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Vaginal Infections Treatment Specialist Q&A

Vaginal Infections Treatment Specialist Q&A

If you are suspecting a vaginal infection, get yourself checked by Michelle Trandai OBGYN in Chicago, IL for comprehensive treatment. For more information, call us today or visit us online to book an appointment.

Vaginal Infections Treatment Specialist Near Me in Chicago, IL
Vaginal Infections Treatment Specialist Near Me in Chicago, IL

Table of Contents:

What is a vaginal specialist called?
What are vaginal infections?
When should I see a vaginal doctor?
What happens if yeast infections are left untreated?

What is a vaginal specialist called?


A vaginal specialist is known medically as a gynecologist, but may also be an obstetrician-gynecologist which is known in short as an OB-GYN.

Gynecologists offer reproductive and sexual health services to their patients, these services include pelvic exams, cancer screenings, pap smear exams, as well as testing and treatment for vaginal infections.

Gynecologists are able to diagnose and treat the reproductive system’s disorders including ovarian cysts, infertility, pelvic pain, and endometriosis. Gynecologists also care for their patients with cervical, ovarian, and other reproductive cancers.

As stated previously, other gynecologists also practice as obstetricians. Obstetrics is the care for women during their time of pregnancy, birth and immediately after birth. Gynecologists often will have experience in obstetrics as well, and if they do, they are known as an OB-GYN, which is short for obstetrician-gynecologist.

What are vaginal infections?


Vaginal infections are also known as vaginal yeast infections and vaginal candidiasis. This particular infection is caused by an irritant, intense itchiness, and discharge of the vagina and vulva.

Medications are available to help treat vaginal infections if you were to be diagnosed with one. For four or more yeast infections occurring within a year, you will need a longer treatment course as well as a maintenance plan for the vaginal yeast infection.

The symptoms that will tell if you may have a vaginal yeast infection or not will include these symptoms in a range of mild to moderate:

– Irritation within the vagina and/or vulva
– Itching within the vagina and/or vulva
– Redness and/or swelling of the vulva
– Vaginal soreness and pain
– Vaginal rash
– White, thick, odor-free vaginal discharge with an appearance of cottage cheese
– Feeble vaginal discharge

Now not every patient has the same symptoms, nor do they have the same severity, there is complicated yeast infections that can occur, if you have a complicated yeast infection, you may notice the following:

– Severe signs and symptoms of a yeast infection can include swelling, itching, and extensive redness, which leads to tears, cracks or sores
– Four or more yeast infections occurring within a year
– Infection which is caused by a less distinctive type of fungus
– Patient is pregnant
– Patient has uncontrolled diabetes
– Immune system is weakened due to certain medications or conditions that the patient has

When should I see a vaginal doctor?


You will need to book an appointment with Dr. Michelle Trandai OBGYN if:

– This is the first time you have ever shown symptoms of a yeast infection
– You are unsure if you have a yeast infection, as you do not show all the symptoms
– The symptoms you are showing have not been relieved with the over-the-counter antifungal creams or suppositories that you have been prescribed
– You begin to develop other symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection

What happens if yeast infections are left untreated?


There are a few factors that can increase your risk of developing a yeast infection, these factors include:

Antibiotic use
Vaginal yeast infections are quite common in women who take antibiotics. These antibiotics are what kill a range of bacteria, but they also kill off healthy bacteria, particularly within the vagina, which can lead to overgrowth of yeast in the vagina.

Increased estrogen level
Yeast infections are more common in women that have higher estrogen levels which include women who are pregnant, women who are taking high-dosage estrogen birth control pills, or women who are using estrogen hormone therapy.

Uncontrolled diabetes
Women who are unable to properly control their diabetes, and have uncontrolled blood sugar levels are at a greater risk of yeast infections than women who are able to control their blood sugar levels.

Compromised immune system
Women who have lowered immunity are much more likely to get a yeast infection.

If you leave a vaginal yeast infection untreated, it can cause many complications, and will likely become much worse. The symptoms include redness, itching, and inflammation, but if left untreated it can lead to a skin infection if the inflamed area starts to become cracked, or if its continuously scratched, it will create an open and raw area.

Common side effects of untreated vaginal yeast infections include:

– Fatigue
– Oral thrush
– Gastrointestinal issues

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