You have probably heard about the gut microbiome, but the vaginal microbiome is equally important and far less understood by most women. This community of microorganisms living in the vagina plays a critical role in protecting your reproductive health, preventing infections, and even influencing pregnancy outcomes. Understanding it is one of the most important steps you can take toward informed, proactive women’s healthcare.

What Is the Vaginal Microbiome?

The vaginal microbiome is the collection of microorganisms, primarily bacteria, that naturally inhabit the vaginal environment. Unlike the gut microbiome which thrives on diversity, a healthy vaginal microbiome is characterized by low diversity and dominance of one genus of bacteria called Lactobacillus. These beneficial bacteria produce lactic acid and hydrogen peroxide, maintaining the vaginal pH between 3.8 and 4.5 and creating an environment that is inhospitable to harmful pathogens.

Research published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences analyzed the vaginal microbiomes of over 400 women and identified five distinct community types, four of which were dominated by different Lactobacillus species. The fifth, characterized by low Lactobacillus levels and high bacterial diversity, was associated with significantly higher rates of infection and inflammation.

Why the Vaginal Microbiome Matters

The vaginal microbiome is your body’s first line of defense against vaginal and reproductive infections. A healthy Lactobacillus-dominant microbiome protects against:

• Bacterial vaginosis, the most common vaginal infection in women of reproductive age
• Yeast infections caused by Candida overgrowth
• Sexually transmitted infections including chlamydia, gonorrhea, and HIV
• Urinary tract infections
• Pelvic inflammatory disease

A landmark study published in PLOS ONE found that women with low Lactobacillus levels and disrupted vaginal microbiomes were significantly more susceptible to sexually transmitted infections, even after controlling for sexual behavior and other risk factors.

The Vaginal Microbiome and Reproductive Health

The implications of vaginal microbiome health extend well beyond infection prevention. Research has increasingly linked vaginal microbiome composition to fertility and pregnancy outcomes. A study published in Nature Medicine found that women with Lactobacillus-dominant vaginal microbiomes had significantly better outcomes in IVF treatment, including higher rates of embryo implantation and clinical pregnancy, compared to women with diverse or dysbiotic vaginal flora.

The same study found that a disrupted vaginal microbiome during pregnancy was associated with:

• Increased risk of preterm birth
• Higher rates of premature rupture of membranes
• Greater likelihood of miscarriage in early pregnancy

These findings highlight the vaginal microbiome as a critical but underappreciated factor in reproductive medicine.

What Disrupts the Vaginal Microbiome?

Many common habits and biological changes can disturb the delicate balance of the vaginal microbiome:

• Douching, which is one of the most damaging things you can do to vaginal flora
• Antibiotic use, which kills beneficial Lactobacillus bacteria alongside harmful pathogens
• Hormonal changes during menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause
• Unprotected sex, since semen alters vaginal pH and introduces new bacteria
• Smoking, which research has shown to be independently associated with reduced Lactobacillus levels
• High sugar diets which promote Candida overgrowth
• Prolonged use of synthetic underwear or tight clothing that creates a warm moist environment
• Scented soaps, washes, or feminine hygiene products used inside the vagina

Signs Your Vaginal Microbiome May Be Disrupted

• Unusual vaginal discharge that is gray, yellow, or watery
• A fishy or unpleasant vaginal odor
• Itching, burning, or irritation inside or around the vagina
• Recurrent yeast infections or bacterial vaginosis
• Discomfort or pain during sex
• Frequent urinary tract infections

How to Support a Healthy Vaginal Microbiome

The good news is that supporting your vaginal microbiome does not require complicated interventions. Evidence-based strategies include:

• Never douching, as the vagina is self-cleaning and douching disrupts the natural bacterial environment
• Washing only the external vulvar area with warm water or a gentle unscented soap
• Wearing breathable cotton underwear and avoiding tight synthetic fabrics
• Using condoms to minimize pH disruption and reduce introduction of foreign bacteria
• Eating a balanced diet low in refined sugar and rich in probiotic foods including yogurt, kefir, and fermented vegetables
• Taking an oral probiotic containing Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Lactobacillus reuteri, which a review in the European Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology found to be the most effective strains for restoring and maintaining vaginal flora
• Avoiding unnecessary antibiotic use and supporting microbiome recovery with probiotics after any antibiotic course
• Speaking with your provider about vaginal estrogen if you are in perimenopause or menopause, as declining estrogen significantly reduces Lactobacillus colonization

