     

Risk factors for recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis in women receiving maintenance antifungal therapy: results of a prospective cohort study

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to examine risk factors for symptomatic vulvovaginal candidiasis episodes among women with recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (defined as >/=4 vulvovaginal candidiasis episodes in 1 year) who were receiving maintenance antifungal therapy. STUDY DESIGN: A prospective study of 65 women aged >/=18 years with recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis who attended vaginitis clinics in Detroit, Mich, and Philadelphia, Pa. RESULTS: The 9-month risk of vulvovaginal candidiasis recurrence was 41.8%. Almost two fifths of the women reported activity limitations because of vulvovaginal candidiasis episodes, most or all of the time. Younger women and those women with a history of bacterial vaginosis were at increased risk of vulvovaginal candidiasis episodes. Behavioral factors that were associated significantly with increasing vulvovaginal candidiasis recurrence >/=2- fold included wearing pantyliners or pantyhose and consuming cranberry juice or acidophilus-containing products. CONCLUSION: The use of pantyliners or pantyhose, consumption of cranberry juice or acidophil-containing products, a history of bacterial vaginosis, and age <40 years were positively associated with a symptomatic vulvovaginal candidiasis episode.     

Nipple Pain, Mastalgia and Candidiasis in the Lactating Breast

During lactation, persistently sore nipples or shooting breast pain in the absence of local or systemic signs may be symptoms of C. albicans infection of the nipples and/or breast ducts. The nipple may be erythematous or fissured, but the appearance does not resemble oral or vaginal candidiasis. Case 1 is a woman with sore nipples following a course of antibiotics. Case 2 is a woman with severe shooting breast pain which was worsened by antibiotic treatment. Treatment included topical and oral antifungal treatment for the mother in conjunction with an 'anti-candida' diet. The infant's mouth was also treated to prevent reinfection.     

History, physical and laboratory findings, and clinical outcomes of lactating women treated with antibiotics for chronic breast and/or nipple pain.

This chart review study describes the history, physical and laboratory findings, and clinical outcomes in patients who presented to a lactation specialist between 1997 and 2002 and were treated with antibiotics for their chronic breast and/or nipple pain. A total of 69 charts were reviewed. Five were excluded because of loss of follow-up. Eighty-two percent of patients described postpartum breast tenderness, 74% had nipple sores postpartum, and 79% were tender on physical examination. Nipple lesions were present among 73% of the women. Breast milk or nipple cultures were performed for 60 of 64 patients and were positive for pathogenic bacteria among 50% of the patients cultured. The average duration of antibiotic treatment was 5.7 weeks, and 94% of the women had pain resolution. Symptoms of deep breast aching, breast tenderness on palpation, and nipple lesions may be suggestive of a bacterial lactiferous duct infection. Treatment with antibiotics for 4 to 6 weeks may be appropriate.     

Preparing for breast feeding: treatment of inverted and non-protractile nipples in pregnancy

Objective: to determine the effectiveness of recommending Hoffman's nipple stretching exercises or breast shells (or both) to pregnant women with inverted or non-protractile nipples who intend to breast feed.Design: randomised controlled trial with a two treatment by two level factorial design.Setting: in the UK, antenatal clinics in hospital and community settings in 10 centres and the antenatal network of the National Childbirth Trust; in Ontario, Canada, antenatal clinics in six hospital centres and one public health unit.Participants: 463 women with at least one inverted or non-protractile nipple and a singleton pregnancy, recruited between 25 completed and 35 completed weeks of pregnancy.Primary outcome measure: rate of breast feeding as reported by postal questionnaire six weeks postnatally.Findings: 107 out of 234 (46%) women allocated to use Hoffman's exercises compared with (44%) women not allocated to use exercises were breast feeding at six weeks after delivery (difference 2%, 95% confidence interval −7% to 11%). One hundred and three out of 230 (45%) women allocated to use shells compared with (45%) women not allocated to use breast shells were breast feeding at six weeks after delivery (difference 0%, 95% confidence interval −9% to 9%).Conclusions: in the light of the findings from this and a previous single centre trial, there is no basis for recommending the use of either Hoffman's nipple stretching exercises or breast shells as antenatal preparation for women with inverted and non-protractile nipples who wish to breast feed. Given the lack of evidence to support these and other antenatal preparations there are no grounds for midwives to continue routine breast examination in pregnancy for this purpose.     

