Common Women’s Infections and Diseases

As a woman, there’s a high probability you will get a vaginal infection (vaginitis) at some point in your lifetime. Don’t worry, it’s more common than you think and there’s usually a misconception about the types of infections and what causes them. Generally speaking, you will get symptoms like itching, burning, and a thick white discharge. But there’s so much more you should know about this common condition.

The first thing to keep in mind is that whenever you have some of these symptoms or you just have general inquiries about this matter, you should always talk to your OB/GYN  – who is fully qualified to answer any of your questions and treat any of your symptoms. Not even a thorough Internet research will ever substitute the quality and preciseness of the information you get from an experienced specialist. You should immediately call your doctor if:

• Your vaginal discharge changes color or smells different.
• You notice itching, burning, swelling, or soreness around or outside of your vagina.
• It burns when you pee.
• Sex is uncomfortable.

The most common kind of infections faced by women are yeast infections. They are easy to treat and are very similar to other vaginal and sexually transmitted infections. Nevertheless, there are more serious infections that could lead to major problems. But what causes yeast infections? Well, you should know that a healthy vagina has a balanced amount of bacteria and yeast in it, but sometimes this balance can be disrupted by:

• Hormone level changes
• Antibiotics
• Vaginal intercourse
• Pregnancy and breast feeding

The three most common types of vaginal infections are:

• Yeast Infections: It is  caused by one of the many species of fungus known as Candida, which we already have living in our bodies in small numbers. This fungus can quickly multiply and cause a vaginal infection in a moist and low ventilation environment.
• Bacterial vaginosis: When the number of lactobacilli in your reproductive organs gets too low, it can trigger a condition called bacterial vaginosis (BV). You may see a thick whitish discharge or a slippery and clear discharge. It is not likely that it will itch or burn, but the fishy odor it produces may be noticeable, especially during intercourse.
• Trichomonas: This infection is commonly called “trich” and is passed from partner to partner during intercourse. You may feel burning, irritation, redness, and swelling of the vulva, with a yellow-gray or greenish vaginal discharge, possibly with a fishy odor.

The good news is that most of these conditions respond very well to mild treatment. The key is to get medical attention as soon as the first symptoms appear to minimize the discomfort they produce. If you have any additional questions please schedule an appointment by visiting The Institute For Women’s  Health.

Source : This Article Originally Appeared on https://www.ifwh.org/en/common-womens-infections-and-diseases/

Women and Menopause

Menopause, you may fear it or try to ignore it; but how well do you know it? The North American Menopause Society defines it as “a normal, natural event of the final menstrual period that is usually confirmed when a woman has missed her periods for 12 consecutive months (in the absence of other obvious causes).” During menopause, your estrogen and other hormone levels lower, marking the end of your fertility. The average age for menopause is 51 and one of the most important things to keep in mind is that every woman experiences it differently.

As a woman, you are born with a definite number of eggs which are stored in your ovaries. These same ovaries are the ones that produce your estrogen and progesterone hormones. These two are in charge of controlling your menstruation and ovulation cycles. When your ovaries no longer release eggs, you have reached menopause. But facts and data aside, how do you perceive menopause? Unfortunately, there’s a negative perception towards this matter when it’s actually a natural process that your body goes through, just like many other changes we experience throughout our lifetime.

There are no treatments to stop or reverse menopause. However, there are methods and treatments that can relieve the signs and symptoms when they are severe or uncomfortable. Most women are able to manage them by themselves without medication, but other women experiencing more intense symptoms have to resort to other options. The most common treatments for menopause include:

• Hormone Therapy: This is one of the most effective treatments for menopausal hot flashes. It’s based on a low dose of estrogen, which provides relief for this symptom.
• Vaginal Estrogen: This treatment relieves vaginal dryness by applying estrogen directly to the vagina with a vaginal cream, tablet, or ring. It also helps with discomfort during intercourse.
• Low-dose antidepressants: Sometimes, women are not able to have estrogen therapy for specific health reasons. A low dose of specific antidepressants can help manage hot flashes and mood disorder symptoms in these cases.
• Medications to treat or prevent osteoporosis: These medications help reduce bone loss and lower the risk of bone fractures.

The most important thing about going through this change in life (besides feeling comfortable with yourself) is having a qualified OB/GYN that you feel comfortable with. During this time, it’s important to always be informed and correctly guided towards the right path into feeling better.

