Vaginitis is a common condition which can affect women’s quality of life. An HSJ roundtable, in association with Hologic, asked why the problem still wasn’t getting the attention it needed
Women’s health has been in the spotlight over the last few years, with a government women’s health strategy published and women’s health hubs established in many areas. While this focus is welcome, the strategy contains little about some important areas which impact the quality of life for many women.
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Vaginitis is one of the most common conditions affecting women globally and affects women’s physical comfort and emotional wellbeing. Most women will experience at least one episode during their lifetime, with many facing recurrent infections.
It can be a challenge to accurately diagnose and treat vaginitis’s different causes with current diagnostic tools, leading to repeat GP appointments, inappropriate or unnecessary antimicrobial prescribing, and ongoing discomfort and distress for affected women.
Those whose condition goes untreated could also face more serious problems. For those requiring referral to specialist services, delays can further prolong symptoms and impact wellbeing.
What can be done to improve this? An HSJ roundtable, in association with Hologic, discussed some of the issues with a panel of experts.
Read the detailed report here.
Panellists
- Ewa Craven, BMS menopause specialist and trainer, and GP with special interest in sexual health
- Stephanie de Giorgio, GP with special interest in women’s health
- Douglas Kirkwood, women’s health transformation lead, UK and Ireland, Hologic
- Deepthi Lavu, Royal College of General Practitioners representative for women’s health
- Catherine McClennan, director responsible for women’s health, Cheshire and Mersey Integrated Care Board
- Aamena Salar, GP partner, Modality
- Cara Saxon, British Association for Sexual Health and HIV chair
- Janet Wilson, consultant in sexual health, Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust
- Alison Moore, HSJ (roundtable chair)
