The female reproductive tract is a complex and intricate system.� It must stay balanced in order to remain healthy.� When the vaginal, ovarian, uterine, and hormonal aspects work to "factory standards" the female tract is a self sustaining, self cleaning, and self regulating milieu that demand nothing more from the patient other than general external hygiene.� Internal cleaning, douching, talcum powders, creams and ointments can be detrimental to the balance and actually cause some of the problems that patients are trying to avoid.
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I've written extensively about the menstrual cycle and problems during cycles in other publications and an in-depth discussion is beyond the scope of this article.� Suffice it to say that the hormones that are controlled by the brain, secreted by the ovaries, and that act on the uterus and vagina all work together to keep the environment of the vagina amicable to the needs of the moment where as ovulation and possible fertilization dictates a certain set of pH, lubrication, and mucus consistency and menstruation a different set of variables. An interruption or defection of many of these processes can lead to internal or external pelvic irritation, infection, or worse.
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CANDIDA VAGINITIS
This is a yeast infection in the vagina. Yeast are balls of fungi type material.�� It occurs commonly after taking antibiotics.� It is common in patients with diabetes.� Wearing cotton underwear instead of nylon underwear will make it less likely to occur because the fabric breathes and lets water out when you sweat.� Symptoms include a thick white cottage cheese type discharge, which is very itchy.� The vaginal area is dry and inflamed.� During pelvic exam a test can be performed on the discharge to determine if it is yeast.� The infection is either treated with Diflucan tablets or Monistat or Clotrimazole vaginal cream.� Over the counter preparations can be used but if the yeast infection persists, a doctor should be consulted.� A persistent yeast infection can be a sign of other disease and needs further investigation. Yeast infections are not considered sexually transmitted diseases but can be transmitted via partners during intercourse.
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TRICHOMONAS VAGINITIS
This discharge is caused by the trichomonas parasite.� Symptoms include a yellow or clear bubbly vaginal discharge with a bad odor.� Parasites are visible under the microscope when a specimen of the discharge is obtained.� This is a sexually transmitted disease and both partners need to be treated at the same time before resuming intercourse.� Trichomonas is found only in the discharge and does not usually cause infection in the uterus and tubes. Like a yeast infection above, trichomonas infection is not considered a true sexually transmitted infection however intercourse and transmission from partner to partner is the most common way this diseases is spread.
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BACTERIAL VAGINOSIS
Bacterial vaginosis is caused by an overgrowth of Gardnerella and Mycoplasm or other bacteria in the vagina.� Symptoms include a white vaginal discharge with a bad odor.� This is usually not a sexually transmitted disease.� The partner does not always need to be treated.� If this occurs during pregnancy, it should be treated as it can cause irritability of the cervix and can cause problems during the pregnancy.� Treatment with Flagyl tablets or Clindamycin vaginal cream is usually quite successful. BV can be seen when there is a shift in vaginal flora from the good Lactobacillus bacteria that help the vagina maintain a pH that is not favorable to other organisms which cause infections.
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Medications, frequent baths, bad hygiene, and certain medical conditions can impact the general reproductive health of women.� Most of these causes are not only treatable but preventable so see your Medical Doctor to discuss any issues you may have.
| About The Author
Dr. Laurusonis was conferred his Doctor of Medicine degree in 1983 and has been actively taking care of patients since completing his Internal Medicine residency in 1987 in the Garden State of New Jersey.�Dr. Laurusonis�has been licensed in four states but ultimately chose to permanently relocate to Georgia with his family and begin a private practice. Through his extensive experience in Internal Medicine, as well as in Emergency Rooms throughout the United States, Dr. Laurusonis saw how traditional Emergency Rooms were often overwhelmed by patients suffering medical conditions that were urgent but may not need the traditional �Level I Trauma Center�. Patients often waited six to twelve hours to be seen by a physician, were riddled with thousands of dollars in medical bills, and were generally unhappy with the system.
Dr. Laurusonis decided to open an Urgent Care Center instead of a 9-5 doctor's office.�Through the last fifteen years he has received accolades from the community and his patients. He has expanded his practice to include many cosmetic therapies that have previously been treated with painful and extensive plastic surgery. He has been invited to the White House numerous times, has been named Physician of the Year from GA, as seen in the Wall Street Journal, and has served as Honorary Co-Chairman on the Congressional Physicians Advisory Board Dr. Laurusonis and his practice, Doctors Medical Center, is open 7 days a week from 7:30 am to 9:30 pm offering such services as lab, x-ray, EKGs, aesthetics (Botox, dermabrasion, sclerotheraby and veins etc.), cold/flu, sore throats, fractures, sprains, lacerations, GYN, Pediatrics, Phlebology Anxiety/Insomnia/Depression Treatment, skin tag/mole removal, veins, allergies, asthma, physicals--just to name a few.�Dr. Laurusonis�welcomes you to either make an appointment or just walk-in to see him.�Dr. Laurusonis�will take the time to speak with you about your concerns--no problem is too big or too small. If you need additional services we have specialist referrals available or we can refer you to the neighborhood hospital emergency room. Give Doctors Medical Center a call--Dr. Laurusonis will be happy to speak with you. John Drew Laurusonis, MD Doctors Medical Center 3455 Peachtree Industrial Blvd Suite 110 Duluth, GA� 30096 770-232-1101 www.doctorsmedicalctr.com
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