Gweneth Lazenby – Reproductive Infectious Diseases OBGYN Expert – Interview

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Gweneth Lazenby Biography

First of all, thank you very much for taking some of your pretious time and accepting to participate in this interview.
We’ve read your biography and can honestly state that it’s quite impressive; we’ve listed it below, so there’s no more reason to ask you about yourself, so we’ll get straight to the point with a few questions.

1. From the statistic data that you have access to – approximately what overall percentage of women have to do with a yeast infection at least once in their lifetime ?

According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC) 2006 STD Guidelines, 75% of women experience at least one yeast infection during their lifetime.

2. From your experience – what are the most common causes that trigger an infection? (we know that Candida yeasts are commonly present in humans)

Triggers or factors associated with the development of a vaginal yeast infection may include: recent or current antibiotic use, immunocompromised state (ex. HIV/AIDS, transplant recipients, chronic steriod use, and patients undergoing chemotherapy), prolonged exposure to moisture (wearing a swimsuit for several hours), and certain medical conditions (ex. Diabetes mellitus, pregnancy, obesity)
(Source: Sweet and Gibbs. “Infectious Diseases of the Female Genital Tract.” 2002.)

3. What are the symptoms that should get someone alert?

The most common presenting symptom of a vaginal yeast infection is vulvar pruritus (itching on the outside of the vagina). Other symptoms include vaginal discharge and vulvo-vaginal irritation, redness, and swelling. Patients with significant itching may scratch, which can lead to excoriations (scratch marks) on the vulva.
Source: CDC 2006 STD guidelines

4. What should someone suspecting to have candida do in order to obtain a correct diagnosis?

The diagnosis of a vaginal yeast infection is best made by a practicioner skilled in gynecologic exams and microscopy. Most primary care physicians can provide this service. A sample of vaginal discharge is collected by the provider and examined under the microscope for the presence of yeast. Rarely and usually in the cases of chronic and complicated yeast vaginitis, a practitioner may collect a vaginal yeast culture.
Soucres: CDC 2006 STD guidlines and Sweet and Gibbs 2002.

5. Now regarding the treatment – what is the medical approach (no reference to specific cases) just what do you usually prescribe in such cases?

The preferred treatment for vaginal yeast infection is an antifungal medication. These come in the form of pills and topical creams.

6. What’s your opinion on Over The Counter treatments ?

Over the counter treatments are usually perfectly adequate for an uncomplicated vaginal yeast infection caused by Candida albicans, which is the most common yeast associated with these infections. When symptoms do not resolve with over the counter treatments, you should arrange for an appointment with a gynecologic provider.

7. How do you feel about alternative therapies – Probiotics, vitamin C, essential fatty acids ?

In my western medical practice, I do not use altnerative or complementary medicine to treat vaginitis. However, if a dietary supplement or complementary practice is unlikely to cause harm and tolerated well by the patient, I encourage them to try it. If symptoms do not resolve with alternative therapies, it is then best to consider more conventional therapy.

8. How about herbs ? Garlic – tea tree oil, Pomegranate ?

Similar to the response above, I do not use dietary supplements in the treatment of vaginal infections. There simply is not evidence-based medicine to support these practices. However, if a patient feels that this is a valuable aspect to their health care and the treatment or dietary practice does not carry a potential for harm, I am open to their beliefs.

9. We know that your area of expertise is more oriented towards Trichomonas Infection – can you tell us a little more about that ? Main causes, prevention, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment ? What are the most important things to know for our readers ?

Trichomonas vaginitis is a very common cause of vaginal infections. It is the second most common sexually transmitted infection worldwide. Trichomonas infections are caused by the protozoan, Trichomonas vaginalis. This organism prefers dark, moist, and anaerobic (low oxygen) environments. It thrives in the genital tract of humans, including the bladder and glands surrounding the vagina. Symptoms of Trichomonas can mimic those of other common causes of vaginitis, such as Bacterial vaginosis and yeast vaginitis. Symptoms that are common among these infections include: vaginal discharge, itching, and foul odor. Trichomonas can be diagnosed by several techiques which include: microscopy, culture, antigen screening, and DNA. Most physicians use microscopy in the outpatient setting. Treatment for Trichomonas involves all sexual partners taking a short course of antibiotics.

10. Last but not least, how can you be reached for medical services ? Where are you located ? What kind of services do you offer ?

I am currently employed by the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, SC. I specialize in Reproductive Infectious Diseases. Our department offers a broad range of OB-GYN, including all the subspecialities and providers with specific interests and research experience.

Thank you very much for your time

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