The Role of Hormones in Vaginal Microbiome Health

Estrogen plays a direct role in supporting the vaginal microbiome by promoting glycogen production in vaginal cells. Lactobacillus bacteria feed on this glycogen and use it to produce lactic acid, maintaining the acidic pH that protects vaginal health. When estrogen levels decline during perimenopause and menopause, glycogen production drops, Lactobacillus populations decrease, and the vaginal environment becomes more vulnerable to infection and inflammation. This is one of the reasons why vaginal health often changes significantly around menopause and why hormone support may be an important part of long-term vaginal microbiome management.

When to See a Doctor

You should speak with a women’s health provider if you are experiencing recurrent vaginal infections, persistent unusual discharge or odor, discomfort that is not resolving with over-the-counter treatments, or symptoms that keep returning after treatment. A vaginal culture and pH test can identify specific disruptions in your microbiome and guide targeted treatment.

Understanding your vaginal microbiome puts you in a far stronger position to protect your health, prevent infections, and support your reproductive wellbeing at every stage of life.

Schedule your women’s health appointment with IVANA MD in Missouri City, TX. 

346-585-4077.

 4220 Cartwright Road, Suite 201, Missouri City, Texas 77459.

References

Fettweis, J. M., Serrano, M. G., Brooks, J. P., et al. (2019). The vaginal microbiome and preterm birth. Nature Medicine, 25(6), 1012-1021. PubMed Link

Kyrgiou, M., Mitra, A., & Moscicki, A. B. (2017). Does the vaginal microbiota play a role in the development of cervical cancer? Translational Research, 179, 168–182. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27477083/ 

Ravel, J., Gajer, P., Abdo, Z., et al. (2011). Vaginal microbiome of reproductive-age women. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 108(Suppl 1), 4680-4687. PubMed Link

Moreno, I., Codoñer, F. M., Vilella, F., et al. (2016). Evidence that the endometrial microbiota has an effect on implantation success or failure of women undergoing IVF. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 215(6), 746-e1. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27717732/ 

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Pelvic organ prolapse is one of the most common yet least talked about conditions affecting women. Many women silently live with the discomfort and pressure of prolapse for years without knowing that effective treatments exist.

What Is Pelvic Organ Prolapse?

Pelvic organ prolapse occurs when the muscles and tissues of the pelvic floor weaken and can no longer support the pelvic organs. As a result one or more organs including the bladder, uterus, or rectum descend and press into or protrude through the vaginal wall. Research published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology estimates that approximately 50 percent of women who have given birth have some degree of prolapse, though not all experience symptoms.

What Causes It?

The most common causes and risk factors include:

• Vaginal childbirth, particularly with prolonged pushing, large babies, or multiple deliveries
• Menopause and the decline in estrogen that weakens pelvic tissues
• Chronic constipation and straining
• Obesity, which places sustained pressure on the pelvic floor
• Aging and natural loss of muscle tone
• Genetic predisposition to connective tissue weakness

What Are the Symptoms?

• A feeling of heaviness or pressure in the pelvis
• A visible bulge at the vaginal opening
• Difficulty with urination or bowel movements
• Lower back pain that worsens throughout the day
• Pain or discomfort during sex
• A feeling that something is falling out of the vagina

Treatment Options

Non-surgical options include:

• Pelvic floor physical therapy, which is the first-line treatment recommended by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
• Pessary devices, which are removable silicone inserts that physically support prolapsed organs
• Vaginal estrogen therapy to restore tissue strength during and after menopause
• Lifestyle changes including weight management, treating constipation, and avoiding heavy lifting

For moderate to severe prolapse that does not respond to conservative treatment, surgical repair is highly effective. A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that both surgical and pessary treatments significantly improved quality of life in women with pelvic organ prolapse.

When to See a Doctor

See a women’s health provider if you notice pelvic pressure or a bulge, difficulty with urination or bowel movements, pain during sex, or symptoms interfering with your daily life. Prolapse does not resolve on its own and tends to worsen without treatment. Early evaluation always leads to better outcomes.

You do not have to live with the discomfort of pelvic organ prolapse. Effective, personalized solutions are available.

Schedule your women’s health appointment with IVANA MD in Missouri City, TX. 

