What are recurrent vaginal infections?
Having four or more yeast infections, or repeated episodes of bacterial vaginosis, in a year is considered recurrent. Symptoms of different infections overlap, so self-treating without a diagnosis can miss the real cause.
What are the symptoms?
- Itching, burning or irritation
- Unusual discharge, thick or thin
- A fishy or unusual odor
- Pain or discomfort during sex or urination
What causes infections to come back?
Possible factors include antibiotics, hormonal changes, diabetes, a weakened immune system, douching, certain soaps or products, and less common yeast strains that do not respond to standard treatment. Sometimes symptoms are caused by a skin condition or an STD rather than yeast or bacteria.
How are they diagnosed and treated here?
Your provider will examine you and test a sample of discharge, sometimes with a culture to identify the exact organism. Treatment may include a longer initial course of medication followed by a maintenance plan, along with changes to reduce triggers.
When should I be seen?
Make an appointment if this is your first infection, if over-the-counter treatment has not worked, if infections keep returning, or if you have fever, pelvic pain or sores.
Schedule a consultation in Fort Lauderdale
To make an appointment with Women’s Surgical Specialists, call (954) 771-8888, Monday–Friday, 9:00 am–4:30 pm. Our office is at 2800 East Commercial Blvd, Suite 101, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308, and we accept Medicare and most major insurance plans.
This page is general information, not medical advice. For a medical emergency, call 911.