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GYNECOLOGY

HUMAN PAPILLOMA VIRUS (HPV) TESTING

Quality Care

SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS

Taking Care of You

BACTERIAL VAGINOSIS

State of the Art Testing

VULVOVAGINAL CANDIDIASIS

Going Beyond the Standard

HPV Testing

Human Papilloma Virus


What is Human Papilloma Virus?
The Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is the number one cause for female cervical cancer in the world. Around 14 million people are infected with HPV each year. Despite the development of vaccines, many women remain unvaccinated, leading to the tragic and life-changing diagnosis of cancer.


What are the Symptoms of HPV?
The most common HPV symptoms are itching and warts.


What are the Risk Factors of HPV?
HPV is considered a STI, and some risk factors of contracting HPV are the same as those of other STIs (chlamydia, gonorrhea)

              Multiple sexual partners                                          Unprotected sex
              Weakened immune system


What if I am already vaccinated?
The latest vaccine does not cover all strains of HPV, and recent studies show an emergence of HPV-related cervical cancer from strains not covered.

STI Testing

Sexually Transmitted Infections

What is a Sexually Transmitted Infection?

The prevalence of sexually transmitted infections (STI) has increased in the past few years, yet it remains a sensitive and difficult topic for women to discuss. The stigma of having a STI prevents many from seeing a doctor, but we believe in empowering women to seek help for an often treatable disease. Important STIs include:
               Chlamydia                                                                Gonorrhea
               Herpes Simplex Virus (1 and 2)


What are the Symptoms of STIs?
STIs are often asymptomatic (without symptoms), but common symptoms include:
               Painful urination                                                      Lower abdominal pain
               Itching and burning                                                Malodorous vaginal discharge
               Pain during sexual intercourse


What are the Risk Factors?
Anyone who is sexually active is at risk to exposure to sexually transmitted infections. Factors that increase that risk are:
               Unprotected sex                                                     Multiple sex partners

               Previous history of STIs
 

Why Does Getting Tested for STIs Matter?
Because many people in the early stages of an STI experience no symptoms, screening for STIs is important in preventing complications. Possible complications include:
               Pelvic Pain                                                                Pregnancy Complications
               Eye Inflammation                                                    Arthritis
               Pelvic Inflammatory Disease                                  Infertility


    

BV Testing

Bacterial Vaginosis & Vaginitis


What is Bacterial Vaginosis?
It is a condition resulting from an imbalance of the normal microorganisms that inhabit the vagina.

 

What are the Symptoms of Bacterial Vaginosis?

Similar to STIs, many cases of BV do not present with symptom. However, some symptoms may include:
                 Itching                                                                    Burning during urination
                 Malodorous vaginal discharge


Who is at Risk of Bacterial Vaginosis?
Many women who practice safe sex behaviors are still at risk of developing BV. However, development of BV is strongly associated with:
                 Change in sexual partner                                     Multiple sexual partners
                 Vaginal douching                                                  Previous or current STI


Why Does Bacterial Vaginosis Matter?
Bacterial vaginosis is especially important in pregnant women, as it can lead to:
                 Pre-term birth                                                        Low birth weight babies
                 Miscarriages


Long-standing or untreated BV can also lead to chronic pelvic inflammatory disease which is associated with chronic pain and infertility.

Vulvovaginal Candidiasis

Vulvovaginal Candidiasis

What is Vulvovaginal Candidiasis?
Candida normally lives in the gastrointestinal tract and on skin without causing any problems. Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is an infection caused by an overgrowth of yeast in the vagina and vulva.


What are the symptoms?
              Abnormal vaginal discharge                                  Dyspareunia (pain during sexual intercourse) 

              Itching                                                                      Vaginal soreness

              Burning during urination


Who is at risk of vulvovaginal Candidiasis?
All women are at risk to yeast infections. However, development of VVC is strongly associated with:
              Pregnancy                                                                Diabetes
              Hormonal birth control                                           Antibiotic use
              Vaginal douching                                                         

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