Geisinger Celebrates Growth at Commonwealth Day Event Geisinger will honor its past and embrace its future as it celebrates its growing College of Health Sciences. At its third annual Geisinger Commonwealth Day on Sept. 30, Geisinger College of Health Sciences will celebrate its growth as an integrated college with schools of nursing and medicine and a School of Graduate Education poised to launch new programs. The day is dedicated to “honoring the past and embracing the future,” and this year attendees will learn just how far the college has moved to advance its five-year strategic plan, Drive to THRIVE. “Part of honoring our past is acknowledging how important the community is to our future,” said Dr. Byerley, president of Geisinger College of Health Sciences. “We’re happy to share that our strategic plan has been expanding opportunities for local students and growing programs that will meet the changing needs of our neighbors. This year we have an important milestone to celebrate. With the Class of 2024, our medical school has surpassed 1,000 alumni. That should be a source of pride for our neighbors. And speaking of increasing access and care in our region, our college has expanded its residency programs and introduced new programs in the Northeast.” “We’ll also spotlight our research accomplishments, especially the MyCode project which passed 350,000 enrolled participants in September,” she said. “With paired DNA sequence and health data currently available for nearly 230,000 of these participants, MyCode is the largest healthcare system-based study of its kind in the United States.” The community is invited to tour the Medical Sciences Building, including the school’s Simulation Center and historical displays, and learn about current research. Geisinger Commonwealth Day will be celebrated Monday, Sept. 30, from 1 – 5 p.m. at Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, 525 Pine St., Scranton. Register at go.geisinger.edu/geisingercommonwealthday.
Geisinger’s Hispanic Group Hosts Event on Metabolic Dysfunction In observance of Hispanic Heritage Month, Geisinger’s Hispanic Latino employee resource group, SALUD, has partnered with NASH kNOWledge to host an informational event titled “Metabolic Dysfunction (Fatty Liver Disease) and its Impact Within the Hispanic Community” on Monday, Oct. 7, from 4 to 5 p.m. Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), commonly known as fatty liver disease, affects about a third of the U.S. population, with the highest prevalence in the Hispanic community. While it’s often thought to be clinically symptomatic, fatty liver disease can impact quality of life and in some cases, lead to more serious liver diseases like cirrhosis. Awareness of the condition is important, especially for those at higher risk, because lifestyle changes and medical management can prevent progression to more severe liver disease and other chronic diseases. Featured speakers Alberto Unzueta, MD, hepatologist at Geisinger, and Maria Hernandez, Latino community outreach coordinator at NASH kNOWledge, will provide education about the condition and prevention. The event will be held virtually on Microsoft Teams and is free and open to the public. To join, visit go.geisinger.org/fattyliverdiseaseimpact.
Geisinger Doctor Provides Guide for Sports Protective Gear By Jeffrey Summers, DO, Geisinger pediatric sports medicine physician Jersey? Check. Helmet? Check. Athletic cup or pelvic protector? If you’re a parent of an athlete, that last one may be a head-scratcher. An athletic cup, also called a “jock,” is a device that protects a player’s penis and testicles from injuries during high-contact sports. A pelvic protector, sometimes called a “jill,” has a similar design to protect a player’s vulva. Both devices shift impacts away from sensitive groin structures to the sturdier pelvic bone, guarding against hits and kicks or collisions with a ball, puck, stick or player’s helmet. They’re often overlooked — many athletes choose not to use them. But even if your child only goes in for a few minutes of play, don’t skip the protection. Just like a helmet, an athletic cup or pelvic protector is a critical piece of gear in contact sports. For high-contact sports, even the smallest players can benefit from the added protection. When your child is on the field, they’ll have run-ins with a loose ball, a hockey or lacrosse stick — or another player. Those collisions can put your child at risk of a hit to the crotch. Sports where groin protection is necessary, and possibly required, include: Baseball Basketball Field hockey Football Hockey Lacrosse Martial arts Soccer Softball So, how young is too young to start wearing one? As soon as your child starts playing high-impact sports they should wear appropriate groin protection. That said, the risk increases with age if a kid has a penis and testicles. At puberty, their testicles grow, and the scrotum drops. This makes them more likely to have a groin injury. Injuries can range from mild bruising and swelling to more serious things like: Groin strains or sprains Inguinal hernias