Vulvar Vestibulitis Symptoms

Pain is the primary vulvar vestibulitis symptom. Pain generally radiates in the vulva and opening of the vagina. However, pain location and intensity aren’t necessarily universal for all women with VSS. Pain can either be broad or localized. Certain activities may also trigger more pain and discomfort than others. Here’s a look at vulvar vestibulitis symptoms:

•  Burning, stinging, and irritation
•  Rawness or soreness
• Strong, sharp knife-life pain
• Aching and throbbing pain
• Swelling
• Pain triggered by biking or sitting for long periods of time
• Pain from tight clothing
• Pain from workouts or physical activity
• Pain when trying to use a tampon
• Pain during sex
• A sensation that you need to pee suddenly
• Unusual vaginal discharge
• Red blotches around the opening of the vagina

Vulvar vestibulitis symptoms are constant for some women. They may experience pain and swelling to some degree around the clock. For others, symptoms may only flare up when the vulva is irritated by touch, rigorous activity, or wearing ill-fitting clothing.

Causes of Vulvar Vestibulitis

Causes of vulvar vestibulitis aren’t fully known. However, there are several factors that are believed to play roles in VVS. For example, one school of thought is that some women simply have more nerves in the vulva area. This results in heightened sensitivity caused by nerves that send pleasure and pain signals through the nervous system to the brain.

Women may be at higher risk for developing VVS if they have a history of infections in the vagina. Past injury and irritation involving the nerves of the vulva can also increase risks. A sudden onset of VVS could potentially be an allergic reaction to fabrics or detergents. Finally, VVS could be caused by weakened pelvic floor muscles caused by childbirth, surgery, or physical injury.

Vulvar Vestibulitis Misdiagnosed as Vaginismus or Vulvodynia

VVS is sometimes misdiagnosed as a condition called vaginismus that’s characterized by involuntary muscle spasms that interfere with vaginal intercourse or penetration. While vaginal pain is a shared symptom of both, the pain experienced with vaginismus is caused by the tightening of pelvic floor muscles. Meanwhile, VVS specifically involves provoked or unprovoked pain of the vulva. Vulvar vestibulitis and vulvodynia are quite similar. VVS is technically a subset of vulvodynia. However, vulvodynia is a much broader diagnosis that refers to pain that can be experienced in the clitoris, labia majora, labia minora, urethra opening, vestibular bulbs and vestibule, urethra opening, vaginal opening, Bartholin’s gland, and more.

RELATED: Sex After Menopause | What Should You Know?

Treatment for Vulvar Vestibulitis

Due to the fact that VVS can have different underlying causes and triggers, treatment for vulvar vestibulitis is handled on a patient-by-patient basis. Once your care provider has established a VSS diagnosis, they may work with you to identify potential causes of vulvar vestibulitis that apply for you. Potential vulvar vestibulitis treatment options can include:

• Medications that treat inflammation and atrophy
• Switching to hypoallergenic detergents and soaps
• Avoiding some fabrics
• Avoiding tight-fitting pants and shorts
• Pelvic floor exercises or physical therapy
• Diet modification to reduce inflammation
• Injection therapies
• Laser therapies
• Surgery

Finally, it’s important to know that itching is not a sign of VVS. If you’re experiencing itching that’s accompanied by pain and other VVS symptoms, it’s so important to rule out infection or illness with the help of a care provider.

If you’re interested in learning more about treatment for vulvar vestibulitis, Dr. Michael Tahery is here to help you understand this diagnosis better. Dr. Tahery is an Obstetrician-Gynecologist (OB-GYN) and Urogynecologist in Los Angeles and Glendale, CA with more than 25 years of experience. Dr. Tahery and his staff are leaders in gynecology, urogynecology, and cosmetic care here in the Los Angeles area. Book an appointment today!

The post What is Vulvar Vestibulitis? Symptoms, Causes, Misdiagnosis, and Treatment appeared first on Best Uro-Gynecologist Los Angeles, OB/GYN Glendale | Dr. Michael Tahery.

Pelvic reconstructive surgery aims to repair those abnormalities, helping women reclaim their bodies and confidence.

