Keywords
Vulvovaginitis
Vulvovaginal candidiasis
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Abstract
Objective: To analyze the characteristics of bacterial vaginosis (BV) and vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC). Bibliographic review: BV is a common vaginal dysbiosis among women of reproductive age that occurs due to a change in the composition of the vaginal flora, with a dramatic depletion of lactobacilli due to a significant overgrowth of obligate or facultative anaerobes formerly a minority in the vagina, mainly the Gardnerella vaginalis. VVC is the most common fungal infection of the vulva and vagina, affecting nearly 75% of adult women during their lifetime. Clinical signs are exemplified by vulvar erythema, edema, excoriation, and fissure formation, along with introital and vaginal erythema. A non-fetid, lumpy white discharge is suggestive of VVC but is extremely nonspecific. Final considerations: Vulvovaginitis represents the main cause of pathological vaginal discharge in women of reproductive age. Vulvovaginal candidiasis is characterized by a lumpy, white discharge without a strong odor. This is treated with topical antifungals like clotrimazole and oral ones like fluconazole. Bacterial vaginosis is characterized by a discharge with a bad smell and is treated with antibiotics such as metronidazole and clindamycin.
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