Vaginal Health Specialist in Austell GA

Vaginal disorders known as vaginitis are known as inflammation of the vagina. Vaginal disorders are very common, with most women experiencing a vaginal disorder dealing with one or the other within their lifetime.

There are three common types of vaginal disorders, they are yeast infections, trichomoniasis (which is a sexually transmitted infection), and bacterial vaginosis.

• Yeast Infections
Yeast infections are the most common type of vaginitis, it is caused by one of the various types of fungus known as candida. Usually, Candida lives harmlessly within the bodies in small numbers, this includes the vagina. However, under certain conditions, overgrowth of candida can happen, which causes vaginal infection. Symptoms of vaginal yeast infections may include a white, thick discharge, some say it resembles the look of cottage cheese. Yeast infections also often cause itching in the vaginal area and redness of the vulva and vagina.

• Trichomoniasis
Trichomoniasis is a true sexually transmitted infection, commonly known as “trich”, it is caused by single-celled parasites and is passed from one partner to another during intercourse. Symptoms of trichomoniasis are similar to other vaginal disorders which include irritation, redness, burning, and swelling of the vulva that may include yellow-gray or greenish discharge from the vagina with a rare fishy odor.

• Bacterial Vaginosis
Many friendly bacteria live within the vagina, one of them is lactobacilli. However, when the number of lactobacilli becomes too low, it will trigger a condition called bacterial vaginosis (known in short as BV).
Symptoms of bacterial vaginosis include white and/or thick discharge that may be slippery or clear. While rare, a fishy odor may be noticeable, particularly during intercourse.

Ensuring the vagina is healthy is critical, as it can affect desire for sex, ability to reach an orgasm, and fertility. Knowing the signs and symptoms to look out for to protect the vagina will help, as you can get the treatment you need sooner.

Many things can affect vaginal health, some of which include:

• Sex
• Health conditions and treatments
• Birth control
• Feminine-hygiene products
• Pregnancy and childbirth
• Psychological issues
• Hormone levels

Some of the most common vaginal issues that may affect the vagina include:

• Sexual issues
Sexual issues that are persistent or recurrent pain before, during, or after sex. This pain may cause involuntary spasms of the vaginal wall muscles. The muscles in the pelvic floor can become edgy, which may cause chronic pain and pain during intercourse. Often vaginal dryness may occur, particularly after menopause, but can also occur during intercourse.

• Sexually transmitted infections
Many sexually transmitted infections can affect the vagina, the most common ones include gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, genital warts, and genital herpes. The most common signs of an STI are abnormal vaginal discharge and genital sores.

• Vaginitis
Vaginitis is an infection or change that causes the normal balance of vaginal yeast and bacteria to turn into inflammation within the vagina. Some of the symptoms of vaginitis include odor, abnormal vaginal discharge, pain, and itching.

• Pelvic floor relaxation
The supporting ligaments and connective tissues that hold the uterus, as well as the vaginal walls in place, may become weak. In turn, the bladder, uterus, rectum, or vaginal wall may slip down and cause a bulge within the vagina or cause urine leakage to occur during times of sneezing and coughing.

• Rare conditions
Vaginal cysts are a rare condition, but they do cause severe pain, particularly during sex, which can make it quite difficult to insert a tampon during menstruation. Vaginal cancer is another when it first appears can cause vaginal bleeding after menopause or sex.

If you begin noticing any of the above symptoms or start noticing abnormal signs like different colored vaginal discharge, pain, bleeding not during your scheduled menstruation time, or other issues, contact our clinic today to book an appointment to see a vaginal health specialist.

To prevent vaginal issues from occurring you can take precautions and extra steps towards vaginal health, including:

• Being sexually responsible
• Get the proper vaccinations like HPV
• Kegel exercises
• Limit the intake of alcohol and quit smoking
• Know the medications you are on

If you would like to know more about vaginal health, contact Cobb Women’s Health today! We are located at 1810 Mulkey Rd SW Suite 102, Austell GA 30106 and serve patients from Austell GA, Lithia Springs GA, Mableton GA, Powder Springs GA, Douglasville GA, Fair Oaks GA, Hiram GA, Clarkdale GA, Smyrna GA and Marietta GA.