Pelvic Organ Prolapse

A urogynecologist in Los Angeles can perform reconstructive surgery to repair pelvic organ prolapse. The pelvis holds many crucial organs like the rectum, bladder, uterus, and cervix. A network of muscles and tissues forms a hammock-like support structure called the pelvic floor.

Unfortunately, the muscles in the pelvic floor can weaken after childbirth or a hysterectomy. Some women will also experience weakened muscles after menopause or significant weight gain or loss. When the pelvic floor becomes compromised, your pelvic organs can prolapse, essentially slipping out of position and pressing into the vagina.

A pelvic organ prolapse typically creates a bulge in the vagina. Pain, discomfort, urinary incontinence, difficulty emptying the bowel, and a lack of bowel control are common symptoms.

Physicians classify pelvic organ prolapse differently depending on the organ that moves out of position.

Vaginal Prolapse

Vaginal prolapse is when the top of the vagina, also known as the vaginal vault, begins to sag into the vaginal canal. In severe cases, the vaginal vault can drop so low that it bulges outside the vaginal opening.

Common symptoms here include a feeling of fullness and unusual pressure in the vagina.

Rectocele

This type of prolapse involves the rectum. Usually, a thick fibrous tissue wall separates the vagina and the rectum. But when prolapse occurs, part of the rectum moves and pushes the back wall of the vagina forward to create a prominent bulge.

In addition to pressure, a rectocele typically increases abdominal gas and emptying the bowel more challenging.

Cystocele

A cystocele is when the bladder drops or sags into the vagina. Like a rectocele, the tissue wall separating the bladder and the vagina weakens, causing the bladder to slip out of place.

A common symptom with a cystocele prolapse is urinary incontinence.

Uterine Prolapse

Uterine prolapse occurs when the uterus drops down into the vagina. Like other prolapses, it causes pressure, vaginal fullness, and bulging. However, it may also cause lower back pain, urine leakage, incontinence, and constipation.

RELATED: Pelvic Floor Disorder Symptoms In Women

Causes of Pelvic Organ Prolapse

There are many potential causes of prolapse that require pelvic reconstructive surgery. While the pelvic floor is resilient, it can only take so much. Anything that causes excessive strain or pressure could cause a prolapse. Here are some of the most common culprits.

Pregnancy and Childbirth

When you become pregnant, the pelvic floor works harder than ever before. It stretches to make room for your growing baby, which often causes the muscles to weaken.

During childbirth, it experiences even more stretching and strain. Even cesarean delivery can weaken those crucial muscles.

Chronic Stress

Patients with chronic constipation, cough, untreated asthma, heavy and prolonged straining movements also can damage the connective tissue support of the organs surrounding the vagina. 

Genetics

Interestingly enough, genetics can play a part in pelvic organ prolapse. Your genes influence the strength of your bones and muscles. Unfortunately, prolapse becomes a hereditary issue for some women, increasing the chances that they’ll need pelvic reconstructive surgery at some point.

Obesity

Lastly, obesity can be a significant factor in pelvic organ prolapse. Intra-abdominal pressure strains the pelvic floor muscles and the connective tissue. Women who have a higher BMI are at a greater risk of prolapse.

RELATED: What Causes Urinary Incontinence In Women?

Pelvic Reconstructive Repair Options

If you’re suffering from pelvic organ prolapse, many surgical options are available. Dr. Tahery, a urogynecologist in Los Angeles, can perform a variety of minimally invasive repairs based on your unique needs. These repairs aim to fix the prolapse and rebuild your pelvic floor. Here are some of the ways a surgeon might approach that task.

Native Tissue Repair Surgery

This technique is usually a suitable option for women with healthy workable tissue. It’s a versatile option because it can effectively treat all types of pelvic organ prolapse.

During pelvic reconstructive surgery, a surgeon will use the patient’s existing tissue to fix the damaged portions of the pelvic floor. For a cystocele repair, the surgeon will move the bladder back into place and tighten the front wall of the vagina. For Rectocele, they’ll pull the tissue between the rectum and vagina together to eliminate bulging and promote healing.

In vaginal and uterine prolapse cases, the focus is on damaged ligaments. The surgeon may shorten and tighten overstretched ligaments to ensure that the uterus and vaginal vault stay in place.

Native tissue repair is minimally invasive and typically only involves small incisions in the vagina or abdomen.

