NURS 6501: Final Exam: Please contact Assignment Samurai for help with NURS 6501: Final Exam or any other assignment. Email: assignmentsamurai@gmail.com   Which of the following is NOT a predisposing risk factor for vulvovaginal candidiasis? Group of answer choices

• Pregnancy
• Diabetes
• Oral contraceptives
• Menopause

The correct answer is: Menopause   Explanation: Vulvovaginal candidiasis (yeast infection) is primarily caused by Candida albicans and is influenced by factors that promote fungal overgrowth. The predisposing risk factors include:

1. Pregnancy – Increased estrogen levels raise glycogen in vaginal secretions, promoting yeast growth.
2. Diabetes (poorly controlled) – High glucose levels in vaginal secretions feed yeast.
3. Oral contraceptives – Higher estrogen levels alter the vaginal environment.
4. Antibiotic use – Disrupts normal vaginal flora (e.g., lactobacilli).
5. Immunosuppression (e.g., HIV, corticosteroids).

Why Menopause is NOT a risk factor:

• Postmenopausal women have lower estrogen levels, leading to a thinner, less glycogen-rich vaginal epithelium, which is less favorable for Candida overgrowth.
• Vaginal atrophy in menopause increases susceptibility to bacterial vaginosis or atrophic vaginitis, not typically candidiasis.

Thus, menopause does not predispose to vulvovaginal candidiasis, while the other options do.