When reading about health issues, keep these important factors in mind:

Every person is different. Problems manifest themselves differently in each person. Two women may have the same problem but suffer from different symptoms while another woman may have no symptoms at all. If you ever have any questions about your health, see a healthcare provider.

Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD'S)

On this page:

Vaginitis

Trichomoniasis

Bacterial Vaginosis

Yeast Infections

Healthy Smells/Unhealthy Smells

Urinary Tract Infections

Menstrual Cramps

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

Vaginitis

What is Vaginitis?

Vaginitis refers to any irritation in the vagina. It is one of the most common reasons women seek gynecological care. Most women will have Vaginitis at some point in their lives, and many will have it more than once. It may be accompanied by an abnormal vaginal discharge with an unpleasant odor, vaginal itching or burning, and the feeling that you need to urinate more often than normal.

Causes of Vaginitis:

      Allergies to things such as latex, medicines, or spermicides

      Infections caused by: Bacterial Vaginosis, Trichomoniasis, Yeast Infections

      Vaginal irritants, such as douches, perfumed soaps or tampons, or "feminine hygiene" products

      Lack of estrogen

      Sexual intercourse

How can I avoid Vaginitis?

Some women may develop Vaginitis more often than others. Become familiar with your body, and if you discover something that irritates your vagina, avoid it. Here are some tips to avoid Vaginitis:

      Avoid any substances you are allergic to, such as spermicidal medicines, specific detergents, or soaps. If you are allergic to latex condoms, you can use polyurethane.

      Never douche or use "feminine hygiene" products. They disrupt the pH balance of your vagina and are unhealthy. If you are concerned about the way your vagina smells, click on this link:  Healthy Smells/Unhealthy Smells

      Never leave a tampon in longer than necessary.

      If you are having sex, use a condom every time.   Some infections that cause Vaginitis may be transmitted during sex.

      Regularly wash your vulva with mild soap and water.

      Avoid sitting around in a wet bathing suit or damp clothing.

How is Vaginitis treated?

The treatment for Vaginitis depends on the cause and severity of symptoms. If you think you have Vaginitis, you need to be evaluated by one of the Lamar SHC practitioners or your personal health care provider to determine the treatment that's right for you.

Trichomoniasis

What is Trichomoniasis?

The Trichomonas (trick-o-mo-nas) organism is a microscopic parasite that does not normally inhabit the vagina.  Trichomonas infections are almost always acquired by having sexual intercourse with an infected individual. Both men and women are susceptible to infection, and both may be infected without having symptoms. It is not known why some people can harbor the Trichomonas organism for months or years without having symptoms, but these people can infect others.

What are the symptoms?

The most common symptom in women is a vaginal discharge which is irritating or itchy and a strong odor. Mild vaginal bleeding may also occur. The infection in women is limited to the vagina and cervix, and does not damage the uterus or Fallopian tubes, nor does it impair the ability to become pregnant. Men who are infected with the Trichomonas organism are sometimes bothered by a discharge from the urethra or burning during urination, but most have no symptoms.

How is it diagnosed?

The Trichomonas organism is detected by an examination under a microscope of vaginal secretions or penile discharge. This exam, called a "wet prep" can be done quickly during a medical exam. Because Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI), tests to detect other common STI’s, such as Chlamydia and gonorrhea, should be taken to screen for the presence of these diseases.

How is it treated?

Treatment with an oral medication, metronidazole (Flagyl®) is very effective against trichomoniasis. Ideally, both partners should be treated at the same time to reduce the chances of re-infection. Metronidazole is available only by prescription.

The chance of re-infection is present when all partners have not been treated or when one of them is re-exposed to other infected partners. Remember, a partner who seems healthy and has no symptoms may be able to transmit Trichomoniasis.

What are the complications of Trichomoniasis?

The genital inflammation caused by Trichomoniasis can increase a woman's risk contracting HIV if exposed to the virus. A pregnant woman with Trichomoniasis may have a premature baby or a baby with low birth weight.