Sacrocolpopexy Surgery

Sacrocolpopexy is a pelvic reconstructive surgery that can help women with more advanced cases of prolapse. It’s often the technique of choice for women who experience prolapse after a hysterectomy. Sacrocolpopexy can also correct vaginal prolapse and severe cases of uterine prolapse.

To address the symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse, surgeons utilize surgical mesh. They may attach it to the vagina and sacrum to achieve the correct anatomical support.

There are a few ways to perform sacrocolpopexy. A urogynecologist in Los Angeles can perform it traditionally with a large horizontal incision in the abdomen or with robotics and small incisions. Either way, the goals, and techniques are the same.

Transvaginal Graft Surgery

Transvaginal graft surgery can help patch and reinforce weak areas of the pelvic floor tissue. It may also help with incontinence issues and strengthen the vaginal wall. The procedure is versatile, addressing most types of prolapse.

Surgeons can utilize a synthetic mesh or a biological one. The surgery is relatively straightforward and usually occurs through incisions in the vagina.

Pelvic reconstructive surgery can make a world of difference in your overall health and well-being. Pelvic organ prolapse can be a traumatic experience that dramatically affects a woman’s quality of life. Luckily, there are ways to address the problem and deal with the uncomfortable symptoms.

If you’re struggling with the effects of pelvic organ prolapse or other pelvic floor disorders, reach out to the offices of Dr. Tahery. Dr. Michael Tahery is an experienced urogynecologist in Los Angeles with decades of experience helping women just like you. He’s well-versed in pelvic reconstructive surgery and can help you get the relief you need. Give our offices a call today and schedule your consultation.

The post What is Pelvic Reconstructive Surgery? appeared first on Best Uro-Gynecologist Los Angeles, OB/GYN Glendale | Dr. Michael Tahery.

Unfortunately, some experience infections more often than others. About a quarter of women suffer from recurrent UTIs, turning an occasional bout of pain and discomfort into repeated frustration and concern.

Because of their prevalence, these infections are a common source of concern in women’s health circles. Misdiagnosis and mistreatment happen relatively frequently. As a result, women can’t address the underlying issues or take steps to prevent recurrent infections.

Recurrent urinary tract infections require careful management. Poorly managed, a UTI will continue to affect your quality of life and health.

What are the Symptoms of Recurrent UTIs?

A UTI is a bacterial infection in the urethra or bladder. Typically, they occur when bacteria enter the urethra and travel up the bladder. The bacteria can come from many sources, but bacteria from the anal area are the most common culprit.

The symptoms of recurrent infections are the same as a standard UTI. These include:

• Burning pain during urination
• A constant urge to urinate
• Decreased urine output
• Cloudly or colored urine
• Strong and unpleasant urine odor
• Pain and pressure in the pelvic area

In addition to a painful burning sensation, women often first notice signs of an infection by observing the cloudy appearance of the urine. In many cases, a UTI may cause red, pink, or brown discoloration.

So how often is too often? Generally, women who experience two or more UTIs in six months, or those who have three more infections during a year, are considered to have recurrent UTIs.

Proper UTI treatment can help reduce the effects of the infection. However, symptoms can persist for up to two weeks. In complex cases, the infection can spread to one or both kidneys.

With this UTI being so common, many believe that it’s a minor condition. However, a spreading infection presents a genuine risk for permanent kidney damage, reduced function, and overall failure.

RELATED: Is Your Pelvic Pain Caused by Your Bladder?

Diagnosis of Recurrent UTI’s

The biggest obstacle with urinary tract infections is diagnosis. When symptoms develop, the condition can progress quite rapidly. As a result, most women turn to primary care providers, urgent care facilities, or even the emergency room for evaluation.

Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for medical professionals to misdiagnose UTIs based solely on symptoms. As a result, women are sent home with antibiotics and simple care instructions or given antibiotics over the phone without a proper evaluation.

However, there’s a lot of overlap between UTIs and other common conditions, such as vaginal infections, sexually transmitted infections, pelvic inflammatory changes, or irritable bladder. The improper evaluation, lack of appropriate testing, and understanding the many conditions that could result in symptoms similar to a UTI results in frequent misdiagnosis and poor treatment outcomes.