Sports hernias Testicular rupture Testicular torsion Your child can reduce the risk of a groin injury by putting on an athletic cup before heading onto the field. While a vulva is more compact, it needs protection, too. The vulva is tightly packed with more than 10,000 nerve fibers and lots of blood vessels. It hurts to catch a ball or puck flying at 70 mph on any body part, but it’s incredibly painful in this area, with possible consequences to future sexual and reproductive health. Injuries can include: Hematoma (a severe bruise that may need to be drained) Labial tears Wearing a jill or pelvic protector can stave off trauma to this sensitive region. You can find athletic cups online or at your local sporting goods store. Not sure where to start? Look for cups that are strong enough to protect the groin while being comfortable. These tips will help your child find the right one. Choose a style Cups have come a long way from the days when they were made of metal. Your athlete will breathe a sigh of relief knowing they can choose cups made from: Soft or hard plastic Carbon fiber Fabric For added comfort, consider a model with gel padding around the edges. And for easier cleaning, look for one that’s machine washable. The type of cup an athlete needs depends on the kind of hits they’ll take. Football, for example, is a higher-impact sport than basketball. Some positions see more contact than others. A young catcher, goalie or running back might need something sturdier than other members of the same team. Find the right size If a cup is too small or large, it can be uncomfortable. Cups that are too large can slip out of place or irritate the skin. A properly sized cup should fit comfortably around the groin area and shouldn’t touch the scrotum (testicles are inside the scrotum). The easiest way to select a cup size is to measure around your waist at its narrowest point. Peewee: Waist size from 19 to 22 inches is typically for children up to 4’6” and up to 75 pounds. Youth: Waist size from 22 to 26 inches is typically for children up to 5’6’ and 100 pounds. Teen: Waist size from 26 to 30 inches is typically for teens. Adult: Waist size from 30 inches or greater should consider using an adult size. After you find the right size, check for fit by lunging, running in place or jumping. If the cup shifts, is uncomfortable, or feels too loose, choose a different size. How to wear an athletic cup After finding the right cup, you’ll need a supporter to hold it in place. Always wear the cup with the pointed end facing down so you can move your legs freely. Compression shorts and impact shorts: These tight, supportive shorts have a pocket that holds the cup in place. To put the cup in, slide it into the pocket on the front of the shorts. Once it’s in place, adjust until it fits comfortably over the penis and testicles. Athletic supporter: A traditional athletic supporter (also called a jockstrap) is worn over the underwear and under the uniform pants. And once it’s on, adjust until it fits. It’s best to wear tighter underwear as added support. Pelvic protectors generally work the same way as athletic cups, and are just shallower and smaller. As relatively new sports gear, jills are less standardized in sizing and style. Style Choose the style that works best with your sport and uniform. Some are designed to slide into compression shorts or pants. Others are more like a jockstrap and are held in place with an elastic waistband. Some sports require jills, including many hockey teams. Like athletic cups, consider the position your athlete will play, with catchers and goalies requiring greater protection. Styles vary greatly, but most are thick pads that fit nicely in shorts, allowing comfort and protection. Pelvic protectors for boxing and martial arts are thickly padded briefs. Choose something that’s machine washable, and clean it often to kill bacteria and odor. Sizing and fit Look at the manufacturers’ information to find the right size. Each company’s sizing is different, but the protector should cover their genitals. Try lunging or running in place and see if it moves. If so, it’s too large and could irritate the skin. Like an athletic cup, you need something to hold the jill in place. Always wear the protector with the pointed end facing down so you can move your legs freely. Compression shorts and impact shorts: The tight, supportive shorts have a pocket that holds the protector in place. To put the cup in, slide it into the pocket on the front of the shorts with the narrow end facing down. Once it’s in place, adjust until it covers the genitals while still allowing movement. Make sure it doesn’t rub. Loose shorts: Some protectors are sewn into loose shorts, which might be preferable for sports like soccer or hockey, where they fit more easily under breezers. One piece: A standalone pelvic protector is worn over the underwear and under the uniform pants. Again, once it’s on, adjust until it fits. With the needed gear, your child can focus on playing their game. So before the next match, make sure their sports bag includes groin protection.
