Health for people with a uterus
Vaginal candidiasis and bacterial vaginosis
Vaginitis is an inflammation, which may or may not be infectious, of the vagina (internal part) and sometimes of the vulva (external part). If you suspect you have vaginitis, your pharmacist will be able to help you assess your symptoms and refer you to the appropriate treatment. If necessary, your pharmacist will recommend that you consult a doctor.
The most common causes in adulthood are:
Vaginitis can also be caused by trichomoniasis, a sexually transmitted vaginal infection.
Vaginal candidiasis, sometimes called candidal vaginitis or vaginal yeast infection, is caused by a candida fungus (most commonly C. albicans).
The following symptoms may indicate the presence of vaginal candidiasis:
To treat it, it is recommended to take antifungal drugs in the form of creams, vaginal tablets, or oral tablets, the latter of which can be prescribed by a pharmacist. However, if vaginitis persists despite treatment, a medical consultation is necessary.
You should know that several risk factors foster this type of infection:
Adopting the following behaviours can reduce the risk of recurrence:
Bacterial vaginosis, or BV, is caused by an imbalance in the vaginal flora whereby “bad” bacteria take over the “good” bacteria.
Causes of BV include the use of scented products on the vulva or in the vagina, a change in the bacterial flora of the vagina, or the contraction of an STBBI.
The following symptoms may signal the presence of bacterial vaginosis:
To treat it, it is necessary to take an antibiotic treatment prescribed by your doctor.
Menopause
While menopause is a normal life stage for people with a uterus, many can find it uncomfortable.
What exactly is menopause?
Characterized by the end of ovulation and menstruation, menopause usually occurs between the ages of 45 and 55, following a gradual decrease in the production of estrogen and progesterone.
What about perimenopause?
This is the period before menopause. Perimenopause refers to the gradual decrease in hormones that precedes menopause.
Several changes occur during this phase. A perimenopausal person may experience physical, psychological, and sexual symptoms, including:
Sounds like a party? While it’s better to laugh than to cry about these symptoms, they can still be bothersome and temporarily affect one’s quality of life.
Is it possible to reduce the discomfort associated with menopause?
Yes. Several treatments can alleviate menopausal symptoms. In the case of more persistent symptoms, hormone replacement therapy could help you regain a good quality of life. If you think you are experiencing these symptoms, talk to your pharmacist. A medical follow-up may be recommended to monitor certain longer-term conditions associated with hormonal changes, such as osteoporosis and cardiovascular diseases.
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is a common condition in women of childbearing age. It refers to the inflammation of the internal reproductive organs (uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries) which can be caused by a viral or bacterial infection. And yes, it can unfortunately be very painful.
Symptoms vary from person to person, but can include:
It is important not to delay seeing a doctor, as untreated PID can lead to serious health complications, such as chronic pain, fertility problems, or ectopic pregnancy.
Mifepristone + Misoprostol abortion pill (Mifegymiso®)
The abortion pill Mifegymiso is a medication used to end pregnancy within the first 10 weeks of gestation. It is a combination of two drugs, mifepristone and misoprostol, which are taken in two steps.
Step 1
Mifepristone blocks the action of progesterone, an essential hormone for the continuation of pregnancy. This stops the embryo’s development and provokes the shedding of uterine tissue.
Step 2
Misoprostol causes the uterus to contract to expel embryonic tissue.
Is Mifegymiso right for me?
This non-surgical abortion option is considered safe and effective in most cases. However, as with any drug treatment, there are possible risks and side effects.
If you are considering abortion, our qualified team is there to advise you and redirect you to other local resources if necessary.
The information on this website is presented for general information purposes only and is not intended to provide complete information on the subjects covered or to replace the advice of a healthcare professional. This information does not constitute medical consultations, diagnoses, or opinions, and should therefore not be interpreted as such. Please consult your healthcare professional if you have any questions about your medical condition, medications, or treatment.
