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Syphilis is primarily a sexually transmitted disease caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum (because syphilis is in the genus Treponema, it can also be called a “treponemal disease”; however, there are other treponemal diseases that are not syphilis). It is transmitted through the mucous membranes, broken skin, and direct mother-to-child infection during pregnancy. As such, unprotected sex (anal, oral, vaginal, or any other permutation that results in the exchange of bodily fluids) increases an individual's risk of contracting the disease. Similarly, risky sexual behavior and increased number of sexual partners also increase an individual’s risk of contracting syphilis (and other sexually transmitted diseases).
Syphilis typically presents in three distinct symptomatic stages, (described below) marked by potentially long periods of symptom-free remission between stages. If left untreated, the final stage is usually ultimately fatal. However, it can take up to several decades from the point of initial infection until an individual enters the third and final phase of the disease.
As mentioned above, syphilis commonly presents with three distinct symptomatic stages. These are commonly known as Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary syphilis. Each stage is marked by its own set of typical signs and symptoms of the underlying disease.
● Primary Syphilis usually presents as a single round, painless, firm lesion called a chancre. It usually appears around the genitals or anus, but can occur elsewhere on the body. It usually appears within three weeks of the time of the initial infection. Even if left untreated, the chancre will usually heal within three to ten days.
● Secondary Syphilis usually presents as a more diffuse non-itchy rash across the skin. One of the distinct features of secondary syphilis is that this rash often can involve both the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet. Even if left untreated, this phase will also usually resolve on its own.
● Tertiary Syphilis may occur multiple decades after the initial infection, if left untreated. It can cause diffuse damage throughout the individual’s body to multiple different organ systems, from bone to skin and so forth. However, what often ends up claiming the lives of the afflicted individuals is the damage done to their brain and cardiovascular system. If there is clinical suspicion of syphilis, the individual will still require additional laboratory testing to confirm the diagnosis.
Individuals infected with syphilis can still be accurately tested even if they do not have any active symptoms suggestive of syphilis. This is done by a combination of two blood tests:
1. A nontreponemal test, such as the Venereal Disease Research Laboratory (VDRL) or Rapid Plasma Reagin (RPR) test.
2. A treponemal test, such as the Treponema pallidum Passive Particle Agglutination assay (TP-PA), Enzyme Immunoassays (EIA), Chemiluminescence Immunoassays (CIA), or rapid treponemal assays.
A positive result for both the nontreponemal and treponemal tests is required for a diagnosis of syphilis. Additionally, if there is access to drainage or fluid from an open lesion, urinary discharge, or the tissue from a lesion, darkfield microscopy can be used to look for visual confirmation of the presence of Treponema pallidum (which appear as little white spirals under the microscope, hence their alternate classification as a “spirochete” bacteria).
As dismal and dire as untreated syphilis is, the good news is that syphilis is easily treatable and curable if caught before entering the tertiary syphilis stage of the disease. The mainstay of treatment is an injection of a long-acting form of penicillin called benzathine penicillin G. Because syphilis can be transmitted directly from mother to child during pregnancy, treatment with benzathine penicillin G is highly recommended for infected pregnant women to prevent congenital syphilis in the child. There is even evidence supporting additional treatment for pregnant women. However, because of the additional risks, this issue should be discussed with the woman’s obstetrician to decide on the best treatment plan and course of action.
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From a purely brass-tacks scientific perspective, syphilis is just the name given to a three-stage disease caused by the bacteria Treponema pallidum. It is essentially transmitted through mucous membranes or broken skin, which is why the overwhelming method of transmission is unprotected sexual contact and the risk goes up rapidly in proportion to riskier sexual practices and increased number of sexual partners. It is also worth noting that the sexual partners of people with a high number of sexual partners are also more likely to have an increased number of sexual partners themselves, thus compounding the increased risk of exposure to syphilis.
Syphilis can also be transmitted directly from an infected mother to her unborn child. The untreated disease usually progresses through three distinct stages, punctuated by periods of spontaneous remission (often mistaken for an actual resolution of the disease) in between. The first stage is usually a single, painless, firm lesion on the skin called a chancre (most commonly on the genitals or anus, but it can occur elsewhere). The second stage is usually a more disseminated rash across the skin, notable for its presence on the palms and soles of the feet. The third and final stage is usually characterized by diffuse systemic involvement, but most notably including severe damage to the central nervous system and cardiovascular system. This third and final stage may occur decades after the initial infection, and often results in the death of the individual.
The exact geographic origin of syphilis is still a widely debated subject. Some theories posit that it originated in the Americas and was brought back to Europe by Christopher Columbus’ crew. Others posit that it originated in Africa or the Old World. And others suggest that it was endemic globally. There is good evidence of treponemal disease (syphilis) in Native Americans prior to 1492, thus making the American origin plausible. However, there is also some evidence of treponemal disease in Europe prior to 1493 (when Columbus’ crew returned), although this evidence is not as strong and is disputed by many. There is also evidence that syphilis originated in either cattle or sheep and made a zoonotic transmission to humans. This, of course, raises the possibility of --to put it delicately-- let’s just say a rather unorthodox approach to “animal husbandry”. Although it is also plausible that the jump to humans could have happened through less disturbing means, such as butchering the carcasses of infected animals with broken skin.
Over the centuries, what we now call “syphilis” has gone by many names and has often been conflated and confused with other sexually transmitted diseases -- and even diseases such as leprosy and leishmaniasis. Our current name “syphilis” actually originated from a set of fictional novels written in 1530 by the Italian poet Girolamo Fracastoro called, “Syphilis sive Morbus Gallicus”. In these books, Fracastoro ascribes the origin of the disease to a curse placed on the people of ancient Greece because a shepherd named Syphilis refused to worship the god Apollo. As one might expect, there is rampant speculation about many prominent historical figures who are believed to have had syphilis, ranging from Leo Tolstoy and Friedrich Nietzsche, to Al Capone and Adolf Hitler.