Geisinger Begins Hosting Super Saturday Flu Shot Clinics Drive-through flu shots offered systemwide for access, convenience Flu season is quickly approaching, and Geisinger is again making it easy to get vaccinated at Super Saturday drive-through flu shot events. This Saturday, Sept. 14, is the first Super Saturday event of the season. Drive-thru flu shots will be available for anyone age 3 and older at dozens of participating Geisinger locations. Patients 6 months and older can receive their flu shot at Geisinger pediatrics locations. All Super Saturday flu vaccine events are from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Events will also be held Oct. 12 and Oct. 26. “By getting immunized, you are protecting yourself against serious illness while also reducing your risk of getting hospitalized and keeping yourself from spreading the flu to those at high risk of severe illness, including children, the elderly and those immunocompromised,” said Stanley Martin, M.D., Geisinger director of infectious diseases. Flu season typically begins in the fall and lasts throughout the winter, although the virus can be spread year-round. Peak flu activity is generally between December and February but can extend as late as May. Super Saturday drive-throughs will be held at the following Geisinger locations: Central Region: Clinics Geisinger Berwick (2200 W. Front St.) Geisinger Medical Clinic Buckhorn (240 Mall Blvd.) Geisinger Frackville (701 West Oak St.) Geisinger Kulpmont (119 Nevada Drive) Geisinger Lewisburg (250 Reitz Blvd.) Geisinger Orwigsburg (300 Hollywood Blvd.) Geisinger Pottsville (529 Terry Reiley Way) Geisinger Selinsgrove (201 Roosevelt Ave.) Geisinger Woodbine (16 Woodbine Lane) Pediatrics Geisinger Pediatrics Pottsville (529 Terry Reiley Way) Geisinger Pediatrics Lewisburg (55 Medical Park Drive) Geisinger Pediatrics Woodbine (16 Woodbine Lane) Geisinger Pediatrics Bloomsburg (2407 Reichard Road) 65 Forward Geisinger 65 Forward Buckhorn (240 Mall Blvd.) Geisinger 65 Forward Pottsville (529 Terry Reiley Way) Geisinger 65 Forward Shamokin Coal Township (933 Route 61) North Central Region: Clinics Geisinger Medical Clinic Lock Haven (68 Spring St.) Geisinger Medical Center Muncy (255 Route 220) Pediatrics Geisinger Pediatrics Lock Haven (68 Spring St.) Geisinger Pediatrics Muncy (255 Route 220) Western Region: Clinics Geisinger Healthplex State College (132 Abigail Lane) Geisinger Philipsburg (210 Medical Center Drive) Geisinger Lewistown (21 Geisinger Lane) Geisinger Mifflintown (27 CJEMS Lane,) Pediatrics Geisinger Pediatrics Healthplex State College (132 Abigail Lane) Geisinger Pediatrics Lewistown (21 Geisinger Lane) Geisinger Pediatrics Philipsburg (210 Medical Drive) 65 Forward Geisinger 65 Forward State College (293 Patriot Lane, Trader Joe’s Plaza) Northeast Region: Clinics Geisinger Dallas Cleary Drive (114 Lt. Michael Cleary Drive) Geisinger Kingston (560 Pierce St.) Geisinger Mountain Top (35 S. Mountain Blvd.) Geisinger Mt. Pocono (126 Market Way) Geisinger Pittston (42 N. Main St.) Geisinger Mt. Pleasant (531 Mt. Pleasant Drive) Geisinger Tunkhannock (809 Hunter Highway) CommunityCare CommunityCare Hazleton (426 Airport Road) CommunityCare Kistler Clinic (175 S. Wilkes-Barre Blvd.) CommunityCare Mt. Pleasant (531 Mt. Pleasant Blvd.) Pediatrics Geisinger Pediatrics Mt. Pocono (126 Market Way) Geisinger Pediatrics Scranton (5 Morgan Highway) Geisinger Pediatrics Forty Fort (190 Welles St.) 65 Forward Geisinger 65 Forward Hazleton (20 Diana Lane) Geisinger 65 Forward Kingston (499 Wyoming Ave.) Geisinger 65 Forward Scranton (3 W. Olive St.) Geisinger 65 Forward Wilkes-Barre (41 S. Main St.) – Oct. 12 and 26 only Preregistration is not necessary. Just drive up, roll down your window, fill out a brief form and get your shot. Our drive-through event staff may invite you and your children inside if they believe you’ll be safer and more comfortable getting your shots there. For the full list of Super Saturday locations and tips to stay healthy this flu season, visit geisinger.org/flu.