REFERENCES:

http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/menopause/basics/treatment/con-20019726

http://www.menopause.org/for-women/expert-answers-to-frequently-asked-questions-about-menopause/menopause-faqs-understanding-the-symptoms

Source : This Article Originally Appeared on https://www.ifwh.org/en/women-and-menopause/

The Zika virus: Four things to know if you’re pregnant

You may have heard about the Zika virus, and of the case confirmed recently in Houston, Tx. Last Friday, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also recommended that pregnant women postpone travel to 14 countries and territories – including Mexico – where Zika outbreaks have occurred. So what is the Zika virus, and what do you need to know if you’re pregnant or trying to become pregnant?

What is the Zika virus?

The Zika virus is a mosquito-borne illness primarily contracted by a mosquito bite. Initially identified in the 1950s in Africa and parts of South and Southeast Asia, the first case was reported in the Americas in 2014.  In recent years, reports of babies with serious birth defects born to mothers infected with the Zika virus have increased sharply.

What are the symptoms of the Zika virus?

Symptoms of the Zika virus are generally mild and may include a fever, rash, joint pain and conjunctivitis. However, the CDC states that only about one in five people infected with the virus experience symptoms, so you may not even know if you’ve been infected. Even more alarming, “There’s no vaccine or treatment for the Zika virus,” said Karen Carcamo, M.D., an obstetrician-gynecologist at the Institute for Women’s Health, San Antonio. “Therefore, we recommend women who are pregnant or trying to become pregnant take extra precautions to avoid mosquito bites, such as wearing mosquito repellant daily and clothing that covers the majority of the skin.”

How does the Zika virus affect pregnant women and their babies?

The Zika virus is believed to be spread from a pregnant woman to her unborn baby. Reports have shown poor pregnancy outcomes in babies of mothers infected with the Zika virus during their pregnancy, including serious birth defects of the brain. In light of limited information surrounding the extent of these effects, the CDC is urging all pregnant women to avoid any non-essential travel to the countries identified on this list. “It’s important to note that, while the CDC is recommending travelers to these countries take enhanced precautions, they have a stronger set of recommendations for pregnant women,” Dr. Carcamo cautioned.   The CDC website is an excellent source for the most current information regarding the Zika virus, Dr. Carcamo added.

If you’re pregnant and think you’ve contracted the Zika virus, what should you do?

“First things first: call your obstetrician,” Dr. Carcamo stressed. “Your obstetrician can document the exposure and determine whether further testing may be necessary. Most importantly: Remain calm. The odds are likely it may not be the Zika virus, but rather an upper respiratory infection or allergies.”

Still, since no vaccine or effective treatment exists for the Zika virus, prevention is critical. The Zika virus may sound scary, but fortunately, prevention is relatively simple.

“We strongly urge women in any trimester of their pregnancy to consider postponing travel to any area affected by the Zika virus, including Mexico and the Caribbean,” Dr. Carcamo said. “If you absolutely must travel to these areas, please be diligent about strictly following the steps to prevent mosquito bites.”

Karen Carcamo, M.D., MPH, is an obstetrician-gynecologist with the Institute for Women’s Health, San Antonio. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Carcamo, please call 210.615.8585.

This Article Originally Appeared on https://www.ifwh.org/en/the-zika-virus-four-things-to-know-if-youre-pregnant/

Gardasil 9: Helping to prevent cervical cancer

In late 2014, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Gardasil 9, a vaccine that protects against nine types of the human papillomavirus (HPV). Gardasil 9 covers a broader range of the HPV virus as compared to Gardasil, which protects against only four types of HPV. For those who’ve already received the Gardasil vaccine, questions arose about revaccination and the potential effectiveness of Gardasil 9 in addressing a more complex group of HPV. And a broader debate continued as to why both vaccines continue to be underused.

“HPV is an extremely common sexually transmitted disease which, if left untreated, can lead to cervical cancer,” said Orlando Suris, M.D., an obstetrician-gynecologist with the Institute for Women’s Health, San Antonio. “Fortunately, the Gardasil and Gardasil 9 vaccines have proven to be very effective in reducing the risk of contracting HPV.”

The seven types of HPV which are implicated in 90 percent of cervical cancers are covered with Gardasil 9, in addition to two types associated with genital warts.

HPV is typically detected through a Pap test, which is conducted at an annual well woman gynecologist appointment. Pap tests screen for cervical cancer and other vaginal abnormalities. Since the introduction of these tests in the 1950s, cervical cancer incidence and mortality have decreased sharply. “Still,” Dr. Suris cautioned, “It’s necessary to continue to receive a Pap test in order to detect HPV.”

