
Jun
As an adult woman, many gynecological patients have had the uncomfortable experience of a vaginal infection at some point in their life. While some women brush this discomfort off as simply a part of being a female, in some cases it can be a sign of a greater problem. Below, Dr. Taryll Jenkins of Jenkins Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine addresses some of the common symptoms, causes of vaginal infections, and explains when a patient should seek medical treatment.
The way a woman’s body feels during a vaginal infection can vary greatly depending on the patient and the cause of the infection. Some of the most frequently reported symptoms include:
In many cases of vaginal infection, these symptoms occur at the same time. For example, discharge throughout a woman’s monthly cycle is normal; however, when the discharge comes with a strong smell or itching, it’s a sign of a problem. Additionally, a woman may notice minor itching or dryness throughout the day but at night, or following intercourse, the itching may become much more intense.
Vaginal infections are usually attributed to yeast infections, bacteria, sexually transmitted diseases, or a virus. Because all of these infections have similar symptoms it can be hard for a patient to determine exactly what is causing her discomfort or pain. Furthermore, treatment for one type of infection typically does not work on another. Therefore, it is important that a woman schedule an appointment with her gynecologist for an accurate diagnosis and treatment.
We offer general care, gynecology, and obstetrics services that span all
stages of a woman's life. Dr. Taryll L.
Jenkins, MD, received his undergraduate degree from Louisiana State University and his Doctorate of
Medicine from Meharry
Medical College School of Medicine, TN. He completed his residency training at the
University of Texas and Hermann Hospital, TX and is Board-certified from the American College of
Obstetrics and Gynecology, with years of research experience.
Having graduated from the University of Texas at Arlington with a Bachelor of Science in Biological
Chemistry in 2011, Dr. Stephanie
Roy received her Doctor of Medicine Degree in 2015 from the University of Texas Medical Branch. Today,
she is a leading Board-certified physician who works hard to provide you and your family with
high-quality services. In addition to spending time at the practice, Dr. Roy possesses extensive
volunteer experience in the community. She was also a tutor at the Medical Careers Diversity Program
in 2012 and, since then, has spent her free time volunteering for the St. Vincent’s Clinic.
Dr. Tiffany Ikwuagwu is passionate about caring for the diverse communities in Katy, TX. Having completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Houston, her medical degree at the Baylor College of Medicine, and her residency in obstetrics and gynecology at the McGovern Medical School, she worked as principal investigator on a research project with Dr. Nana Ankumah at UT Houston. A member of the American Medical Association, Texas Medical Association, and American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Dr. Ikwuagwu has served in several leadership roles and has made many contributions to the community.
Yara Ramirez, MD, earned her
Bachelor of Science degree from Baylor University and her doctorate in medicine from the University
of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) in Galveston, where she also completed her residency. She won the
Resident Teaching Award from UTMB’s Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology for two consecutive
years.
Dr. Ramirez has researched extensively on many obstetrics-related topics. She has been a Junior
Fellow Representative for the UTMB Residency Program and a Medical Student Education Committee
Member at the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology. She has volunteered for various local
and foreign community programs. Her fluency in Spanish and French is an asset to her organization.
Nadia Alexander is a Board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner with a Master of Science degree in Nursing from the University of Texas Health Science Center. With seven years of experience in women’s health and a focus on obstetrics and ambulatory gynecology (vaginitis, UTI, and vaginal bleeding), she provides quality, compassionate care to patients in various stages of reproductive life. She is fluent in English and Spanish and is the lead contact for our Telehealth service.