Spot the Early Warning Signs of Ovarian Cancer Knowing what to look for can help you catch ovarian cancer when it’s easier to treat. Scott Purinton, MD, PhD, Geisinger gynecologic oncologist Unlike other types of cancer with more obvious symptoms, ovarian cancer is sneaky. It tends to stay under the radar, showing few symptoms — or sometimes none — until it reaches an advanced stage. Typically, ovarian cancer is discovered in its later stages after the symptoms become more pronounced. What often happens is the cancer starts to affect other parts of the body, like the bladder or rectum, and that’s when a woman will visit her doctor. Because it’s tough to spot it in earlier stages when it’s easier to treat, arm yourself with knowledge so you can recognize the subtle signs of ovarian cancer. So what are the early warning signs of ovarian cancer? These minor changes in your body could be mistaken for another less-serious health issue. But if they don’t go away, don’t ignore them. Bloating Feeling like you’re about to burst out of your jeans every day isn’t always a sign you’ve had too much pasta. Bloating could be due to an issue with your diet, but if you make some changes and the bloating persists, talk to your doctor. If your bloating sticks around for more than a few weeks, it’s time to schedule an exam. Urgent bathroom breaks If you find yourself running to the bathroom more often than usual, it might be more than just your morning coffee at play. An increased need to urinate or feeling a sudden, desperate need to go could indicate a tumor pushing on your bladder. Eating less, feeling full Have you been feeling full faster than usual or having persistent indigestion or nausea? These could be subtle hints from your body that something’s going on. What’s common among all of these symptoms is their duration. If you notice that any of these symptoms last longer than a few weeks, you should see your doctor. Aches and pains Persistent lower abdominal and pelvic pain, especially if it’s outside your normal menstrual cycle, could be a red flag. And if you’re also having fatigue, back pain or discomfort during sex, these are other signs to watch for. Knowing these early signs of ovarian cancer can make a huge difference. Early detection can significantly improve the effectiveness of treatment. And while these symptoms can be related to many different conditions, when they occur together with other signs, make sure you take them more seriously. If you notice any of these symptoms persisting for more than a few weeks, or any other changes in your body that last more than a few days, make that doctor’s appointment. Any physician will agree: It’s smart to play it safe and get checked out. For more health and wellness topics, visit Geisinger.org/balance.
Geisinger hosts March for Babies on Sept. 22 Walk supports March of Dimes helping to prevent preterm births and defects Get ready to take steps, whether big or small, to join the fight for the health of local parents and babies. Geisinger is hosting the March of Dimes’ March for Babies at noon on Sunday, Sept. 22 at the Henry Hood Center, which is on Center Street next to Geisinger Medical Center in Danville. The event will include a superhero sprint for children at 11:45 a.m. Registration opens at 11 a.m. and opening remarks will be made before the walk. Money raised during the March for Babies helps to fund the NICU Family Support programs in Geisinger’s Danville and Wilkes-Barre hospitals. NICU Family Support provides educational and supportive activities to help local families through the NICU journey and prepares them to take their baby home. Geisinger has partnered with the March of Dimes since 2006. The organization plays critical roles in raising awareness and funds to help prevent preterm birth, birth defects, and deaths. Register or donate at marchforbabies.org/event/geisinger and join the movement on Sept. 22.
Geisinger Hosts Junior Volunteers Through their service and commitment to improving the lives of our patients, volunteers play a vital part in helping to achieve Geisinger’s mission of making better health easier. Geisinger’s Junior Volunteer Program hosted 100 youth participants age 15 to 18 this summer. They collectively served more than 5,600 hours supporting Geisinger patients, families, and staff. The teens learned personal responsibility and professionalism and explored future career options through hands-on service opportunities and educational workshops. Opportunities included: CPR and trauma response training Resume writing and understanding college admissions Service programs including Caring Cart and the Canine Therapy Program Leadership roundtable session with regional and system leaders Career education sessions in pharmacy, physical therapy, radiology, surgery, maternal fetal medicine, and emergency medicine, led by Geisinger professionals “The program builds a better future for our communities and our organization by helping to educate and prepare local youth to serve in healthcare roles,” said Tina McDowell, volunteer services director. It’s held annually from mid-June to mid-August at four Geisinger hospital campuses: Geisinger Community Medical Center in Scranton, Geisinger Lewistown Hospital in Lewistown, Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, and Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center in Wilkes-Barre. Know a teen who might be interested in this program? Those interested can start the online application process in February. They’ll need to provide references and participate in group interviews. To be accepted, students must also commit to serving 40 volunteer hours and participating in 15 hours of career exploration education during seven of the eight weeks of the program. The admission process is competitive, and space in the program is limited. Teens should plan ahead to apply for the summer 2025 session. Learn more about the program application requirements at geisinger.org/about- geisinger/volunteer.