How is it prevented?

A medical evaluation of both partners, including a full STI screening, before they become sexually active with each other may help prevent transmission of this and other sexually transmitted infections. The correct use of a latex condom from start to finish during every sexual relation may help prevent Trichomoniasis, as well as other STI’s.

For more information, visit:

CDC (Center for Disease Control)

Medline Plus

Bacterial Vaginosis

What is bacterial Vaginosis (BV)?

BV is a condition in which there is an overgrowth of bacteria that are normally found in the vagina. BV may cause discharge, odor, pain, itching, or burning, but many women have no symptoms at all.

What causes bacterial vaginosis?

The cause of BV is not currently known. Most cases occur in sexually active women, but women who are not sexually active can also have BV. Women who douche or have an intrauterine device (IUD) are more likely to have BV. BV is not considered a sexually transmitted infection.

What are the symptoms?

Women with BV may experience the following:

      Gray or yellowish discharge that usually has an unpleasant or fishy odor

      Vaginal redness and irritation

      Burning during urination

      Itching on the vulva

         Many women have no symptoms

How is bacterial vaginosis treated?

BV may clear up without treatment. It is often treated with an oral medication or a vaginal cream. Both medications are available by prescription only. Treating the partners of a person with BV has not been shown to reduce the rate of transmission, so it is generally not necessary. Treatment is especially important for pregnant women because BV can cause premature birth or low birth weight.

More about BV from the CDC

Yeast Infection

What is yeast infection?

Yeast infection, also known as candidiasis, is a common condition caused by the fungus Candida albicans. Candidiasis may occur in the vagina, mouth, or other moist areas of the skin.

What causes a yeast infection?

Fungus is normally found in and on a person's body, but healthy bacteria keep it under control. A yeast infection occurs when there is an overgrowth of this fungus. Some conditions may contribute to an overgrowth, such as antibiotics, menopause, pregnancy, and sometimes birth control pills. Some types of disorders, medications, or conditions that cause hormonal changes in the body may also cause a yeast infection. Recurring yeast infections or yeast infections that are hard to control may be an early sign of diabetes.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms of a yeast infection can be easily confused with other vaginal infections. If you have never had one you should see your healthcare provider to determine if it is actually a yeast infection. It is also important to see a healthcare provider if you have recurrent yeast infections. Some women have yeast infections with no symptoms.

Symptoms may include:

      Thick, white cottage cheese-like discharge

      Itching or burning

      Redness on the outer vagina

      Painful urination

      Painful intercourse

Oral thrush is a yeast infection of the mouth. It may be caused by a lowered immune system or may be a side effect of a medication. Symptoms of oral thrush include:

      Soreness and redness of lining of the mouth

      White spots and patches on the tongue and cheek lining

      Creamy-yellow raised sores on the mouth

How is it treated?

If you see a healthcare provider, you may receive a prescription medication. There are also over-the-counter antifungal medications specifically for vaginal yeast infections. They can be bought at a drug store or most grocery stores.

How can I prevent a yeast infection?

Yeast infections can be very uncomfortable, so prevention is the key:

      Keep dark, moist areas of your body dry and clean.

      Avoid sitting around in a wet bathing suit or damp clothing for long periods of time.

      Never douche.

      Avoid bubble baths.

      Avoid overly tight clothing, and wear underwear that allows ventilation. Cotton is best.

      Eating yogurt has been shown to prevent yeast overgrowth.

      Avoid frequent or prolonged use of antibiotics if possible.

      More about Candidiasis from the CDC

Healthy Smells / Unhealthy Smells

What are healthy smells?

All vaginas have a scent, and each woman has her own scent. Your vagina's scent changes throughout your menstrual cycle. Healthy vaginal discharge is usually clear to milky white between periods and keeps the vagina clean throughout the menstrual cycle. The discharge increases and thickens when you ovulate, when you are breastfeeding, or when you are sexually excited. Your vagina also has a different smell when you are on your period. It is important to become familiar with the way your vagina smells so you can recognize an unhealthy smell.