346-585-4077. 

4220 Cartwright Road, Suite 201, Missouri City, Texas 77459.

References

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the American Urogynecologic Society. (2019). Pelvic Organ Prolapse: ACOG Practice Bulletin, Number 214. Obstetrics & Gynecology, 134(5), e126-e142. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31651832/

Hagen, S., Stark, D., Glazener, C., et al. (2011). Conservative prevention and management of pelvic organ prolapse in women. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (12), CD003882. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22161382/

Olsen, A. L., Smith, V. J., Bergstrom, J. O., et al. (1997). Epidemiology of surgically managed pelvic organ prolapse and urinary incontinence. Obstetrics & Gynecology, 89(4), 501-506. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9083302/

Haylen, B. T., de Ridder, D., Freeman, R. M., et al. (2010). An International Urogynecological Association (IUGA)/International Continence Society (ICS) joint report on the terminology for female pelvic floor dysfunction. International Urogynecology Journal, 21(1), 5-26. springer.com

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If you have recently had an IUD inserted and are wondering whether the cramping you are feeling is normal or something to be concerned about, you are not alone. Cramping after IUD insertion is one of the most common questions women ask their providers, and knowing the difference between expected discomfort and a warning sign can save you unnecessary worry or, on the other end, unnecessary delay in getting help.

Why Does Cramping Happen After IUD Insertion?

During IUD insertion the cervix is dilated and a small instrument is passed through it to place the device inside the uterine cavity. This process stimulates the cervix and uterus in ways that trigger a cramping response similar to menstrual pain. The uterus may also contract in the hours and days after insertion as it adjusts to the presence of the device. This is a normal physiological response and not a sign that something has gone wrong.

What Is Normal Cramping?

Research published in Contraception journal confirms that cramping and discomfort following IUD insertion are expected and typically self-limiting. Normal post-insertion cramping includes:

• Moderate to strong cramping during and immediately after the procedure
• Cramping that gradually decreases over the first 24 to 48 hours
• Mild to moderate cramping that comes and goes over the first few days
• Light spotting or bleeding accompanying the cramps
• Cramping that responds to over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen

Taking 400 to 600mg of ibuprofen every six to eight hours for the first one to two days after insertion is one of the most effective ways to manage normal post-IUD cramping. A heating pad on the lower abdomen also provides significant relief.

How Long Does Normal Cramping Last?

For most women cramping is most intense on the day of insertion and improves significantly within 24 to 48 hours. Some women, particularly those who have never been pregnant, may experience intermittent cramping for up to one to two weeks as the uterus adjusts. With hormonal IUDs some women also notice irregular cramping during the first three to six months as the body adapts to localized progestin. With copper IUDs cramping and heavier periods are common for the first three to six months and typically improve over time.

When Cramping Is Not Normal

While cramping after IUD insertion is expected, certain types of pain signal a complication that requires prompt medical attention. Contact your provider immediately if you experience:

• Severe pain that is getting worse rather than better after the first 48 hours
• Cramping accompanied by fever or chills
• Unusual or foul-smelling vaginal discharge alongside cramping
• Pain so intense it is not relieved by ibuprofen or a heating pad
• Cramping that returns or intensifies after initially improving
• Pain during sex in the weeks following insertion

These symptoms could indicate infection, uterine perforation, or IUD expulsion, all of which require prompt evaluation.

Rare but Serious Complications

While serious complications from IUD insertion are uncommon, they are important to be aware of. A study published in Obstetrics and Gynecology found that uterine perforation occurs in approximately 1 in 1000 IUD insertions and is most likely to present as persistent or worsening pelvic pain rather than the typical cramping pattern. IUD expulsion, where the device partially or fully moves out of position, occurs in 2 to 10 percent of users in the first year and may also cause unusual cramping or pressure sensations.

Tips for Managing Post-IUD Cramping

• Take ibuprofen or naproxen before the procedure and continue for the first one to two days afterward
• Use a heating pad on the lower abdomen for 15 to 20 minutes at a time
• Rest for the remainder of the day after insertion
• Avoid strenuous exercise and heavy lifting for 24 to 48 hours
• Stay hydrated and eat before your appointment to reduce the risk of dizziness
• Check your IUD strings after your first period to confirm the device is in place

When to Call Your Provider

Beyond watching for serious warning signs, also reach out to your provider if cramping has not improved after two weeks, if your periods have become significantly heavier or more painful than expected, or if something simply does not feel right. Trust your body. You know when something is off and your provider is there to help you figure out what it means.

