A healthy vagina maintains a delicate balance of microorganisms often referred to as vaginal flora. Anything that upsets this balance can cause a wide variety of infections that are more than inconvenient; they can impact your overall health. Our patients often ask what is considered normal and what is not, so we’ve compiled this series of useful articles. If you have any concerns, please contact us today to schedule an appointment.
Ever wonder what’s going on “down there?” Perhaps you’ve had a lot of irritation, and you’re not sure what’s causing it. Maybe sex has even started to become uncomfortable. Either way, vaginal and vulval irritation and issues are very common—in fact they are some of the most common health issues we treat. But following a few […]
Are you concerned that your period is not normal?
Maybe you’ve compared notes with some of your friends, and you’ve noticed that you have heavy bleeding from periods, while they only have light spotting. The truth is, your period holds the key to your gynecological health, and understanding what constitutes an abnormal period enables you to accurately evaluate your menstrual health.
Has your love life gone from satisfying to physically painful sex? Do you have a chronically dry vagina? Do you have more frequent urinary tract infections? If these sound too familiar, you may have signs of vaginal atrophy. When most women hear of vaginal atrophy, they think of something that occurs after menopause. However, it […]
No one likes to talk about it, but almost every woman has experienced it. A dry vagina is not only uncomfortable, but it can lead to painful sex, itching and other problems. “Vaginal dryness is a common symptom of several conditions,” said Dr. Chappell. “This is one reason why we encourage you to schedule an […]
Because these words sound alike, it’s easy to mistake one with the other. We’ve taken the mystery out of these terms, and by examining a few simple facts, you’ll understand the difference between vaginosis and vaginitis.“The good news is that these conditions are highly treatable, we have extensive options available,” said Dr. Joshua Hardison.. “We also understand how these terms can be easily confused, and we encourage patients to ask one of our physicians or nurse midwives questions.”
Bacterial vaginosis and other vaginal infections are extremely common. They occur when the “good” bacteria that naturally occurs in the vagina is offset by other types of bacteria, resulting in inflammation and infections. Hormonal changes may also contribute to this. The inflammation is generally referred to as vaginitis. Bacterial vaginosis is a specific type of vaginitis.
Yeast infections are not only annoying, they are very common. Three out of four women will have a yeast infection at some point in their lives, and most women experience at least two infections. Those with recurrent infections may experience as many as four or more a year. “Most yeast infections are easily treated. However, […]
Almost all women are familiar with the symptoms of PMS, which causes cramps, bloating and tender breasts. However, an estimated 3 to 5 percent of menstruating women have PMDD, which is an often debilitating condition that you could think of as an extreme case of PMS. Learn the signs.
Amenorrhea—the absence of menstrual periods—does not always signify a serious problem. It may be caused by natural hormonal changes such as menopause or something as common as stress. The key to treating amenorrhea successfully depends upon addressing the underlying cause. Learn the 5 commons reasons your period has stopped (not including pregnancy).
Irregular periods can interfere with a scheduled annual exam or Pap smear. Ideally, your annual exam and Pap smear should be conducted when you are not on your period. While heavy menses may possibly interfere with Pap smear interpretation, we generally can see someone when they are on their period, including a pelvic exam and successfully collect their Pap. Understandably, many patients are more comfortable to be examined when they are not on their period, and we are happy to reschedule if they request. Continue reading to learn about the causes of an irregular period and how to treat it.