Volume : 12, Issue : 02, February – 2025
Title:
RECOGNIZING INTRA-VAGINAL FOREIGN BODIES IN CASES OF PERSISTENT VAGINITIS
Authors :
Dr N Sridevi*
Abstract :
Background: Vaginitis is a common gynaecological complaint among women of all ages. While infections like bacterial vaginosis, candidiasis, and trichomoniasis are well-documented causes, intra-vaginal foreign bodies (IVFBs) are rare but important differential diagnoses. This review aims to highlight the clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management of IVFBs as an uncommon cause of vaginitis.
Methods: A literature review of case reports and retrospective studies on IVFBs and vaginitis was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar databases.
Results: IVFBs can lead to chronic or recurrent vaginitis, malodorous discharge, ulceration, and even systemic infection. Early detection is essential to prevent complications.
Conclusion: Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for IVFBs in cases of persistent or treatment-resistant vaginitis, especially in prepubertal girls and women with psychiatric conditions or sexual abuse history.
Keywords :L Intra-vaginal foreign bodies (IVFBs),Vaginitis, Differential diagnosis, Chronic vaginal discharge, Paediatric gynaecology, Foreign body management
Cite This Article:
Please cite this article in press N Sridevi., Recognizing Intra-Vaginal Foreign Bodies In Cases Of Persistent Vaginitis.,Indo Am. J. P. Sci, 2025; 12 (02).
1. Nyirjesy P. Chronic vaginitis: a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2001;185(3):582-589.
2. Emans SJ, Laufer MR, Goldstein DP. Pediatric and Adolescent Gynaecology. 6th ed. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2009.
3. Leclair CM, et al. Vaginal foreign bodies in children: a literature review. J Pediatr Adolesc Gynecol. 2011;24(2):e45-e49.
4. Venkatesh KK, et al. Unusual cause of vaginal discharge: retained foreign body. J Obstet Gynaecol India. 2012;62(6):710-711.
5. Pokharel R, et al. Vaginal foreign body as an uncommon cause of vaginal discharge. JNMA J Nepal Med Assoc. 2016;54(201):117-119.
6. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Adolescent Health Care: A Practical Guide. 2nd ed. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2011.
7. Laufer MR. Vaginal discharge in children. Pediatr Rev. 1999;20(7):240-243.
8. Kairys N, et al. Vaginal foreign body in a child. Pediatr Emerg Care. 2005;21(5):338-339.
9. Ramseyer AM, et al. Vaginal foreign body presenting as chronic discharge. J Pediatr Adolesc Gynecol. 2014;27(3):e73-e75.
10. Amuluru K, et al. Retained vaginal foreign body in an adolescent female: a diagnostic challenge. BMJ Case Rep. 2013;2013:bcr2013200173.
11. Sobel JD. Vulvovaginal candidiasis. Lancet. 2007;369(9577):1961-1971.
12. Yildirim G, et al. A forgotten vaginal foreign body. Infect Dis Obstet Gynecol. 2006;2006:36785.
13. Farkas A, et al. The neglected tampon: a rare cause of toxic shock syndrome. BMJ Case Rep. 2010;2010:bcr0920092262.
14. Anderson J, Paterek E. Vaginal Foreign Body Evaluation and Treatment. 2023 May 8. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan–. PMID: 31747201.
15. Sharaf OM, Wilkinson EA, Elbadri E, Weber LeBrun EE. Retention of a Foreign Body in the Vagina of an Adult for 13 Years: A Case Report. Cureus. 2023 Feb 8;15(2):e34776.
16. Dahiya, P., Agarwal, U., Sangwan, K. et al. Long retained intravaginal foreign body: a case report. Arch Gynecol Obstet 268, 323–324 (2003).
17. N.M. Da Silva Junior, K.R. Sabino, A. Petroianu. A two-year-retained intravaginal foreign body. Clin. Exp. Obstet. Gynecol. 2019, 46(6), 990–991.
18. Wei Xiong, Guolin Luo, Hengxi Chen, Xin Tan. Complete vaginal atresia caused by long-term foreign body retention: a case report and retrospective analysis of clinical diagnosis and treatment of vaginal foreign body, December 2022,Gynaecology and Pelvic Medicine 5.
19. Gupta, Rahul; Patidar, Badri Lal1. Vaginal foreign body in a child: Sexual abuse or sibling prank?. Medical Journal of Dr. D.Y. Patil Vidyapeeth 12(2):p 157-159, Mar–Apr 2019.




