Services

Vulvovaginitis Clinic

In this clinic, we evaluate and treat women with a variety of acute and chronic vulvar and vaginal symptoms including burning, itching, discharge and pain.

 

These problems can have many causes including infection, inflammation, previous surgery or trauma, loss of estrogen, and exposure to irritating substances.

These problems can sometimes be made worse by traumatic life experiences or emotional state.

When patients come to our clinic, they should expect any of the following:

- Detailed questions about how the symptoms began, how they have changed with time, previous treatments and whether or not they worked

- Questions about hygiene and education on how to protect the vulva and vagina from irritating substances and treat dryness

- General questions about overall physical health

- Questions about emotional health, life stressors, concerns regarding sexuality

- Questions about previous infections of the vulva, vagina, cervix, uterus and ovaries

- A pelvic exam

- The taking of cultures and biopsies

- Blood tests

Some patients will need to be referred to other FAHC specialists for further evaluation.

These problems are sometimes solved quickly, but many require long term treatment.  Some problems will require continued followup for the rest of the patient's life.  Acute and chronic problems may require a combination of treatments including:

- oral medication

- antibiotics

- medicines that act on local nerves

- hormones

- antidepressants

- topical medication

- alternative therapies

- physical and behavioral therapy

- participation in one-on-one or group counseling and support

- surgery

Our clinic is also involved in clinical research to help further our understanding of chronic vulvar and vaginal disease.  Patients of our clinic may be invited to participate in such research.