At Plano Women’s Healthcare, we know that having an infection or sexually transmitted disease can be an incredibly uncomfortable experience for most women. For this reason, many women seek prompt and proper diagnosis so they can get faster treatment — and relief from symptoms. We are proud to say we can often accommodate same or next-day appointments for these urgent issues, for both new and established patients.
Urgency (strong urge to urinate), frequency (going to the bathroom often), and painful urination are common symptoms of a urinary tract infection (UTI). Blood in the urine (hematuria) can also be a sign of a UTI. Some women may also experience lower abdominal pain or even cramping.
Urinary tract infections are often caused by bacteria that enter through the urethra (where the urine comes out) and migrate into the bladder. When evaluating for a urinary tract infection, our providers take a detailed history of your current symptoms, collect and analyze a urine sample, and prescribe an antibiotic for treatment if a urinary tract infection is detected. Most women feel relief within 1-2 days after starting treatment.
For UTIs, some patients turn to cranberry supplements and Pyridium. While cranberry tablets may help prevent UTIs, they do not help treat an active infection. Pyridium (phenazopyridine, AZO Urinary pain relief) does not treat the bacteria causing the urinary tract infection but can help with pain relief. Please be aware that Pyridium can turn urine orange and therefore interfere with the urine dip test in-office.
Persistent and recurrent urinary tract infections should always be evaluated by a medical provider.
Our providers at PWHC understand how frustrating it can be to have recurrent infections despite trying all other recommendations to prevent UTIs. If you are experiencing recurrent UTIs, please schedule an appointment with us to discuss your options.
Bacterial vaginosis tends to cause a gray discharge and fishy odor that is caused by changes in pH and a lack of “good” bacteria, called lactobacilli, in the vagina. Yeast infections, on the other hand, are caused by an overgrowth of a type of fungus called Candida, which causes a thick yellow-white discharge, itching, and discomfort. Neither yeast nor BV is sexually transmitted; however, sexual intercourse may make these infections worse or cause them to recur. BV and yeast can clear up on their own, but it may take time. Therefore, if you’re experiencing symptoms, we highly recommend prompt testing and treatment.
While the above-mentioned descriptions are “classic” symptoms of yeast and BV, it can be quite difficult for both patients and medical providers to distinguish between BV and yeast. Therefore, it’s not uncommon for our providers to perform a microscope examination and send off additional cultures and tests to be sure we have the proper diagnosis.
Recurrent yeast infections are defined as more than four infections in a 12-month period. Your PWHC provider may recommend cultures for resistant yeast strains and/or start a long-term antifungal therapy to reduce recurrences.
We have options and recommendations for recurrent BV as well. Please do not hesitate to schedule an appointment with us so we can help get you feeling better!
Over the years, we have taken care of many women who have been misdiagnosed with yeast infections. Other conditions can mimic symptoms of yeast infections, such as bacterial infections, skin conditions, precancerous cells, or hormonal imbalances. That’s why it’s always a good idea to be evaluated by an OB/GYN if you have recurrent or persistent vaginal symptoms.
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), also known as sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are infections typically spread by sexual contact, although some can be transmitted non-sexually, through blood transfusions, shared needles, or from mother to child during pregnancy or childbirth. When left untreated, STDs can cause long-term health problems, including infertility. Many patients may not exhibit signs or symptoms, which is why screening is incredibly important. Our experienced team at Plano Women's Healthcare offers comprehensive STD testing in a judgment-free, caring environment.
Some sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can mimic symptoms of yeast or BV. These include trichomoniasis, herpes, genital warts (HPV), gonorrhea, and chlamydia. If you’ve had any potential exposures to STIs, we always recommend testing. Please notify your PWHC provider of any potential exposures so we can recommend the best testing options for you.
Any new sexual partner—male or female—can be a potential source of exposure to sexually transmitted infections. Our PWHC physicians strongly encourage STD screening after any new sexual partner, or if you have multiple partners. To help you stay safe, we offer yearly screening to all patients.
While it may feel uncomfortable to deal with an infection or STD, it is actually very common, and we see many patients with a variety of these conditions. Our caring staff understands the sensitivity of these issues, and we strive to provide our patients with a caring, judgement-free environment in which to find help and treatment.