Post-IUD cramping is usually nothing more than your uterus doing exactly what it is supposed to do. But when in doubt, always reach out.

Schedule your women’s health appointment with IVANA MD in Missouri City, TX. 

346-585-4077. 

4220 Cartwright Road, Suite 201, Missouri City, Texas 77459.

References

Aoun, J., Dines, V. A., Stovall, D. W., et al. (2014). Effects of age, parity, and device type on complications and discontinuation of intrauterine devices. Obstetrics & Gynecology, 123(3), 585–592. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24499755/ 

Lopez, L. M., Bernholc, A., Zeng, Y., et al. (2015). Interventions for pain with intrauterine device insertion. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (7), CD007373. nih.gov 

Madden, T., Secura, G. M., Colleen, M., et al. (2014). Association of age and parity with intrauterine device expulsion. Obstetrics & Gynecology, 124(4), 718-726. nih.gov [1]

Jatlaoui, T. C., Riley, H. E., & Curtis, K. M. (2016). The safety of intrauterine devices among young women: a systematic review. Contraception, 94(6), 556-566. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27771475/ 

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Understanding your menstrual cycle is one of the most powerful things you can do for your health. Whether you are trying to conceive, avoid pregnancy, manage symptoms, or simply understand your body better, cycle tracking apps have made it easier than ever to tune into your reproductive health. But not all apps are created equal, and knowing how to use them effectively makes all the difference.

Why Track Your Cycle?

Your menstrual cycle is often referred to as a fifth vital sign because it provides a window into your overall health. Hormonal fluctuations throughout the month affect your energy, mood, libido, skin, sleep, and physical performance. Tracking your cycle helps you identify patterns, anticipate symptoms, detect irregularities early, and have more informed conversations with your healthcare provider.

Research published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research found that women who used menstrual tracking apps reported significantly greater awareness of their cycle patterns and were better able to identify abnormalities that prompted them to seek medical care earlier than they otherwise would have.

What to Track

Effective cycle tracking goes beyond just logging the start and end date of your period. For the most complete picture of your reproductive health, track:

• Period start and end dates and flow heaviness
• Physical symptoms including cramping, bloating, breast tenderness, and headaches
• Mood and energy levels throughout the month
• Cervical mucus changes, which shift in consistency and volume across the cycle
• Basal body temperature, which rises slightly after ovulation and can confirm whether ovulation occurred
• Spotting or any bleeding between periods
• Sleep quality and libido changes
• Medications and supplements

The more consistently and thoroughly you log, the more useful the data becomes over time.

How Cycle Tracking Apps Work

Most cycle tracking apps use one of two approaches. Calendar-based apps use the dates of your past periods to predict future cycles based on average cycle length. More advanced apps incorporate symptom data, basal body temperature, and cervical mucus observations to provide more personalized and accurate predictions. Some apps now use algorithm-based learning that improves predictions the longer you use them.

A study published in NPJ Digital Medicine evaluated the accuracy of several popular menstrual tracking apps and found that apps incorporating multiple data points including basal body temperature and cervical mucus were significantly more accurate at predicting ovulation than calendar-based methods alone.

Top Cycle Tracking Apps Worth Considering

Several well-regarded apps are widely used and clinically supported:

• Clue, which is research-backed and developed in collaboration with reproductive health scientists and is one of the most studied period tracking apps available
• Natural Cycles, which is the first FDA-cleared birth control app and uses basal body temperature along with cycle data to identify fertile and non-fertile days
• Flo, which uses AI-based predictions and offers symptom tracking, health insights, and educational content on women’s health
• Ovia Fertility, which is particularly well suited for women trying to conceive and tracks a comprehensive range of fertility signs
• Kindara, which focuses on the fertility awareness method and allows detailed tracking of basal body temperature and cervical mucus

Understanding the Limits of App-Based Tracking

While cycle tracking apps are valuable tools, it is important to understand their limitations. No app can replace clinical evaluation and apps should not be relied upon as a sole method of contraception without understanding the method’s effectiveness. A review published in Obstetrics and Gynecology found that the accuracy of period tracking apps varied widely and that calendar-based predictions alone were unreliable for identifying the fertile window, particularly in women with irregular cycles.

