Chapter 24, Problem 1TMW

Why are newborn girls less likely to contract vaginal infections than are three-year-olds?

Summary Introduction

To tell:

Why newborn girls are less likely to contract vaginal infections than three year olds.

Concept introduction:

Vagina contains a variety of microorganisms and their variety is regulated by the estrogen level in the body. At the time of puberty, estrogen hormone level elevates and results in the production of glycogen from vaginal cell lining. Glycogen is converted into lactic acid by lactobacilli present in the vagina and the acid inhibits the growth of infectious microorganisms.

Explanation of Solution

In newborn girls, there is a slightly white and clear discharge from the vagina. At the time of pregnancy, the girl was exposed to her mother’s hormone. The vagina of newly born girl contains a higher level of hormones than a prepubescent girl. In prepubescent girls, the estrogen level is very low, thus they are more likely to contract vaginal infections than the newborn girls