Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.
Dr. Shiel received a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from the University of Notre Dame. There he was involved in research in radiation biology and received the Huisking Scholarship. After graduating from St. Louis University School of Medicine, he completed his Internal Medicine residency and Rheumatology fellowship at the University of California, Irvine. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology.
Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD
Medical Editor: William C. Shiel, Jr., MD, FACP, FACR
A Viewer Asks: Can douching cause a yeast infection? Also, is it okay to douche after a yeast infection?
Dr. Stöppler's Answer: All healthy women have bacteria and other organisms in the vagina. The balance of organisms and the normal acidity of the vagina both act to prevent overgrowth of specific organisms, leading to symptoms of a vaginal infection. Douching disturbs the normal environment of the vagina...
Yeast is a fungus scientifically referred to as Candida. The specific type of fungus most commonly responsible for vaginitis is
Candida albicans. Yeast is commonly present on normal human skin and in areas of moisture, such as the mouth and vagina. In fact, it is estimated that between 20%-50% of healthy women normally carry yeast in the vaginal area.
What is vaginitis?
Vaginitis is inflammation of the vagina. Vaginitis is
very common and is reported by as many as 75% of women at some point in their
lives. Vaginitis can be caused by a number of infections, including bacteria
(such as Gardnerella and
gonorrhea), protozoans (such as
trichomonas), and yeast (Candida). Vaginal yeast
infection, which is the most common form of vaginitis, is often referred to as vaginal
Candidiasis.
What is vulvitis?
Vulvitis is inflammation of the external genital organs of the
female (the
vulva). The vulva includes the labia, clitoris, and entrance
to the vagina (the vestibule of the vagina). An inflammation of the vulva is referred to as
vulvitis. Vulvitis, like vaginitis, may be caused by a number of different
infections. Because the vulva is also often inflamed when there is inflammation
of the vagina, vaginitis is sometimes referred to as vulvovaginitis.
What causes vaginal yeast infections?
Vaginal yeast infections occur when new yeast is introduced into
the vaginal area, or when there is an increase in the quantity of yeast already
present in the vagina relative to the quantity of normal bacteria. For example,
when the normal, protective bacteria are eradicated by antibiotics (taken to
treat a urinary tract,
respiratory, or other types of infection) or by immunosuppressive drugs,
the yeast can multiply, invade tissues, and cause irritation of the lining of
the vagina (vaginitis).
Vaginal yeast infections can also occur as a result of injury to
the inner vagina, such as after chemotherapy. Also, women with suppressed immune
systems (for example, those taking cortisone-related medications such as
prednisone) develop vaginal yeast infections more frequently than women with normal
immunity. Other conditions that may predispose women to developing vaginal yeast
infections include diabetes mellitus,pregnancy, and taking
oral contraceptives.
The use of douches or perfumed vaginal hygiene sprays may also increase a woman's risk of
developing a vaginal yeast infection.
A vaginal yeast infection is not considered to be a
sexually transmitted infection (STD), since Candida may be present in the normal
vagina, and the condition
does occur in celibate women. However, it is possible for men to develop
symptoms of skin irritation of the penis from a yeast infection after sexual intercourse with an infected partner.
Bacterial vaginosis is an abnormal vaginal condition that is characterized by vaginal discharge resulting from an overgrowth of normal bacteria in the vagina. Although it may cause some disturbing symptoms (discharge and odor), it is not dangerous and cannot be passed by sex. Diagnosis becomes important to exclude serious infections like gonorrhea and Chlamydia. Many treatment options are available such as oral antibiotics and vaginal gels.
There are many symptoms involved in the 1st, 2nd and 3rd trimesters of pregnancy. The first early pregnancy symptom is typically a missed period, but others include breast swelling and tenderness, nausea and sometimes vomiting, fatigue and bloating. Second trimester symptoms include backache, weight gain, itching, and possible stretch marks. Third trimester symptoms are additional weight gain, heartburn, hemorrhoids, swelling of the ankles, fingers, and face, breast tenderness, and trouble sleeping. Read more to learn about recommended procedures and tests for each stage of a healthy pregnancy.
Anal itching is the irritation of the skin at the exit of the rectum, known as the anus, accompanied by the desire to scratch. Causes include everything from irritating foods we eat, to certain disease and infections. Treatment options include local anesthetics, vasoconstrictors, protectants, astringents, antiseptics, keratolytics, analgesics, and corticosteroids. If condition persists, a doctor examination may be needed to identify an underlying cause.
