Yeast Infections – Advanced Gynecology

Common Yeast Infection Symptoms

Causes of Yeast Infections

Yeast Infection Prevention

When To See a Doctor About a Yeast Infection

How Advanced Gynecology Can Help: Treatment Options for Yeast Infection

Yeast infections can happen to anyone at seemingly anytime. They are uncomfortable, itchy and irritating, but are easily treatable.

Yeast infections are fungal infections that can occur in both men and women in several different places on the body. The most common form of yeast infection is the vaginal yeast infection (vulvovaginal candidiasis). 75% of women will experience a yeast infection in their lifetime, while up to 40%-45% of women will have recurring infections. A vaginal yeast infection occurs when healthy yeast that normally lives in your vagina grows out of control. This overgrowth of yeast can be triggered by several different factors.

There are many different treatment options for yeast infections including prescription pills and creams, as well as over-the-counter options. Recurrent yeast infections may call for a longer treatment course and maintenance options.

Common Yeast Infection Symptoms

The main symptoms of a yeast infection are itchiness and irritation; however you may experience any or all of the following:

• A thick, white, clumpy discharge, similar to cottage cheese, that often has little to no odor.
• Redness and swelling of the vagina and the vulva (the outer part of the female genitals)
• Pain or burning during urination
• Uncomfortable or painful sexual intercourse

Causes of Yeast Infections

The vagina is home to a natural balance of yeast and bacteria. If the chemistry of the vagina becomes imbalanced, the normal yeast that live in the vagina can grow too much and lead to an infection. Here are some things that can lead to an overgrowth of yeast in the vagina:

• Hormonal changes can change the balance of healthy yeast in the vagina. Pregnancy, breast-feeding, menopause, and birth control pills are all hormonal factors that can change the vaginal environment.
• Antibiotics can kill off many of the bacteria that live in your vagina, causing an imbalance in the natural vaginal flora. While antibiotics kill off whatever bad bacteria is causing the primary infection, it also kills off the good bacteria that keeps the vaginal flora healthy, leading to an overgrowth of yeast.
• A weakened or impaired immune system.
• Your natural reaction to another individual’s genital chemistry can alter the natural vaginal flora enough to cause an infection (though a yeast infection is not considered a sexually transmitted infection).
• Diabetes that is not well-controlled, leading to an increase in sugar in the mucus membranes (moist linings) of your vagina, creating the perfect conditions for the overgrowth of yeast.

Yeast Infection Prevention

There are many factors that increase the risk of developing a yeast infection. To reduce this risk, wear loose fitting clothing made of breathable materials like cotton. Try to avoid:

• Tight fitting jeans, leggings and pantyhose
• Douching, which can remove normal bacteria that helps to keep the vaginal flora balanced
• Scented feminine hygiene products including fragranced bath salts, bubbles and soaks, pads and tampons
• Unnecessary antibiotic use
• Remaining in wet clothing, such as swimwear and workout attire, for prolonged periods of time Keeping the vaginal area dry and cool helps to keep the vaginal flora balanced.

When To See A Doctor about a Yeast Infection

Make an appointment to see a doctor if:

• You’ve developed symptoms and have never experienced a yeast infection previously
• You have concerning symptoms but are unsure whether or not you have a yeast infection
• Over-the-counter antifungal creams or suppositories do not relieve your symptoms

How Advanced Gynecology Can Help: Treatment Options for Yeast Infection

If you’ve been suffering with itchiness or unusual discharge, Advanced Gynecology is here for you. Our board-certified team of women’s health experts are ready to help you with diagnostic care and a range of options from testing to maintenance. We will counsel you about the best options for you and your health. If you think you have a yeast infection, see your doctor before treating yourself. The symptoms of a yeast infection can be similar to more serious conditions, including sexually transmitted infections and bacterial vaginosis. 

For more information, schedule an appointment today or call 706-389-9228 to speak with one of our patient coordinators.

