Are unexplained vaginal symptoms associated with psychosocial distress? A pilot investigation

Abstract

AIM: Vaginal complaints cannot be definitively diagnosed in approximately one-third of women. We sought to determine if women without a diagnosis had higher levels of psychiatric disorders. METHODS: This was an observational study in an urban family practice clinic. Prior to seeing a clinician, women with vaginal complaints completed the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ); symptoms were measured by the Vaginal Complaints Scale (VCS). Patients were then examined and treated by a family physician. At one and two weeks’ time patients were contacted by phone regarding symptom resolution and clinical outcomes. RESULTS: We enrolled 47 patients; one patient was excluded. A diagnosis was made in 36. Eighteen had bacterial vaginosis, 16 had candida, three trichomonas, two HSV, one chlamydia; there were eight dual diagnoses. PHQ diagnoses were slightly less common in women without an identified cause for their symptoms. We obtained follow-up data from 45 subjects at one week and 34 subjects at two weeks’ time. At two weeks’ follow-up, 97% of subjects had complete resolution or improvement of their symptoms. Symptom improvement was equivalent among women with a diagnosis and those without. We estimate 180 subjects would be needed to detect a clinically meaningful difference in PHQ diagnoses. DISCUSSION: Our pilot study did not find an association between psychiatric diagnoses made by the PHQ and unexplained vaginal symptoms. Nearly all patients experienced rapid resolution of symptoms irrespective of whether a diagnosis had been made or not. These findings are limited primarily by the small sample size. KEYWORDS: Vaginitis; psychosocial stress; symptom resolution

Hubungan Tingkat Stres dengan Gejala Vaginitis pada Mahasiswi Program Studi Kedokteran FK UNAND 2019

“…Women who suffer from stress with no vaginitis symptom probably has a quite strong body immunity system to fight the vagina bacteria that is inside their bodies. 23 The other risk factors that can cause the appearance of the vaginitis symptom. Inadequate hand washing process can increase the bacteria contamination to vulva and cause irritation.…”

Editorial: Population and individual health: the two faces of Janus

“…12 There are also two studies addressing variation in hospitalisation rates, particularly in Maori 13 and in Pacific people, 14 and a short report exploring a possible association of unexplained vaginal symptoms and psychological distress. 15 In our usual features, two GPs go Back to Back on whether there should be population-based screening for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, the String of PEARLS is about hypertension, Cochrane Corner examines the use of NSAIDs for dysmenorrhoea, Charms and Harms covers the herbal remedy Ginkgo and Pounamu explains the whanau ora approach to health care. Again, this issue reflects the diversity that is primary health care.…”