One study published by the American Society of Microbiology found that less than half of women diagnosed with a UTI had one. To make matters worse, physicians missed about 37 cases of sexually transmitted infections. Most of those women got the wrong diagnosis of a UTI.

The most reliable symptoms of a UTI are burning during urination and blood in the urine. Other common symptoms such as urinary frequency, urgency, vaginal itching, and abnormal odor are less dependable. 

The best test to truly diagnose a UTI is to analyze a urinary sample. A urinary tract infection specialist will examine the urine under a microscope to look for bacteria or white blood cells. The presence of white blood cells indicates that the body is attempting to fight off an infection. Specialists may also take a urine culture to identify bacteria and yeast that could cause an infection.

It’s also critical to discuss these infections openly with a healthcare provider. Unless you’re vocal about recurrent UTIs, diagnosing physicians have no way of knowing that these infections are a regular thing. For this reason, many assume that it’s a single episode.

To investigate recurrent issues, consulting a urogynecologist, who specializes in diagnosing and treatment of urinary issues in women is needed.  A urogynecologist may adopt more detailed and sophisticated methods of examination. For example, they might take a closer look at the urethra, bladder, and surrounding organs using an ultrasound machine or cystoscopy techniques.

RELATED: Treating Vaginal Infections

Management and Treatment of Recurrent UTI’s

Proper UTI treatment is about more than just taking antibiotics. One of the biggest complaints about misdiagnosing cases is the reliance on repeated antibiotic therapy. Not only can antibiotics have unwanted side effects, but they can also lead to the bacteria developing resistance.

Even though when properly used antibiotics can be useful, overuse of antibiotics also damages the healthy bacterial environment in the vagina, intestines, and bladder which results in recurrent vaginal infections, poor digestions, and abnormal intestinal bacterial growth, as well as recurrent UTI’s. In my practice, I use antibiotics infrequently and strategically when absolutely necessary. In most cases, I use natural treatment options to help our bodies restore the normal environment and eliminate conditions that lead to recurrent infection. 

Ultimately, recurrent UTI treatment is about adopting healthier preventative habits and addressing any underlying health issues. All women are different, but standard management techniques include encouraging frequent urination and more water intake. Specialists can also recommend taking supplements, probiotics, or vaginal estrogen for postmenopausal women.

Dealing with recurrent UTIs is not easy. But, you can manage the condition with a little help. It all starts with proper diagnosis and management.

If you experience UTIs regularly, contact the offices of Dr. Michael Tahery today. Dr. Tahery is a urogynecologist with experience in both women’s health and urology. His expertise in the field can help women in Los Angeles and the surrounding areas find relief. Give our office a call to book a consultation and learn more about possible treatment options.

The post Management Of Recurrent UTIs In Women appeared first on Best Uro-Gynecologist Los Angeles, OB/GYN Glendale | Dr. Michael Tahery.

In most cases, incontinence isn’t a life-threatening ailment. However, it can negatively impact a woman’s quality of life. Women are twice as likely to suffer from this debilitating problem as men. There are many potential causes of urinary incontinence in women. Here are some of the most common.

Pregnancy & Childbirth

Healthcare professionals estimate that about 40 percent of all women experience urinary incontinence during pregnancy. During and after childbirth, women are at a high risk of experiencing stress incontinence. This form of incontinence refers to accidental leakage due to sudden pressure on the bladder, with laugh, cough, or exercise.

As babies develop during pregnancy, the uterus expands significantly. This process leads to excess pressure on the bladder and urethra. All it takes is one cough, laugh, or intense physical motion to lose control.

Incontinence in women during pregnancy can also stem from hormonal changes. Fluctuations and the general increase in progesterone levels weaken the pelvic floor. One job of progesterone during pregnancy is to loosen ligaments and joints, making room for the womb. But, the hormone is also capable of weakening the pelvic muscles that impact urine control.

Giving birth can result in urinary incontinence in women that lasts for several weeks. Vaginal delivery, in particular, is known to stretch and weaken the pelvic floor muscles. These muscles act as a sling to support the pelvic organs, including the bladder. When damaged during childbirth, some women might experience pelvic organ prolapse and continued incontinence issues. 