The actual bacterium responsible for syphilis (Treponema pallidum) was not identified until 1905 by Fritz Schaudinn and Erich Hoffmann in Germany, and the first (moderately) effective treatment for syphilis did not come until 1910. It was an arsenic-based drug called arsphenamine and, while it was effective in the treatment of syphilis, it carried considerable downsides and adverse side effects -- as one would expect from a drug derived from arsenic! The real game changer for the successful treatment of syphilis came with the discovery of penicillin. Even though penicillin was discovered by Alexander Fleming in 1928, it was not mass produced and introduced to the American market until 1943.
While syphilis is a potentially fatal disease, the good news is that it can now be easily tested for and successfully treated with a single injection of long-acting penicillin. Recognizing the disease early is important and we will cover that in the next blog post.
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Diaphragms have been used as a method of birth control for nearly a century. Over that time, they have evolved in order to improve efficacy, comfort, and convenience. Today, there are several types of diaphragms on the market to choose from to meet your contraceptive needs. Let’s explore the different types of contraceptive diaphragms.
Diaphragms are often made of latex, but more recently, silicone versions have become available. Silicone is considered a hypoallergenic material, less likely to cause skin irritation. Newer silicone versions open up the diaphragm as a contraceptive option for women who have a sensitivity to latex.
Related: Why You Might Want to Ask Your Online OBGYN about Diaphragms
There are four traditional diaphragm types that are available today:
Wide seal rim
Arcing spring
Coil spring
Flat spring
The basic concept of a traditional diaphragm is to create a physical barrier that blocks the cervical opening. Latex or silicone material is stretched over a metal spring that forms a circular, flexible rim. The rim can be temporarily pinched and distorted for insertion and removal of the diaphragm. Once inserted, the springs open into proper placement, blocking the cervical opening.
Traditional diaphragms generally come as a set of different sizes of varying diameters that your doctor will use to find the proper fit. Sometimes there are as many as eight different sizes to choose from. That means that traditional diaphragms require an in-person doctor visit.
If you want to use a traditional diaphragm, your doctor will help select which type, from wide-seal to arcing spring, that will work best for your anatomy. Factors to consider include variances in pelvic muscle tone. A proper fit requires that the diaphragm stays in place as you change positions or move around. Discomfort and trouble with urination are also signs that you have an improper fit.
Traditional diaphragms are an effective method of contraception, with only 6 in 100 women becoming pregnant with perfect use and 12 in 100 for typical use, according to CDC studies.
Traditional diaphragms have become more difficult to find and come with the uncomfortable requirement of getting an in-person fitting from a physician. In today’s fast-paced society, there’s no wonder women decided they don’t have time to deal with that process anymore. In 2013, a new one-size-fits-most option was introduced as an alternative to the traditional diaphragms: it’s called the SILCS diaphragm, more commonly branded as “Caya.”
Caya is a uniquely designed diaphragm that is shaped to fit a woman’s contours. Looking much different from the traditional versions of diaphragms, Caya includes additional features such as a removal dome, contoured rim, and grip dimples. This new type of diaphragm still features the basics of a traditional diaphragm, including a spring rim and barrier material made of silicone. Ergonomic improvements make this contoured diaphragm stand out from the older versions.
The best part about Caya is that it comes only in one size–that means that no in-person fitting is required from your physician. Caya has been found to fit 99% of women who try it. A prescription is still required, along with patient education about how to properly use the diaphragm in pregnancy prevention. Caya’s effectiveness rates are at about 14 pregnancies in 100 women per year if used perfectly.
Both traditional diaphragms and the new contoured options are valid non-hormonal contraceptive methods. If you’re relying solely on a diaphragm and spermicide for pregnancy prevention, you may prefer to stick with a traditional diaphragm, which has slightly higher effectiveness. For convenience, most women might opt for the contoured diaphragm solely because it doesn’t require an awkward fitting at the OBGYN’s office, and it has more ergonomic features.
If you’re considering trying a diaphragm or upgrading your current one, My Virtual Physician has gynecologists available to meet with you virtually and discuss your options. We have partnered with Caya to get your contoured diaphragm to you as simply as possible.
If you’re a woman, you’ve probably wondered at some point in your life whether you were fertile. Unfortunately, it’s not an uncommon problem, with as much as 19% of women of childbearing unable to get pregnant.
So if you’re wondering now, is there a way to find out if I’m fertile so that I can be prepared when I am ready to conceive? We have the answer for you. Read on to find out how you can check your fertility.
Before covering how to check your fertility, let’s cover the basics. Fertility is defined as the ability to reproduce. In other words, as a woman, you are fertile if you are able to conceive and sustain a pregnancy to full term. Women are fertile during the childbearing years, from puberty up until menopause.
Infertility, on the other hand, happens when a woman is unable to conceive after a year of trying. Usually, it is due to a hiccup in one of the steps required for pregnancy, which are:
Some factors may increase your chances of being infertile when you’re ready to try to conceive. Here is a list of traits that are associated with female infertility:
Many doctors will not explore the possibility of infertility until you have met one or more of the following criteria:
If you do not yet meet those criteria, but still have a desire to test your fertility–you still have options.
Option #1: If you want to naturally self-monitor if and when you are ovulating, practice the fertility awareness method. This can be used to detect the signs of ovulation and is used by both women who are looking to prevent pregnancy as well as those who want to conceive. This method incorporates a combination of three observations: counting the days of your cycle, checking basal body temperature, and checking for changes in cervical mucus. There are also ovulation test strips available over the counter to help you confirm fertility.
Option #2: If you don’t have the patience for option #1, there is a much quicker way to determine your fertility. In-home fertility testing is available. My Virtual Physician has partnered with Orchid to provide our patients with the ability to test fertility hormone levels at any point in their journey.
