We’ve all heard about kidney stones or even gallbladder stones, but you may not realize that stones can also develop in the vagina. Vaginal stones, medically known as colpolithiasis, are a very rare condition that most gynecologists will never even see throughout their career; however, vaginal stones do still occur. Here’s what you should know.Vaginal Stones are Either Primary or Secondary
A primary vaginal stone typically develops after surgery, trauma, neurogenic bladder, vaginal stenosis, or vaginal outlet obstruction. Women with congenital genitourinary malformations or urethrovaginal fistulas are most at risk. If a woman is dealing with any of these issues their OBGYN must continue to monitor their condition through routine checkups so they can promptly find and treat vaginal stones if they develop. Secondary vaginal stones typically develop due to the presence of foreign bodies in the vagina, whether an IUD (intrauterine device) or surgical mesh.
Vaginal Stone Symptoms Aren’t Unique to This Condition
Vaginal stones do mimic symptoms of a urinary tract infection (UTI), so you may not be able to immediately spot a difference. Vaginal stones can cause an increase in urinary urgency and frequency. You may also experience vaginal pain, abdominal pain, and pain with sex or urination.
Vaginal Stones Can Be Removed
The best way to treat vaginal stones is to have them removed. This will require surgery. The procedure itself may employ extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy, the same treatment used to break up kidney stones. This surgery is performed under anesthesia. Any urethrovaginal fistulas should not be repaired at the time of surgery, but rather corrected months after the stone has been removed. Patients with serious health complications, as well as older patients, may do better with an open cystostomy, a surgical procedure that is sometimes used to remove large bladder stones as well.
If you are at risk for vaginal stones, it’s important to speak with your gynecologist. Many other conditions can lead to abdominal pain and vaginal bleeding, so it’s important to turn to an OBGYN who can provide you with the answers and treatment you’re looking for.
Female sexual dysfunction in Brownsville, Harlingen, TX is something that Dr. J. Gabriel Guajardo takes seriously, so if this is something you’re suffering from, he is a gynecologist you can trust to determine the cause and develop a treatment plan.
What Causes Sexual Dysfunction?
Female sexual dysfunction can be caused by a number of different things. The cause can be physical, which means a health condition like heart disease or diabetes, or it can be a physical injury. Some medications can result in dysfunction as well.
The cause may be hormonal, especially since estrogen levels decline following menopause. The tissues around the genital area change at this stage of life, resulting in dryness and potential pain during sex. The cause can also be social or psychological, due to sexual abuse in the past, body insecurities, stress, depression, or PTSD.
How Can Sexual Dysfunction Be Treated?
Brownsville, Harlingen, TX, sexual dysfunction in women can be treated, but this is only necessary if an individual is affected. The actual treatment will vary based on the symptoms being experienced and the cause of the dysfunction. Generally, a combination of treatments will be necessary.
Non-Medical Options
There are many treatment options that do not require medical intervention. This includes open communication with the partner, counseling with a therapist, lifestyle modifications (such as a healthy diet and limiting alcohol consumption), using vaginal lubricants, and using a vibrator.
Medical Options
When the non-medical approach does not work, or when the symptoms and cause of the sexual dysfunction warrant it, medical options are available for treatment. For instance, if the dysfunction is caused by a medical illness or hormones, medical treatment is often the best course of action.
One of the most common medical treatments is localized hormone therapy. This type of therapy is available in tablets, creams, or vaginal rings. This therapy works to improve vaginal dryness, increase local blood flow, and improve elasticity.
Hormone replacement therapy can work to minimize menopause symptoms if this happens to be the cause of the dysfunction. There are also medications that have been approved by the FDA and have been proven to increase a woman’s libido.
Psychotherapy is also a consideration if there has been a history of depression, sexual trauma, PTSD, etc.
If you are tired of dealing with sexual dysfunction in Brownsville, Harlingen, TX, reach out to Dr. Guajardo, a local gynecologist, for help in improving your sexual health. Call (956) 350-4821 to schedule your appointment today.
