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Women's Health Problems

Emily Depue & Lisa Sullins, Baylor University Louise Herrington School of Nursing

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Yeast/Fungal Infection (Candidiasis)

• What is it? What many people call yeast is really a fungus. It is always present in the vagina in small numbers. Symptoms only appear with overgrowth of the fungus
• Risk Factors: Pregnancy, diabetes, birth control, antibiotics, using douches, perfumed feminine sprays, tight poorly-ventilated clothing and underwear.
• Symptoms: itching, burning, irritation, odorless whitish vaginal discharge (cottage-cheese like), painful urination and painful intercourse.
• Treatment: Various antifungal creams, pills, and suppositories. See your doctor to make sure what you are experiencing is a yeast infection, and find out what treatment is best for you.

Bacterial Infection (Bacterial Vaginitis)

• What is it? Infection that happens when different types of bacteria outnumber normal bacteria.
• Risk Factors: Douching and multiple sexual partners (but not a sexually-transmitted infection).
• Symptoms: Similar to yeast infection with greyish, odorous (fish-like) vaginal discharge.
• Treatment: Antibiotic creams, suppositories or pills. You can get these from your doctor.

 

Urinary Tract Infection (move this one to top)

 

Menstrual Pain (Dysmenorrhea)
When is it a problem? Over 50% of women experience pain during menstruation. It becomes a problem when the pain is so severe that it prevents you from completing your normal daily routine for 1-3 days.

How can I relieve pain? Over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, exercise, heating pad, and regularly taking multi-vitamins with calcium.

When should you see a doctor?
• When you are unable to relieve pain with Over-the-counter medications.
• You experience pelvic pain when you are not menstruating.
• You experience fever, nausea, or vomiting with pain.
• You experience pain that is unusually severe or different in any way.

Absence of Menstruation (Amenorrhea)
When should I be concerned? If you suddenly miss 3 or more periods after having regular periods.

What can cause this? Stress, weight loss, excessive exercise, illness, and problems with hormone levels can all cause you to stop menstruating.