Nipple pain in breastfeeding women: causes, treatment, and prevention strategies

This article identifies problems and conditions that contribute to nipple pain during lactation and that may lead to early cessation or noninitiation of breastfeeding. Signs and symptoms of poor latch-on and positioning, oral anomalies, and suckling disorders are reviewed. Diagnosis and treatment of infectious agents that may cause nipple pain are presented. Comfort measures for sore nipples and current treatment recommendations for nipple wound healing are discussed. Suggestions are made for incorporating in-depth breastfeeding content into midwifery education programs.     

A Comparison of the Effectiveness of Two Methods of Nipple Care

ABSTRACT: This study compared the effectiveness of the application of expressed breastmilk or colostrum with that of hydrous lanolin to women's nipples after breastfeeding for prevention or reduction of nipple pain and trauma during the first 10 post-partum days. Each of the 23 subjects was her own control, applying lanolin to one nipple and expressed breastmilk or colostrum to the other. After every feeding mothers rated nipple pain for each breast on a 4-point scale. On postpartum days 0 to 5, 7, and 10, nipple condition was assessed by investigators who were “blind” to the intervention used on each nipple. Nipple pain and trauma experienced by the women were similar for the two interventions. Of the 95 percent reporting nipple pain during feeding, 26 percent had “extreme pain.” All women experienced nipple trauma. Engorgement, the most common breast problem, correlated positively and significantly with nipple trauma. No significant correlations were found between the following variables: perceived nipple pain and observed nipple trauma, nipple pain and number of feedings perday, nipple pain or trauma and hair or skin color, and nipple pain and prenatal preparation for breastfeeding.     

外阴阴道假丝酵母菌病的临床特征及相关危险因素分析

目的:探讨外阴阴道假丝酵母菌病(vulvovaginal candidiasis,VVC)的临床特征及相关危险因素。方法:采用前瞻性研究方法,对230例阴道假丝酵母菌培养阳性者及200例真菌培养阴性者,进行病例对照研究。结果:VVC主要发生于性活跃期育龄妇女,平均年龄31.01±8.43岁。单纯性VVC多见,占64.7%(149/230),复杂性VVC占35·3%(81/230)。外阴瘙痒、白带增多、性交痛是VVC的主要症状(OR分别为158.35、16.88、32.59,95%CI分别为68.38~366.73、6.03~47.28、5.97~177.90)。VVC的相关危险因素有口交、非月经期护垫的应用、口服避孕药、既往有VVC病史、抗生素应用(OR分别为5.85、12.05、1.41,6.47,4.07;95%CI分别为2.82~12.14,5.39~26.98,0.71~2.79,3.51~11.98,1.35~12.27);避孕套的应用是保护性因素(OR=0.67,95%CI0.58~0.79)。58.7%VVC阴道pH值通常在正常范围内(3.8~4.5),92.6%的患者阴道清洁度通常为Ⅰ度~Ⅱ度。结论:VVC主要发生于性活跃期育龄妇女,以单纯性VVC多见。VVC阴道pH值通常在正常范围内,清洁度一般在Ⅰ度~Ⅱ度。口交、非月经期护垫的应用、避孕药的应用、既往有VVC病史、抗生素的应用是VVC发生的高危因素。避孕套的应用是VVC的保护性因素。     

Evaluating nipple discharge

Nipple discharge is the third most common breast complaint after breast pain and breast mass. It is most often a benign process. Up to 50% women in their reproductive years can express one or more drops of fluid from the breast. Nipple discharge can be of several types, including milky, multicolored and sticky, purulent, clear and watery, yellow or serous, pink or serosanguinous, bloody or sanguinous. The characteristics of the nipple discharge help in the early diagnosis and management of breast disease. The most common cause of pathologic nipple discharge is a benign papilloma followed by ductal ectasia, and the least likely is carcinoma. Most nipple discharges are the result of a clinically insignificant benign process; therefore, less invasive, nonsurgical diagnostic modalities have been explored to reduce the need for surgical intervention. The evaluation and diagnosis of nipple discharge is important for the early detection of carcinoma, when present; and, in the case of benign disease, it is necessary to stop the incommodious discharge.     

