Factors Related to Vulvovaginal Itching and Discharge among Iraqi Women

Abstract

Background: Vaginal infections are considered global health problems for women in child-bearing ages.
At the time in which various pathogenic organisms are responsible for those infections, many risk factors
may also be attributed for such infections, including sexual activity and partner, contraceptive use, personal
hygiene level, female estrogen level and its effect on vaginal mucosa, medical history, and many other
factors. However, the disease by itself is not considered an exclusive sexually transmitted infection.
Objective: The goal of the Study is to identify the causes and factors related to the symptoms of vulvovaginal
itching and/or vaginal discharge.
Methodology: A cross sectional study conducted on 93 females (16 pregnant & 77 non pregnants females)
attending the private clinics in Al-Hindiya district (Karbala governorate) from May 2019 to September
2019. Ethically, patients’ information was treated with confidentiality and privacy throughout data collection
and analysis. Tow swabs had been taken from each patient (vaginal and cervical) and sent to a private lab for
direct microscopic examination and culturing on appropriate media. Statistically, the quantitative variables
were analyzed using non-parametric t-test and the qualitative variables were analyzed using Chi-square test.
Results: Fortunately, the age of all participants was within child-bearing age ranging 15 to 42 with a
mean of 28.0 ± 6.9 years. There was no significant association of pregnancy with vaginal infections as
noticed in this study, while diabetes mellitus (DM) was found to be significantly related to the presence of
infection (P-value=0.003). Similarly, intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD) usage was also found to be
significantly related to the occurrence of infection (P-value = 0.040).On the other, thelab study showed that
E. coli is the most common pathogen to be expected in women complaining of vulvovaginal itching and/or
vaginal discharge with monilia being the second.
Conclusions: DM and IUCD usage had their burdens on the vaginal cavity causing increasing rate of
vaginal symptoms as proven significantly. Simultaneously, the cultivation results revealed that E.coli is
the causative agent for of vulvovaginal itching and/or vaginal discharge at the level of our females, a point
meriting further evaluation.