Childbirth may also damage the nerves that communicate with the bladder. Generally, incontinence troubles resolve themselves six weeks or so after delivery. But in some women, they can be the start of lifelong bladder control battles.

• 30% of women will continue to suffer from urinary incontinence as a result of a pregnancy.

RELATED: Urinary incontinence and vaginal prolapse after vaginal delivery

Aging

Urinary incontinence is more common in older women. Roughly 30 percent of all women between the ages of 45 and 64 experience it. For women 65 and older, that figure jumps up to about 50 percent.

Contrary to popular belief, urinary incontinence in women is not a normal part of getting older. It’s a medical condition that’s likely a byproduct of another underlying health concern. For older women, the potential causes of incontinence widen.

In many instances, the culprit is pelvic floor atrophy. The effects of previous pregnancy and childbirth can also come into play. Several neurological disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease, stroke, and Parkinson’s disease, might be to blame for urinary incontinence in women as well.

Menopause

In addition to hot flashes, night sweats, and mood changes, urinary incontinence is a common complaint during menopause. During this life stage, the body stops producing estrogen and progesterone. Researchers believe that these lower estrogen and progesterone levels weaken the urethra and the pelvic floor muscles.

Less estrogen also makes vaginal tissue less elastic while thinning the lining of the urethra. All of these seemingly minor changes add up. Plus, additional biological changes like weight gain and pelvic organ prolapse can occur after menopause. These events make urinary incontinence in women much more likely during and after menopause.

RELATED: How to Prevent Genital and Urinary Problems During and After Menopause?

Many women will start to experience incontinence during perimenopause when hormonal changes first begin. But, the brunt of bladder control issues happens during menopause and continues long after. Women can experience all forms of urinary incontinence, including frequent stress accidents, sudden urges to urinate, and overactive bladder.

Urinary incontinence in women is far more common than most think. That said, it doesn’t have to affect your life. Problems with bladder control are usually very treatable with the right care.

Dr. Tahery is a urogynecologist in Los Angeles. His gynecology and urology knowledge provides a deeper understanding of urinary incontinence in women and other pelvic floor issues.

Contact Dr. Tahery’s offices in Los Angeles and Glendale today to schedule a consultation and learn more about potential treatment options.

The post What Causes Urinary Incontinence In Women? appeared first on Best Uro-Gynecologist Los Angeles, OB/GYN Glendale | Dr. Michael Tahery.

While many view labiaplasty as a purely cosmetic endeavor, many women seek it for comfort, too. Excess tissue can cause pain during sexual intercourse or discomfort when wearing tight-fitting clothing. For this reason, many women choose to combine labiaplasty with clitoral hood reduction for a complete vaginal makeover.

Despite all of the benefits this procedure has to offer, there is one common concern among women interested in this procedure. Does labiaplasty affect sensation?

Sensory issues are a legitimate concern. The tip of the clitoris alone has over 8,000 nerves! That’s not counting the labia nerve endings and receptors.

So, does a labiaplasty affect sensation after recovery? Luckily, it does not. During this procedure, surgeons remove only tissue. The tissue doesn’t have any nerve endings. While there are always risks involved, a decrease in sexual sensation shouldn’t be one of them with a skilled surgeon. In fact, you may experience more if you pair labiaplasty with a clitoral hood reduction.

This procedure reduces the size of the clitoral hood by removing excess tissue. It exposes the clitoris to more sensation.

RELATED: Does sex cause elongated labia?

The Labiaplasty Procedure

The process all starts with a consultation. Every woman’s needs are different. Surgeons take the time to discuss your expectation in great detail. They can determine the amount of correction and types of surgical methods best suited for the job.

There are a few types of labiaplasty procedures available. One of the most common is called a “Trim” or “Edge” labiaplasty. With this technique, surgeons perform a vertical incision with a laser or scalpel. The cut occurs on the free edge of the labia minora to remove excess tissue. It is especially useful to remove areas of discoloration as well as the excess tissue. 

The second option is the “Wedge” technique. Best for women concerned about visible scarring, this technique involves removing tissue from the thickest part of the inner labia. Surgeons remove a wedge-shaped section and stitch the cut edges together. The process instantly reduces the length and modifies the shape of the labia.

