Winning Woman

Vaginitis is a common condition that can affect women of any age.  The symptoms of vaginitis can range from annoying to chronic, depending on the underlying cause.  But how does vaginitis start and what can you do to stop it.

How does vaginitis start?

Vaginitis is a condition that is characterized by vaginal pain, itching, irritation, burning, and discharge.    There are different types of vaginitis, but the condition occurs because of an altered vaginal microflora pattern. 

The vaginal micro-flora ecosystem consists of numerous strains of bacteria, but there are generally enough good bacteria to protect the vagina, and prevent an infection.  However, problems can arise if the bacteria milieu changes and the bad bacteria end up dominating the vaginal ecosystem.  These changes create an altered microflora pattern, which is often the source of vaginitis. 

The vaginal secretions that emanate from an altered microflora pattern can irritate the tissues around the vaginal opening, causing the symptoms associated with vaginitis.

What can be done to stop vaginitis?

In order to stop vaginitis, the specific altered vaginal microflora pattern must first be identified.  Dr. R. Stuart Fowler of Fowler GYN International developed the vaginal fluid analysis (VFA) test, to detect the presence of an altered vaginal microflora state.  The VFA test delivers a quantitative analysis of the constituents of the vaginal fluid. 

Patients that have an altered vaginal microflora pattern are typically treated with a customized treatment protocol that combines medication, and a system of hypocontactant skincare products.  This restores the natural balance of the microflora ecosystem, and after about 6-8 months the symptoms of vaginitis will resolve.

Are you experiencing symptoms of vaginitis?  Contact the experts in vaginal healthcare at Fowler GYN International, Paradise Valley, AZ for a consultation. 

You can reach them at www.fowlergyninternational.com/contact-us, or by calling (480) 420-4001.

Do you have a vaginal odor along with an offensive discharge that is making you feel self-conscious?  It’s a common problem that many women have to deal with, but unfortunately, most gynecologists don’t fully understand it, so getting the right treatment can be challenging. 

What causes vaginal odor?

Although vaginal odor has traditionally been associated with yeast or bacterial infection, the problem often goes deeper.  After carrying out years of clinical observations and research, board-certified gynecologist Dr. R. Stuart Fowler, of Fowler GYN International, discovered that vaginal odor is often the result of an altered vaginal microflora pattern. 

The vaginal microflora contains a mix of ‘good’ and ‘bad’ bacteria, but the good bacteria generally predominate.  The normal vaginal discharge is clear or milky in color and has a subtle scent that is not offensive.   However, if the microflora is out of balance, it can lead to an overgrowth of bad bacteria.  An increase in bad bacteria in the vagina precipitates changes in the secretions, resulting in a musky, fishy vaginal odor. 

Symptoms associated with a vaginal odor

A vaginal odor is often accompanied by symptoms such as itching, irritation, burning, and urinary frequency (click here to learn more).

Treating vaginal odor

In order to successfully treat vaginal odor, it’s essential to first assess the existing vaginal microflora.  At FGI this assessment is done using a vaginal fluid analysis (VFA) test.  The VFA test is an advanced diagnostic technique that evaluates the vaginal constituents.

If an altered vaginal microflora pattern is confirmed, a customized treatment protocol is recommended, to restore the microflora pattern to normalcy.

Are you bothered by a persistent vaginal odor that has not responded to treatment?  Contact Fowler GYN International, Paradise Valley, AZ, for a consultation.

You can reach them at www.fowlergyninternational.com, or by calling (480) 420-4001.

Vaginal dryness is a problem that affects many women, especially after menopause.  The condition often has uncomfortable and painful side-effects, so it’s not surprising that women with vaginal dryness often seek to ease their discomfort by increasing vaginal lubrication.

What causes vaginal dryness?

Vaginal dryness is known medically as atrophic vaginitis is often caused by a drop in estrogen levels.  Estrogen is a hormone that plays a vital role in vaginal health because it keeps the vaginal tissue thick, moist, and flexible.  However, when estrogen levels decline, the vaginal tissue becomes thin, dry, and less elastic.   Birth control pills can also contribute to vaginal dryness because they disrupt hormone levels.

Symptoms that accompany vaginal dryness

Vaginal dryness is often accompanied by symptoms such as painful intercourse, burning, and itching.

How can I increase vaginal lubrication?

In order to increase vaginal lubrication, it’s important to first identify the vaginal constituents.  This can be done with the help of the Vaginal Fluid Analysis (VFA) test.  The VFA test is an advanced diagnostic tool that is available at Fowler GYN International (FGI).

The results of the VFA test will help to determine the most effective treatment.  The experts in vaginal care at FGI, typically recommend vaginal rejuvenate therapy to restore estrogen levels. 

Vaginal rejuvenate therapy is customized for each patient and includes prescribed medications along with the skincare products, namely, the FeminaRx Pure SkinCare Collection.  

The FeminaRx Pure SkinCare Collection contains a range of hypocontactant skincare products that help to moisten the vaginal area.  The products are specially formulated for women with sensitive external genital tissues (learn more).

Patients generally notice an improvement in vaginal dryness about 4 months after treatment.

Are you experiencing chronic vaginal dryness?  Contact Fowler GYN International, Paradise Valley, AZ, for a consultation.

You can reach them at www.fowlergyninternational.com or by calling (480) 420-4001.