Women's Health

Women's health testing is an essential aspect of preventive healthcare that involves regular screening for various infections and conditions that can affect a woman's reproductive health. Among the most common tests are those for urinary tract infections (UTIs), bacterial vaginosis (BV), and yeast infections.

The infections below can have similar symptoms, such as abnormal discharge, itching, and discomfort in the vaginal area. Because of this overlap, it is often difficult to self-diagnose these infections. It is important to get tested, especially if you are experiencing any symptoms, in order to receive proper treatment and avoid complications.

What is a urinary tract infection?

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is a very common infection in the urinary tract system, which consists of your bladder, kidneys, urethra, and ureters.

What causes a urinary tract infection?

Urinary tract infections are caused by bacteria that first enters the urethra and then the bladder causing an infection.

What are the symptoms of a urinary tract infection?

A urinary tract infection causes the lining of the urinary tract to become inflamed, which can cause the symptoms listed below.

Symptoms include:

Painful or burning sensation when urinating
Feeling the urge to urinate more frequently
Lower back or abdomen pain
Cloudy or bloody urine that may have a strange odor
Fever or chills

Do I need to get tested for urinary tract infection?

It is important to get tested for a urinary tract infection if you are experiencing any of the above symptoms. If left untreated, urinary tract infections can lead to a kidney infection or other more serious infections.

How is a urinary tract infection treated?

Antibiotics are most likely used to treat urinary tract infections. Your healthcare provider will prescribe you antibiotics based on the particular bacteria that is causing your urinary tract infection. It is important to finish your antibiotics even if symptoms go away.

How can I reduce my risk of getting a urinary tract infection?

Don't hold in your pee, urinate as soon as you feel the need to
Wipe from front to back after using the toilet
Practice good hygiene
Urinate after sex to flush out any bacteria
Clean genitals before sex
Drinks lots of water or cranberry juice
Take showers over baths

What is bacterial vaginosis?

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is an infection in the vagina caused by overgrowth of bacteria.

What causes bacterial vaginosis?

Bacterial vaginosis is caused by an imbalance of good and bad bacteria in your vagina. Researchers are still studying what exactly causes this but things like douching, having multiple sex partners, or new sex partners can lead to an imbalance.

What are the symptoms of bacterial vaginosis?

Many women who have bacterial vaginosis don't know they have it because most don't experience symptoms. You may experience some of the symptoms listed below if you have bacterial vaginosis.

Symptoms include:

Vagina may have a fish-like odor
Vaginal discharge appears white or gray
Burning sensation when urinating
Pain or itching in or around the vagina

Do I need to get tested for bacterial vaginosis?

It is important to get tested for bacterial vaginosis if you are experiencing any of the above symptoms. If left untreated, bacterial vaginosis can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease, complications during pregnancy, and make you more prone to sexually transmitted diseases,

How is bacterial vaginosis treated?

Even though in some cases bacterial vaginosis can go away on its own. Antibiotics are most likely used to treat bacterial vaginosis. It is important to finish your antibiotics even if symptoms go away.

How can I reduce my risk of getting bacterial vaginosis?

Practice good hygiene
Limit your number of sexual partners
Use condoms or dental dams
Avoid douching
Wear cotton underwear

What is a vaginal yeast infection?

A vaginal yeast infection is a fungal infection that causes vaginal itching, discharge, redness, and discomfort.

What causes a vaginal yeast infection?

Yeast Infections are caused by the overgrowth of Candida, a fungus that causes fungal infections.

Below are some things that may cause an overgrowth of Candida.

Using certain medication ( ex: antibiotics, birth control, steroids)
Pregnancy and hormones
Weakened immune system
Diabetes
Being sexually active
Douching or using feminine deodorants
Poor vaginal hygiene

What are the symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection?

Vaginal yeast infections can cause a number of symptoms. These symptoms can be confused with other infections as well.

Symptoms include:

Thick, clumpy, white odorless discharge
Burning sensation when urinating
Itchy and irritated vagina
Red and swollen vagina

Do I need to get tested for a vaginal yeast infection?

It is important to get tested for a vaginal yeast infection if you are experiencing any of the above symptoms. Yeast infections do not go away on their own.

How is a vaginal yeast infection treated?

Antifungal medications are most likely used to treat vaginal yeast infections. Your healthcare provider will prescribe you oral or topical medications based on your symptoms and severity.

How can I reduce my risk of getting a vaginal yeast infection?

Avoid douching and feminine deodorants
Avoid scented pads and tampons
Wear cotton underwear
Avoid staying in wet clothes (ex: bathing suits)
Practice good hygiene

What is human papillomavirus (HPV)?

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common STD caused by a group of viruses that affect the skin and mucous membranes, including the genitals, anus, mouth, and throat. There are over 100 different types of HPV, and some strains can cause various health problems, including genital warts and some types of cancer.

How is HPV spread?

HPV is spread through sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex. The virus can be transmitted through skin-to-skin contact with infected genital areas, even when there are no visible symptoms or lesions present. HPV can also be spread through genital contact with an infected partner who is not showing any symptoms.

What are the symptoms of HPV?

Many people with HPV do not experience any symptoms, and the virus often goes away on its own without causing any health problems. However, some types of HPV can cause genital warts, which may appear as small, fleshy growths in the genital area. Other strains of HPV can cause abnormal cell changes in the cervix, which can lead to cervical cancer if left untreated.

Do I need to get tested for HPV?

Regular screening for HPV is important because the virus often does not show symptoms. It is especially important for women because certain strains of HPV can cause abnormal cell changes in the cervix, which can lead to cervical cancer if left untreated.

How is HPV treated?

There is no cure for HPV, but treatment can help with symptoms, such as genital warts and abnormal cell changes in the cervix. Treatment options may include medication, medical procedures, or surgery, depending on the individual's circumstances.

How can I reduce my risk of getting HPV?

Get HPV vaccinated
Test regularly for STDS
Use condoms or dental dams
Limit your number of sexual partners