WOMEN'S HEALTH

What is Vaginal Yeast Infection

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A yeast infection of the vagina and tissues at the opening of the vagina (vulva).

This type of yeast infection is caused by the fungus candida.

This condition can cause inflammation, intense itchiness, and a thick, white discharge from the vagina.

A single dose of an oral antifungal drug or application of an antifungal cream for one to three days cures mild infections. Complicated infections require longer-term treatment.

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Yeast infection symptoms

Vaginal yeast infections have a common set of symptoms:

• vaginal itching

• swelling around the vagina

• burning during urination or sex

• pain during sex

• soreness

• redness

• rash 

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Yeast infection causes

The yeast Candida is a naturally  microorganism in the vaginal area. Lactobacillus bacteria keeps its growth in check.

But if there’s an imbalance in your system, these bacteria won’t work effectively. This leads to an overgrowth of yeast, which causes the symptoms of vaginal yeast infections.

Several factors can cause a yeast infection, :

• antibiotics, which decrease the amount of Lactobacillus (“good bacteria”) in the vagina

• pregnancy

• uncontrolled diabetes

• weak immune system

• hormonal imbalance near your menstrual cycle

• stress

In the United States, approximately 40 percent of women have sexual concerns. Female sexual dysfunction takes different forms, including lack of sexual desire, impaired arousal, inability to achieve orgasm, pain with sexual activity, or a combination of these issues.

 

We treat premonopausal women suffering from lack of sexual desire, impaired arousal, or inability to achieve orgasm.

URINARY TRACT INFECTION (UTI)

Urinary tract infections (UTIs), also known as cystitis, are very common. Women are especially prone to UTIs because they have shorter urethras. This reduces the distance bacteria must travel to reach the bladder.

WHAT ARE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF A UTI?

• Burning feeling during urination

• Frequent urination or intense urge to urinate

• Pain or discomfort in the lower stomach or abdomen or lower back

• Cloudy, dark, bloody, or strange-smelling urine

• Other symptoms may include fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, fatigue or malaise

 

If you have strong clinical symptoms, like those listed above, urine sample testing may not be required.

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TYPES OF URINARY TRACT INFECTION

Symptoms and signs of infection vary depending on which part of your urinary tract is infected:

• Urethra (urethritis): Signs and symptoms can include burning with urination and discharge.

• Bladder (cystitis): Signs and symptoms can include frequent urination, pain with urination, discolored (bloody) urine, pelvic pressure, and lower abdominal discomfort.

• Kidneys (acute pyelonephritis): Signs and symptoms can include flank pain, high fever, shaking and chills, nausea, and vomiting; see a doctor in person if you’re experiencing these symptoms.

 

WHAT CAUSES A UTI?

UTI disease causes vary depending on the type. Bladder and urethra infections are the most common types, and they’re more common in women.

• Bladder UTIs are usually caused by escherichia coli (E. coli), but other bacteria can also cause them. Sexual intercourse can cause a bladder UTI by pushing bacteria into the urethra. But you can get a bladder UTI even if you’re not sexually active. The short distance between the urethral opening to the bladder puts women at higher risk of bladder infections.

• Urethral UTIs can happen when bacteria from the anus travel to the urethra. They can also be caused by sexually transmitted infections, such as herpes, gonorrhea, and chlamydia.  

What is bacterial vaginosis

For starters, it’s the most common cause of abnormal vaginal discharge in women of childbearing age.

In more detail, bacterial vaginosis (BV) is an overgrowth of bacteria in the vagina. The type of bacteria that typically causes this problem is already found in the vagina. But when too much of that bacteria grows and spreads throughout the area, the body’s natural balance is disrupted, and it causes an infection.

There are several common causes of BV, including frequent douching or sexual intercourse, especially with a new person. It’s not considered an STD, even though the risk increases after intercourse.

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WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF BACTERIAL VAGINOSIS?

Bacterial vaginosis symptoms are not as prevalent for some women as others. In fact, some women don’t experience any symptoms at all. For those who do, though, some of the most common signs of BV include:

1. Abnormal discharge from the vagina

2. Itching

3. Foul odor/fishy smell

 

Bacterial Vaginosis (BV): What It Is and How to Treat It

 

Thankfully, treating bacterial vaginosis doesn’t have to be scary or overwhelming. In most cases, it can be treated with antibiotics (pills, cream, or gel), and it should clear up quickly. It may reoccur within 3-12 months, so additional treatments may be needed.

If you’re experiencing some of the symptoms listed above and you’d feel more comfortable getting an official diagnosis, request a private consultation with CallonDoc, and a virtual doctor will help you to better understand what you’re dealing with, all within the comfort of your own home. The sooner you seek out treatment for bacterial vaginosis, the sooner the symptoms will subside. Don’t wait to schedule your virtual consultation.

Menstrual suppression involves a reduction in the volume and frequency of uterine bleeding

Avoidance of menses may be particularly desirable during vacations, business travel, Extended travel, camping, military maneuvers, special events, academic examinations, or athletic competitions.

Contraception provides control over pregnancy timing and the prevention of unintended pregnancy. Complete abstinence is the most effective method of birth control.

WARNING: Birth control does not offer protection against STD or HIV. Women who use oral contraceptives are advised not to smoke due to an increased risk of serious cardiovascular adverse effects.

URINARY INCONTINENCE OR OVERACTIVE BLADDER 

 

Urinary incontinence is the involuntary leakage of urine or voiding when you do not want to. Urinary incontinence can happen to women at any age, but it is more common in older women.

 

Overactive bladder (OAB) is a sudden, uncontrolled need or urge to urinate. Some people will leak urine when they feel this urge. It's often caused by urinary muscle spasms. multiple pregnancies, or being overweight.

 

TYPE OF URINARY INCONTINENCE

• Involuntary urinary leakage that occurs with sneezing, coughing, laughing

• Urge to void accompanied by involuntary leakage of urine

• Continuous urinary leakage

 

OTHER SYMPTOMS OF INCONTINENCE

• Pressure or spasms in the pelvic area that causes a strong urge to urinate

• Frequent urination (more than eight times a day or more than twice at night)

• Bedwetting

 

HOME REMEDIES

Lifestyle modifications such as dietary changes, fluid restriction, and caffeine reduction, smoking cessation.

Exercise such as pelvic floor muscle (kegel) exercises for bladder training.