Harmless lumps and bumps can develop just about anywhere on the body, including the vagina. While some cysts are rather small and painless, vaginal cysts can cause pain, discomfort, and other issues. Here’s what you should know about vaginal cysts, including when to turn to a gynecologist for treatment.There are Different Kinds of Vaginal Cysts
Most vaginal cysts can be found under or within the lining of the vagina. Types of vaginal cysts include:
- Inclusion cysts: this most common type of vaginal cyst develops in the back of the vaginal wall
- Bartholin’s gland cysts: cysts that develop in the Bartholin’s gland, which are found on either opening of the vagina
- Gartner’s duct: this congenital malformation occurs when ducts that are supposed to disappear in-utero don’t, which may result in vaginal cysts developing later on
- Müllerian cysts: these cysts that develop around the vaginal wall form in areas that were left behind after the development and birth of a baby
There are several reasons a vaginal cyst may develop. Trauma is most common in cysts that develop in the vaginal walls. This may be the result of childbirth or surgery.
Cysts that develop on the outer area of the vagina such as a Bartholin’s gland cyst, may be the result of a bacterial infection or a sexually transmitted disease. Sometimes clogged glands or ducts are also to blame.
Vaginal Cysts Don’t Often Cause Symptoms
Unless you’re dealing with an infected Bartholin’s gland cyst, you probably won’t even know if you have a vaginal cyst. Most of the time, these cysts are detected by a gynecologist during a routine exam. Most cysts aren’t painful; however, some may cause pain with sex. If you’re dealing with a painful lump, this could be a sign of infection.
Most Vaginal Cysts Don’t Need Treatment
Since most vaginal cysts remain small and don’t cause problems they often don’t need to be removed; however, if the cyst continues to grow, cause pain, or show signs of infection, then you’ll want to see your gynecologist. External vaginal cysts can be eased with simple home care such as a warm soak or sitz bath. If the cyst is infected, antibiotics may be prescribed. Sometimes the cyst will need to be drained to heal (this is more common in Bartholin’s gland cysts). Most of the time surgery is not recommended for removing a vaginal cyst.
If you notice any unusual lumps, bumps, or lesions in the vaginal areas, it’s always a good idea to turn to your OBGYN to find out what’s going on.
Pregnancy can leave women more vulnerable to other complications, such as UTI. A urinary tract infection, or UTI, is the result of bacteria in the urethra that leads to an infection. This can happen for several reasons, including, sexual activity, improper hygiene, and dehydration. UTIs are common during pregnancy because of increased pressure on the bladder and urinary tract. In addition, it can be harder for patients to identify symptoms of UTI during pregnancy because of their initial similarities to some pregnancy symptoms. Be on the lookout for the following:Symptoms of UTI During Pregnancy:
- Cramping
- Bleeding during urination
- Pain while urinating
- Frequent need to urinate
- Fever
- Antibiotics
- IV fluids or increased water consumption
- Rest
Seeking treatment for a UTI is important because the prolonged infection may spread to the kidneys, which is a much higher risk issue. Treatment for a UTI will include a course of antibiotics prescribed by your provider, which are safe to take during pregnancy when needed.
Antibiotics must be taken properly (according to the instructions given by your provider and the pharmacist) as well as taken in their entirety. Stopping antibiotic treatment early can cause a relapse in symptoms or worsening infection. While you are recovering from a UTI, make sure to rest, drink plenty of fluids, and avoid sexual activity until your provider clears you of infection.
To prevent future infections, wipe from front to back after using the bathroom and after sex and drink water frequently to stay hydrated. Proper hygiene can keep bacteria away from the urinary tract and sufficient fluids can flush any missed bacterial particles from the body, ensuring a healthy pregnancy.
After waiting months to meet your sweet new baby, the discomfort of the third trimester can be hard to handle. You will likely be swollen, exhausted, and sore––not to mention ready to snuggle your newborn! By the time a woman reaches full-term pregnancy (defined by The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists as 39 weeks pregnant), she may want to do some things on her own to naturally induce labor. The good news is that these methods are perfectly safe to do at home!- Exercise: While no one is suggesting you run a marathon to get ready for birth, light to moderate exercise can help prepare your body. In some cases, it has been shown to encourage dilation and loosen a woman's hips. It is always best not to overdo it, though. It is important to save your energy for the actual labor!
- Sex: Some women report that their sex drive is heightened during pregnancy, while others insist it is the furthest thing from their minds. Whichever side you fall on, sex does have some undeniable benefits, like bonding with your significant other, relaxation, and sometimes even softening the cervix. Nipple stimulation has also been shown to bring on contractions, but proceed with caution due to the rare chance that contractions can become severe and prolonged.
- Membrane Stripping: Some providers offer a simple in-office procedure known as membrane stripping. This occurs when the doctor inserts a finger and separates the thin membrane lining from the uterine wall. Research shows that spontaneous labor often follows in the days after the procedure, but not always.
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