All that is required is a consultation with our online gynecologists who will provide you a prescription for your at-home test kit. These kits are very affordable, easy to do at home with a finger prick, and are sent back to a professional lab. Your results are reviewed by our OBGYN team and if there are any fertility concerns, actionable steps are provided and our team of specialists is here to help.
Take the first step and book your appointment with My Virtual Physician to get your at-home fertility test kit today.
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If you’ve had fertility testing done and the results were concerning, but also provided no actionable steps, we recommend trying Orchid test kits. These kits use accurate VAMS technology and the detailed, personalized results come with action steps that can restore your fertility. My Virtual Physician is staffed with board-certified OBGYNs who are available to meet with you virtually and discuss your fertility results, along with an action plan.
Telemedicine gained a foothold during the pandemic. By the end of 2021, digital doctor visits had increased by 63% over two years, according to a government study. And the trend seems to be holding strong, with many physicians and facilities–Las Vegas gynecologists included–continuing to provide telehealth access, post-pandemic.
While telemedicine has proven valuable and trends show that it’s here to stay, there are some limitations. In this blog, we’ll briefly cover some obstacles inherent to telehealth along with our proposed solution: hybrid clinics.
While telemedicine was literally a life-saver throughout the pandemic, it comes with its limits. The most glaring limitation is the lack of a hands-on physical exam. For standard consultations, this is usually not an issue; but if certain diagnostic services are required, like pelvic exams or getting labs done, it gets a little trickier.
Another problem that telemedicine presents is patient access. Telemedicine requires some expensive equipment that not all patients have on hand; that we often take for granted. A virtual visit requires the following:
Even if you do have this equipment, you still must count on many factors to be in working order to participate in telemedicine appointments.
Related: Telemedicine Improves Access to Prenatal Care, But Can We Improve Access to Telemedicine
A third limitation of telemedicine is simply that some patients prefer the traditional visit to a doctor’s office. An in-office visit to a clinic where a real person is physically present to assist is preferable to some, especially those who are technology-illiterate, have certain disabilities, or struggle with the English language.
For those who feel telemedicine is not suitable to meet their comprehensive healthcare needs, hybrid clinics provide another pathway. My Virtual Physician is embracing this new solution, which offers our patients a new healthcare experience where they can have their gynecology or other healthcare needs met right there on the Las Vegas strip.
A hybrid medical clinic is a physical building that offers some of the same services that you would expect from a traditional in-person doctor’s visit while also providing the equipment to meet virtually with your doctor. My Virtual Physician’s hybrid clinics are located at:
Our hybrid clinic will open its doors to walk-in patients as well as those who schedule an appointment. As you enter the clinic, our Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) will welcome you, take your vital signs, and collect any urine samples, if required. You’ll then be guided into a private room where the telehealth equipment is set up for you to meet virtually with our board-certified physicians. Our staff is here to help in the event that you need any further assistance.
Just a handful of the additional services that we can provide inside our hybrid clinics include the following:
*by appointment only when a nurse or specialist is required
Related: My Virtual Physician’s List of Women’s Telemedicine Services
My Virtual Physician is excited to offer this new hybrid option to patients who prefer the in-person experience or who do not have access to the special equipment required for virtual visits or special services. While we understand that the hybrid clinic is not for everyone, or maybe just not for every visit, we have made it a priority to provide a physical alternative to the fully digital world of telemedicine.
Our intention is to provide value to our patients by offering in-person services as an option at our hybrid clinics. We deliver this as a solution to the limitations we find in telemedicine alone. Our hybrid clinic provides a nearby physical hub for specimen collection, as well as ultrasound, for prompt confirmations and diagnoses.
Our hybrid clinics will provide a safe, private, and well-equipped place for you to meet virtually with your OBGYN in Las Vegas to discuss your health needs. Come visit our friendly staff at our two hybrid locations today!
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Sometimes being a woman seems unfair. Case in point: have you ever been accused of having PMS? PMS stands for premenstrual syndrome. Most have heard the term and may have used it jokingly when a woman’s emotions were high, casually alluding to the fact that her moodiness must be from imbalanced hormones during her menstrual cycle.
While it may seem like fun and games to joke about PMS, it’s a real physiological phenomenon that should be taken seriously. Nine out of ten women experience premenstrual symptoms to different degrees. If you’ve noticed your own PMS affecting other people, it might be time to consider whether you’re dealing with a more serious premenstrual disorder: PMDD.
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder is a severe version of PMS that affects your life more significantly. In this blog post, we’ll cover the basics of premenstrual disorders and give you tips to help with your symptoms around that time of the month.
Let’s start with the basics.
Premenstrual syndrome includes a range of symptoms, both physical and emotional, that occur in a woman’s body due to changes in her body’s chemistry from the menstrual cycle. A few common symptoms can include:
Interestingly, PMS is most likely to occur in women in their 30s. Other factors that increase your chances of pre-period problems include high stress and a history of depression.
So how do you know if it’s PMS? A tell-tale sign is that the symptoms repeat at least three cycles and linger for about five days before your period begins, ending on day four of your cycle. If your PMS is more extreme and disruptive than what we described above, you may be suffering from PMDD.
Only about 5% of women of childbearing age face premenstrual symptoms so severe that they interrupt daily life. Symptoms of PMDD can include all of the physical and emotional PMS symptoms, plus more. Here are some indicators of PMDD:
If your life is completely thrown off course each month a week or two before your period, PMDD is a real possibility. There is hope — PMDD is both preventable and treatable.
If your premenstrual symptoms are mild but bothersome, you don’t just have to sit back and accept the wave of discomfort each month. Preventing PMS or PMDD may be as simple as adding self-care to your routine. Are you performing these three self-care items daily?
