Etiological factors of persistent discomfort of the sexual sphere in women

Abstract

Introduction. Recurrent vulvovaginal inflammation is a common cause of significant morbidity in women of all walks of life, affecting millions of women worldwide. Women with recurrent vulvovaginitis have reduced scores on all aspects of quality of life, have lower mental health scores compared to the general population, and are at increased risk for anxiety and depression. Goal. To investigate the etiological factors of persistent discomfort in the sexual sphere of women, which will make it possible to improve the health of patients and improve their quality of life. Materials and methods. 49 women were involved in this study, the main criteria for this were complaints and long-term discomfort of the genital area and long-term treatment (from several months to 5–6 years), which was carried out without culture of vaginal contents. All women underwent bacterial culture from the mucous membranes of the genital tract. Research results and their discussion. Out of 49 samples, in 4 cases (8.2%) representatives of opportunistic and pathogenic organisms were not detected, namely, in one case (2%) Lactobacillus jenseni was cultured and in 3 (6.1%) Lactobacterium spp. In general, in 18 cases a monoculture of microorganisms was detected, which accounted for 36.7% of the entire study, and in 27 cases (55.1%) an association of microorganisms. An interesting fact is that only in the case of a combination of pathogens, Candida yeast fungi were detected. Even the presence of candida krusei, which is a new nosocomial pathogen and is mainly found in people with weakened immunity and in patients with malignant hematological diseases, has been established. It is clear that determining the sensitivity of pathogens to antibacterial agents would allow to develop an algorithm for examination and treatment. Conclusions. According to the obtained results, in 91.8% of the etiological factors of persistent discomfort in the sexual sphere in women are representatives of pathogenic and conditionally pathogenic microflora. Moreover, in 36.7% the pathology was caused by monoculture and in 55.1% by associations of microorganisms. This statement dictates the need for a mandatory addition to the examination of women of this group by bacterial culture of urogenital secretions.