The Gardasil and Gardasil 9 vaccines prevent cancer from forming by immunizing the patient to HPV. HPV is the root cause of the majority of cervical cancers, which are traditionally extremely slow to form. “Patients whose Pap test results indicate the presence of HPV don’t necessarily have cervical cancer,” Dr. Suris said. “Further testing is necessary to determine a treatment plan.” A treatment plan for HPV or cervical cancers is most effective if HPV is detected early enough.

Vaccination against HPV is recommended for girls ages 9 – 26 and boys ages 9 – 15, ideally before they become sexually active. The vaccine is administered in three doses over a six-month period.

Since their introduction to the market, the vaccinations have been underused. Many physicians believe that the stigma surrounding the vaccination of a child for an STD while they are very young is the cause of this underutilization. To address this issue, the Centers for Disease Control launched a campaign called “You are the key to cancer prevention” in 2014. The campaign aims to educate physicians and parents about the benefits of recommending their children be vaccinated. After all, they pointed out, it’s about cancer, not sex.

When it comes to revaccinations, however, the topic is less complicated.

“If you’ve already received the Gardasil vaccine, there’s no need to be revaccinated with Gardasil 9,” Dr. Suris said. “If you’re 21 or older, just continue to schedule your annual well woman exams, and have your gynecologist order your Pap tests on the schedule specific to you.”

Orlando Suris, M.D., is an obstetrician-gynecologist with the Institute for Women’s Health, San Antonio. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Suris, please call 210.494.2000.

This Article Originally Appeared on https://www.ifwh.org/en/gardasil-9-helping-to-prevent-cervical-cancer/

Could someone you love have an eating disorder?

Eating disorders, while often misunderstood, are very real and complex illnesses that can have serious consequences for a person’s health and overall well-being. February 21 – 27, 2016, is National Eating Disorders Awareness Week and a perfect time to familiarize yourself with the warning signs of an eating disorder, and what to do if you suspect someone you love is suffering.

“There’s a lot of misinformation when it comes to eating disorders,” said Wendy Askew, M.D., and obstetrician-gynecologist at the Institute for Women’s Health, San Antonio. “Unfortunately, the stigma surrounding these disorders makes broaching the topic difficult for many people.”

Eating disorders can be triggered by a combination of factors, including behavioral, emotional, interpersonal and social. A person suffering from an eating disorder typically becomes preoccupied with control of food, and may exhibit mood swings and irritability. And while some eating disorders present in ways that are fairly obvious, others may not.

“Anorexia nervosa typically presents in a dramatic weight loss or a fixation on calorie counting and dieting,” Dr. Askew said. “Bulimia may not result in weight loss at all, but may manifest in physical signs including swelling of the cheeks, teeth that are more prone to cavities or calluses on the back of their hands or knuckles, which is indicative of self-induced vomiting.”

Binge eating disorder is another type of common eating disorder. A binge eater may eat much more food than normal in one sitting, but unlike bulimia, will not purge the calories. If you suspect someone you love may be a binge eater, try to take notice of wrappers or containers that indicate the consumption of large amounts of food over a short timeframe.

Other symptoms of eating disorders which may not be obvious include:

• Weight fluctuations (both gain and loss)
• Menstrual irregularities including a missed or stopped period
• Insomnia
• Heart palpitations
• Dizziness or fainting
• Feeling cold all the time or growing a very fine layer of hair on the arms and legs
• Amenia
• Low potassium levels
• A sore throat or the inflammation of the esophagus; spitting up blood

Meal times traditionally are a source of great stress and anxiety for someone with an eating disorder. Many people fear eating in front of others and may avoid it all together. They may practice unusual food rituals like chewing an unusually large number of times, cutting their food into very small pieces or eating very slowly. And most people suffering from an eating disorder eventually become preoccupied with behaviors that allow them to exhibit an extreme form of control over their consumption or regurgitation of food.

“It’s important to remember that eating disorders don’t discriminate,” Dr. Askew said. “People of all ages, ethnicities and backgrounds suffer from these disorders, and addressing them with kindness and compassion is key to getting them on the path to health.”

Recovery from an eating disorder is possible. If you have a loved one exhibiting the signs of an eating disorder, talk to your physician about the best treatment plan for them. It may require a team approach with a registered dietitian and a mental health professional and, most importantly, the support of the people who care about them.

Wendy Askew, M.D., is an obstetrician-gynecologist with the Institute for Women’s Health, San Antonio. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Askew, please call 210.494.2000.

This Article Originally Appeared on https://www.ifwh.org/en/could-someone-you-love-have-an-eating-disorder/

What is endometriosis?