Clinical aspects and luteal phase assessment in patients with recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis

OBJECTIVE: This study was undertaken to characterize the patients with recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis. STUDY DESIGN: Basic data of personal history and history of recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis, lower genital tract symptoms and signs in 50 patients were analyzed in this longitudinal follow-up study including the determination of midluteal serum progesterone and urinary pregnanediol levels during the luteal phase in 84 cycles (recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis) and 60 cycles (healthy controls). RESULTS: All patients suffered primary idiopathic form of recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis. Frequently, there was a striking discrepancy between severe symptoms and clinical finding, which was often negligible or normal. There was no redness and no or minimum discharge in 52% of culture documented attacks. In contrast to the healthy controls, the patients had significantly lower levels of progesterone (p<0.01) as well as those of urinary pregnanediol (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Culture positive attacks in patients with recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis represented rather a form of vulvovaginal discomfort than attacks of vulvovaginal candidiasis with typical inflammatory changes. Significantly lower progesterone levels in the RVVC patients as compared to the healthy controls suggest a link between an altered hormonal status and one of possible causes of RVVC in these women.     

Comprehensive review of conventional and non-conventional methods of management of recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis

Recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is a condition what causes women a great deal of discomfort, inconvenience, and sometimes has psychological sequelae.(1) This condition is notoriously difficult to manage. Conventional management is generally favoured by medical practitioners. Some practitioners prefer not to offer other options because of significant possible side-effects and the lack of research supporting alternative treatments. There are many studies and much available information surrounding uncomplicated VVC, including two systematic reviews.(2,3) In the area of recurrent VVC however, quality conclusive studies are scarce, and recurrent VVC is featured infrequently in randomised controlled trials (RCTs). Systematic reviews that strongly support a particular pharmacological method of conventional management of recurrent VVC over another are absent from medical literature. Recommendations are largely formed on the basis of scanty RCTs and expert opinion. There is even less conclusive evidence in the area of alternative therapies; yet despite this, anecdotally many practitioners (both alternative and mainstream) continue to advocate certain treatments in the absence of any reliable cure that can be confidently prescribed. As the use of methods other than mainstream medicine becomes more widespread, it is important to be aware of both conventional and non-conventional management of recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis. Practitioners need to ascertain their patient's preference and treatment history. It is difficult to find comprehensive literature assessing both approaches. Giving women the most up-to-date and relevant information, and different management options, is essential in allowing them to make informed decisions. This review critically assesses both mainstream and less conventional approaches in the management of recurrent VVC.     

Clinical implications of prostate-specific antigen in men and women

Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a valuable tumor marker for prostate cancer. Although it is indeed produced at an extremely high level by the prostate, PSA is also expressed in many female tissues, especially those regulated by sex steroid hormones. PSA is detected in both normal and abnormal breast tissue, as well as in various breast fluids, including milk, nipple aspirate, and cyst fluid. Clinical studies suggest that the presence of PSA in breast tissue may indicate a favorable prognosis for breast cancer patients. Levels of PSA in nipple aspirate fluid, however, may be indicative of breast cancer risk. Concentrations of PSA in serum are elevated in pregnant women as well as in women who have excess androgens. More studies are necessary to determine the clinical implications of the presence of PSA in amniotic fluid and female serum.     

Breast health care: A review

Breast health care was rarely acknowledged in the health and science fields prior to this century and has only begun, in recent years, to receive attention outside of pregnancy/lactation or cancer screening and treatment. Yet much health care is involved with regard to this reproductive and sexual organ. With any group of clients, practitioners of women’s health care must address an assortment of breast health matters. This article offers an overview of the history of breast health care, the epidemiology of benign breast conditions and cancer, the anatomy and physiology of the breast, and breast development over the lifespan. Also presented are a review of breast assessment and examination, suggestions for routine care of the breast, and an overview of major health issues related to this reproductive organ. Health issues addressed include, among others, nodular and cystic changes, nipple discharge, breast/nipple pain, mastitis, elective alterations, and cancer. Discussion is focused on the latest approaches to optimal breast health care.     