Finally, there’s the “De-Epithelialization” technique. This method is similar to the “Edge”. However, the difference here is that the surgeon removes an oval-shaped section of the epithelium tissue lining the inner labia. The process avoids labia nerve endings and alleviates sensory worries.

Despite the significant change they create, a labiaplasty and clitoral hood reduction are relatively straightforward. Both procedures are performed in an outpatient setting and take roughly two hours to complete depending on the correction level required. After about two or three days, most women can return to their standard routine. There are some physical restrictions with exercise and sexual intercourse in the beginning. But, a full recovery will only take about four to six weeks.

RELATED: Answers to your questions about labiaplasty

Labiaplasty in Los Angeles

A Labiaplasty is a transformative procedure that can improve aesthetic, comfort, and sexual confidence. 

Dr. Tahery, as a urogynecologist, has in-depth knowledge about female sexual and reproductive anatomy. The subspecialty covers both gynecology and urology, leading to a deeper understanding of the intricate inner workings of the pelvic organs. 

Contact the offices of Dr. Tahery today to learn more about the labiaplasty procedure and to book your consultation.

The post Will Labiaplasty Affect Sensation? Urogynecologist’s Advice appeared first on Best Uro-Gynecologist Los Angeles, OB/GYN Glendale | Dr. Michael Tahery.

Contrary to popular belief, pelvic floor dysfunction is not a rare occurrence. Issues can arise at any point during a woman’s life. While these issues usually aren’t life-threatening, they can have a debilitating effect on a woman’s quality of life. There are a few types of disorders. Here are the most common that affect women and their accompanying symptoms.

Urinary Incontinence Symptoms

Urinary incontinence is the most widespread pelvic floor disorder. It results in complete or partial loss of bladder control. When this occurs, the muscles that control the bladder valve weaken. Usually, the issue is that the pelvic floor muscles are unable to relax. Women may experience a loss of muscle coordination, preventing at-will urination and frequent accidents.

At first, symptoms can be as innocent as slight urine loss during a sneeze or cough. However, pelvic floor dysfunction can worsen and cause regular involuntary loss.

Symptoms of urinary incontinence can vary widely from one person to the next. However, they often include:

• A feeling of pressure on the bladder
• Frequent urination
• Difficulty urinating at will
• Accidents when laughing, coughing, or sneezing
• Urine loss or leakage
• Inability to empty bladder completely

RELATED: Urinary Incontinence Specialist in Los Angeles

Pelvic Organ Prolapse Symptoms

Pelvic organ prolapse is one of the more alarming forms of pelvic floor dysfunction. It occurs when the pelvic floor muscles and tissue weaken. The otherwise supportive sling can become thin or tear completely, resulting in the organs “falling” out of place.

Prolapse can cause significant discomfort for women. Not only that, but the standard function of the fallen organs become compromised. The organs can herniate into the vaginal wall, resulting in a visible bulge. It is a cystocele when the bladder herniates and a rectocele when the rectum herniates.

Some of the most common symptoms for this type of pelvic floor disorder include:

• Weighty feeling in the pubic area
• Dragging discomfort in the vagina
• Visible bulges in the vagina
• Pain or discomfort during sex
• Difficulty with urination or bowel movement

RELATED: Organ Prolapse Treatment in Los Angeles

Fecal Incontinence

Fecal incontinence is similar to urinary incontinence. The difference, however, is that this pelvic floor disorder involves a loss of bowel control. The pelvic floor muscles controlling the bowels and rectum do not perform efficiently, resulting in numerous problems.

Women can suffer from passive incontinence, which refers to the sudden passing of stool without any control. Or, they can suffer from urge-related incontinence. This form of pelvic floor dysfunction pertains to constant muscle contraction that prevents the passage of stool.

Fecal incontinence can affect women at any age. However, it’s most common in seniors and women recovering after childbirth. Some common symptoms include:

• Sudden accidents
• Periodic stool or mucus leakage
• Difficulty passing stool
• Chronic constipation
• Frequent bouts of diarrhea

Pelvic floor disorders can negatively impact your day-to-day life. But, they are highly treatable. Dr. Tahery is a practicing urogynecologist in Los Angeles. He can create a custom treatment plan to mitigate these disorders’ effects. Contact us today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Tahery, learn more about pelvic floor dysfunction, and address your symptoms once and for all.

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