Itching, pain, and discharge are common vaginal symptoms that may go away on their own. However, sometimes these vaginal symptoms are more serious, and you may need to be evaluated by a vulvovaginal specialist. But how will you know?
When To See A Vulvovaginal Specialist
A vulvovaginal specialist diagnoses and treats diseases that affect the vagina and vulva (female external genitalia). These are known as vulvovaginal disorders.
If you are experiencing symptoms such as pain with intercourse, itching, or unusual discharge, you could have a vulvovaginal disorder. You should therefore schedule a consultation with a vulvovaginal specialist for an evaluation.
You should also see a vulvovaginal specialist if you have been seen and treated by a physician for more than three months without relief of your vulvovaginal symptoms.
Choosing a Vulvovaginal Specialist
Vulvovaginal disorders are relatively common but often misdiagnosed. Consequently, when choosing a vulvovaginal specialist, be sure to select a physician with the required training and expertise in vulvovaginal health. This will ensure that you get a proper diagnosis, targeted treatment, and positive results.
Dr. R. Stuart Fowler of Fowler GYN International (FGI) is a highly rated vulvovaginal specialist. He typically sees patients that have received medical care from other providers but have not gained sustained relief of their symptoms.
Types of Vulvovaginal Disorders
There are a variety of vulvovaginal conditions, and they usually clear up on their own or within a few days of treatment. Common vulvovaginal disorders include vulvodynia, lichen sclerosus, vulvar vestibulitis, and vestibulodynia.
How Are Vulvovaginal Disorders Diagnosed?
Diagnosing vulvovaginal disorders can be complex as they often present symptoms similar to a yeast or bacterial infection. In reality, the underlying cause of many vulvovaginal conditions is an altered vaginal microflora. This indicates a change in the dominant bacteria in the vagina, resulting in a decrease in the ‘good’ bacteria or lactobacilli.
After years of observation and clinical research, Dr. Fowler developed the Vaginal Fluid Analysis (VFA) test to detect an altered vaginal microflora.
The VFA test provides a comprehensive analysis of the vaginal constituents. Based on the results of the VFA test, FGI will formulate a customized treatment protocol to restore the vaginal microflora to normal.