"Not thrush again!" Women's experience of post-antibiotic vulvovaginitis.

Abstract

OBJECTIVES:

To examine the frequency of post-antibiotic vulvovaginitis (PAV); describe how women prevent and treat PAV; and determine whether concern about PAV affects their decisions about taking antibiotics.

DESIGN:

Cross-sectional survey using a written questionnaire.

SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS:

Five general practice waiting rooms in north-western Melbourne, in February 2000. 1298 women aged 18-70 years were surveyed.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:

Self-reported symptoms and management of vulvovaginitis and PAV.

RESULTS:

The response rate was 86%. Thirty-five per cent of women reported ever having PAV and 73% reported ever having symptoms suggestive of vulvovaginal candidiasis. Antifungal medications and lactobacillus products or yoghurt were most popular for both prevention (49%, 40%) and treatment (63%, 43%) of PAV. Other home remedies such as tea tree oil, vinegar, and dietary and clothing modification were infrequently used by the women surveyed. Twenty-three per cent of women who had taken antibiotics in the previous month had experienced symptoms of vulvovaginitis. Of women who had ever had vulvovaginitis, 35% were moderately to very concerned about developing PAV when prescribed antibiotics. Because of this concern, around a fifth of these women would not take prescribed antibiotics.

CONCLUSIONS:

Concern about PAV affects women's decision-making regarding antibiotic use. Many women use unproven complementary therapies to prevent or treat PAV. When prescribing antibiotics, doctors should discuss the risks of PAV and its management with patients.

• Authors: Marie V Pirotta, Jane M Gunn, Patty Chondros
• Journal: The Medical journal of Australia (Med J Aust) Vol. 179 Issue 1 Pg. 43-6 (Jul 07 2003) ISSN: 0025-729X [Print] Australia
• PMID: 12831384 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Anti-Bacterial Agents

Topics

• Adolescent
• Adult
• Age Distribution
• Aged
• Anti-Bacterial Agents (adverse effects)
• Candidiasis, Vulvovaginal (epidemiology, etiology, prevention & control)
• Cross-Sectional Studies
• Female
• Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
• Health Surveys
• Humans
• Incidence
• Middle Aged
• Prevalence
• Self Care (statistics & numerical data)
• Victoria (epidemiology)