If those three tips are not doing the trick, you may need to move on to treatment options to cope with the symptoms. During this stage, start documenting your symptoms so that you can discuss them with your online OBGYN in the future if necessary. You can journal the old-fashioned way with pen and paper, or download a phone app. Include the date, symptom, severity, and effect on your life.
Over-the-counter pain and anti-inflammatory medications may help temporarily relieve your symptoms but they do nothing for prevention. Some vitamins and herbs may help with the prevention and reduction of premenstrual symptoms including:
So maybe you’ve already tried the preventative measures above and are still struggling with the severe effects of PMDD each month. Sometimes medication is required for treating the symptoms, including antidepressants (SSRIs), birth control pills, water pills, or pain relievers.
The great news is — finding support and treatment for premenstrual disorders is easier than ever in today’s digital world. If you need help with PMDD, you can schedule an online appointment with My Virtual Physician to discuss your symptoms with our board-certified OBGYN and make PMDD a thing of the past.
It’s important not to ignore your premenstrual symptoms if they are interfering with your life and relationships. PMDD can sometimes be a sign of a more serious problem including: depression or anxiety, ME/CFS, IBS, or bladder pain syndrome. That’s why it’s critical to see a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment if the symptoms don’t dissipate on their own. Premenstrual disorders are not a laughing matter, and My Virtual Physician will always take your concerns seriously and offer help.
Did you know that every year nearly 700 women die from pregnancy-related complications in the United States? Even more shockingly, over 450 of these annual deaths are preventable! Being aware of serious complications that women face during pregnancy and postpartum is critical to saving lives.
To support this mission to save lives, the CDC has launched a campaign aimed at reducing pregnancy-related deaths. Launched in August of 2020, the campaign called “Hear Her,” is still running strong today and hopes to empower women and their support network to take postpartum concerns seriously.
Most people have heard of postpartum depression, but that’s not the only health concern that should be monitored in new mothers. In this article, we gather facts from the CDC’s Hear Her campaign to help get you up to speed on a range of postpartum concerns.
First, let’s cover the most well-known concern: postpartum depression.
Having a baby is a serious life-changing event for a woman and her family. Changing hormones and roller-coaster emotions can take their toll on a woman who is using her body to grow another human being. Sometimes a pregnant woman’s body becomes chemically unbalanced, resulting in depression. There are three levels of depression that can commonly occur during and after pregnancy:
Baby blues are a mild feeling of unease, including feelings of anger, sadness, loneliness, or anxiety experienced by up to eight out of ten new mothers. Baby blues can be caused by sudden changes in hormones and generally last only a few days after birth, no longer than two weeks.
Postpartum depression, also called perinatal depression, is a mood disorder that can be caused by a chemical imbalance. It is similar to regular depression, but occurs during the last trimester or up to a year after pregnancy and is estimated to affect up to 15% of women who gave birth. Depression is usually diagnosed when these signs are present and last longer than two weeks (and not following a traumatic event):
Postpartum psychosis is an emergency situation affecting two out of 1000 births, usually in the first month after delivery. A mother dealing with postpartum psychosis should seek medical attention immediately. Signs of this include:
For any of the three layers of postpartum depression, it’s important to speak with your doctor during your postpartum follow-up appointment. If you aren’t comfortable going to see the doctor that delivered your child, our online physicians are available to help. Schedule your appointment now with Dr. Howard, our board-certified OB/GYN.
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If you have a loved one who is experiencing signs of postpartum depression, encourage them to discuss their experience with a professional, whether it’s a therapist or a physician. Postpartum depression doesn’t always have to be treated with medication; a common treatment option is psychotherapy counseling.
Related: Talk Tuesdays - Episode 1: Postpartum Depression
It’s not just postpartum depression that affects the health and livelihood of pregnant or new mothers, there are a host of warning signs to keep an eye out for both during and after pregnancy. If addressed at an early enough time, lives can be saved.
As a pregnant or postpartum woman, report any of these signs to your doctor immediately (or as a family member, encourage your loved one to seek help):
Find more information on each of these signs or symptoms, and what they could mean, on the Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health (AIM) website. You can also find personal “Hear Her” stories on the CDC’s campaign page, which include video testimonials of each woman’s personal story about the life-threatening symptoms she experienced during or after pregnancy.
If you recently delivered your baby or are nearing delivery and you are suffering from any of the warning signs above, we encourage you to play it safe and bring up your concerns with your OB/GYN or another medical professional.
Postpartum Support International is an organization that can help.
They also offer online specialty support groups as well as resources for loss and grief.
If you are concerned that your loved one has any of the postpartum concerns in this article, you are in the right place. The most helpful thing you can do is to offer a listening ear and show your loved one support. Provide her with resources and encourage her to seek medical help, while offering to help set up her appointment or take her to the doctor or therapist.
This type of conversation isn’t easy, so conversation guides are available on the CDC’s campaign page to get you started. Are you ready to “hear her” and take postpartum concerns seriously to prevent unnecessary deaths? The best way you can get involved is by watching for the warning signs in your pregnant and postpartum friends and family and responding with love and persistence.
Every girl is taught from a very young age that wiping after using the bathroom should always occur from front to back. But for some women, that’s as far as the vaginal health lesson goes. One piece of evidence that supports that we need better vaginal health education is that one in five women in America is still using douching for vaginal cleansing, a practice that can actually be harmful to a woman’s reproductive system.
How would you know any better? If you’re like most women, you’ve kind of just figured out what works for you and what causes problems. Or maybe you’re still having problems and didn’t realize the cause. Either way, we’re going to cover 5 tips to keep your vagina healthy and happy.
Many products in the period aisle have both a scented and unscented version. There’s a reason for that. While it sounds like a good idea to freshen up your natural vaginal scent with a perfume-infused tampon, pad, or liner, it can wreak havoc on your natural pH balance and cause irritation. So our first tip is to always go for the unscented version. Your vagina is self-cleaning but when you begin adding extra chemicals and scents, it can interrupt the natural process.