Diagnostic value of signs and symptoms of mammary candidosis among lactating women.

Mammary candidosis in lactating women is not well defined and is most often presumptively diagnosed by signs and symptoms. This study evaluates the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and likelihood ratios of signs and symptoms of mammary candidosis based on the presence of Candida species on the nipple/areola or in the milk. In this prospective cohort study, the nipple/areola skin and milk of 100 healthy breastfeeding mothers were cultured from each breast at 2 weeks postpartum, and mothers were interviewed regarding signs and symptoms associated with mammary candidosis between 2 and 9 weeks postpartum. Positive predictive value for Candida colonization was highest when there were 3 or more signs or symptoms simultaneously or when flaky or shiny skin of the nipple/areola was reported together or in combination with breast pain.     

Breast disease. The role of the nurse-midwife

Certified nurse-midwives provide primary care for women. An essential part of a physical examination is a complete assessment of the breasts. Normal breasts and their variations and deviations are discussed, with particular attention paid to breast pain, masses, and nipple discharge, and the clinical implications of each. In addition, the demographics, risk factors, staging criteria, and treatment modalities of breast cancer are presented.     

Itraconazole vs fluconazole for the treatment of uncomplicated acute vaginal and vulvovaginal candidiasis in nonpregnant women: a metaanalysis of randomized controlled trials

In this metaanalysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) we aimed to compare the in vivo and in vitro activity and the safety of per os itraconazole and fluconazole treatment of uncomplicated acute vaginal/vulvovaginal candidiasis in nonpregnant women. We used PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library to identify the studies that were relevant to our metaanalysis RCTs. Six RCTs were included in this study that comprised 1092 enrolled patients with signs and symptoms of vaginal/vulvovaginal candidiasis that was confirmed by microscopy and/or microbiologic cultures that were obtained from the ectocervix and/or vaginal fundus. Overall, there was no difference between itraconazole and fluconazole regarding clinical cure and improvement at the first and second scheduled visit assessments (pooled odds ratio [OR], 0.94 [95% CI, 0.6-1.48] and 1.09 [95% CI, 0.68-1.75], respectively), mycologic cure at the first and second scheduled visit assessments (OR, 0.73 [95% CI, 0.31-1.7] and 0.71 [95% CI, 0.49-1.03], respectively), withdrawal of patients because of severe adverse events (OR, 0.72 [95% CI, 0.16-3.32]), and adverse events noted from the nervous and digestive systems (OR, 1.07 [95% CI, 0.42-2.73] and 1.84 [95% CI, 0.3-11.27], respectively). In conclusion, effectiveness and safety of oral itraconazole and fluconazole in the treatment of acute uncomplicated vaginal/vulvovaginal candidiasis are similar.     

Erosive adenomatosis of the nipple

First rule out galactophoric carcinoma underlying all the erosions of the nipple or a breast tumor. A 52-year-old woman consulted for a right breast tumor that had developing for more than four years due to a serious nipple flow. Physical examination disclosed an ulcer tumor of the nipple and the superior quadrant of the areole. Mammography and mammary ultrasound found a mass texture suspected of malignity. Needle aspiration produced a white fluid. Wide tumor resection was performed. The histological analysis led to the diagnosis of erosive nipple adenomatosis. The patient had recovered at 34 months. Erosive adenomatosis of the nipple is a benign tumor which developing within the lactic nipple. Clinically, the differential diagnosis is breast carcinoma, Paget disease and galactophoric dilatation. Pathology is required for certain diagnosis. The treatment is usually surgical. Erosive adenomatosis of the nipple is very rare and should be suspected in patients with nipple erosions or a nipple tumor. The prognosis is excellent.     

BREAST DISEASE

Certified nurse-midwives provide primary care for women. An essential part of a physical examination is a complete assessment of the breasts. Normal breasts and their variations and deviations are discussed, with particular attention paid to breast pain, masses, and nipple discharge, and the clinical implications of each. In addition, the demographics, risk factors, staging criteria, and treatment modalities of breast cancer are presented.