Vaginal Problems
Many women will experience one or more vaginal issues in their lifetime. These problems vary in severity and length. Dr. Leveno is experienced in diagnosing and treating these conditions. Here are some examples of vaginal problems for women:
- Yeast Infections
- Sexually Transmitted Diseases
- Menstrual Irregularities
- Premenstrual Syndrome or Pelvic Pain
- Abnormal Pap Smears – Evaluation/Colposcopy
Yeast Infections
Healthy yeast that lives in your vagina is normal but when it grows out of control it becomes a vaginal yeast infection which is also called vulvovaginal candidiasis. Symptoms of a yeast infection can be mild or more intense including:
- Itching and irritation in the vagina and vulva
- A rash in the vaginal area
- A burning sensation, especially during intercourse or while urinating
- Redness and swelling of the vulva
- Vaginal pain and soreness
- Thick, white, odor-free vaginal discharge
- Vaginal discharge that's watery
Make an appointment with our office if:
- These are the first time you are experiencing these symptoms
- Over-the-counter vaginal creams or suppositories are not working
- You have other symptoms present
- You're unsure or have any questions
Sexually Transmitted Diseases
If you are experiencing symptoms suggesting you’ve contracted a sexually transmitted infection (STI) or sexually transmitted disease (STD), we can provide you with proper treatment and screening.
We also recommend that all sexually-active women be screened for STDs regularly.
Our panel test includes testing for:
- Chlamydia
- Herpes
- Gonorrhea
- HIV
- and more
Menstrual Irregularities
Tracking your menstrual cycle is important as it allows you to identify irregularities when they appear. Though these irregularities are not always serious, understanding what’s normal for your body is always a good idea as it allows you to know where you are in your monthly cycle at any given time.
The average menstrual cycle ranges from 21-35 days. That said, up to 25% of women have cycles that are shorter or longer than this, or experience issues with flow, cramping, and more.
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
Premenstrual Syndrome references emotional or physical symptoms that occur within a week or two before a woman menstrual cycle.
There are a variety of signs and symptoms associated with PMS, including food cravings, irritability, depression, and tender breasts.
Premenstrual Syndrome is also extremely common, affecting some 75% of women at one time or another. Even so, women who suffer from PMS can implement a variety of lifestyle changes or treatments in order to manage their symptoms.
Pelvic Pain
In women, pelvic pain can signal a number of things, from digestive or urinary issues to reproductive problems.
This pain can be sharp or dull, constant or intermittent, and will range in severity. You can sometimes feel pelvic pain through to your lower back, thighs or buttocks.
It’s important for women to have these pains evaluated by our office, particularly if they are chronic (lasting six months or more).
Abnormal Pap Smears - Colposcopy
A colposcopy allows a doctor to examine a woman’s cervix, vulva, and vagina for any potential signs of disease.
Dr. Leveno may recommend this procedure if a pap test comes back with an abnormal result or if they need to collect tissue for a biopsy.