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Biomedical subjects

R M Secor

Publications and source records attributed to R M Secor.

8 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1999

Treating vaginitis.

Vaginitis resulting from bacterial, fungal, or protozoal infections can be associated with altered vaginal discharge, odor, pruritus, vulvovaginal irritation, dysuria, or dyspareunia, depending on the type of infection. Bacterial vaginosis, which is primarily characterized by a malodorous discharge, is common in women with multiple sex partners and is caused by the overgrowth of several facultative and anaerobic bacterial species. Vulvovaginal candidiasis is characterized by pruritus and a cottage cheese-like discharge. Vaginal trichomoniasis, a sexually transmitted disease caused by an anaerobic protozoan parasite, is associated with a copious yellow or green, sometimes frothy, discharge. Differential diagnosis of these infections requires a thorough history, vulvovaginal examination, and simple laboratory tests, including microscopy of the vaginal discharge. The information obtained from this workup should enable an accurate diagnosis. Topical or oral metronidazole is the treatment of choice for bacterial vaginosis; terconazole, or other antifungals, for vulvovaginal candidiasis; and oral metronidazole for trichomoniasis.

Candidiasis, Vulvovaginal↗
PubMed1992

Vulvovaginal candidiasis: a current update.

Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is one of the most common reasons a woman may visit her medical provider. In fact, vaginal complaints account for 10% of all visits each year, with the occurrence of VVC nearly doubling in the past ten years. The diagnosis of VVC is usually straightforward and the majority of patients readily respond to treatment with local antifungal therapy. However, 5% to 25% of these patients relapse, suffering recurrent symptoms within 1 to 3 months of treatment. The chronicity of these candidal infections becomes very frustrating to both patient and provider. The cause may be unclear and the course of treatment unsubstantiated in medical literature. Therefore, to minimize recurrence clinicians must always use a systematic approach to diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up for acute and chronic vulvovaginal candidiasis.

Antifungal Agents↗
PubMed1992

Cytolytic vaginosis: a common cause of cyclic vulvovaginitis.

Cytolytic vaginosis (CV) infection is a little recognized but common cause of cyclic vulvovaginal complaints in women of reproductive age. Often misdiagnosed as candidiasis, most women have tried myriad antifungal medications to little or no avail. The history and physical examination is often similar to that seen in women with vaginal candidiasis. However in CV infection there is a luteal phase pattern of symptom recurrence. An astute clinician can make this diagnosis on vaginal microscopic examination and by meticulously ruling out other infections. Management consists of discontinuing all antifungal agents, using pads instead of tampons with menses, and taking baking soda sitz baths. Baking soda douches may also be helpful. As clinicians become familiar with CV infection, more women will be diagnosed and managed appropriately, leading to a long awaited resolution of their chronic vaginal complaints.

Candidiasis, Vulvovaginal↗
PubMed1992

Vulvar vestibulitis syndrome.

Vulvar Vestibulitis Syndrome (VVS) is a condition characterized by dyspareunia, introital erythema, and tenderness. A subset of vulvodynia, VVS may be acute or chronic. If acute, a specific underlying cause is often identified, and when properly treated the condition is likely to fully resolve. In contrast, chronic VVS is less well understood and is often multifactorial. Treatment is aimed at providing symptomatic relief and should begin with the least invasive approaches such as the use of topical xylocaine, oral antiviral therapy, acupuncture, and hypnotherapy. Interferon injections may be tried as last line medical therapy. Surgery has no role in treatment of acute VVS and is considered a last resort therapy for management of chronic VVS. Effort should be made to support the patient throughout the lengthy management process, encouraging patient participation, including negotiation of the treatment plan, and providing ongoing counselling and education.

Dyspareunia↗
PubMed1992

The cervical cap.

The Prentif cavity rim (PCR) cervical cap offers American women a barrier method alternative that is safe, effective, and convenient. Despite its many advantages and benefits, disadvantages have been documented. These include limited availability and side effects, such as cap dislodgement, partner discomfort, and bad odor of the cervical cap. However, many women decide the benefits and advantages associated with the PCR cervical cap outweigh the risks and possible side effects, making it an appealing alternative.

Adult↗
PubMed1988

Bacterial vaginosis: a comprehensive review.

In summary, bacterial vaginosis infections are very common, easy to diagnose, and usually quite simple to treat. Rarely are symptoms dramatic, and often the woman is unaware of the presence of this infection. Partners should be treated, and thorough health education should be provided to both patient and partner. Further research is needed to develop safer, equally effective treatments for this infection. Currently metronidazole is the drug of choice, except in pregnant women. Possible serious problems may result from untreated bacterial vaginosis infections; therefore, routine treatment to resolve this infection is recommended. Preventative measures should always be reviewed with each patient and regular check-ups are recommended, especially for sexually active individuals.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