A 48-year-old high school librarian comes to your clinic, complaining of 1 week of heavy discharge causing severe itching. She is not presently sexually active and has had no burning with urination. The symptoms started several days after her last period. She just finished a course of antibiotics for a sinus infection. Her past medical history consists of type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure. She is widowed and has three children. She denies tobacco, alcohol, or drug use. Her mother has high blood pressure and her father died of diabetes complications. On examination you see a healthy-appearing woman. Her blood pressure is 130/80 and her pulse is

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The patient's recent antibiotic use, diabetes, and symptoms of heavy discharge with severe itching are classic for Candida vaginitis. Antibiotics can disrupt the normal vaginal flora, leading to overgrowth of Candida. Diabetes increases the risk of Candida infections.

A 48-Year-Old High School Librarian Comes to Your Clinic, Complaining