What are unhealthy smells?

An unhealthy smell can be caused by:

Bacterial Vaginosis

Trichomoniasis

Yeast Infections

Common Sexually Transmitted Infections

Strong, pungent, or fishy smells can be unhealthy, especially if accompanied by an abnormal discharge. It is important to see a healthcare provider if you notice an abnormal smell to determine if it could be caused by an infection.

How can I keep my vulva/vagina healthy?

Many women think that they must douche or use scented sprays to control their vaginal scent. These sprays are unnecessary and actually unhealthy. Using heavily-scented perfumes can actually disturb the vagina's pH and irritate the tissues. Remember, the vagina cleanses itself throughout the menstrual cycle. If you have an infection in your vagina, douching can push the bacteria into the uterus, leading to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which can result in serious complications.

The best way to care for your vulva is to wash it daily with an unscented soap and water and pat it dry with a clean towel. Don't use scented soaps, bubble baths, or sprays. Also avoid using scented tampons, pads, or toilet paper. Cotton underwear is best because it allows your genital area to breathe. Keeping the vulva dry and clean is important because bacteria thrives in dark, warm, and wet environments. Avoid sitting around in a wet bathing suit or wet clothing. In addition, women should always wipe front to back after using the restroom.

UTI – Urinary Tract Infection

What is a UTI?

A UTI is a common bacterial infection that can occur anywhere in the urinary tract. If it is left untreated, it can cause serious damage to the bladder or kidneys. The urinary tract consists of the kidneys, ureters, bladder, or urethra. When bacteria is introduced into the urinary tract and multiplies, this can lead to cystitis (bladder infection), pyelonephritis (kidney infection), urethritis (inflammation of the urethra), or urethral syndrome (painful urination).

What are the symptoms?

Not everyone who gets a UTI has symptoms. Possible symptoms of UTI's include pain or a burning sensation when urinating, frequent urination in small amounts, an uncomfortable urge to urinate, strong smelling urine, blood in the urine, abdominal or back pain, and/or a fever.

Who is at risk for developing a UTI?

UTI’s are more likely to occur in women who are newly sexually active, pregnant, postmenopausal, or have a history of diabetes, sickle-cell anemia, abuse of analgesics, or kidney stones. UTI’s are also common in people who undergo catheterization. Women are much more likely than men to develop UTI’s because the female urethra is short, making it much easier for bacteria to travel up the urinary tract. The urethra is also located close to the rectum, which is one source of bacteria. Men who develop UTI’s should see a doctor immediately because this could indicate an abnormality of the urinary tract.

How is a UTI diagnosed?

A healthcare provider will examine you, assess your symptoms, and do a urinalysis or urine culture. If you have a urinalysis done, your healthcare provider will hand you a cup to urinate in, and they will give you instructions on how to produce a urine sample. Your urine will be analyzed in a laboratory for color, bacteria, proteins, white blood cells, red blood cells, and other factors. Normally, urine is sterile with no blood or bacteria. UTI’s can be diagnosed based on the results of the urinalysis.

How is a UTI treated?

UTI’s are treated with antibiotics. Your healthcare provider will prescribe an antibiotic based on your history and the causative bacteria. It is very important that you take the antibiotic exactly as prescribed, and always finish your prescription, even if you feel better. If you do not, the infection may come back or you may develop a resistance to the antibiotic.

How can I prevent UTI’s?

UTI’s can be frustrating, but there are some steps you can take to prevent them:

      Drink lots of water.

      Women should always wipe from front to back to prevent bacteria from entering the urethra.

      Urinate as soon as you feel the need.

      Keep your genitals clean and dry.

      Urinate after sex.

      Never douche or use feminine hygiene sprays.

      Take showers instead of baths.

      Drink cranberry juice.

For more information, visit:

The National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse

MayoClinic.com

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