How Vaginal Infections Impact Women’s Everyday Life <br/>—Women’s Lived Experiences of Bacterial Vaginosis and Recurrent Vulvovaginal Candidiasis

Abstract

Reoccurring symptoms and persistent problems that continue post treatment can be characteristic of the vaginal infections Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) and recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (RVVC). The purpose of this study was to describe women's life experiences in managing the symptoms of bacterial vaginosis and Candida. Sixteen women were recruited and participated in an interview study when they contacted a Swedish gynecology clinic with vaginal complaints that ranged from and included abnormal discharge, irritation itching along with serious malodor. An interpretive phenomenological approach was used with an individual interview to get a more intimate understanding of the women experiencing these problems. The finding of this study shows that managing the recurrent symptoms of the infections remains to be a challenge for women as it has a clearly negative impact on the quality of their lives. Four themes developed: frustration and mood disorders, intimacy changes in the relationship, exposure, hope and relief. The women had high hopes of eliminating the symptoms within the six-month study period. The treatment program, with its well-developed guidelines and continuity of care within the context of the study greatly improved the quality of life of these women. Women had feelings of frustration and anxiety when nothing could cure their problem while they had also a great hope to get rid of the symptoms with a long striking treatment. Well-developed guidelines and continuity of care can help these women to have an improved quality of life.

“It’s just an issue and you deal with it… you just deal with it, you move on and you do it together.”: Men’s experiences of bacterial vaginosis and the acceptability of male partner treatment

“…However, an unexpected finding of great interest in this study was the prolonged symptoms one participant experienced which he attributed to BV and his resulting belief that BV was sexually transmitted. This participant's feelings of embarrassment, sexual withdrawal and selfstigmatization, and his reported hygiene practices to conceal his symptoms perfectly mirror the documented experiences of women with BV [12][13][14]44]. His eventual acceptance of his symptoms as somewhat "normal" led him not to seek medical advice, a decision which also reflects female experiences [44].…”

“…Research exploring the impact of genital infections on intimate relationships is extremely limited and has focused exclusively on the accounts provided by those with a diagnosed infection [43]. To date, three studies have specifically explored the impact of BV on women, all finding the infection to have a significant impact on women's intimate relationships and quality of life [12][13][14]. Whilst women provide accounts from their perspective of how BV affects their relationships and the responses of their partners, this is the first study we are aware of to speak directly to men about their views and experiences of BV and associated partner treatment.…”

“…While BV can result in adverse physical sequelae, several studies have also shown the symptoms of BV often have a significant impact on women's psychosocial well-being and relationships [12][13][14]. Overwhelmingly, the most distressing symptom for women is the malodour, which makes them feel "dirty", "unattractive" and "ashamed" [12][13][14] and consequently negatively impacts on their self-esteem and sex lives [12][13][14]. This largely centres around women's fear that others, and in particular their sexual partners, will notice "the smell" which results in a reluctance to engage in sexual activity and often undermines their feelings of intimacy and closeness with their partners, even if partners are supportive [12,13].…”

“…Overwhelmingly, the most distressing symptom for women is the malodour, which makes them feel "dirty", "unattractive" and "ashamed" [12][13][14] and consequently negatively impacts on their self-esteem and sex lives [12][13][14]. This largely centres around women's fear that others, and in particular their sexual partners, will notice "the smell" which results in a reluctance to engage in sexual activity and often undermines their feelings of intimacy and closeness with their partners, even if partners are supportive [12,13]. For some women, the shame felt around BV symptoms is attributed to broader societal stigma attached to women's sexuality and STIs [13,14].…”

Effectiveness of an educational intervention on vulvo‐vaginal discharge for family healthcare workers: A nonrandomized controlled trial

“…This study was undertaken to assess the effectiveness of an educational intervention on VVD through the improvement of KA and HE competencies of the FHCWs, as the primary outcome measure. Healthcare professionals need a comprehensive understanding and a sufficient knowledge in order to be competent in caring for those who suffer and experience symptoms of vaginal infections (Adolfsson, Hagander, Mahjoubipour, & Larsson, 2017). Healthcare workers who lack proper knowledge could result in unnecessary or late referrals (Abdul‐Rahman, Rabiu, & Alhassan, 2015).…”