Infection Checks
Are you experiencing symptoms that are not normal for you? Infections are common, and our providers are here to diagnose and provide treatment! If you are sexually active, your provider may also check for STIs during your appointment.
Urinary Tract Infections (UTI):
A UTI is an infection in part of your urinary tract.
Symptoms:
Symptoms of a UTI can include pain while urinating, a strong urge to urinate, needing to urinate more frequently, feeling unable to empty your bladder, pressure in the lower belly/back, smelly urine, cloudy urine, or a fever.
Testing/Treatment:
Testing for a UTI can be done at MyAlly Health. A urine sample is taken to look for bacteria. If you have a UTI, antibiotics will be prescribed to treat the infection.
Even if you have had a UTI in the past, you may need to come into the clinic for another visit to determine the right medication to treat your new infection.
Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)
BV happens when there is too much of a specific bacteria in the vagina. BV is the most common vaginal infection and the cause is not fully understood. Having multiple sex partners, a new sex partner, douching, or lack of condom use may increase your odds of getting BV, but any person with a vagina can develop BV. Individuals with BV are more likely to get other STIs.
Symptoms:
BV can be diagnosed by your healthcare provider. Many individuals do not show any symptoms. If you have any symptoms they may include: a thin white discharge; pain, itching, or burning in the vagina; a strong fish-like odor (especially after sex); burning when urinating, or itching outside of the vagina.
Your provider will examine the vagina to look for signs of discharge, and may perform a lab test on a sample of vaginal fluid to determine if BV is present.
Testing/Treatment:
BV will sometimes go away on its own, but if you have symptoms, you should get checked and treated. A provider will treat BV with antibiotics.
Yeast Infections (candidiasis or thrush)
Yeast infections are caused by overgrowth of tiny yeast cells in the vagina. According to the Centers for Disease Control, an estimated 75% of individuals with vaginas will get at least one yeast infection in their lifetime and 40%-45% will have two or more. Yeast infections occur more frequently in those that are diabetic, pregnant, or have weakened immune systems.
Symptoms:
Symptoms may include pain, swelling, redness of the vagina, or a thick white vaginal discharge.
Testing/Treatment:
A provider can diagnose yeast infections during an exam or by taking a sample of vaginal fluid using a swab. Over-the-counter treatments are available and may be effective, but if not, a provider can prescribe a cream, insert, or medication to treat your yeast infection.
Even if you have had a yeast infection in the past, you may need to come into the clinic for another visit to determine the right medication to treat your new infection.
Jock Itch (tinea cruris)
Jock itch is a fungal infection that causes a red and itchy rash in warm and moist areas of the body. The rash often affects the groin, inner thighs, or buttocks. It may be shaped like a ring. The term “jock itch” comes from the fact that it is very commonly seen in athletes. It is also common in people who sweat a lot, are overweight or wear tight fitting clothing. It is the same fungus that causes athlete’s foot and can spread on a towel.
Symptoms:
Symptoms may include red skin around the crease of the groin. It can spread to the upper thighs. It may be ring-shaped and surrounded with blisters. It may itch, and the skin may be flaky or scaly. If the rash is painful, you have a fever or if the rash does not improve in a week, you will want to visit with your provider.
Treatment:
You provider will prescribe a medicated cream. If it has not gone away after three weeks of treatment, call your provider for a follow-up. Try and keep the area as clean and dry as possible.
Disclaimer: This website is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have.