Prevalence of abnormal vaginal signs and symptoms among attendees of obstetrics and Gynecology Department of Shaqlawa Hospital

Abstract EN

Background and objectives: Vaginal symptoms are among the most common reasons of visits in clinical practice, and occur frequently in women during their reproductive life, resulting very often in consulting an obstetrician or a gynecologist.

The objectives of the study were finding out the proportion of women affected by abnormal vaginal signs and symptoms and to find out the factors that are associated with any of these signs and symptoms.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 285 women (patients) consulting gynecologist, between 1st of Jan to 30th of Dec 2011, in the Shaqlawa Hospital, Erbil.

Data were collected by an interview, using a questionnaire and observing clinical features based on guidelines issued by Center for Disease Control & Prevention and 2011 European Guidelines on the Management of Vaginal Discharge.

Results: The majority of the study sample (87.4%) had at least one abnormal vaginal sign and symptom.

There was statistically significant association between presence of vaginal infection and age, educational level, localized skin disease in vulva and perineum, hypersensitivity or allergic reaction to soap, pads, or clothing, intercourse while using medication for treatment of vaginal infection, wearing nylon (or synthetic) underwear, vaginal douching, using oral contraceptives, having intrauterine contraceptive device and infertility.

Conclusion: Abnormal vaginal signs and symptoms are important chief complains with high proportion among women.