Gynecology in south bend, in

Annual Pelvic Exams

Annual Pelvic Exams are part of recommended routine health maintenance for individuals over the age of 21. Candescent Health and Wellness understands pelvic exams are often uncomfortable. As such, we provide trauma informed care to all patient encounters. Patients will receive thorough explanation of everything that a pelvic exam entails, and will be given opportunities at every step to provide or revoke consent for the procedure. Anatomy assessed during pelvic exams include vulva, vagina, cervix, ovaries, uterus and pelvic floor muscles. For clients who are due for recommended pap smear screenings, a pap smear will be offered and explained. All clients are invited to have other necessary screenings during pelvic exams, such as sexually transmitted infection screenings, and lab testing for any abnormal vaginal discharge or concerns.

Menopause and peri-menopause

Menopause is unavoidable for those who live long enough. Menopause is defined as the day at which a person’s last menstrual period was twelve months ago. The menopause transition (peri-menopause) can take ten to fifteen years, and is often marked by symptoms such as vaginal dryness (think Sahara Desert), hot flashes, sexual pain and discomfort, changes in weight and sleep disturbances. Candescent Health and Wellness is equipped to work together with clients, in shared decision making, in order to treat these symptoms and optimize the health of our patients through hormone replacement, a variety of medications, vitamin and nutrient supplementation, dietary coaching, and medical intervention in order to ease the symptoms of this phase of life.

Vaginal dryness and pain with intercourse are often symptoms patients encounter during this time in their life, most clients are candidates for hormone replacement, even if they have a personal or family history of cancer. It is recommended that as long as patients are experiencing Genitourinary Symptoms of Menopause (GSM) they receive hormone replacement therapy with topical or systemic hormones. Candescent Health and Wellness also hosts a monthly menopause support group, geared toward empowering individuals and their partners experiencing menopause symptoms to make informed healthcare decisions and lifestyle choices to decrease the symptoms associated with menopause.

Vaginismus

The automatic tightening of vaginal and pelvic floor muscles when penetration is attempted, or areas surrounding the vagina are stimulated (oftentimes with a cotton swab for diagnostic purposes). Vaginismus can cause painful intercourse, very painful pelvic exams and discomforts in everyday life. Some people with vaginismus experience it with every object or sensation, and others only experience it with certain types of objects or stimulations. Though the cause is often stated to be anxiety or fear, there are many causes of vaginismus. Through a variety of assessments and therapies, at Candescent Health and Wellness we take a personalized approach to each patient experiencing vaginismus in order to determine the best mode of treatment.

Vulvar Pain

Vulvar pain can be caused by a variety of reasons. Whether chronic, lasting greater than 6 months, or acute and having a sudden onset, vulvar pain is concerning for patients and deserves a thorough workup and investigation as to the cause. Candescent Health and Wellness is committed to incorporating a variety of examinations, assessments and history tools in order to determine the exact cause of pain, as this guides the treatment in the most effective way. Vulvar pain can be described as raw, burning, stabbing. Incorporating a multimodal treatment approach including medicine, therapy and lifestyle changes has been shown to have the greatest efficacy in treating vulvar pain.

Bacterial Vaginosis

Bacterial Vaginosis is a foul odor and uncomfortable sensation in the vulvarvaginal area which is often treated with antibiotics. Bacterial Vaginosis is often marked by recurrence and repeated antibiotic treatments. Repeated antibiotic treatments not only increase risk of antibiotic resistant organisms developing, but also alter and diminish a patient’s microbiome which can lead to other systemic discomforts and conditions over the course of time. At Candescent Health and Wellness we work to determine the cause of the bacterial vaginosis, and eliminate the cause in order to decrease the risk of recurrence.

Vaginitis

Itching, painful or otherwise notable discomfort in the vaginal and vulvar area is broadly referred to as vaginitis. Vaginitis is not a diagnosis in and of itself, but it is a term used to describe the symptoms associated with a diagnosis. Candescent Health and Wellness takes vaginitis complaints seriously and performs a thorough evaluation in order to determine the cause. Oftentimes patients have been repeatedly treated for yeast infections, urinary tract infections, bacterial vaginosis or other conditions which are not the causative factor for vaginitis. The over-treatment and incorrect diagnoses ultimately cause imbalance vaginal pH which can then contribute to an increased risk for BV, vaginal yeast infections, and increased risks for contracting Sexually Transmitted Infections.

Dyspareunia

Painful intercourse, either at insertion or with thrusting is referred to as dyspareunia. Candescent Health and Wellness is the only practice serving both Indiana and Michigan that specializes in Sexual Health and Wellness and improvement of sexual functioning. While there can be a variety of causes for dyspareunia it is essential for clients to receive a comprehensive evaluation. There are several interventions available for painful penetration, and the mode of treatment will often depend on the cause of the pain. As an expert in Sexual Medicine and counseling, Claire is committed to improving pleasure in her client’s sexual exchanges and works with partnerships of all types.

Contraceptive Care

Comprehensive contraceptive (birth control) access is essential for the health and wellness of an individual choosing to prevent pregnancy. Candescent Health and Wellness offers a large variety of contraceptive options in order to fit the desires and lifestyle of the client. A contraceptive counseling appointment is offered for individuals who are unsure of what type of contraception they’re desiring. For clients who know exactly what contraceptive option they desire, a contraceptive visit is scheduled to ensure there are no health reasons why a patient should choose one contraceptive method over another.

Vulvovaginal infections

With a variety of causes for vulvovaginal infections, it is important to see a provider who will perform a thorough assessment. Bacterial Vaginosis and yeast infections are common causes of abnormal vaginal discharge and vaginal odor. However, a variety of factors, including hormonal changes, stage of menstrual cycle, intercourse, and “feminine hygiene” products can lead to a disruption in normal vaginal flora and contribute to increased risk of vulvovaginal infections. A proper diagnosis is key in determining course of treatment. Culturing the discharge is important to ensure directed treatment which reduces the risk of recurrence and improves the client’s chances of returning to a normal balance in their vulvovaginal area. Proper vulvovaginal hygiene is important to maintain a healthy environment in the vulvar region, and contrary to marketing campaigns, the best hygiene for the vulva is water! Candescent Health and Wellness offers services such as lysis of clitoral adhesions, removal and extraction of keratin pearls and improvement in sexual pleasure through attention to proper vulvar care.