Request an Appointment

What Causes Your Yeast Infections?: The Ob-Gyn Center: OBGYNs

When you experience that all too familiar vaginal itching, burning, and irritation, it could be that you’ve developed a yeast infection. With around 75% of women getting at least one in their lifetime, yeast infections are extremely common and can be unpleasant to experience.

If you’ve had one or multiple yeast infections, you’re undoubtedly wondering what causes them and what you can do to minimize your risk of further infections. Anita Gondy, MD, Saovaros V. Michaels, MD, and Henry Luh, DO, our OB/GYNs at Women’s Health Associates of Southern Nevada, Northwest in Las Vegas, Nevada, explain the most common causes, prevention, and treatment tips for yeast infections.

What are yeast infections?

Vaginal yeast infections, or candidiasis, are caused by a change in the balance of bacteria to yeast cells in your vaginal opening. You develop a yeast infection when candida albicans yeast starts multiplying in your vagina, causing an infection to develop.

Symptoms of vaginal yeast infections include irritation, itchiness, a burning sensation, and redness and swelling in and around your vagina. You can also develop a white, thick discharge that has an appearance similar to cottage cheese.

Yeast infections are not usually dangerous, but they can be highly uncomfortable or painful, especially when urinating, during sexual intercourse, or if you’re prone to recurring infections.

Common causes of yeast infections

There are a number of reasons you can develop a yeast infection. Some of the most common causes include:

Taking antibiotics

Antibiotics resolve infections by killing bacteria, but this also means they can kill the healthy bacteria in your vagina. This can upset your vaginal bacterial-yeast balance, leading to a yeast infection.

Being pregnant

Pregnancy causes fluctuations and changes in your hormones as you grow your baby. These changes can make you more prone to developing yeast infections while pregnant.

Hormonal changes related to your menstrual cycle or contraceptives

Hormonal fluctuations also are at their highest in the days before you start your period, making this the most likely time in your cycle to get a yeast infection. Taking oral contraceptives increases the levels of estrogen in your body, which also ups your risk.

Diabetes

Having diabetes that is poorly controlled or uncontrolled makes you more likely to get yeast infections.

Reduced immunity

If you have a lowered immune system, you’re also at greater risk of yeast infections.

Preventing yeast infections

For most women, making a few simple lifestyle changes can help reduce the odds of getting recurring yeast infections. When you are unwell, avoid taking antibiotics unless absolutely necessary to treat your condition.

Additionally, avoid wearing clothes that are tightly fitted around the crotch area, and choose cotton underwear. When your crotch area becomes wet, such as after swimming or getting sweaty, change to dry clothes as soon as possible.

You should also avoid or minimize your use of hot tubs, bubble baths, and douching.

Treating yeast infections

If you develop a yeast infection, our team at WHASN – NW treats your infection with antifungal or oral medications. If you’re pregnant, our team prescribes topical antifungals safe for your baby.

Yeast infections clear up within three days to two weeks. If treatment doesn’t resolve your infection, you get another yeast infection within a few months, or you’re getting yeast infections regularly, our team can prescribe stronger therapies to stop your infections.

If you have a yeast infection or are struggling with frequent yeast infections, call our office or request an appointment online today.

Expecting Twins? Here’s How Your Prenatal Care Looks a Little Different

Twins bring double the joy and fun of watching them grow. When you’re pregnant with twins, your prenatal care usually looks a bit different than when you’re expecting one baby. Here’s what you need to know about pregnancy with twins.

Everything You Should Know About Preterm Labor

If you deliver your baby before 37 weeks, they’re considered premature. One of the biggest risks of premature birth is going into preterm labor. Understand everything you need to know about preterm labor, and what you need to do if you experience it.

Lesser-Known Symptoms of Preeclampsia

One of the most common conditions you can develop that causes a high-risk pregnancy is preeclampsia, which can be dangerous to you and your unborn baby. Discover some of the lesser-known symptoms that might mean you have preeclampsia.