Diabetes mellitus is a chronic condition characterized by high levels of sugar (glucose) in the blood. The two types of diabetes are referred to as type 1 (insulin dependent) and type 2 (non-insulin dependent). Symptoms of diabetes include increased urine output, thirst, hunger, and fatigue. Treatment of diabetes depends on the type.
Jock itch is an itchy red rash that appears in the groin area. The rash may be caused by a bacterial or fungal infection. People with diabetes and those who are obese are more susceptible to developing jock itch. Antifungal shampoos, creams, and pills may be needed to treat fungal jock itch. Bacterial jock itch may be treated with antibacterial soaps and topical and oral antibiotics.
Vaginitis is any type of vaginal infection or inflammation. The six most common types of vaginitis are Candida (yeast infections), bacterial vaginosis, trichomoniasis vaginitis, chlamydia vaginitis, viral vaginitis, and noninfectious vaginitis. Symptoms include itching, burning, and abnormal vaginal discharge. Treatment is different for each type of vaginitis.
Vulvodynia or vaginal pain, genital pain is a condition in which women have chronic vulvar pain with no known cause. There are two types of vulvodynia, generalized vulvodynia and vulvar vestibulitis. Researchers are trying to find the causes of vulvodynia, which may include nerve irritation, genetic factors, hypersensitivity to yeast infections, muscle spasms, hormonal changes, and more. The most common symptoms of vaginal pain (vulvodynia) is burning, rawness, itching, stinging, aching, soreness, and throbbing. There are a variety of treatments that can ease the symptoms of vulvodynia (vaginal pain).
Vaginal dryness and vaginal atrophy occurs in women during perimenopause, menopause, and postmenopause. With vaginal atrophy, the lining of the vaginal wall becomes thinner, drier, less elastic, and light pink to bluish in color. Symptoms of vaginal atrophy include vaginal dryness, itching, irritation, and/or pain during intercourse. Treatment options for vaginal dryness and vaginal atrophy include hormone treatment and over-the-counter vaginal lubricating and moisturizing products.
Women's health is an important topic area to guide a woman through the stages of her life, as well as knowing the conditions and diseases that may occur. Educating yourself so that the transitions into different phases of life is key to a healthy, happy, and productive life.
Drug resistance (antimicrobial resistance) is the ability of bacteria, fungi, parasites, and viruses to grow, even in the presence of a drug that would normally kill it (or limit it's growth). Drug resistance is a growing problem, particularly for infections such as MRSA, VRE (vancomycin-resistant enterococci), tuberculosis, HIV, STDs, gonorrhea, flu, pneumonia, malaria, E. coli, salmonella, Campylobacter, which causes diarrhea and gastroenteritis. Learn how to protect yourself from resistance to drugs.
Pregnancy planning is important to help prevent exposure of the mother and fetus to potentially harmful medications and substances during the early days, and throughout the pregnancy. Nutritional planning, prevention of birth defects, conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, and kidney disease need careful monitoring. Gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and pregnancy induced hypertension are conditions that may arise during pregnancy. Immunizations, inherited disorders, exercise, air travel, intercourse, and birth control are important factors to consider when planning a pregnancy.
Sexual health information including birth control, impotence, herpes, sexually transmitted diseases, staying healthy, women's sexual health concerns, and men's sexual health concerns. Learn about the most common sexual conditions affecting men and women.
Managing your diabetes is important. The goal of diabetic therapy is to control blood glucose levels and prevent the complications of diabetes. Information about exercise, diet diet, and medication will help you manage your diabetes better. Blood glucose reagent strips, blood glucose meters, urine glucose tests, tests for urinary ketones, continuous glucose sensors, and Hemoglobin A1C testing information is also provided in this article.
A Pap smear (also known as the Pap test) is a medical procedure in which a
sample of cells from a woman's cervix (the end of the uterus that extends into
the vagina) is collected
and spread (smeared) on a microscope slide. The cells
are examined under a microscope in order to look for pre-malignant
(before-cancer) or malignant (cancer) changes.
A Pap smear is a simple, quick, and relatively painless screening test. Its
specificity - which means its ability to avoid classifying a normal smear as
abnormal (a "false positive" result) - while very good, is not
perfect. The sensitivity of a Pap smear - which means its ability to detect
every single abnormality -- while good, is also not perfect, and some "false
negative" results (in which abnormalities are present but not detected by the
test) will occur. Thus, a few women develop cervical cancer despite having regular Pap screening.
