Winning Woman

Most women don’t know much about vaginal microflora and its role in maintaining vaginal health.  Consequently, they aren’t aware that the healthy balance of the vagina can be disrupted, leading to altered vaginal microflora. But what’s the difference between normal vs altered vaginal microflora. 

Normal Vaginal Microflora

The normal vaginal microflora consists of different species of bacteria known as lactobacilli. These species should predominate the microbiome because the produce substances that sterilize the vagina, meaning they keep the bad bacteria at low levels so the do no harm. The lactobacilli are responsible for protecting the vagina against infections because they coat the surface of the vaginal lining, secrete hydrogen peroxide, lactic acid and a host of bacteriocins. These chemicals prevent the growth of harmful microbes, and maintain optimal pH levels.

Altered Vaginal Microflora

When the vaginal microflora is in an altered state, it means that the delicate balance between the ‘good’ and ‘bad’ bacteria has been disrupted.  This causes harmful microbes in the vagina to multiply, leading to recurrent yeast or bacterial infections.

Symptoms of Altered Vaginal Microflora  

Symptoms of an altered vaginal microflora include itching, discharge, burning, odor, and urinary urgency and frequency.   These symptoms occur when secretions from the altered vaginal microflora bathe the vaginal tissues and irritate the external genital tissues.

Treating Altered Vaginal Microflora

Altered vaginal microflora is treated by restoring balance to the vaginal ecosystem, allowing the ‘good’ strains of bacteria to once again dominate.  However, the vaginal constituents must be evaluated to determine the type and concentration of microbes present.  This can be done using the Vaginal Fluid Analysis (VFA) test.  The VFA test is an advanced diagnostic tool that was developed by Dr. R. Stuart Fowler of Fowler GYN International. 

If you would like to learn more about vaginal microflora, contact Fowler GYN International at www.fowlergyninternational.com, or by calling (480) 420-4001.  FGI is located in Phoenix, AZ.

Vulvodynia is a troubling vaginal disorder that affects many women, but unfortunately, it often takes them several years to get a correct diagnosis because it’s a health issue that is underserved.  Vulvodynia refers to chronic pain in the vulva that did not have an identifiable cause for over 100 years until Dr. Fowler at Fowler Gyn International discovered it.   But what are the symptoms of vulvodynia, and how is it treated?

What Are The Symptoms Of Vulvodynia?

Pain in the vulva (the external part of the female genitals) is the predominant symptom of vulvodynia.  The pain may affect only one area of the vulva or multiple areas, and the intensity varies.   Vulvodynia pain is often so debilitating that it affects a woman’s ability to sit and walk comfortably, and makes sexual intercourse painful if not impossible. The quality of pain varies from burning to rawness to stinging.

Treating Vulvodynia

Women with vulvodynia typically have an altered vaginal microflora pattern.  Treating the condition successfully therefore involves restoring balance to the vaginal milieu.  

Vulvovaginal specialist Dr. R. Stuart Fowler of Fowler GYN International (FGI) developed the advanced Vaginal Fluid Analysis (VFA) test to help identify abnormal vaginal microflora patterns.  The VFA test provides a quantitative analysis of the vaginal constituents to determine if an altered vaginal microflora pattern is present. 

Women with an altered vaginal microflora pattern are then given a customized treatment protocol designed to get the microflora back to normal.  This regimen typically involves a combination of vaginal medication and skin care products.   Most patients notice a significant improvement in symptoms after being on the treatment protocol for about 4 months. If you are experiencing pain in the vulva with no obvious cause identified by your gynecologist, contact Fowler GYN International at fowlergyninternational.com/contact-us, or by calling (480) 420-4001.  FGI is located in Phoenix, AZ.

Most women get a vaginal yeast infection at least once in their lifetime, but it is generally easily treated.   However, there are times the symptoms of a yeast infection return soon after they’ve been resolved.  But in order to ensure the most effective treatment, it’s important to properly identify the symptoms of a yeast infection.

What are the symptoms of a yeast infection?

Itching in the vagina and vulva is one of the primary symptoms of a yeast infection.  Other symptoms include burning with urination, burning during intercourse, soreness, vaginal rash, as well as a thick vaginal discharge. 

Chronic yeast infections

When symptoms of yeast infections persist and tests indicate that yeast is not the underlying factor, the problem may be due to an altered vaginal microflora pattern.  

The vaginal microflora consists of strains of ‘good’ and ‘bad’ bacteria as well as some yeast, but the good bacteria are usually dominant.  However, if there is a shift in the bacterial flora, it can result in an overgrowth of yeast.  There are several factors that can lead to a change in the makeup of the bacterial flora.  These include smoking, stress, and the onset of menopause (learn more).

Treating symptoms of a yeast infection

Symptoms that are caused by an altered microflora pattern can be treated with a treatment protocol of medications and hypocontactant skincare products.   An altered vaginal microflora pattern can be diagnosed with a vaginal fluid analysis (VFA) test.  

The VFA test was developed by Dr. R. Stuart Fowler, board-certified gynecologist, and founder of Fowler GYN International. The VFA test is an advanced diagnostic tool that identifies the constituents of the vaginal microflora. 

Are you experiencing symptoms of a yeast infection?  Contact the experts in vaginal care at Fowler GYN for a consultation.

You can reach them at (480) 420-4001, or go to www.fowlergyninternational.com/contact-us, to request a free pre-registration call.