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
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.
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
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
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