Vaginal discharge Vaginitis

One of the most common reasons for visits to your GYN at NYC Midtown gynecology center is noted to be a spectrum of problems generally labeled vaginitis. This includes any issue with discharge, malodor, or discomfort of the vagina. Each one of these symptoms can indicate a particular bacteria, fungus, or potentially other underlying cause

SYMPTOMS

Vaginitis can disrupt daily activities and be very uncomfortable

Since there are many different reasons for having vaginitis, the symptoms can usually vary quit a bit and also overlap. Some of the possible symptoms your NYC GYN will ask about include the following:

• Discharge
• Foul smell or fishy odor
• Does it occur after a specific trigger (such as the end of your menstrual period, or the day after intercourse)
• Pain
• Itching
• Bleeding
• Dryness
• Redness or irritation of the vagina

CAUSES AND TREATMENTS

Most forms of vaginitis can be easily treated by your gynecologist

After Midtown GYN discusses your symptoms and believes you to have a form of vaginitis, They will then discuss some of the potential reasons you may be having these symptoms.

Gynecologist of Manhattan Women’s Health & Wellness offer comprehensive Obstetrics & Gynecology care in NYC for women of all ages. At our obgyn clinic we provide a full range of gynecology services, from annual check-ups and routine pap smears to Vaginitis treatments and gyn procedures, surgeries performed in our office or in the hospital. Our state of the art gynecology NYC facility equipped with the latest obgyn equipment.
The vaigna is a very complex ecosystem of bacteria and fungus, as well as an admixture of hormones and closely regulated in order to maintain the perfect pH and bacteria/fungal levels so no one particular bacteria or fungus overgrows. If this ecosystem is thrown off by reasons discussed later, it allows one strain of bacteria or fungus, or sometimes both, to overgrown and disrupt the environment causing distressing symptoms. The most common causes of vaginitis include:

• Bacterial vaginosis, well known for its abbreviation, BV, is an overgrowth of bacteria naturally occurring within the vagina. It is not necessarily considered an STI, however it commonly occurs after sex due to interactions with the bacteria and their environment in the vagina. BV can cause malodor and usually a thin gray discharge. Luckily it is usually easily treated with a short course of antibiotics or vaginal creams.
• Yeast, generally a candida species, again overgrows within the vagina due to some type of imbalance or change in the environment within the vagina. Yeast normally presents with clumpy white discharge and itching, Yeast can be very bothersome, especially if it occurs frequently. Vaginal flushes to reduce the amount of yeast followed by antibiotics can usually knock out even the most serious vaginal yeast infections. Yeast is also not considered an STI
• Trichomonas Vaginalis, or also known as “Trich,” is an STI known for its foul odor, vaginal discomfort, potentially vaginal bleeding, and usually abundant green discharge. However, sometimes it causes few or no symptoms at all. Trichomonas should always be treated with antibiotics, and your Midtown GYN will want you to come back in a few weeks later for retesting to make sure the infection was successfully and completely treated. Your partner will also need to be treated
• Atrophic vaginitis is a common problem, particularly with the post menopausal population. Oftentimes after menopause, the cessation of estrogen production by the ovaries leads to changes in the vagina, including loss of elasticity and dryness. These vary from woman to woman however some experience significant amounts of dryness to the point where they describe even walking “feels like walking with sandpaper between my legs” or can even lead to small amounts of bleeding. After thorough exam by your NYC gynecologist in Midtown, they may give you a daily lubricant to alleviate mild symptoms, or if no contraindications exist, may prescribe a hormone cream for a few weeks.

While these are the most common, there are frequently less common or different reasons for vaginitis so it is always important that if you experience any symptoms to see your gynecologist for a correct and accurate diagnosis. This will also aid in ruling potentially serious underlying conditions.

DIAGNOSIS

Your Midtown gynecologist will always begin by taking a thorough history of your issue, whether it is discharge, pain, bleeding, or odor. They will want to know if this is the first time it’s happening, or if you have had it several times in the past. Your gynecologist may do a physical exam where they will use a speculum to see inside the vagina, notice any changes or potential problems, then likely take a swab of the discharge to send to the pathologist’s lab where they will be able to identify any overgrowths of bacteria, yeast, or other forms of vaginal pathogens

Important Reminder: This information is only intended to provide gynecology guidance, not definitive medical advice. Please consult OBGYN doctor about your specific condition. Only a trained, experienced gynecologist or certified gynecology specialist can determine an accurate diagnosis and proper treatment.

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