Related: How Your Body’s pH Levels Can Affect Your Health
Have you ever been taught how to wash your vagina? Probably not, but if you have, you might want to unlearn it. The vagina is self-cleaning. That means you do not need to wash inside the vagina, ever. Never use soap or insert any products, like douches, into the vagina for regular washing. The vulva, on the other hand, is the visible portion of a woman’s genitalia and it does require regular washing during showering with plain water or a very mild, pH-neutral soap.
If you are using a lubricant for sex, be sure to check the ingredients. Using a lubricant with unnatural added chemicals, flavors, or dyes can throw off your vagina’s healthy status quo. For example, some lubes contain a chemical called glycerin, which is a sugar-based food source for bacteria. Another chemical that should be avoided is petroleum which can affect pH. Here’s a list of chemicals to avoid and why:
Instead, opt for a natural lubricant like silicone-based or coconut oil. Be sure to verify compatibility before using with any sexual pleasure toys or condoms.
Everything you put into your body can affect your overall health so of course, optimizing your food choices can improve your vaginal health. But which foods keep your sensitive lady parts happy and functioning and which ones can be irritating and throw things off-kilter?
Eating fermented foods with probiotics, like yogurt, sauerkraut, or kefir, can help maintain healthy flora by keeping the right kinds of bacteria in the body. One thing to keep in mind with these foods is the sugar content. Avoiding too much added sugar is important for vaginal health because bacteria feed on the sugar.
Vaginal dryness can sometimes be improved with the addition of healthy fats. Here are some foods to try:
Alcohol and nicotine can also negatively impact your sex drive as well as your vaginal health. Limiting their consumption may help improve any vaginal issues.
Our final tip for optimal vaginal health is to stay on top of your regular annual screenings and exams. Women who are sexually active with multiple partners should be tested annually for STIs and all women should have an annual wellness checkup. Never ignore signs or symptoms. If you’re having discomfort or irregularities, your vagina is trying to tell you that something is wrong. Seeing your online OBGYN regularly is critical to maintaining your reproductive health.
Related: The Importance of STD Screening with a Virtual Doctor
Keeping your vagina happy can improve your overall outlook on life. If you’re experiencing discomfort “down there,” it can be a big disrupter. Following the tips provided above should help to maintain optimal vaginal health.
If you’ve tried these tips and are still experiencing odor, discomfort, discharge, irritation, irregular bleeding, or other symptoms, book an appointment online today with My Virtual Physician’s board-certified OBGYN, Dr. Howard, so we can help to get your vaginal health back to normal.
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Did you know that if the entire population of the United States was tested for sexually transmitted infections today, about 20% would test positive? That’s what was found in a 2018 study of the top eight STIs.
The top 8 include:
In lockstep with the CDC releasing their new STI Treatment Guidelines last year, we’re providing relevant information in our blog regarding STIs to keep you informed. In case you missed it, here’s the scoop on Chlamydia.
Let’s take this opportunity to move on to our review of the second most common bacterial STI: gonorrhea.
Gonorrhea, like chlamydia, is a bacterial infection transmitted through sexual contact. The name of the bacteria in gonorrheal infections is called Neisseria gonorrhoeae. This bacteria grows on the inner membranes of the reproductive tracts of both men and women and can also thrive in the mouth, throat, rectum, and even eyes. You can catch gonorrhea by engaging in sexual activity, including vaginal, oral, or anal sex, with someone who is infected. It can also be passed during birth from mother to child.
Gonorrhea can cause some gnarly complications. Unlike chlamydia, which tends to only cause damage to a woman’s body, gonorrhea can cause health problems for men and women alike. Some possible health effects of untreated gonorrhea are:
Those are some very concerning conditions, so how do you know if you’ve been infected?
Similar to chlamydia, most people do not have clear signs of being infected with gonorrhea, but there are a few symptoms to look out for:
Symptoms in women:
Symptoms in men:
Because most people with gonorrhea don’t have any signs or symptoms of infection, screening each year is crucial for detection, particularly for women. Men are more likely to have symptoms alerting them of infection, so testing may not be necessary. The CDC recommends regular testing for gonorrhea when it comes to:
The days of going to public health to get tested for STIs may be over. Now, you can test discreetly with your online OBGYN who can order a screening test from your local lab. Contact My Virtual Physician to order your STI testing kit today.
Gonorrhea can be detected by performing a bacterial culture on either an early morning urine sample or a genital swab. The new CDC guidelines add a recommendation for rectal and pharyngeal (throat) testing if an infection is suspected in those parts of the body and also approve of patient-collected specimens.
If you test positive, be sure to notify all sexual partners within the past 60 days so they can also be tested and treated. If they are unable to see a doctor, talk with your physician to see if they can assist in making treatment medications available for others that may be infected.
Antibiotics are used to kill the bacteria that cause gonorrhea. Sometimes your doctor may simultaneously treat you for chlamydia even if you have not been tested. With gonorrhea treatment, there is a risk of bacterial resistance; if you suspect your infection is not cured after completing your medication, call your doctor right away for a different treatment option.
Your doctor will determine whether it will be necessary to re-test after treatment. For most infections, re-testing is not required but is recommended after three months. If you had a positive throat swab, the CDC recommends testing for a negative result within 1 to 2 weeks after treatment. Both partners should refrain from sexual activity for a week after completing treatment to prevent re-infection. The CDC recommends scheduling a follow-up STI test within three months of treatment for patients who have been treated for gonorrhea.
STI testing and receiving a positive result, whether it’s gonorrhea or another infection, can be a mixed bag of emotions, but you don’t have to go it alone. Regular testing can catch the infection early on before any damage can be done to your reproductive system.
Have you received your annual STI screening for 2022? Schedule your appointment with My Virtual Physician so we can take care of your testing needs.