Geisinger Hosts Narcan distribution events Geisinger’s pharmacy, emergency medicine, addiction medicine, and Free2BMom teams are collaborating to host two Narcan® (naloxone) distribution events at the end of August in northeastern Pennsylvania. The first event will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 28, at the Schimelfenig Pavilion in Nay Aug Park, located at 500 Arthur Ave. in Scranton. The second event will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 29, in the parking lot of the Thomas C. Thomas building, located at 90 E. Union St. in Wilkes-Barre. At both events, attendees can receive two free boxes of Narcan while supplies last, and healthcare professionals will demonstrate how to properly administer the lifesaving medication. Fentanyl and xylazine testing strips will also be available for those who are interested. Community health partners at the event can provide information and resources for anyone who is in recovery or seeking recovery.
Geisinger Discusses Vasectomy Recovery Think you’ll have a long recovery? Think again.By: Geisinger, Brant Fulmer, MD, Urology A vasectomy is a big decision. There’s a lot to consider — including recovery. Knowing what to expect in the healing process can make things go a little smoother. Getting things rolling Before you have a vasectomy, you’ll start by meeting with your healthcare provider. They’ll ask a few questions to help you decide if the procedure is right for you. Some things they may discuss with you: Your plans for children in the future How your partner (if you have one) feels about your decision Other birth control methods What to expect from the procedure That you understand a vasectomy is permanent What happens during a vasectomy? You’ll have the vasectomy done at a doctor’s office or outpatient surgical center. The whole process usually takes about a half hour. During the procedure, your provider will: Numb the area with a local anesthetic Make a small incision or puncture in the upper part of the scrotum Withdraw part of the tube that carries semen, called the vas deferens Cut and seal the vas deferens using heat, surgical clips or another method Close the incision with stitches or surgical glue Then you’ll go home to start recuperating. The vasectomy recovery process Once you get home, you’ll need to rest for at least 24 hours. But that doesn’t mean you have to stay in bed. Just take it easy and stay as comfortable as possible until you get back to normal. So how long does that take?After a vasectomy, most men resume their regular activities within 48 hours.But you’ll want to avoid heavy lifting, contact sports and sex for a week or so. Avoid lifting more than 50 pounds for about two weeks after the procedure. This helps reduce the risk of prolonged swelling and pain.When you’re ready to return to your normal schedule, do it gradually to prevent injuries.To make your recovery go as smoothly as possible: Ice the area To help with swelling, Dr. Fulmer recommends using ice packs on your scrotum intermittently for the first 24 to 48 hours. Wrap your ice pack in a towel and apply for no more than 20 minutes at a time. Don’t have an ice pack? A bag of frozen vegetables makes a good substitute. Stop the soreness You may feel some discomfort for the first few days after your procedure. Take some ibuprofen or acetaminophen to manage any pain. Another way to keep discomfort to a minimum: Avoid strenuous activities like going to the gym for a few days. Consider your clothing Your provider may suggest wearing compression shorts, an athletic supporter or snug-fitting underwear for a few days while you heal. A pair of specialty post-vasectomy underwear can offer proper support — and some even offer the bonus of built-in ice packs.Besides the underwear, you’ll want to break out your comfy clothes. Think sweatpants, basketball shorts or pajamas.Other things that help with healing include elevating your feet and keeping the area clean and dry. What happens after recovery? You’ll have a follow-up appointment with your provider approximately three months after your procedure. During this visit, your provider will have you give a semen sample, which they’ll check for sperm. By checking for sperm, they’ll know whether the procedure worked.If sperm are still present after your follow-up, your provider will help you determine next steps.Be sure to use a backup method of birth control until this appointment. That way you won’t have to worry about an unintended pregnancy. Contemplating a vasectomy? Before scheduling a vasectomy, discuss your lifestyle and plans. Are you and your partner sure that having children (or more children) isn’t in your future? Make sure your decision is firm before you move forward. A vasectomy should be considered permanent sterilization and not a temporary fix. If this is something you’re interested in, talk to your primary care doctor or schedule an appointment with a urologist. They’ll talk through all the details with you and start the process. For the latest health and wellness tips and advice, visit geisinger.org/balance.