The Truth About Prenatal Vitamins

Healthy habits give your growing baby the best start in life. If you’re pregnant or considering conceiving, you’ve likely heard about prenatal vitamins. Discover what you need to know about taking prenatal vitamins before and during pregnancy.

Chronic Pain from Endometriosis — Should I Consider a Hysterectomy?

Having endometriosis can mean you experience chronic pain that impacts multiple aspects of your life. Find out if a hysterectomy or another treatment is the best solution to your pain from endometriosis.

6 Ways to Stay Healthy During Pregnancy

During the nine months you’re pregnant, healthy choices aren’t only important for your own health, they’re also essential to your unborn baby’s immediate growth and development. Follow these six tips to stay healthy and thrive during pregnancy.

Ovarian cyst treatment, surgery to remove an ovarian cyst, laparoscopy price

Ovarian cysts are tumor-like formations, the cavity of which is filled with various tissues, including blood, mucus and fluid.

Classification of ovarian cysts depending on their structure and method of formation:

1. Follicular (functional) ovarian cyst

It is formed from follicles, has smooth walls, a flat surface, the cavity of which is filled with liquid. Its size is usually no more than 8 cm in diameter. The cause of the cyst is an imbalance of hormones, so it is most often diagnosed during puberty or menopause. Small cysts (up to 4 cm) can develop asymptomatically and disappear without a trace within 3 menstrual cycles.

Larger lesions (6-10 cm) present with the following symptoms:

• violation of the cyclical regulation,
• long painful regula with profuse discharge,
• spotting between periods and after intercourse.
• concerned about pain in the lower abdomen, which intensifies in the 2nd phase of the menstrual cycle, after active and sudden movements (somersault, tilt, sharp turn), after sex,
• often patients complain of a feeling of heaviness, a feeling of fullness in the groin area.

2. Yellow body cyst

It is formed in the 2nd phase of the menstrual cycle from the corpus luteum, which does not disappear in time. When a follicle bursts and a new egg descends, a corpus luteum appears in this place. If fertilization does not occur in this cycle, then the corpus luteum disappears by itself, due to the cessation of blood supply. However, if blood flow is disturbed, the same corpus luteum can form cysts that do not exceed 8 cm in size, their cavity is filled with a yellowish-red liquid. Most often, this formation appears due to a violation of the hormonal background and blood circulation in the appendages.

Factors contributing to the formation of a corpus luteum cyst:

• inflammation in the appendages,
• malnutrition or starvation,
• physical activity and prolonged stress,
• artificial termination of pregnancy,
• hormonal contraception,
• preparation for in vitro fertilization (IVF).

The symptomatology of this cyst is mild: (slight pain, feeling of heaviness and discomfort in the abdomen from the formation, delayed menstruation or, conversely, prolonged menstruation). Often, such cysts develop within 2-3 months, after which they spontaneously disappear.

3. Paraovarian ovarian cyst

It is formed from a rudimentary formation – paraovarium (ovarian appendage), between the leaves of the broad uterine ligament, the ovary and the tube. It is usually located on the side or above the uterus. Anatomically, it is a single-chamber formation of a tight-elastic consistency with a cavity that contains a clear liquid containing a lot of protein and a small amount of mucin. This content gradually accumulates, forming a thin-walled “bag” with smooth walls. The shape of the cyst is oval or round, its size varies from small to large, in rare cases reaching the size of the head of a newborn. The development of such a cyst usually falls on 3-4 decades of a woman’s life (the period of maturity). There is a paraovarian cyst in 8-16% of cases of all identified cysts.

More often, its development is asymptomatic. However, in some patients, periodic pulling pains in the lower back, lower abdomen are detected, the regulation cycle is disturbed, and infertility. Similar symptoms appear when the size of the cyst is more than 5 cm. With a further increase in the formation of pain, they are bursting, aching in nature with the localization of these sensations in the lateral regions of the abdomen, capture the lower back and sacrum. There is no connection with the menstrual cycle or with the period of egg maturation. As a rule, the occurrence of pain in the patient is associated with physical activity.

