As a woman, your body has a uniqueness that should be cherished. Understanding how your body works is the first step in maintaining your health, and something you should continually strive toward.
There are few things more central to a woman's health than that of her vagina. Yet, there seems to be a shroud of mystery surrounding it. We want to take the mystique out of your healthcare and give you the tools you need to be as healthy as possible.
What affects Vaginal Health?
Vaginal health is central to a woman's health and affects many things other than just menstruation. The health of your vagina also affects your fertility, sexual desire, and your ability to reach orgasm. Vaginal health problems can cause issues with your relationships, as well as your own self-confidence. For this reason, it's important that you educate yourself on how to maintain optimal vaginal health.
In order to understand how to best look after your vaginal health, it's necessary to start with the basics. What is your vaginal after all?
Your vaginal is a muscular canal that begins at the vulva and external female genitalia and extends internally all the way to your cervix. There are many things that can affect its health. Let's take a look.
What Leads to Common Vaginal Issues?
- Safe, smart sexual practices are necessary to protect not only your vaginal health, but also that of your entire body. Not practicing safe sex can lead to sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as chlamydia, herpes, and HIV to name a few. Furthermore, forceful sex, whether consensual or not, can cause vaginal trauma or injury.
- Female health conditions such as endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, or cancers of the vagina, cervix, or uterus cancers can all have an impact on how your vagina functions.
- Birth control. If your chosen method of contraception includes products that contain latex such as male or female condoms or diaphragms, these may cause irritation if you have a sensitivity to latex or the lubricants they use.
- Over the counter “feminine products.” Products such as vaginal sprays, deodorants, douches, or washes can upset the natural flora of your vagina and lead to infection, inflammation, or irritation.
- Pregnancy and childbirth. When you become pregnant, your natural vaginal secretions often increase during the length of your pregnancy. Childbirth can cause vaginal trauma such as tears in the vaginal opening.
- Mental Health. Anxiety, depression, and trauma can all have an impact on your vaginal and sexual health. It is important to speak with a mental health professional if you find you are experiencing any of these conditions.
- Menopause and hormonal changes. As your body ages, it will often go through hormonal changes as well. This is no truer than during menopause when your body's natural production of estrogen declines.
What Can I do to Ensure Vaginal Health?
Paying attention to the health of your vagina is important in maintaining your overall health. Changes that may indicate there is a health concern include:
- Vaginal itching or redness
- Unusual bleeding between periods or following sex
- A mass or obstruction in your vagina
- Painful intercourse
- A change in the color, smell, or consistency of vaginal discharge.
Paying attention to the changes your body goes through in all stages of life is an important first step in maintaining the health of your entire body. Listen to what it is telling you through these changes. If you have questions, Dr. Landon Pryor is always ready to listen to your concerns and carefully advise you about any issues you may be having. As always, if you notice something unusual or alarming you should contact your physician immediately for a consultation. We offer advanced rejuvenation treatments including labiaplasty to resolve any aesthetic concerns, and FemiLift to tighten, firm, and restore the appearance and function of the vaginal area.