Apps also cannot diagnose conditions like PCOS, endometriosis, or thyroid disorders, though they can help you identify patterns worth discussing with your provider.

When Your Tracked Data Should Prompt a Doctor Visit

One of the greatest values of cycle tracking is that it creates a clear record of your menstrual health over time. Bring your tracking data to your gynecologist if you notice:

• Cycles consistently shorter than 21 days or longer than 35 days
• Periods lasting more than seven days
• Consistently very heavy flow soaking through a pad or tampon within an hour
• Spotting between periods that occurs repeatedly
• Complete absence of a period for three or more months
• Severe symptoms that significantly disrupt daily life each cycle

These patterns are exactly the kind of information your provider needs to identify underlying conditions early.

Privacy Considerations

With increased awareness around data privacy, it is worth knowing that menstrual health data is sensitive personal information. Before choosing an app review its privacy policy carefully to understand how your data is stored, shared, and protected. Look for apps that offer end-to-end encryption, do not sell data to third parties, and allow you to delete your information at any time.

Tracking your cycle is an act of self-knowledge. The more you understand about your own body, the better equipped you are to advocate for your health at every stage of life.

Schedule your women’s health appointment with IVANA MD in Missouri City, TX. 

346-585-4077. 

4220 Cartwright Road, Suite 201, Missouri City, Texas 77459.

References

Grieger, J. A., & Norman, R. J. (2020). Menstrual Cycle Length and Patterns in a Global Cohort of Women Using a Mobile Phone App: Retrospective Cohort Study. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 22(6), e17109. https://www.jmir.org/2020/6/e17109/

Symul, L., Wac, K., Hillard, P., & Salathé, M. (2019). Assessment of menstrual health status and evolution through mobile apps for fertility awareness  npj Digital Medicine, 2(1), 1-10. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41746-019-0139-4

Moglia, M. L., Nguyen, K. K., Katherine, C., et al. (2016). Evaluation of smartphone menstrual cycle tracking applications using an adapted APPLICATIONS scoring system. Obstetrics & Gynecology, 127(6), 1153-1160. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/302592463

Ko, S., Lee, J., An, D., & Woo, H. (2023). Menstrual Tracking Mobile App Review by Consumers and Health Care Providers: Quality Evaluations Study. JMIR mHealth and uHealth, 11, e40921. https://mhealth.jmir.org/2023/1/e40921. [1] 

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When most people think about sexually transmitted diseases, infertility is not always the first concern that comes to mind. But the connection between untreated STDs and long-term reproductive damage is one of the most important and underappreciated topics in women’s health. The silent nature of many STDs means that damage can occur without a woman ever knowing she was infected.

How STDs Affect Fertility

Many sexually transmitted infections, when left untreated, travel from the vagina and cervix upward into the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. This ascending infection triggers inflammation and scarring in the reproductive tract that can permanently alter fertility. The fallopian tubes are particularly vulnerable because they are the narrow pathway through which eggs travel from the ovaries to the uterus. Even partial blockage or scarring of the tubes can prevent fertilization or increase the risk of ectopic pregnancy.

The STDs Most Linked to Infertility

Chlamydia

Chlamydia is the most commonly reported STD in the United States and one of the leading infectious causes of infertility in women. What makes it especially dangerous is that up to 70 percent of women with chlamydia have no symptoms at all according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Without symptoms, infections go undetected and untreated, allowing the bacteria to silently damage the reproductive tract over time. Research published in the Journal of Infectious Diseases found that even a single episode of chlamydial pelvic inflammatory disease reduces the chance of conception by approximately 15 to 20 percent, with the risk increasing significantly with each subsequent infection.

Gonorrhea

Gonorrhea is another bacterial STD that frequently causes no symptoms in women yet can lead to serious reproductive consequences if left untreated. Like chlamydia, gonorrhea can ascend into the upper reproductive tract and cause pelvic inflammatory disease. A study published in Sexually Transmitted Infections found that women with a history of gonorrhea had significantly higher rates of tubal factor infertility compared to women with no infection history. Gonorrhea is also becoming increasingly resistant to antibiotics, making early detection and treatment more critical than ever.