4. Mucinous ovarian cyst

This is a benign tumor with a bumpy surface and a multi-chamber cavity in which mucus is located. The main features that distinguish it from other types of cysts are its rapid growth rate and gigantic size (up to 30 cm). Most often, such cysts occur in women over 45 years of age, since the main cause is hormonal disruptions that occur during menopause.
The characteristic symptoms of a mucinous cyst are: aching pains in the womb area, an increase in the volume of the abdomen due to the rapid growth of the cyst, constant urge to urinate, a constant feeling of a full intestine, frequent constipation.

5. Ovarian dermoid cyst

Also applies to benign tumors. The frequency of their detection is 15-20% of cases of all ovarian cysts. At first, it has a round shape, which then changes to an oval shape with smooth walls. Its contents are represented by various cells and tissues of the body (bones, hair, teeth, cartilage, muscles, adipose or nervous tissue, etc.). The diameter of the cyst may be greater than 15 cm.
Risk factors include hormonal surges, so this cyst develops most often in women with menopause and at the time of puberty.
Clinical manifestations of a dermoid ovarian cyst are associated with its reaching a large size (15 cm or more). These include: sensations of fullness and heaviness, pain in the lower abdomen, sometimes an increase in the size of the abdomen, and further increased urination, impaired bowel function (constipation or diarrhea).
Dermoid ovarian cyst does not cause hormonal changes and menstrual dysfunction.

6. Endometrial cyst

It is one of the forms of genital endometriosis. They refer it to pseudocysts, since its wall does not have a secreting epithelium, as in true cysts, but is formed from the endometrium. The endometrium is a tissue that normally lines only the uterine cavity, and with endometriosis, endometrial cells are carried to other organs, including the ovaries. It is believed that this occurs during various surgical interventions on the uterus. But some experts put forward another possible way of introducing endometrial cells into the ovaries and abdominal cavity: with the help of retrograde flow of menstrual blood through the fallopian tubes, which is facilitated by significant physical activity, sexual intercourse during menstruation, a significant width of the fallopian tubes, poor outflow of menstrual blood with a narrow cervical canal. Endometrial cells that have entered the abdominal cavity, tubes and ovaries are implanted in these tissues. They are not atypical, but are hormone-dependent and therefore have the ability to grow under certain conditions, and, moreover, cyclically during the regulation show a menstrual-like reaction, i.e. bleed. As a result, an endometrioid island is formed, inside which a dark liquid accumulates – blood that has not found a way out. A cyst is formed. Due to the color of their contents, these cysts are also called “chocolate”. The diameter of the formation can vary from 1 to 10 cm.

Contribute to endometriosis in general, and the development of “chocolate” cysts, including the following factors:

• disorders in the immune system,
• hormonal disorders (excess estrogen and prolactin, lack of progesterone and androgens, dysfunction of other endocrine organs – thyroid gland and adrenal cortex),
• surgeries (including abortions) and abdominal injuries,
• transferred stresses,
• inflammatory diseases of the female genital area,
• other somatic diseases and metabolic disorders.

In some cases, an endometrioid cyst is asymptomatic, but may present with pain in the lower abdomen, in the lumbosacral region. The menstrual cycle is disrupted: the periods themselves lengthen and become more abundant, spotting intermenstrual discharge appears. A woman may suffer from infertility.

Large cysts, squeezing the surrounding organs of the small pelvis, can contribute to impaired urination, constipation, and bloating. With prolonged existence, “chocolate” cysts can be complicated by rupture, suppuration and the formation of an adhesive process.

7. Polycystic ovaries.

With this syndrome, not one, but many small cavities appear in the ovaries.
The main cause of this disease is insulin resistance of the body (impaired perception of insulin and absorption of glucose). As a result, insulin rises, and its excess negatively affects the ovaries. Subsequently, this leads to increased production of androgens (male hormones), which disrupt the maturation of the follicles, resulting in many unruptured cavities.

