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Are Elderly People Prone To Vaginal Infection?
I am 72 years old and I saw my primary care physician in October 2012. Told him I had one occurence of bloody discharge when awakening one morning a couple of months ago. He recommended a Pap test. The result were borderline abnormal cells of undetermined cause. The doctor put me on 2 different antibiotics and will do another Pap in 6 weeks. Just wondering what might be cause for vaginal infection at my age. I am sexually inactive.
Mon, 16 Jun 2014
Hi,
In the elderly, due to estrogen and progesterone hormone reduction post menopause, the epithelium do not under go the usual cycles. Due to this the epithelium becomes atrophied.
Normal lacto bacilli during normal cycles, inhibit proliferation of other bacteria's. Post menopause, they are not present. Both together an atrophic epithelium and absence of lactobacilli can lead to vaginal infection.
Due to infection, some abnormal cells are usually present. If you get a repeat Pap done, any tumor if present can be ruled out.
Hope i have answered your query. If you have any further queries, happy to help.
In the elderly, due to estrogen and progesterone hormone reduction post menopause, the epithelium do not under go the usual cycles. Due to this the epithelium becomes atrophied.
Normal lacto bacilli during normal cycles, inhibit proliferation of other bacteria's. Post menopause, they are not present. Both together an atrophic epithelium and absence of lactobacilli can lead to vaginal infection.
Due to infection, some abnormal cells are usually present. If you get a repeat Pap done, any tumor if present can be ruled out.
Hope i have answered your query. If you have any further queries, happy to help.
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