Although women have unique bodies, they occasionally face those health conditions that cause them to be paranoid. PMS, for instance, tops the list of most women.
However, the good news is that with a little bit of caution, most of these common health issues can be dealt with. Here are a few of the most common not-so-serious health issues women face and how to fight them.
1. PMS And Period Cramps
PMS and menstrual cramps top any woman’s list of not-so-serious health problems. Different women PMS differently. Some women end up feeling moody and depressed while others crave for certain foods. Some women experience disturbed sleep and others feel bloated. Whatever the effects may be, none of these are pleasant. When you thought things could not get any worse, menstrual cramps make their entry during your periods. Menstrual cramps are caused when the muscles in your uterus contract. However, if the cramps are unbearable visit the doctor to make sure you don’t have any other serious health condition or if you do, the steps you can take to recover it.
What You Can Do:
- For PMS, try to cut down on caffeine, sugar, salt, and alcohol. This can make a significant difference to your PMS symptoms. For some women, exercises can lift their moods.
- When you experience period cramps, you can take painkillers provided they are prescribed by your doctor. Self-medicating may worsen your condition. You can also use a heating pad or a hot-water bag near the areas that cause you the most pain. Some studies reported that fennel seed extract was an effective remedy to treat menstrual pain in menstruating girls.1
2. Vaginal Itching
Vaginal discomforts are quite common among women. Generally, this is caused due to yeast infection. Wearing tight clothes and a lack of hygiene also contribute to this unpleasant situation. You should know that your vagina and the area surrounding it are very delicate. Rubbing desperately to comfort yourself from the itch is not going to help, it may cause you more harm instead. Try out these remedies; if the itching still continues, consult a doctor without delay.
What You Can Do:
- You can fight vaginal itching with a solution of apple cider vinegar and water. Add two tablespoons of raw apple cider vinegar to a glass of warm water and use this to wash your vaginal area.
- Applying virgin coconut oil can help ease vaginal itching. You can leave the oil to dry. Coconut oil has antimicrobial properties that may help fight infections.
3. Fluid Retention
When there is excess fluid in your system, it causes your hands, feet, ankles, or legs to swell up. This is what happens if you have water or fluid retention. Most causes of fluid retention are usually not serious. Pregnancy and physically inactive lifestyle are two causes of fluid retention. So, if you are swelling up because of excess fluid and the cause is not anything serious, you can fight the condition.
What You Can Do:
- You can fight water retention by consuming some diuretic tea. For instance, dandelion tea can help reduce your water retention trouble. This will cause you to pee more and may help reduce the swelling2
- Moving around can help reduce swelling in your body, especially the lower body. If you experience swelling in your feet, elevating them may help.
4. Cold Sores
Cold sores around your mouth are caused by the herpes simplex virus. This usually takes 10 days to clear. You will experience a tingling, itching sensation before the cold sore appears. Some women experience this right before their periods. But, what if you have a party to attend just the day after your sore appeared? You may not be able to stop it when it pops up but you can avoid the impact of sores.
What You Can Do:
- When you begin to feel the first tingly sensation, applying ice may reduce or delay the appearance of the cold sore.
- It is better to consult the doctor and they may prescribe an antiviral cream to apply. This can ease the effects of the cold sore.
- Eat cool, soft foods to ease the discomfort you experience form cold sores. If brushing is a challenge, use an antiseptic mouthwash.
5. Stomach Ailments
Stress and anxiety can cause stomach ailments like stomach aches, bloating, or even constipation. Although this is not a condition that is experienced only by women, the chances of these ailments are higher in women than in men. If you experience any of these symptoms try the following steps to fight them.
What You Can Do:
- Some experts believe that a gently applying pressure and massaging the area above your navel (four-finger widths for an estimate) with your fingers for about five minutes can help you relax.
- Sometimes, a ten-minute walk may help the condition, too.
6. Blisters Caused By Shoe Bites
Shoes are like a girl’s best friend. You would do anything just to fit into your favorite pair. Unfortunately, some shoes may not be the perfect fit but you end up buying it anyway because you just can’t do without it. The result is – painful blisters. These may be the worst when you are going on a date or meeting your friends for a girls day out.
What You Can Do:
- Put a gauze square on the blister and cover the heal with a wide strip of duct tape. This will ease your pain, unlike bandages that may rub as you walk.
7. Painful Sex
Painful sex is another common concern among the women. Vaginal dryness is the most common cause of a painful intercourse. This may cause troubles in your relationship and can affect you emotionally and mentally. If you experience painful sex and it is not because of a serious health condition like endometriosis, you can fight this, too.
What You Can Do:
- Lubricants are easily available in the drug stores. Purchasing and using water-soluble lubricants may ease the pain during sexual intercourse.
8. Sleep Disturbances
Women experience sleepless nights or find it more difficult to stay asleep than men do.3 Let’s be honest – if you are a woman, you know that you tend to overthink things. So, if your mind is constantly thinking about the “what ifs” and the “buts” that occur every day, you will probably experience sleep disturbances. Sometimes, it may also be due to serious mental troubles like depression, which may need the doctor’s guidance.
What You Can Do:
- If you feel that your mind is crowded before bedtime, keep a book just to write down your thoughts. This helps you focus better and may even help you prioritize your tasks.
- Avoid electronic gadgets like your phone or laptop because the light from these can delay your sleep.
9. Scars
Having a scar or multiple scars do not make you look ugly. In fact, it is a constant reminder that you should be proud of yourself for having survived the incident that caused you the scar. However, there are times you don’t want to carry that pride like your best friend’s wedding, for instance. So, if your scars are not due to a deep wound, you can help your scar heal.
What You Can Do:
- Make sure that your scar is kept moist with petroleum jelly and bandages for about five days. Overnight, place a cellophane tape over the jelly; this helps to retain moisture in the skin and may help heal the scar.
- You can also apply aloe vera gel from the aloe leaves to the scar. Leave it on for over half an hour and you see effective results with regular use.
So, before you try medications for fast relief, try to understand what is causing the health issue. If the condition isn’t that bad, you can try out easy, natural home remedies. However, if the remedies are not working and the discomfort still continues, you should consult a doctor as soon as possible.
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