"Not thrush again!" Women's experience of post-antibiotic vulvovaginitis

Abstract

Objectives: To examine the frequency of post-antibiotic vulvovaginitis (PAV); describe how women prevent and treat PAV; and determine whether concern about PAV affects their decisions about taking antibiotics. Design: Cross-sectional survey using a written questionnaire. Setting and participants: Five general practice waiting rooms in north-western Melbourne, in February 2000. 1298 women aged 18-70 years were surveyed. Main outcome measures: Self-reported symptoms and management of vulvovaginitis and PAV. Results: The response rate was 86%. Thirty-five per cent of women reported ever having PAV and 73% reported ever having symptoms suggestive of vulvovaginal candidiasis. Antifungal medicatio..