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease

Pelvic inflammatory disease, commonly known as PID, is not an STD itself but is most often caused by untreated chlamydia or gonorrhea spreading to the reproductive organs. PID is one of the most significant preventable causes of infertility in women. According to research published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, approximately 10 to 15 percent of women who develop PID will experience tubal factor infertility as a result, and the risk doubles with each recurrent episode of PID.

Human Papillomavirus

HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection worldwide. While most HPV infections clear on their own, high-risk strains can lead to cervical dysplasia and cervical cancer. Treatments for advanced cervical disease including cone biopsy and LEEP procedures can affect the cervix in ways that impact fertility, including reduced cervical mucus production and, in rare cases, cervical incompetence during pregnancy. Research published in BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology found that women who had undergone LEEP procedures had a modestly increased risk of preterm birth in subsequent pregnancies.

Herpes

While herpes simplex virus does not directly cause infertility, active genital herpes during pregnancy carries serious risks for the baby and can complicate the management of pregnancy and delivery. Additionally, the presence of herpes increases susceptibility to other STDs including HIV, which can further impact reproductive health.

Syphilis

Untreated syphilis during pregnancy is associated with miscarriage, stillbirth, and congenital syphilis in newborns. While syphilis does not directly cause tubal infertility in the same way chlamydia and gonorrhea do, its impact on pregnancy outcomes makes it a critical STD to screen for in women of reproductive age.

The Role of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease in Infertility

PID deserves special attention because it is the primary mechanism through which STDs destroy fertility. When bacteria from the lower reproductive tract travel upward, the body mounts an inflammatory response that leads to:

• Scarring and adhesions inside the fallopian tubes
• Complete or partial tubal blockage preventing egg and sperm from meeting
• Damage to the fimbriae, the finger-like projections that capture eggs released from the ovary
• Peritubal adhesions that distort the anatomy of the reproductive tract
• Increased risk of ectopic pregnancy, where a fertilized egg implants in the fallopian tube instead of the uterus

A landmark study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that tubal infertility occurred in 8 percent of women after one episode of PID, 20 percent after two episodes, and 40 percent after three or more episodes, making prevention and early treatment critically important.

STD Screening and Fertility Preservation

The most powerful tool against STD-related infertility is regular screening. The CDC recommends annual chlamydia and gonorrhea screening for all sexually active women under 25 and for older women with new or multiple partners. Many women with these infections have no symptoms, making routine screening the only way to catch and treat them before damage occurs.

Women who are planning to conceive should consider comprehensive STD screening as part of their preconception care, including testing for chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, HIV, and hepatitis B and C.

Treatment and Fertility Recovery

When STDs are caught early and treated promptly with appropriate antibiotics, the risk of long-term reproductive damage is significantly reduced. For women who have already experienced tubal damage from a prior infection, options including tubal surgery and in vitro fertilization can help achieve pregnancy. A reproductive specialist can evaluate the extent of tubal damage through a procedure called a hysterosalpingogram and recommend the most appropriate fertility treatment path.

When to See a Doctor

You should be tested for STDs if you are sexually active and not in a mutually monogamous relationship, if you have a new sexual partner, if you are planning a pregnancy, if you have symptoms including unusual discharge, pelvic pain, or burning during urination, or if you have never been screened and are unsure of your status. Do not wait for symptoms because with STDs, silence is not safety.

Protecting your sexual health today is protecting your reproductive future.

Schedule your women’s health appointment with IVANA MD in Missouri City, TX. 

346-585-4077. 

4220 Cartwright Road, Suite 201, Missouri City, Texas 77459.

References

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Sexually Transmitted Infections Treatment Guidelines, 2021. MMWR Recommendations and Reports, 70(4), 1-187. cdc.gov

Tsevat, D. G., Wiesenfeld, H. C., Parks, C., et al. (2017). Sexually transmitted diseases and infertility. Sexually Transmitted Infections, 93(1), 59-64. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5193130/ [1, 2]

Wiesenfeld, H. C., Hillier, S. L., Meyn, L. A., et al. (2012). Subclinical pelvic inflammatory disease and infertility. Obstetrics & Gynecology, 120(1), 37-43. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22678036/ [1, 2] 

Weström, L., Joesoef, R., Reynolds, G., et al. (1992). Pelvic inflammatory disease and fertility: a cohort study of 1,844 women with laparoscopically verified disease and 657 control women with normal laparoscopic results. Sexually Transmitted Diseases, 19(4), 185-192. nih.gov [1, 2]

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