Problem stanów zapalnych żeńskich narządów płciowych – ocena wiedzy dziewcząt na temat profilaktyki i leczenia

Introduction. Not all girls and women are aware of the role of proper diet and hygiene in the prevention of the inflammation of the female genital tract. Aim. An assessment of the knowledge of female patients at developmental age on the prevention and treatment of inflammation of the female genital tract was undertaken. Material and methods. The study involved 100 female patients of the Department of Gynecology of the Developmental Age and Sexology, all of them aged 17, who reported for routine examinations; the patients were students of high schools in Poznań who were not sexually active. A thorough medical history, concerning the patients’ knowledge on the prevention and treatment of inflammation of the female genital tract, was collected. Results. It is comforting that as many as 97% of girls knew the preventive factors of genital inflammation important related to the personal hygiene. However, as many as 81% were not familiar with the preventive factors of genital inflammation related to diet – only 16% correctly indicated the negative impact of carbohydrates. There were significant deficiencies in knowledge areas related to the risk factors for infections of the female genital tract: as many as 52% of patients were not aware that the most important risk factors included sexual intercourses, specifically early sexual initiation and frequent partner change. More than 70% of respondents could not did not know any methods of treating the infections other than preparations advertised in mass media. Conclusions. Education increases motivation for prophylaxis of inflammation and infection of the female genital tract. It has been shown that in girls, the level of knowledge regarding the prevention and treatment of inflammation is insufficient, and health and sex education is the basic way of increasing awareness of the possibility of improving gynecological health of girls and women.