Question

What is the recommended purpose of sitz baths in the context described?

A) To promote skin irritation
B) To relieve itching and burning
C) To increase vulva and perineum swelling
D) To encourage vaginal microorganism imbalance

Answer 1

Sitz baths are recommended to relieve itching and burning, especially in cases of vaginitis or yeast infections caused by an imbalance of vaginal flora, as shown by the case of Anita where antibiotics caused a secondary yeast infection.

Step-by-step explanation:

The recommended purpose of sitz baths is B) To relieve itching and burning. Sitz baths involve sitting in warm water to help relieve pain, itching, or muscle spasms. In the context of vaginal health, particularly when conditions such as vaginitis occur, a sitz bath may help to alleviate symptoms such as itching and burning. These symptoms might be caused by an imbalance of normal bacterial flora or an overgrowth of pathogenic organisms, such as Candida albicans, leading to yeast infections. Preventive measures for vaginitis include the use of loose cotton underwear, avoiding perfumed products, and careful hygiene practices. If vaginal irritation is present, as with Anita's case, where antibiotics disrupted her normal microbiota, sitz baths could offer symptomatic relief.