Risk factors for polycystic disease:

• Early or late puberty.
• Late or early menopause.
• Various menstrual irregularities.
• Termination of pregnancy, miscarriage, infertility.
• Inflammatory processes of the pelvic organs.
• Hormonal imbalance due to endocrine diseases or the use of hormonal medications.
• Irregular sexual intercourse.
• Overweight or underweight.
• Diabetes mellitus.
• Genetic predisposition.
• Prolonged stress.
• Strong physical activity.

Polycystic is: primary (true) and secondary.

• Primary polycystic.

It usually occurs during puberty. The disturbed balance of hormones in teenage girls leads to a late onset of menstruation or they may be completely absent. The moment of formation of a normal menstrual cycle is intermittent, there is oligomenorrhea (scanty discharge during menstruation) or amenorrhea (absence of menstruation), which indicates anovulation (the egg does not leave the ovaries).

• Secondary polycystic.

The disease is characteristic of older women, with increased weight and high insulin levels.

Most often, polycystic disease is manifested by infertility, in addition, it leads to the following changes: hair growth on any part of the body; change in the skeleton and muscles according to the male type; development of subcutaneous tissue on the abdomen; changes in the vocal apparatus. These symptoms of hyperandrogenism have different severity in different patients.

This condition requires dynamic monitoring of the patient, since the hormonal spectrum of women with polycystic disease promotes proliferative processes in the myometrium, which is a risk in terms of developing uterine cancer.

Complications of ovarian cyst

Malignancy of an ovarian cyst.
Ovarian cysts initially have a benign nature. Most often, these formations are asymptomatic and resolve on their own over time, however, sometimes the cyst persists longer than the due date, causing pain and bleeding, and can develop into malignant neoplasms.
The predisposition of an ovarian cyst to degenerate into a malignant formation is determined by the type of tumor:

1. 1. The most favorable in terms of prognosis are follicular and corpus luteum cysts (luteal), which most often resolve on their own, especially if conservative hormone therapy is prescribed.

2. 2. In the presence of a dermoid cyst, the probability of malignancy (malignancy) is very low. Its danger lies in the large size of the formation, which in the future can put pressure on the surrounding organs.

3. 3. Serous and mucinous cysts are often gigantic and in most cases quickly degenerate into a malignant tumor.

Ovarian cancer is diagnosed mainly in menopausal patients. In most cases, in the absence of timely therapy, women seek medical help when the tumor causes pain.
In oncological practice, analysis for tumor markers is used to identify cysts and tumors. The most common tumor marker is CA-125, as well as HE4 and the ROMA index. The final diagnosis is usually established by the results of a tumor biopsy.

The presence of an oncological formation can be suspected if the following symptoms are present

1. 1. Change in general condition: increased fatigue and weakness.
2. 2. The appearance of discomfort in the lower abdomen.
3. 3. Palpation of a dense tuberous formation in the projection of the appendages.
4. 4. Often, at the beginning of the process, dyspepsia may occur, such as bloating and soreness of the abdomen, nausea, belching and loss of appetite.
5. 5. In the evening, body temperature can rise to 38 degrees.

Diagnosis of ovarian cyst

1. 1. Clinical blood test indicates the presence of inflammation (increase in ESR and leukocytes) and anemia (decrease in hemoglobin).
2. 2. Ultrasound examination (ultrasound) of the pelvic organs. This examination method allows you to visualize the ovarian cyst and determine its location.
3. 3. Diagnostic laparoscopy. A camera is inserted into the pelvic cavity, which allows you to see the cyst, and, if possible, take a biopsy (a piece of ovarian tissue for histological examination). Histological examination contributes to the establishment of the final diagnosis.
4. 4. Puncture of an ovarian cyst under ultrasound control. With the help of a thin needle, the anterior wall of the abdominal cavity is pierced, then the needle is inserted into the capsule of the ovarian cyst, a liquid is taken from it for research, which will determine the type and type of this formation.