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Virtual doctor appointments are replacing in-person visits; it’s the clear direction that we are headed. While telehealth has had a slow start to overcome the technological and social barriers of moving care online, the pandemic has accelerated things.
According to a study, the number of healthcare companies that plan to increase investment in telehealth development has jumped from 77% to 93%. Providers are finally putting resources into developing the full potential of telemedicine.
The benefits to online appointments for patients are clear:
With the high demand for online doctors, you must be diligent about who you trust for your healthcare needs. In the early days of telehealth, there were just a few companies that offered virtual care. But today, online doctor portals are popping up everywhere. How do you choose the right one for you?
Below we will take a look at three OBGYN women’s health options that are currently available online:
If you’re looking for the traditional benefits of sitting and discussing your health with your doctor but prefer to do it from the comfort of your own home, My Virtual Physician may be what you are looking for.
Skip the wait to see your OBGYN. My Virtual Physician is truly a full-spectrum women’s telehealth provider. Our doctors are available and ready to see you today.
The message that we saw over and over when comparing women’s health online providers was that My Virtual Physician rises above the others when it comes to genuine concern and customized care for the patient.
When you start your appointment with our doctors, you get to converse directly, face-to-face with your physician.
The comments on Google reviews show that patients who see the doctors at My Virtual Physician are overwhelmingly pleased with their experience. Here’s what patients have shared:
“Dr. Howard was patient and knowledgeable. Very available and super helpful.Gave me a thorough explanation of my treatment options and helped me make my decision on my next steps.” -Esther
“Doctor was knowledgeable, empathetic, understating and even put extra effort in trying to save me money since I have no insurance. I'm committed to having My Virtual Physician as my primary Doctor by choice. My experience was fast and easy. Way better then spending several hours in a doctors office. Doctor's follow up was great!!!” -Erica
This type of personal interaction is something that cannot be replaced by chats or forms that other providers sometimes use. My Virtual Physician values the opportunity to provide access directly to patients.
As you can see in the reviews, the doctors at My Virtual Physician are experts in their field. Getting the correct diagnosis & treatment the first time is valuable for all involved; it saves time, money, and frustration.
The services that My Virtual Physician provides are full-spectrum. You can receive the following women’s health services from our OBGYN:
In addition to the above women’s reproductive health, My Virtual Physician offers additional services in some states.
Many online doctors only offer general care; however, My Virtual Physician was founded by a specialist. Dr. Howard is a board-certified OBGYN specialist who is licensed in nearly a dozen states and is focused on realizing his dream to make accessible women’s health care a reality.
So if you truly want an expert to get your reproductive health advice from, My Virtual Physician is in a unique position to meet that need. You won’t have to wait months to see Dr. Howard as you would if you try to schedule an appointment with a local OBGYN at a physical clinic.
While My Virtual Physician has mastered bringing the traditional doctor experience online without losing the personal interactive aspect, there are a few things to know when you schedule an appointment.
So you’re ready to book an appointment with My Virtual Physician. One thing to be aware of is the availability of appointment times. Currently, there is a short window each day that appointments are scheduled.
Appointments can be scheduled:
But don’t lose hope just yet; if you need to meet with our doctors outside of the window of times available on the scheduling assistant, just give us a call to see what we can do. In most cases, we can accommodate. Our primary mission is to make sure our patients receive the care they deserve.
Because My Virtual Physician is run by a tight-knit group of physicians who are experts in their field, it is not a huge corporation that employs endless numbers of doctors. This means that My Virtual Physician is only able to provide services to patients who live in the states where the doctors are currently licensed.
Reference the map below to find out if My Virtual Physician is currently available in your state, and which services are offered.
Let’s move on to another women’s healthcare online provider: Nurx.
Nurx’s mission is to make healthcare accessible, affordable, and better. However, its use is limited to more of a prescription and delivery service rather than a full-spectrum telehealth provider. Let’s go over some things to know about Nurx.
Nurx is convenient for receiving certain regular prescriptions and tests.
Nurx is great if you already take an established birth control that works and you don’t have the desire or need to consult a doctor. Nurx provides prescription birth control and a few other recurring prescriptions.
Once you complete the initial consultation, which consists of filling out some paperwork and paying a fee, your recurring prescription will be reviewed behind the scenes. Nurx has their own pharmacy that they use to send medication to you.
Your prescription is shipped to your door on a recurring basis. This is convenient if you plan on taking the same medication long-term, but it only works if the medication is not urgent. For example, you would not want to wait on shipping for antibiotic treatments if your body is trying to fight off an infection.
Getting tested for STIs carries some stigma and is a little awkward. We like that Nurx has developed some STI testing kits that can be self-administered in the privacy of your own home.
This is a good option only for regular annual testing and should not be used if you suspect you may have been infected. There is a long delay of seven working days after you send the test kit back to the Nurx lab for results on STIs.
Some of the issues women have had with Nurx are a bit concerning. For claiming to be experts in women’s healthcare, they have some explaining to do.
While Nurx serves a purpose, its biggest downside is that it lacks direct communication between you and your doctor. In fact, you don’t have a doctor with Nurx. Your paperwork gets reviewed by a doctor along with a stack of others.
A conversation between you and your doctor is the most effective way to truly meet your healthcare needs and manage your medication competently. It is impersonal when lacking face-to-face communication with a doctor.
Nurx operates more like a lab or pharmacy than a doctor’s office. There are quite a few reviews that show some recurring problems with Nurx’s subscription model:
Of the 12 conditions that Nurx can treat per their website, only half are related to women’s health conditions, which include:
Overall, Nurx might be ok if you are simply looking to get your medication or testing and don’t need any personalized care or advice. Next up: hers.
If you like your healthcare to have some sex appeal, you might be tempted to try a prescription provider called hers. hers was created as a branch-off from the original website, hims, which provides a wide range of similar men’s products.
hers provides hair care, skincare, and supplement products as well as mental health, and now, primary care services.
