Gynecology

While most women experience at least one yeast infection—characterized by itching, swelling, discharge and vaginal pain—in their lifetime, about eight percent of women face four or more a year. These chronic yeast infections occur when the normal balance of bacteria and yeast in the vagina is altered. They can be caused by a variety of factors such as antibiotics, pregnancy, diabetes, genetics, sexual activity and wearing wet clothing. Sometimes, the cause is unknown.

Over the course of your lifetime, your period will change—and they can get especially heavy early on, after pregnancy or breastfeeding, and even during menopause. However, if your period is starting to feel like it’s always heavy, then it’s likely time to see your doctor.

Also known as a well visit, your annual exam will encompass your current health status, a breast and pelvic exam, general check of height/weight/blood pressure, information on vaccinations, potentially a Pap test, and a chance to discuss topics from birth control to mammograms to menstruation to family history. This preventative and diagnostic exam provides an annual health baseline and a chance to connect with your doctor.

In addition to vulvodynia, chronic pelvic pain without an identifiable cause, and vaginismus, involuntary muscle contraction of the pelvic floor and difficulty allowing vaginal penetration, pelvic pain can spring from a variety of issues. For example, endometriosis, urinary tract infections, sexually transmitted diseases and fibroids can all contribute to pelvic pain.

“Pelvic pain is a common patient complaint at Clinic Sofia. Some women have dealt with pelvic pain for so long that they feel like it’s ‘normal” when so much can be done to diagnose and treat the pain,” said Dr. Jewelia Wagner, who notes that pelvic pain can be broken up into various compartments, such as deep versus superficial, right/left/midline/total pelvis, and vaginal versus vulvar.

If your latest Pap test results came back positive, it does not mean you have cervical cancer. It does mean your doctor found some unusual or abnormal cells on your cervix that will likely require further evaluation.