Geisinger Discusses What Causes Yeast Infections Geisinger brings answers to your burning questions about yeast infection causes, symptoms and how to find fast relief. By Lauren Williams, Geisinger Women’s health physician assistant If you’re a woman, chances are high you’ve had the dreaded vaginal yeast infection: that itchy, uncomfortable feeling “down there,” with thick, sometimes clumpy discharge left behind in your underwear. If you’re one of the lucky ones who hasn’t, it’s likely you will someday. Vaginal yeast infections are common throughout a woman’s lifetime. A yeast infection, medically known as candidiasis, is a fungal infection that can impact the vagina and other parts of the body, such as the mouth and throat. While yeast is naturally present in the body, certain factors can disrupt the balance and trigger an overgrowth of the yeast called candida. This proliferation can overtake healthy cells and lead to a yeast infection. Factors such as poor hygiene, antibiotics and even pregnancy can put a woman at higher risk for developing a yeast infection. Fortunately, there are medications that are effective in treating vaginal yeast infections — sometimes even without a prescription. If you develop more than three yeast infections a year, however, talk to your doctor about a longer treatment plan. The telltale sign of a vaginal yeast infection is itching, irritation or a burning sensation in the vaginal area, usually accompanied by thick, odorless, white discharge that can have the consistency of cottage cheese. Other common vaginal yeast infection symptoms include: Redness and swelling of the vulva (tissue surrounding the vagina) Pain or discomfort during sexual intercourse Frequent urination and burning sensation when you pee Vaginal rash Small cuts or cracks in the skin of the vulva Many factors can cause the population of healthy bacteria in the vagina to diminish, enabling yeast to quickly multiply and cause a yeast infection. Understanding the causes of vaginal yeast infections can help in prevention and effective management. If you have a weakened immune system due to cancer treatments or certain conditions like HIV/AIDS, your body will have a harder time controlling the growth of yeast. This can lead to an overpopulation of yeast and cause an infection. Chronic stress can have a negative impact on your immune system, making it more difficult for your body to control the levels of yeast in the vagina. Stress also causes your body to release the hormone cortisol, which raises your blood sugar level. Yeast feeds on sugar, which can lead to an overgrowth of the fungus. Yeast infections are common in pregnancy. Pregnancy causes a variety of systemic changes throughout the body, increasing the incidence of yeast infections. Although more common in pregnancy, vaginal yeast infections are not known to be associated with negative pregnancy outcomes. High blood sugar can cause the body to excrete extra sugar through sweat, urine and mucus. This increase in sugar in the mucous membranes of your vagina feeds the yeast, creating an ideal place for yeast to grow and thrive. Antibiotics are designed to kill harmful bacteria, but they can also kill the good bacteria in the body that normally prevents an overgrowth of yeast. This imbalance can lead to an infection. Tight underwear or clothing that doesn’t allow air flow can cause irritation and sweating. Yeast thrives in warm, moist conditions. Spending too much time in a wet swimsuit or sweaty gym clothes also can have the same effect. Using harsh soaps or douching can cause irritation and disrupt the natural balance of good bacteria in your vagina, leading to an overgrowth of yeast. Yeast infections can be quite uncomfortable, but treatment is available for fast relief. Antifungal medications are the most common treatment. They work by killing the fungi that cause the infection. For mild to moderate yeast infections, or for treating yeast infections during pregnancy, over-the-counter antifungal creams (i.e., Monistat®), ointments or vaginal suppositories can be used. Prescription-strength antifungal creams, ointments or suppositories are often recommended for more severe or recurring infections. Yeast infections should clear up in about 5 to 7 days with treatment. However, severe cases may take longer. Just be sure to complete the full course of medication to make sure the infection is fully cleared and doesn’t return. It’s a good idea to see your doctor if it’s the first time you’ve had symptoms of a yeast infection, symptoms continue after treatment or if you’ve had three or more in one year. If you have similar symptoms, but are unsure of the cause, talk to your doctor for further testing. Your provider may want to rule out other conditions, such as bacterial vaginosis or sexually transmitted infections. While in some cases yeast infections can’t be prevented, following a few self-care measures and maintaining optimal vaginal health can help decrease your risk. Keep the vaginal area clean and dry. Wash the area with mild, unscented soap and warm water. Avoid wearing tight-fitting clothing and change out of wet bathing suits or sweaty workout clothes as soon as possible. Opt for breathable fabrics like cotton underwear. This allows for better air circulation and helps to keep the area dry. Synthetic fabrics like nylon or polyester can trap moisture and heat, promoting the growth of yeast. Avoid using scented pads, tampons, soaps and detergents. They may contain irritants that can disrupt the natural balance of bacteria and increase the risk of infection. Wipe from front to back when using the bathroom. This can help prevent the spread of bacteria and yeast from the anus to the vagina. Try a probiotic. There is some evidence taking probiotics may help prevent yeast infections. If you do wind up getting a yeast infection — and it’s likely you will at some point — the good news is most cases are mild and treatment is very effective. For more health and wellness topics, visit Geisinger.org/balance.