Ovarian cyst treatments

Conservative treatment of cysts

It is most often performed during menopause in women, when the patient no longer plans to become pregnant. The same tactic is used for newly identified cysts of small diameter (up to 10 centimeters).
When an ovarian cyst is detected, treatment consists in expectant management for 3 months, given that most of the formations in the ovaries over several menstrual cycles can undergo regression (self-resorption). In this case, dynamic observation by ultrasound should be performed to control the size of the formation. If there is no positive dynamics, anti-inflammatory and hormonal therapy is carried out.

Treatment of an ovarian cyst with hormonal drugs (progesterone or its analogues) is aimed at reducing the level of estrogen in the patient’s body and creating conditions to prevent ovulation. This allows you to start processes that will contribute to the reverse development of the cyst and prevent the formation of a new cyst.
Hormone therapy can also be supplemented by taking vitamins (folic and ascorbic acid and vitamin E) and restorative drugs. Stimulation of the immune system can provoke protective reactions that will be aimed at preventing the development of the disease. If a positive effect is not observed against the background of hormonal therapy, or an increase in cysts occurs, then surgical treatment is indicated.

Surgery to remove an ovarian cyst

The approach to choosing the scope of surgical intervention and access to the operation site is purely individual. The decision is made based on the results of the examination and discussed with the patient before the operation, however, adjustments are possible during the operation.

Indications for surgery:

• Any mass that exists in the ovary for more than 3 months and does not disappear without treatment or on the background of hormonal therapy.
• Ovarian masses found during menopause.
• Complications of the cyst: suppuration, hemorrhage, its rupture, as well as torsion of the leg.
• Malignant process.

Relative contraindications to surgical treatment:

• diseases associated with poor blood clotting;
• cardiovascular and neurological diseases in the acute stage;
• urinary tract infections;
• internal bleeding;
• advanced stages of obesity;
• lung injury;
• problems with persistent bloating;
• fistulas.

Methods of performing an operation to remove ovarian cysts

Laparoscopic removal of an ovarian cyst

Laparoscopy involves the removal of a cyst using 3-4 small skin incisions on the abdomen (1-2 cm). First, a revision of all abdominal organs is performed, then the diagnosis of the formation itself; the cyst is examined for torsion or rupture, after which, if necessary, it is removed. The whole procedure takes place under anesthesia, the duration is from 20 minutes to an hour.
This operation is carried out using a special device – a laparoscope. It is equipped with lenses, a video camera and a magnification system, which allows you to get a fairly clear image of the internal organs on a special monitor.

Types of laparoscopic operations:

• Enucleation of the cyst capsule with preservation of intact ovarian tissue. This intervention is called a cystectomy.
• Ovarian resection. With this intervention, part of the ovary is removed along with the cyst.
• Removal of the mass and ovary in its entirety is called oophorectomy. The pipe is preserved.
• Adnexectomy involves the removal of the ovary with a pathological formation and the fallopian tube from the side of the lesion.

Postoperative period

It is recommended to start getting up after the operation from the first day. It is very important that there are enough movements in the postoperative period. This is the prevention of postoperative complications. Food should be consumed in liquid form. The length of stay in the hospital is usually 1-2 days and depends on the extent of the surgical intervention and the general condition of the patient.

Usually, the ability to work is restored on the 10-14th day after the operation. Full recovery of the body at home occurs within 1 month, then the woman can return to full-fledged work. Laparotomy is an abdominal operation.

Access to the ovaries is through an incision in the anterior abdominal wall. With this type of surgery, the ovary can be removed partially or completely. During abdominal surgery, general anesthesia is required. The postoperative recovery period after laparotomy lasts at least 2 weeks.

Indications for this type of operation are: obesity, complicated ovarian cyst with a purulent inflammatory component and bleeding, suspicion of a malignant process.