Many women suffer from vaginal yeast infections, and sometimes just when they think the symptoms are gone for good, they inexplicably reappear. This can be very frustrating, but it happens because the underlying cause of the condition is not being treated. So what’s the solution? Is there a test for recurrent vaginal yeast infections?
When yeast infections are something more
Recurrent yeast infections are sometimes not what they seem. Curiously, they commonly start following a bladder infection or an episode if intercourse. The yeast is not the problem per se, just a reflection of the underlying problem which is commonly the presence of a shift in the vaginal milieu.
The vagina is made up of mostly friendly bacteria known as lactobacilli, which help to protect it by the chemicals they secrete. They suppress the 30+ bad bacteria keeping them in low levels where they generally cause no harm. However, there are factors that can offset the delicate balance of the micro-flora. When this happens, the resulting secretions can irritate the vagina, and cause symptoms that can mimic yeast infections and/or enable yeast to grow more readily in the vagina.
Vaginal Fluid Analysis Testing
Board Certified gynecologist Dr. R. Stuart Fowlerof Fowler Gyn International (FGI) has advanced the Vaginal Fluid Analysis (VFA) test to quanitate the vaginal constituents. The purpose of the test is to determine if the micro-flora is out of balance, and has become dominated by bad bacteria.
Once this has been determined, a treatment protocol can be put in place to restore balance. This will in turn lead to a resolution of the symptoms, as the vaginal environment will no longer be favorable to the growth of yeast.
Contact FGI for more information on testing for recurrent vaginal yeast infections. Call (480) 420-4001 to schedule a consultation with Dr. R. Stuart Fowler or visit fowlergyninternational.com.