If you are experiencing pain or inflammation, it is important to speak to your provider about a treatment plan. The team at Capital Women’s Care possesses a commitment to exceptional care – delivering the most up-to-date treatment options in women’s health care.
Vulvovaginal Candidiasis (Yeast Infection)
Vulvovaginal candidiasis, also known as a yeast infection, is a fungal infection that causes irritation and discomfort of the vaginal and surrounding areas. Changes in hormones, medications, and the immune system encourages yeast growth, making infection more likely.
Symptoms include:
- Vaginal itching and soreness
- Pain during intercourse
- Painful urination
- Abnormal vaginal discharge
The condition is often mild, but it’s still important to speak to your provider about treatment. Some women develop severe infections if left untreated. A severe infection can have redness, swelling, and even cracks in the vaginal wall.
Although over-the-counter treatment options exist for the treatment of yeast infections, sometimes these medications do not work or may be more irritating than prescription remedies. In addition, there are conditions with similar symptoms that are NOT yeast infections and will not respond to over-the-counter medications. It is important to seek out medical attention if your symptoms do not respond to self-treatment.
Antifungal medications are used to treat vaginal candidiasis or yeast infections. There are both oral and topical antifungals, depending on what your provider thinks is the best option for you. If your infection isn’t getting better, is getting worse, or keeps coming back, you may need additional treatment.
Bacterial Vaginosis
Bacterial vaginosis or vaginitis has similar symptoms to yeast infections but is treated in an entirely different way with antibiotics. Causes of bacterial vaginosis include frequent intercourse, medications that may change the balance of microorganisms in the vagina, or lifestyle changes such as bubble baths or hot tubs.
Symptoms include:
- Vaginal itching and soreness
- Pain during intercourse
- Painful urination
- Abnormal vaginal discharge with odor
Treatment consists of antibiotics that may be taken orally or intravaginally. These treatments require a visit to your physician for prescription medications. When you are seen, a pelvic exam may be performed, and a culture obtained.
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI or STD)
Any changes in your sexual activity or partners can increase your risk of contracting an STI. These STI’s include gonorrhea, chlamydia, herpes, or trichomonas. Testing is the cornerstone for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Symptoms may be similar to yeast or non-STI bacterial infections. If you feel you are at risk or just want routine testing, please see your provider at Capital Women’s Care, where your concerns will be discussed in a sensitive and confidential matter without any shame or judgment.
Changes due to menopause
With the onset of menopause, vaginal tissues may thin out and become more prone to tearing due to dryness or infection. It is possible to treat these conditions, but it requires an evaluation of your tissues and a thorough health history to determine what is safest for you. The providers at Capital Women’s Care are equipped to guide you through these changes and other changes due to menopause.
Autoimmune Disorders
There are skin conditions that can occur when the body fights its own tissue. Symptoms can include chronic burning, pain with intercourse, or fissuring of the tissues. These conditions can be easily treated with topical creams but require a visit to your provider for a diagnosis.
Vulvodynia
Vulvodynia is a term used to refer to severe pain for at least three months in the genital area. This type of pain is often described as burning, itching, stabbing, or aching. Sometimes the pain only occurs in the vaginal opening when touched, while other women experience it consistently throughout the vulva.
The pain can come and go and get worse from irritants such as intercourse, sitting, or tight clothing. The condition tends to be unique to each woman who experiences it.
Many women who experience vulvodynia also experience other auto-immune disorders or chronic pain conditions like:
- Migraine headaches
- Temporal mandibular joint pain or jaw pain
- Anxiety
- Irritable bowel symptoms
- Interstitial cystitis or frequent bladder symptoms
- Chronic fatigue syndrome
- Fibromyalgia or unexplained joint pain
Vulvovaginitis
Vulvovaginitis is an infection of the vulva and vagina. It’s fairly common, affecting women and girls of all ages. It has a wide variety of causes including:
- Bacteria
- Yeast
- Viruses
- Parasites
- Environmental factors
- STIs
- Exposure to chemicals, allergens, or other irritants
The symptoms vary depending on their cause, but in general, most women experience:
- Genital Irritation
- Itching
- Labial and perineal inflammation
- Strong-smelling vaginal discharge
- Pain during urination
Is There a Vulvovaginitis Specialist?
All of our providers at Capital Women’s Care are experienced in treating vulvovaginal conditions like vulvovaginitis. Women’s experiences are diverse, and our range of care reflects the evolving needs in women’s healthcare. Using our wide network of providers, find a specialist that is dedicated to serving your unique needs.
Vulvovaginitis Treatment and Other Vulvovaginal Treatments
During your first appointment with your provider, they will start by reviewing all of your symptoms. Vulvovaginitis is a common condition that affects nearly thirty percent of women at some point in their life. Vaginal candidiasis is the second most common vaginal infection in women.
These are usually treated with oral and topical medications. If all other possible explanations for your discomfort have been ruled out, you are likely to be diagnosed with vulvodynia. Treatment depends on the woman and how her pain is manifesting. Sometimes topical medications are used to provide the vagina with more estrogen and build up the lining of the vaginal wall. Oral medications in the antidepressant family like Cymbalta can be used to calm down painful nerves. Other treatment options include:
- Pain relievers
- Lifestyle changes
- Physical therapy
- Local anesthetics
- Hormonal treatments
- Trigger point therapy
Contact Capital Women’s Care to Schedule an Appointment
Providing tailor-made solutions to women’s healthcare, we are 100% devoted to your individual needs. You can trust our team to listen closely to your concerns and deliver an exceptional patient experience. Contact Capital Women’s Care today to schedule your appointment.