More than 5 million women in the U.S. struggle with a chronic health condition that can not only be painful, but also potentially affect their ability to get pregnant. This health condition is endometriosis.

March is National Endometriosis Awareness Month, and an important time to learn how to manage endometriosis, especially for women trying to conceive.

“Endometriosis occurs when tissue that normally lines the inside of the uterus – the endometrium – grows in places such as the ovaries, fallopian tubes and tissues that hold the uterus in place,” said Joseph Garza, M.D., chief fertility officer of the Advanced Fertility Center, a sister company of the Institute for Women’s Health.

Even though this tissue is outside the uterus, it follows a similar menstrual cycle as the uterine lining: a monthly build up, breakdown and shedding. While a menstrual cycle sheds the uterine lining during a woman’s period, the tissue shed from the endometrium has no way to leave the body.

“This can cause internal bleeding and inflammation, and possibly form scar tissue that can impair a woman’s ability to conceive,” Dr. Garza said. “It’s also a very painful condition to manage monthly.”

Endometriosis can influence infertility in other ways than scar tissue formation. The inflammation that occurs can affect the pelvis and fallopian tubes, and the tissue can also change the internal environment of a woman’s eggs so much that it alters their quality.

“We frequently see fertility patients suffering from endometriosis,” Dr. Garza said. “Fortunately, the condition is treatable.”

Medication can reduce endometrium inflammation and pain, but if a case is severe enough, surgery to remove the tissue may be necessary. In this instance, a laparoscopy is performed on the patient, which is a minimally invasive outpatient surgery. Hormone therapy has also proven to be effective in some cases.

So how do you know if you have endometriosis?

“If you have severe and consistent pelvic pain during your periods, it’s best to talk to your doctor about a management plan that’s right for you,” Dr. Garza advised. “While the relationship between endometriosis and infertility continues to be debated, you should always be proactive about managing your personal health and wellness.”

To learn more about endometriosis or to schedule an appointment with an Institute for Women’s Health OB/GYN, call 210.349.6626

This Article Originally Appeared on https://www.ifwh.org/en/what-is-endometriosis/

Better outcomes for hysterectomies performed with robotic surgery

The decision to have a hysterectomy is a personal and often emotional choice many women make. Fortunately, there are several options that can help make both the surgery itself and the recovery process minimally disruptive to women’s lives. One of those options is a robotic, or da Vinci®, surgery.

“A hysterectomy, which is a surgery that removes a woman’s uterus, can lead to complications that can be minimized by robotic surgery,” said Victor Casiano, M.D., an obstetrician-gynecologist at the Institute for Women’s Health, San Antonio. “Recent studies have shown better clinical outcomes for benign hysterectomies for women who opted not to undergo conventional abdominal, vaginal and laparoscopic hysterectomies.”

The da Vinci Surgical System is designed to help surgeons perform minimally invasive surgeries. Rather than performing a traditional operation, the surgeon uses the robotic surgery system to gain magnified views via specialized instrumentation including a miniaturized surgical camera and other instruments. This allows for precise dissection and reconstruction during complex internal surgeries, which in turn reduces recovery times and risk of complications for the patient. Robotic surgeries are performed while the patient is under general anesthesia, and incisions are tiny – usually only three or four incisions are made near the belly button

“Depending on the patient’s specific circumstances, robotic surgeries can be most beneficial,” Dr. Casiano said. “I’ve seen, first-hand, the outcomes of complex cases performed with the da Vinci Surgical System as opposed to traditional methods of surgery. Typically, the more delicate procedures require assistance with robotic surgery.”

Patients who undergo robotic-assisted hysterectomies share a variety of risky co-factors: advanced age, obesity and larger uteruses than what is typical. Other reasons a doctor may recommend robotic surgery include uterine conditions such as endometriosis, chronic pelvic pain and both cancerous and non-cancerous tumors.

“Recent studies show that women who undergo hysterectomies assisted with robotic surgery experience significantly lower reoperation rates and hospital readmissions than women who underwent traditional surgeries,” Dr. Casiano said. “Any type of surgery has the potential to be disruptive to a patient’s life, so our goal is to get them back to their normal routine as quickly as possible.”

If you’re considering a hysterectomy, talk to your OB/GYN about whether or not you may be a candidate for robotic surgery. They can further explain the risks and benefits specific to you.

Victor Casiano, M.D., is an obstetrician-gynecologist with the Institute for Women’s Health, San Antonio. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Casiano, please call 210.226.9705.

This Article Originally Appeared on https://www.ifwh.org/en/better-outcomes-for-hysterectomies-performed-with-robotic-surgery/