Some women refuse to express their sexual problems to doctors and are embarrassed. They may suffer from many sexual discomforts or have sexually transmitted diseases, but they themselves are unaware of this. For this reason, in this section, we have mentioned important tips on the most common female sexual problems, and we have also provided women with useful information about the genital area and vagina. Stay with us.
Your vagina secretly tells you something about your health. About aging, menstruation and other topics you are too embarrassed to talk about.
The vagina is a closed muscular canal that extends from the vulva (outside the female genital organ) to the cervix. Vaginal problems can affect different aspects of your life, cause stress or create problems in your marital relationship, and affect your self-confidence. Knowing the signs and symptoms of vaginal problems and solutions to solve them can protect your vaginal health. Your vagina secretly tells you something about your health. About aging, menstruation and other topics you are too embarrassed to talk about.
1. The number one mistake women make is that they confuse everything with the vagina
Dr. Alyssa Dweck, clinical assistant professor at the School of Medicine and Gynecology in Westchester, New York, says: “I am always amazed at how women are so ignorant about their anatomy. They think that the word vagina covers their entire genital area and they think that everything below is called vagina, while the female genitalia has different parts. Your vagina is a muscular tube that connects the cervix to the vulva. The vulva is the outer part of the penis that you can see. And its other parts include: big labia majora and small labia minora (outer and inner lips), clitoris clitoris (the central point of pleasure located in the upper part of the labia) and urethra.
2. Your discharge is not strange
Sounds like too much? Don’t feel that way. There is no set, “normal” amount of discharge—it can fluctuate depending on your menstrual cycle. In the middle of the menstrual cycle, the discharge increases and is usually clear and sticky. (like egg white). According to Dr. Duik, this facilitates the movement of sperm in the vagina, cervix, and uterus, thus leading to fertility. This increase in secretion allows you to know the right fertile time of the month. “On other days of the month, the discharge becomes thicker and whiter.
Symptoms in secretions that should cause you concern:
– Discharge with solid masses like cottage cheese, which can be a sign of a yeast infection.
– Gray discharge with a fishy smell that indicates bacterial vaginosis (BV), which is caused by the overgrowth of bacteria in the vagina.
– Intense discharge that is gray, yellow or green in color can be one of the side effects of gonorrhea, one of the sexually transmitted infectious diseases.
In these 3 cases, you should see a doctor.
3. My physical strength is not as strong as before
More than 40% of women suffer from pelvic organ prolapsed (POP) or pelvic floor disorder in which the walls of the vagina protrude or fall toward the entrance of the vagina. Unfortunately, many women are embarrassed to talk about this with their doctor. According to Dr. Leslie M. Rickey, lecturer, assistant professor of urology and obstetrics and gynecology at Yale School of Medicine: “Many women do not realize that the supporting muscles of their vagina are relaxed. A woman with POP may notice swelling, pain during sex, vaginal pressure, problems Bladder and intestines, back or hip pain.
Risk factors for a person with POP or pelvic floor disorder include:
– Pregnancy
– giving birth
– old age
– Menopause
– smoking
Trauma
Your doctor can fix your problem with pelvic strengthening exercises or a removable device that is inserted into the prolapsed areas.
4. Please urinate after sex
Rushing to the bathroom after sex is not the right thing to do, but not urinating after sex also increases the possibility of Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs). The culprit is the anatomy of the female body: in women, the urethra, vagina and anus are almost close to each other. Intercourse can transfer bacteria from the anus to the bladder, where the bacteria can multiply and cause a UTI. According to Dr. Duik, “For men, this issue is completely different, because there is a large distance between their anus and urethra, and the reason is the length of the penis in men. The sexual system is such that bacteria move from their place, so if you are prone to infection, urinate before and after intercourse to help clean the bladder of bacteria. ”
5. Do not use a douche to wash the vagina
Your vagina is interested in It does not have a douche (a device for introducing a stream of water for washing into the vagina). However, a quarter of women aged 15 to 44 in the United States do so. Not only washing the vagina changes its natural pH, but also increases the risk of infection and irritation of this area, the vagina is clean enough without washing. According to Dr. Duik, “the vagina is not a dirty and unsanitary area that needs special cleaning.” Cleaning the vagina is like washing other parts of the body. We usually recommend mild soap and water. “There is no need to use cloth and sponge, scented detergent and water spray.
6. Kegel exercises are important for the vagina, but not for everyone
According to Dr. Rickey, “Most people find Kegel exercises useful during pregnancy and after delivery.” But it is known that pelvic floor exercises strengthen and improve the health of the pelvic floor muscles, which can help the functioning of the bladder, vagina, and intestines throughout life, even in old age. Although many doctors recommend Kegel exercises for pregnancy-related incontinence, a review of studies published in the journal Urology found that pelvic floor exercises can also help Incontinence prevent stress (leaking urine due to coughing, sneezing or laughing) and prolapse of the pelvic organs. Contract the pelvic floor muscles as you hold back the flow of urine. Hold for 3 seconds, rest for 3 seconds and repeat 10-12 times. Gradually increase the contraction to 10 seconds. However, some women who have pain during intercourse or need to go to the bathroom often may have a tight pelvic floor, not a weak one. In this case, strengthening the muscles can worsen the condition. If you suspect this situation, go to your doctor to refer you to a physical therapist and with proper exercises, you can release the pelvic muscles.
