Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Essay Example

Introduction

A patient presented in the clinic with a greenish vaginal discharge. Upon review of her symptoms and current condition, she was diagnosed with Recurrent Vulvovaginal Candidiasis or vaginal thrush. This condition primarily indicates a vaginal discharge and may frequently recur up to four times per year (CDC, 2014). This condition is not considered to be sexually transmitted in nature on a strict basis; however, the use of condoms during sexual intercourse may prevent further infections from taking place (Ramsay et.al, 2009). This condition must be well understood because it may contribute to a host of problems for the patient that may impact her quality of life on a regular basis (Ramsay et.al, 2009). Therefore, it is important to identify these concerns and to take the steps that are necessary to address this condition more closely, using diagnostic tools and education in order to promote prevention of the condition.

Analysis

For patients with recurrent VVC, it is believed that they possess a considerable level of Candida in the vaginal area, which may be further exacerbated through sexual activity (Ramsay et.al, 2009). This condition is complex in nature and requires ongoing understanding and treatment so that patient symptoms are alleviated as best as possible to achieve the desired treatment outcomes. This condition is difficult to treat because of its recurrent nature, and it may require a higher level of evaluation and treatment in order to maintain control over its symptoms and its impact on quality of life (Watson & Pirotta, 2011). Patients with recurrent VVC face critical challenges in their efforts to be successful in treating the condition and in better understanding its nature and cause (Watson & Pirotta, 2011). One study noted that suppression treatment is only utilized approximately 50 percent of the time, which poses a serious threat to the recurrent nature of the disease and its impact on patients who face this condition on a regular basis. These factors play a role in shaping patient care outcomes and in determining how to best treat the condition with a comprehensive strategy.

For a recurrent infection such as VVC, there are considerable challenges in notifying the patient of her condition, as it may become frustrating for patients to receive treatment without any possible positive outcome. Therefore, this condition may pose a risk to short and long-term quality of life, as well as sexual activity in some patients (Mayo Clinic, 2014). It is important to identify these challenges and to be direct with the patient in order to provide her with the facts and the tools that are required in an effort to prevent recurrent cases as best as possible, using guidelines and recommended treatments for this problem (Mayo Clinic, 2014). For an otherwise healthy patient with no major health history, this condition poses a serious threat to quality of life due to its recurrent nature.

Conclusion

Recurrent VVC requires patients to understand its possible causes, the recommended guidelines for treatment, and perhaps most importantly, the guidelines that are recommended for future prevention of the condition. Recurrent VVC poses a difficult challenge for patients because it is difficult to treat and to get rid of altogether, thereby posing a greater risk to patients with the recurrent bacterial infection. Although it is not sexually transmitted in nature per se, sexual activity may exacerbate symptoms and the recurrence of Candida bacteria in the vaginal area, thereby recommending the use of condoms in order to prevent further bacterial entry. The complexity of this process must be addressed in the context of its impact on patient care and wellbeing, as well as other factors that may lead to less than desirable outcomes for some patients.

References

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2014). Diseases characterized by vaginal discharge. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/std/treatment/2010/vaginal-discharge.htm

Mayo Clinic (2014). Yeast infection (vaginal). Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/yeast-infection/basics/treatment/con-20035129

Ramsay, S., Astilll, N., Shankland, G., & Winter, A. (2009).Practical management of recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis. Trends in Urology Gynecology & Sexual Health, 14(6), 18-22.

Watson, C., & Pirotta, M. (2011). Recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis – current management. Australian Family Physician, 40(3), 149-151.