When Pregnancy Goes Past Your Due Date
What is the due date? The date your baby is due—your estimated due date (EDD)—is calculated from the first day of your last menstrual period (LMP). The EDD is used as a guide for checking your
What is vaginitis?
Vaginitis is an inflammation of the vagina. Vaginitis may cause itching, burning, a bad odor, or a large amount of discharge. It is one of the most common reasons for visiting an obstetrician–gynecologist (ob-gyn). There are many possible causes of vaginitis, and the type of treatment depends on the cause.
Common types of vaginitis include
- yeast infections
- bacterial vaginosis (BV)
- trichomoniasis
- atrophic vaginitis
What can cause vaginitis?
The vagina contains many organisms, such as bacteria and yeast, that are important to its normal function. A change in the normal balance of either yeast or bacteria can result in vaginitis. This causes the lining of the vagina to become inflamed. Factors that can change the normal balance of the vagina include
- antibiotics
- changes in hormone levels during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or menopause
- douching
- spermicides
- sexual intercourse (vaginal sex)
- infection
How is vaginitis diagnosed?
To diagnose vaginitis, your ob-gyn should take a sample of the discharge from your vagina. Several tests may be done. Some test results may be available right away. For others, the sample must be sent to a lab, and results are ready in a few days.
To ensure the results of the tests are accurate, do not use any vaginal medications for at least 3 days before you see your ob-gyn. You also should not douche, have sex, or use spermicides before your visit.
How is vaginitis treated?
Treatment depends on the cause of the vaginitis. Treatment may be a pill, cream, or gel that is inserted into the vagina.
It is important to follow treatment directions exactly, even if the symptoms go away before you finish the medication. Even though the symptoms disappear, the infection could still be present. Stopping the treatment early may cause symptoms to return.
If symptoms do not go away after the treatment is finished, or if they come back, see your ob-gyn. A different treatment may be needed.
How can vaginitis be prevented?
There are a number of things you can do to reduce the risk of getting vaginitis:
- Do not use feminine hygiene sprays or scented tampons.
- Do not douche. It is better to let the vagina cleanse itself.
- Use plain warm water to clean the vulva. Soaps and detergents can change the normal balance of organisms inside the vagina.
- Thoroughly clean diaphragms, cervical caps, and spermicide applicators after each use.
- Use condoms during sex.
- Check with your ob-gyn about preventing yeast infections if you are prescribed antibiotics for another type of infection.
Yeast Infections
What is a yeast infection?
Yeast infection is also called candidiasis. It is one of the most common types of vaginitis.
What causes yeast infections?
Yeast infections are caused by a fungus called Candida. It normally is found in small numbers in the vagina. But when the balance of bacteria and yeast in the vagina is altered, the yeast may overgrow and cause symptoms.
What factors increase the risk of getting a yeast infection?
- Antibiotics—Some types of antibiotics increase the risk of a yeast infection. The antibiotics kill normal vaginal bacteria, which keep yeast in check. The yeast can then overgrow.
- Pregnancy—Changes in the body's hormone levels during pregnancy can increase the risk.
- Diabetes mellitus—Having diabetes can also increase your risk of yeast infection.
- Conditions that affect the immune system—Yeast can overgrow if the immune system, which protects the body from disease, is not working well. For example, in people infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), yeast infections may be severe. They may not go away, even with treatment, or may recur often.
In many cases, the cause of a yeast infection is not known.
What are the symptoms of a yeast infection?
What treatments are available for vaginal yeast infection?
Should I use an over-the-counter medication to treat a yeast infection?
Bacterial Vaginosis
What is bacterial vaginosis (BV)?
What are the symptoms of BV?
How is BV treated?
Trichomoniasis
What is trichomoniasis?
What are the symptoms of trichomoniasis?
How is trichomoniasis treated?
Atrophic Vaginitis
What is atrophic vaginitis?
What are the symptoms of atrophic vaginitis?
How is atrophic vaginitis treated?
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After going to another clinic in Cheyenne that didn’t treat me as a priority, it was a breath of fresh air stepping into Cheyenne Women’s Clinic. The entire staff was amazing, but Dr. Dozier was exceptional. She was kind, patient & answered any questions I had with great detail. I will never not recommend her. I am so pleased with my experience here.
I feel so lucky to have had the doctors at the Women’s Clinic for all three of my deliveries and GYN care. They provide high quality, compassionate, evidenced based care and Cheyenne is lucky to have such a great group!
I absolutely have loved it here! We just finished having our second kiddo and have worked with the vast majority of doctors here and they are all excellent!
Had an absolute amazing experience with the Cheyenne Woman’s Clinic during my first pregnancy. They did their best to accommodate my labor desires and made me feel as comfortable as can be. My husband appreciated how they took care of me, and now we’re going back with our second pregnancy! Highly recommend.
All of my appointments I’ve attended through the Women’s Clinic have been amazing the nurses and doctors have been lots of help throughout my whole pregnancy with lots of advice and support, I love every person from there they definitely are a welcoming and loving place!