This smell is scientifically proven. Vaginal discharge is acidic (low pH). Semen is alkaline (high pH). When the two are combined, the chemical reaction that occurs creates new properties and specific smells. The odor produced depends on your individual pH level. – Things like washing the vagina with a douche (which you decided not to use anymore) or bubble baths can affect the pH of the vagina. If you notice an unpleasant smell after sex, see your doctor. It may be a sign of a bacterial imbalance in the vagina or an infection in your partner’s sperm.
8. If you do not use lubricant, you have lost
According to Indiana University studies, more than 65% of women use lubricants to make sex easier and more enjoyable. Related research shows that women have given more points to the quality of their sex when they have used lubricants. Although the main cause of vaginal dryness is menopause, there are many other factors that may affect it, including:
– Stress
– Changing sleep time
– alcohol consumption
– Birth control pills
– Long love game
Types of lubricant gels:
If you use lubricant, check its base.
A water-based lubricant such as KY Jelly: a good choice to enhance pleasure when you want to use a condom.
– Oil-based lubricants such as edible coconut oil: increase the possibility of condom tearing.
– Silicone lubricant: If you want a lubricant that has a long stability, you should use silicone types.
– Lubricant containing glycerin: If susceptible to infection Make sure the lubricant you use does not contain glycerin, as it contains sugar and can increase the chance of yeast infection in the vagina.
9. Do not make this mistake when using a tampon
Of course, you wash your hands after inserting a tampon, but what about before? Dirty hands can contaminate the tampon, which is supposed to stay in your vagina for 4 to 8 hours. And if you are not on your period, do not use tampons. Because it changes the pH of the vagina and increases the possibility of infection. And the last point is that you must change the tampon after defecating, otherwise the bacteria from the anus may spread to the thread attached to the tampon and lead to bladder contamination. In addition, a bowel movement may cause the tampon to move and cause discomfort.
10. Please use cotton underwear
Your vagina needs to breathe fresh air from time to time. Dark, cramped and humid environments prevent air from reaching them and increase yeast or bacterial infections. According to Dr. Duik, “Cotton underwear is the best choice, I usually advise those who are prone to infection to sleep without underwear so that this area can get air.” I also advise them to put the hair dryer on a cold setting and dry this area completely after taking a bath to get rid of any moisture. Clothing to avoid: Spandex synthetic fibers, wet swimsuits, dirty or wet sportswear, tights without cotton fibers.
11. Your menstrual cycle can be annoying
If your period stops suddenly, it may be due to pregnancy. But the consumption of alcohol, birth control pills and many other factors can disrupt your period.
– Stress It can cause menstruation to stop (death of a family member or loss of work or difficult days of travel or expiration of a contract).
Whether the threat in front of you is a lion or a loan payment, your body and brain may shut down reproductive hormones to prevent a child from forming in a threatening environment.
– Exercising too much can also suspend menstruation if it causes your body to be under a lot of pressure.
– Alcoholic beverages can have the same effect. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism says that even drinking amounts that do not harm the liver or other organs can cause irregular periods. Drinking alcohol may increase estrogen and testosterone levels, which disrupt the natural fluctuations of hormones.
Other factors that cause irregular menstruation:
– Antidepressant or antipsychotic drugs
– Shift work
– Low body fat level
– Rapid weight gain
– Thyroid disorder
– smoking
12. Changing the shape of the vagina
Just as the rest of your body changes with age, your vagina changes shape and color as well.
– in the 20s Your vagina may be more visible, but the labia around it will gradually become smaller and narrower. Subcutaneous fat decreases throughout the body with age.
– in the 30sHormonal changes due to pregnancy or aging may cause the vaginal area to darken.
– in the 40s The decrease in estrogen level changes the pH balance of the vagina, inflammation and thinness and dryness of the vaginal wall. (itching, redness, burning)
Are you looking for a good way to keep your vagina healthy?
Have regular sex.
Sex does not stretch the vagina. Instead, the vagina is subject to extinction when aroused. In the case of childbirth, young women (eg, early 20s) usually experience vaginal tightness before childbirth again. However, giving birth to several babies can cause the vaginal muscles to get tired and can no longer contract completely. Aging has a similar effect, which is why some women complain of vaginal laxity as they age – whether they’ve had children or not. Women who have children in their 30s or 40s may experience vaginal loosening as a result of giving birth at an older age. Kegel exercises can help tighten the muscles in these cases.
13. Get to know your vagina better
Make an appointment with your vagina. Use a mirror to become more familiar with its appearance, so that you can better identify any sudden changes that occur in this area and discuss it with your doctor. According to Dr. Duik, “touching around the vagina while showering has made many people realize that they have a problem.” They may notice a bump or something that shouldn’t be there. Sometimes there is no problem and you just touched the cervix. To do a vaginal exam yourself, you need a small mirror with a long handle and a small flashlight. Wash your hands and sit on the floor, bench or bed. Put a pillow on your back. Check the labia, clitoris, urethra opening, vaginal opening, and anal opening. If you have any problems such as genital warts, sores or vaginal discharge, consult your doctor.
Source: Simorgh