If you like the products that hers offers, hers can be a convenient option for receiving prescriptions regularly.
Hers is different from most online doctors because they carry their own line of personal hygiene products. Women must pamper themselves for optimal health, both mentally and physically. The products themselves are highly rated in customer reviews.
Similar to Nurx, hers also has their own pharmacy they work with to mail birth control prescriptions and other medications directly to your door each month. All of your prescriptions will be recurring subscriptions.
While the reviews we saw regarding the actual products tended to be positive, the patient reviews of the services that hers provides were overwhelmingly bad. Out of 10 reviews at the time of this article, 70% of the reviews were 1 star. Some of the biggest complaints were:
At first glance, you may not even realize that hers is providing healthcare services. Their website gives the appearance that hers is just a skincare product line. If you look closely, there is a link for primary care services. In their sexual health section, you can find:
While a few of those options may be convenient for recurring subscriptions, it seems like hers is more of a store pushing their products than a doctor who is serving their patient’s best interests.
While providing access to birth control is a noble cause, it may be irresponsible to do so without a proper assessment and time for discussion between the patient and doctor. Similar to Nurx, hers has no face-to-face appointment for women’s health care.
Their process includes completing an online intake form, chatting with a provider (it is unclear whether this is a video or text chat), and then receiving a prescription and refills in the mail if deemed appropriate.
Women’s telehealth has great potential to change how we see our doctors and specialists. Switching to virtual doctors is a step that most patients will be taking in the near future, if they have not already begun to do so. As you can see, not all online women’s healthcare providers are created equally, and each has their own set of benefits and setbacks.
If you’re looking to replace your OBGYN, be sure to choose a full-spectrum provider who can address all of your reproductive care needs. Schedule an appointment with My Virtual Physician today to find out what makes us different!
Most women only learn about sexually transmitted infections during one short period in their lives: junior high health education class. Formerly and more widely known as sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), you probably haven’t reviewed the symptoms since high school, except for a quick scare a time or two when you had possible signs of an STI.
Did you know that the CDC is continually updating its recommendations on STI treatment? In 2021, the CDC released new STI Treatment Guidelines that update recommendations for diagnosing and treating STIs.
In general, from time to time, it’s a good idea to freshen up your knowledge on STI’s. So let’s begin by taking an in-depth look at chlamydia.
Chlamydia is an infection caused by a specific bacteria called C. trachomatis that is transmitted through bodily fluids during sexual contact. Chlamydia can be spread through intimate activity with an infected person during vaginal, oral, or anal sex.
If left untreated, chlamydia can cause serious complications and devastation to a woman’s body. Some of the damage that can occur with untreated chlamydia includes:
Clearly, chlamydia is a serious infection that should be treated as early as possible once detected, but how do you recognize the signs of an infection?
Although most people do not have signs when infected with chlamydia, there are some symptoms that some people experience.
Unfortunately, chlamydia can go undetected because many people, both men and women, are asymptomatic. That is why regular annual screening is critical. The demographic with the highest number of reported chlamydia cases are women under 25. The CDC’s current recommendation on who should be screened yearly includes:
Testing for chlamydia is simple and easy. My Virtual Physician can order a screening test from your local lab when you schedule an online OBGYN appointment. Typically, a urine test or genital swab is used to diagnose chlamydia; however, the new CDC guidelines also recommend rectal and pharyngeal (throat) testing if a rectal or oral chlamydial infection is suspected.
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Luckily, if you’ve tested positive for chlamydia, there is a simple cure. Antibiotics are used to kill uninvited bacteria. It is important to listen to all of your doctor’s instructions and complete the medication, even if symptoms disappear. Refraining from sexual activity for 7 days after being treated is also very important to prevent re-infection. The CDC recommends that patients who have been treated for chlamydia should schedule a follow-up STI test within three months of treatment.
Chlamydia can be a devastating diagnosis, but it doesn’t have to be. Regular testing can catch the infection early on before any damage can be done to your reproductive system. Have you had your annual chlamydia or other STI screening this year? Schedule your appointment with My Virtual Physician so we can take care of your testing needs.
Congratulations, you’re pregnant! Pregnancy is such a unique experience that it is both one of the most exciting and one of the most nerve-racking adventures in most women’s lives. On the one hand, is the excitement of taking part in the miracle of life, and on the other hand, you are a nervous wreck because you want everything to go perfectly.
In the United States, the average number of biological children per family has remained between 1 and 2 since the late 1970s, according to Census.gov. So it is fair to say that most pregnancies in the US are a new experience by first-time mothers. Because pregnancy is new, exciting, and uncertain, it is common practice for expecting mothers to download a pregnancy app.
Over half of pregnant women have downloaded a medical app to track their baby’s growth. As pregnancy apps became available for free download at the turn of the century, newly expecting mothers began finding comfort in knowing what was going on inside their bodies. Pregnancy apps provide regular updates and visuals to the mom-to-be who can’t yet see or feel her baby growing.
While an app that gives you updates on the size of your baby and the changes that a typical body is experiencing during each stage of pregnancy can seem harmless, there may be a reason to think twice before downloading that pregnancy app.
The pandemic has caused an exponential growth in the number of downloads of mobile health apps, up to a 25% increase in downloads. This increase may be due to fewer in-person visits and less time with the doctor to discuss the new mother’s changing body.
Because we have become a society that thrives on instant gratification, the model of an instant download of a free app is very appealing when compared to waiting several weeks for your first prenatal appointment with your doctor. If you are relying on information provided in your app, just keep in mind who is behind the content on your pregnancy app.
The majority of pregnancy apps are operated by non-medical organizations; instead, they are usually run by journalism-type institutions. In fact, a 2021 study of 29 pregnancy apps showed only 28% of apps referenced literature in their content. On top of that, only 40% of the apps studied covered each stage of pregnancy thoroughly and appropriately.
