For women and sexually active teens, regular check-ups are an important part of their reproductive health, including screenings for vaginal infections and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). STDs can lead to serious health issues that can affect fertility and overall wellness. Dr. Rebecca Brown, Dr. Jennifer Chen, Dr. Lily Lee, Dr. Rahil Patel, Dr. Henrietta Stancz-Szeder, Dr. Karen Toubi, Dr. Kathleen Valenton, Dr. Wendy Kim Waldman, and Dr. Peter Weiss , all women’s health care practitioners at Rodeo Drive’s Women’s Health Center in Beverly Hills, California, can complete a comprehensive screening and treatment for STDs and other vaginal infections to help protect your reproductive health.
There are many different types of vaginal infections, some sexually transmitted and some that are not. Vaginitis is a general term used to describe many types of vaginal infections and inflammation, some sexually transmitted, some that occur from bacteria, yeast or allergic reactions. Symptoms of vaginitis usually include vaginal discharge, odor, itchiness, and discomfort. Some of the types of vaginal infections can include:
The health care providers at Rodeo Drive Women’s Health Center can provide screening and testing to determine if you have a vaginal infection or STD, and recommend treatment.
Though most vaginal infections are benign and mainly cause an annoyance, sometimes it can impact your reproductive and overall health, most commonly with fertility. Some infections can cause infertility or be dangerous during pregnancy. Other infections can put you at higher risk for cervical cancer or lead to organ damage. If you have a vaginal infection, the OB/GYN team at Rodeo Drive Women’s Center can help diagnose and treat your infection.
Symptoms of vaginal infections and STDs can vary. You may have itching, burning or a discharge that alert you to your infection, while other STDs like chlamydia have few symptoms. It’s important to have regular Pap smears and checkups to receive screening for STIs and other infections to detect them early for effective treatment.
Screening for the various types of STDs and vaginal infections can be done during a routine women’s wellness exam. Screening recommendations vary by gender, age, and sexual behavior. For the majority of women, some STD screening is recommended at least annually. Screening can include a visual pelvic exam, blood/urine testing or tissue samples, depending on your symptoms. Rodeo Drive Women’s Health Center can determine which tests or screenings to perform based on your symptoms and sexual activity.