While we acknowledge that these health apps do contain useful information and tidbits, it appears to be largely incomplete, lending the question of whether it was designed for a more nefarious purpose.
Unsuspecting mothers, who were simply looking for more details on their growing poppy seed, were the driving force behind the initial construction of these apps, but is that still the only purpose today? Or is it possible that well-intentioned mothers are downloading pregnancy apps and in turn unknowingly exchanging their sensitive health information and providing a consumer to soak up their advertisements?
Consider that all mobile apps have to make a profit somewhere. Generally, most apps make a profit off of annoying ads that pop up or show on the sideline while you are trying to use the app. The primary goal of the app can phase more into getting consumers to view or click on the ads rather than the original intention of providing accurate health information.
Along with the advertising bombardment you will probably receive while using a pregnancy app, you are likely going to find yourself getting a lot more junk e-mail. Most of the apps require a sign-up which means you are giving your email away to companies that can target you based on all the details you provided on your pregnancy. A 2017 study showed that almost all the pregnancy apps studied gave away private health information to third parties.
With pregnancy hormones circulating on high, the emotional burden of targeted ads like stretch mark cream and expensive cord blood banking can take a toll on a woman who is just trying to learn about her baby’s development.
So what can a woman do? Some doctors have recognized that their patients have a need to understand their pregnancy each step of the way, but it would not be possible for doctors to provide every answer, every time.
The solution for the health information and targeted ad problem of pregnancy apps might be that more and more doctors will begin to develop their own apps or resources that are comprehensive, free from advertising, and that adhere to strict HIPAA privacy laws. Until we get to that point, awareness is the most important tool that we can use to prevent pregnancy apps from causing more harm than good.
Of course, there are always old-fashioned books or e-books that can be read, although they are not quite as exciting as logging in each day to see how your little one has developed. Every woman must weigh her decision on whether the risk is too great.
My Virtual Physician is available to help guide you through your pregnancy and answer any questions that may arise. With our monthly complete care plan, you can see your online OBGYN doctor as many times as needed throughout the month to address any of your pregnancy questions that come up.
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Have you ever experienced persistent vaginal infections? Using a common integrative medicine technique, you may be able to discover the root cause of your illness. Specifically, checking your vaginal pH level can help course-correct vaginal illnesses.
In this article, we will explore why pH level is so important to vaginal health and what happens if your balance is off.
pH is the measure of any substance’s acidity or alkalinity. The scale is measured from 0-14, where 7 is neutral, 0 is very acidic, and 14 is very alkaline/basic. Your vagina has a pH range that is considered healthy and protective because it facilitates the correct balance for your normal flora.
pH is very important to maintaining a balance of the normal flora in the vagina. Normal flora is defined as the bacteria, yeast, and other microorganisms that are found on or inside a healthy body. These tiny organisms are usually beneficial to the body for several reasons:
A healthy vaginal pH ranges from 3.8 to 4.5 on the pH scale. It is normal for your pH to fluctuate based on your age and the stage of your menstrual cycle. The normal range of vaginal pH is on the lower half of the scale, indicating that a moderately acidic pH is ideal for proper vaginal health.
What happens when your pH level is not in the moderately acidic range? A more neutral or basic pH can lead to decreased protection due to an imbalance in your normal flora. This can allow bad bacteria to multiply and thrive in the vagina.
A few issues that you may be susceptible to when pH is off are:
There are a lot of factors that can affect your body’s pH level. Here are a few things that tend to increase your vaginal pH, leaving you more vulnerable to illness:
Over-the-counter tests are available from most general stores if you want to check your vaginal pH level in the privacy of your own home. If you find that your vaginal pH level is not in the normal range (3.8 to 4.5), My Virtual Physician would be happy to evaluate the cause and get your body back to its healthy pH.
Likely, if your pH level is off, you will have other symptoms that prompt you to do this pH test. Some common symptoms of pH level imbalance include:
There are several ways that vaginal pH can be corrected through things like probiotics, diet, and hydration. It can be overwhelming to try to tackle all of these at once. As your online OBGYN, we are here to help you get your pH back to normal.
Have you ever tested your vaginal pH level? If you recently tested and had an abnormal result, give My Virtual Physician a call to discuss a plan to get your health back.
Did you know that My Virtual Physician is now accepting SilverSummit Health Insurance? That is great news for residents of Nevada’s Clark and Washoe counties. Members can now book an online doctor appointment with no out-of-pocket expense.
SilverSummit Healthplan provides the best Nevada Medicaid plans. Now they are adding even more value to their services by partnering with My Virtual Physician to give members virtual doctor visits. Residents of Nevada can access doctors to treat a wide range of problems, including:
My Virtual Physician’s caring doctors treat patients right in their own home through a video visit. The office provides appointments for Obstetrics/Gynecology (OB/GYN) or Primary Care Physician (PCP) services. And patients can book safely and easily through the patient portal.
Health insurance plans are similar because they usually cover the same services. But different plans may:
Some plans are Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs). These give members a list of doctors to choose from in their network. Insurance will cover services from in-network doctors, but may not cover the same services with out-of-network providers. My Virtual Physician is thrilled to add SilverSummit to their accepted Insurance Plans lineup and accept new patients.
My Virtual Physician is still adding new insurance plans to the network. But even without insurance, visits are still less expensive than an in-office visit. And the office accepts many forms of payment. Patients also appreciate booking an online doctor appointment because it is more convenient. My Virtual Physician has late evening and weekend appointments for booking. Members of SilverSummit Healthplan can schedule an appointment now at www.myvirtualphysician.com or text the office staff with questions.
To meet the physicians, simply click “BOOK APPOINTMENT NOW” to book your visit. Or visitors can text message questions about the virtual/online doctor benefits.
